Conch Republic Cup / Key West Cuba Race Week

is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to support the Cuban and American people in their return to sailing and racing between Key West and Cuba. A more than 20 year old sailing race to Havana! 90 miles from the coast of Key West, Havana has been and elusive sailing destination since 1961 when the US imposed an economic embargo against Cuba. Our goal is to set up/provide a world class for

mat for racers to have a challenging race across the Gulf Stream to Havana. Key West and Havana have shared a long maritime connection. We have had many years of successful races and hope to return in 2022. The racing, KW, and the culture of Cuba make this an opportunity not to miss. The history of the CRC began in 1997 it was the brain child of one key west character Peter Goldsmith with a big push from his partner Michelle Geslin. It started out as a race to Veradrero, three years later Commodore Escrich of Club Nautico, Marina Hemingway suggested adding three more races, one around the bouys off the beach at Veradero, another from Veradero to Havana then Havana to Key West. Each race was awarded seperately,and the best score for all four races won the CRC. The US govt did not appreciate the "Just Do It" attitude of Mr Goldsmith. But it was their own decision not to provide money for judges or prosecutors to hear cases violating the embargo that ultimately led to the feds losing their case against the CRC in a federal court. The racing began again in 2016 with new policy changes and ran until in 2019 the policies once again changed. We now hope to begin once again and race in 2022.