The Reception we got was as one would only dream of upon entering a foreign port. We received "fully hosted" status from Club Nautico. The people were amazed at the Escapes. One sailing instructor ask if he could try one out. And then another and another. Scott and I looked around at what the youth program had for sailboats. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking" as we looked at each other. We decided right then to donate the 2 famous 11.5 Escapes to the Youth Sailing Program of Club Nautico on behalf of the Escape Sailboat Company. At that the Comodoro's interpreter asked if we would return to the Club around 6:00 P.M. We would love to and with that we headed back to the support boat for some rest. When we returned at 6:00 that evening the Club Nautico had changed from a sailing center into a reception area fit for a President. Tents were set up and the 2 Escapes were set on pedestals with the sails full and cleaned as if they were new. The interpreter said "please come with me" We went to center court with the crew of Something Special and received cheers and applauds from all who had gathered including sailors from around the World that were docked at Hemingway Marina. They brought out the paper work for us to sign which was read aloud in both English and Spanish. Again applauds and handshakes were plentiful. From there we were introduced to "Cuba Libre". I can't quite remember how long the celebration lasted, 1 or 2 days, I think. The next day the sea conditions weren't favorable for us to leave Hemingway for the sail back to Key West, so we had a stand down and did some laundry and rested for the next days trip.

On Friday the 24th we decided to head back to Key West. As we motor-sailed out of Hemingway Marina we got waves from everybody on shore. There ahead of us was the 2 Escapes with 2 kids on each boat. As we passed them one of the kids yelled in broken English "these Escapes, they are very fast". I'll never forget the smiles on those kids faces. As we sailed out of sight I couldn't help thinking that someday those 2 Escapes will turn up in the US with 4 Cubans on each boat. I only hope they will get the same kind of reception as we got. After all they will have set a new record on the 11.5 Escape.

So please keep your eye out for "The Sailboat That Could"

Frank Stone..Escape 1
Scott Endicott..Escape 2

For more information on our adventure "Escape To Cuba" please write..Frank    Stone, 23275 Bayshore Road, Charlotte Harbor, Fl,33980 or call 941-764-9100

We would like to thank the crew of "Something Special"..Captain..Gary Trimmer, 1st mate..Mat Colona, 2nd mate..Matt Desoto..

We would also like to thank our sponsors that made this venture happen..Escape Sailboat Company,...Garmin Electronic,...Charlotte Sailing, Inc....Captain Bills,.... Punta Gorda Sailing Club... [copyright[1998]frankstone

E-Mail pelican@thenuthouse.com