The International SeaKeepers Society and The International Superyacht Society (ISS) are proud to announce their collaboration in presenting a talk and Q&A with Cuba’s leading marine ambassador, Commodore Diaz Escrich. The event, The Future of Cuba’s Maritime Heritage & Maritime Resources, is being held at the Eden Roc, 4525 Collins Avenue, Miami, Florida on 11 February 2010 from 5:30-6:15 p.m. and is sponsored by Moore & Company, P.A. and CubaSeas.com. Colleagues from all industry companies, associations and media are invited to the presentation.

Commodore Diaz Escrich, Cuba's “goodwill ambassador to recreational boaters,” was also invited to begin a dialogue with the yachting community on how to protect the country's marine environment. As Cuba has no infrastructure or preparedness for big boats, its unspoiled environment could be destroyed once U.S. travel opens to this island nation. The yachting industry’s input on how to manage this likely future is critical, and this unprecedented affair is designed to begin this important discussion.

Society supporters Doug and Linda Von Allmen shared, “As SeaKeepers and yacht owners, we are naturally concerned about the health of the marine environment surrounding Cuba. Being proactive is the only way to protect these pristine waters, so we are particularly pleased that Commodore Escrich accepted SeaKeepers’ invitation to speak at the Miami Boat Show, and even more impressed that the yachting industry itself is coming together as a group to consider the maritime future of this island nation.”

The presence, questions, and input of media, builders, owners, captions, architect, divers, suppliers, designers, et al. have been formally requested at this very special event.

About Commodore José Miguel Diaz Escrich and the Marina Hemingway

Commodore Díaz Escrich grew up in Santiago de Cuba. His father, a yacht club member, served in the US Navy, and his love for things nautical greatly influenced his son, José Miguel. Growing up, young Díaz Escrich knew he wanted to become a naval officer, but those not yet 18 years old did not get into the Cuban Naval Academy. Instead, at age 16, Escrich joined his country's Army, hoping eventually to gain acceptance into the Naval Academy. After graduation, he worked his way up the ranks to Commander of an anti-submarine ship. He returned to the classroom in the former Soviet Union. Returning to Cuba, he worked in Naval Base Operations, focusing on international maritime and legal issues. 

Díaz Escrich had a vision: to develop the recreational boating industry in Cuba. He became a consultant for nautical tourism and proposed founding a new yacht club at Marina Hemingway. At the time, all Cuban yacht clubs were closed. There had been many clubs prior to 1960, but the perception of them as elitist, exclusionary organizations of wealthy capitalists made the creation of a new one difficult. Nevertheless, with great effort, Díaz Escrich was able to clear the way to open the first post-revolutionary yacht club in Cuba. 

The area where the marina and yacht club now stand was originally developed in the late 1950's as residential and recreational facilities. In 1992 Marina Hemingway was established and opened. That day boasted 28 members from 10 countries. The second year, membership climbed to 150, representing 23 countries. Currently, there are over 1,600 members from 45 countries. Díaz Escrich serves not only as Commodore, but also as Cuba's goodwill ambassador to recreational boaters, internationally and locally. He offers his professional background and experience to guide the effort for growth and development.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 09 February 2010 )