Cuba!! “Pearl of the Antilles,” and the largest Caribbean island with beautiful beaches, sugar cane, great cigars, classic cars, popular rum, warm and friendly people, and a history entwined with our own. Remember the Maine, Teddy and the Rough Riders, the Missile Crisis, Meyer Lansky and the mob era, and the millions of Cuban Americans within our borders, to name a few of the more prominent connections. Unfortunately, in my view, US policy has hidden this island nation, only 90 miles from our shores, from US citizens for seven decades. I've often said, "If our Cuban policy gets unscrambled while I'm still young enough to sail there, I will!" As I celebrated my 70th year, Mr. Obama may have just made it in time! Although unrestricted tourist travel to Cuba is still not authorized by our government, for a brief period we could cruise to Cuba legally. I did and loved every minute of it. Unfortunately, the program that made it possible was not continued by later presidents. This long article details a terrific sailing trip.