Sailing Haiti

geertvanderkolk · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

I recently returned from a pretty exciting cruise to Haiti and Cuba. I hope to go back to Haiti next year, and would like to get in touch with other sailors who have an interest in that fascinating country. Some pictures and stories from our cruise are online:

http://web.mac.com/geertvanderkolk/i...ba_photos.html

Thanks!

Geert van der Kolk

danjarch · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

Nice pics. Sounds like you guys had a wonderful time.

Cruisingdad · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

I will self edit, per Hyperion, and only say this:

If you go to Cuba and you are an American, and they catch you or suspect you, you can likely kiss your boat and money goodbye.

- CD

Hyperion · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

CD - I appreciate the level-headedness to often bring to a thread which, for no reason other than being on SailNet, begins to spiral into the abyss... I've got to say, though, notwithstanding your disclaimer in your PostScript, that what was nothing more than a post by a good, Dutch fellow (I know he's good because he's Dutch - and if you aren't Dutch you aren't much), turned uber-political in a hurry.

I'd love to jump in and discuss the ironies of the "atrocities" to which you draw attention, but I'd love even more for a thread to just stay about sailing for once. Just like you, CD, honestly not an attack. Just an observation.

Dank jou, M. van der Kolk.

uspirate · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

Nice pics, thanks for sharing. I like the bamboom setup... Giu, take note

Cruisingdad · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

Hyp,

Deleted thread

I will self-edit this post. My intentions are not to turn this thread away form what it is. I will let it be, Hyperion. But it is VERY hard for I have VERY strong opinions on this matter, enforced no doubt by living in S FLorida with many Cubans whose lives he ruined.

- CD

Hyperion · #7 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruisingdad

Hyp,

Deleted thread

I will self-edit this post. My intentions are not to turn this thread away form what it is. I will let it be, Hyperion. But it is VERY hard for I have VERY strong opinions on this matter, enforced no doubt by living in S FLorida with many Cubans whose lives he ruined.

- CD

CD,

Not saying I don't agree with you or at least understand what you're saying, and I totally respect you for choosing to keep things on-topic despite your strong feelings on the subject. See? That's that "level-headedness" I was talking about.

It's a rare thing, especially here.

The "zombies" picture is enough for me to want to sail to Haiti.

geertvanderkolk · #8 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

I am quite taken aback by CD's aggressive reaction. I didn't sail to Haiti and Cuba on a whim, but as a writer. My purpose is to bear witness, in my stories, of what I discovered there, good and bad, beautiful and ugly. Of course, I was also interested in the adventure, but since when do cruising sailors shy away from that? Anyway, I don't think I owe anybody an explanation, except my conscience and the law, and I'm in the clear with both of them.

This is the first time I posted on SailNet. Maybe I should start a new thread. I am very interested in feedback from sailors who have been to Haiti, or have an interest in the country.

Geert van der Kolk

http://www.geertvanderkolk.com

Freesail99 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

Great pictures, gave a real "feel" for the trip. Thanks for sharing.

Paul

Hyperion · #10 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by geertvanderkolk

I am quite taken aback by CD's aggressive reaction. I didn't sail to Haiti and Cuba on a whim, but as a writer. My purpose is to bear witness, in my stories, of what I discovered there, good and bad, beautiful and ugly. Of course, I was also interested in the adventure, but since when do cruising sailors shy away from that? Anyway, I don't think I owe anybody an explanation, except my conscience and the law, and I'm in the clear with both of them.

This is the first time I posted on SailNet. Maybe I should start a new thread. I am very interested in feedback from sailors who have been to Haiti, or have an interest in the country.

Geert van der Kolk

http://www.geertvanderkolk.com

Geert,

It's a topic which is important to CD, but you'll note he removed it anyway. I'm interested in hearing about how the level of poverty struck you. It's one of the world's poorest nations; rampant levels of HIV infection... did any of this colour the experience you had? The pictures you took certainly don't betray the strife that many people there face...