So how does this whole "Going to Cuba" thing work. - Part 1

Now-after all the story telling-I'm going to lay down the process we had to get to Cuba and back to the USA.

CAVEAT EMPTOR.

1-Note that this is how it worked with us, and we were with a rally. But the process is pretty much the same for travelling solo.

2-This is going to be changing constantly with both how Cuba handles it and how the USA handles it.

3-This is the process for when you are LEAVING and RETURNING to the USA only.

4-If you plan to go, check out the process yourself.  Don't depend on what your fellow cruisers (or this blog) or anybody else says. Do your own research. The difference is being prepared and good attitude or getting your boat impounded by either authority and/or denied entry to Cuba.

Now that you've been warned. It isn't a hard process at all, just be aware of what you are doing.

A great resource is the new "Waterway Guide to Cuba"

GOING TO CUBA

American cruisers with boats registered in the USA will need to do the following things before leaving.

Remember--USA still has an embargo on this country.  There will be no-Hey, let's run to Cuba this week like you would the Bahamas. Some steps must be taken first.

Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC)
You will need to review and make sure that you can justify your travel under one of the 12 rules of the General License. You do not have to formally apply for a license, but be able to justify why you went to Cuba.  Generally you will find that the most applicable reason is #8-Support for the Cuban people. 

You will start making a folder compiling all of your paperwork/receipts/information you collect. KEEP THIS FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.  Even though we didn't formally apply for a license-we have a copy of the filled out application printed off with our statement of reason why we went.

More information can be found here: OFAC  and here: State Department

 US Department of Commerce-Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
If you have a US registered boat AND you plan on being in Cuba for more than 14 days, you will have to be issued an export permit by BIS.  This could take some time.  It didn't apply to us or anybody I know that has gone to Cuba by boat.  More information can be found at BIS 

United States Coast Guard
You knew the Coasties would need to get a piece of you didn't you?  Remember EMBARGO IS IN PLACE.
The USCG issues the Permit to Enter Cuban Territorial Seas (Form CG3300).  This is a must do.  Here is the link to the application.  
After you file it with them, they will usually call and/or email you that they have received your application.  CG Sector Key West contacted us.  A week before we were to travel we received both a .pdf of the signed approval and you should receive the original by mail.  As long as you receive some form of that signed approval-you know you are in their system now. 
This was a very easy process and don't sweat if if you leave Cuba earlier than what is on your permit because of weather window or other reason. You'll be calling them within 24 hours of arrival to the US anyway.

So to summarize: Print out your OFAC application for documentation purposes.  Get your export license from BIS if you are there more than 14 days and file your Form CG3300 with the USCG.