What's New in Cuba

Marina Gaviota Varadero

After extensive renovations and a massive expansion, Marina Gaviota Varadero has become Cuba's largest and most modern marina with 1,200 slips, including docks for megayachts and a full-service yard. The Marina Gaviota Varadero, which is operated by the Gaviota Group, is located on the north shore of Matanzas province on the internationally-celebrated Varadero Beach, about 89 miles from Havana (coordinates: 23º 11.244 N -81º 08.069 W). It is right on the tip of the Hicacos Peninsula, and very close to the best hotels. A deluxe hotel, a number of condominiums, technical services, shopping malls and other facilities are also planned. An official opening is planned for 2015.

64th Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament

The Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament, held at Marina Hemingway, 9 miles west of Havana, Cuba, took place this past June 9-14, 2014.There was wide international participation and the tournament finished with absolute success according to both organizers and participants. This edition of the tournament had 82 registered fishermen, divided into 22 groups, making it the second largest participation in the past decade. Representation from 11 countries included: Canada, USA, France, Switzerland, England, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Spain and Russia. The Tag-and Release method has become customary and was used, in favor of the protection of the species and the environment. The organizing committee confirmed that 26 marlins were marked and photographed and 48 walleyes were captured. With five walleyes and four marlins, the Cuban team came in first position, capturing the biggest walleye at 40.5 pounds on their boat, Santy. The United States' boats, Odds and Ends and Tag-and-Release respectively occupied second and third place in the competition. Right behind the US was Spain's Rebel Yell, capturing the largest tuna certified in the competition. The biggest marlin was caught by Macondo III of Canada.

International Underwater Photography Competition

The 4th Edition of the International Underwater Photography Competition, IMASUB 2014, was held June 14-20 at the Maria la Gorda International Diving Center. The competition had 78 participants from Argentina, Mexico, the United States, Colombia, Slovakia and Cuba. In the exceptional setting of the protected Guanahacabibes National Park, the westernmost point in Cuba, competitors dove in four different locations including Amirante, El Paradiso, Jardin de las Goergonias, and Acuario, to view the extensive marine floor. Judges analyzed photographs based on clarity, exhibition, composition, creativity and level of difficulty.