Expedition 03 of 09 · Ocean Crossings

CLEARWATER TO CUBA.

Across the Florida Straits to Havana — proof an Avalon pontoon can take the open Atlantic.

100mi

Open-water crossing

27ft

Ambassador

2017

The year

The Voyage

In 2017 Avalon set out to prove that not even the Atlantic Ocean can tame an Avalon Pontoon. So they set out on a journey from Clearwater FL to Havana Cuba. Read the Pontoon and Deck Boat article here.

The Florida Straits separate the Keys from Cuba by roughly 90 to 100 miles of open water, cut by the powerful Gulf Stream current — a serious crossing for any boat, let alone a pontoon.

The Route

Florida Straits

Clearwater FL Start

Gulf of Mexico Open water

Florida Straits Gulf Stream

Havana Cuba Finish

Origin

Clearwater, FL

Destination

Havana, Cuba

Boat

27′ Ambassador

The Map

A map showing a flight path from Clearwater, Florida, USA, to Havana, Cuba. The dashed flight path line starts from Clearwater, goes through the Gulf of Mexico, and ends in Havana. Nearby cities such as Tampa, Miami, and Nassau are also visible on the map.

Photo Gallery 17 photos

Five men sit around a table outdoors, enjoying a meal together. The table is covered with a colorful tablecloth, and there are drinks and various food items on it. In the background, there are lush green plants and trees, and a white building to the right.

Four men stand together in front of a colorful, mosaic-decorated archway. The intricately designed arch is adorned with various tiles, artwork, and patterns. A street and other artistic structures are visible in the background. The sky is partly cloudy.

Three men stand together outdoors in front of a colorful mosaic sculpture. The man on the left wears a white polo shirt, the man in the middle wears a light grey shirt, and the man on the right wears a light blue shirt. They are smiling, and the sky is clear.

A vibrant, mosaic-covered outdoor space features colorful tiles and sculptures, including animals and abstract shapes. The setting has a whimsical, artistic feel with various objects and structures adorned in intricate patterns. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

A two-story building with a red roof and weathered exterior in a tropical area, adorned with faded murals. Large letters on the rooftop spell "VIVA CUBA." Palm trees and lush greenery surround the building, and the ocean is visible in the background.

A man in sunglasses and casual clothing poses next to a mosaic statue wearing a hat and holding a red sign with white text. They are in an art-filled space with paintings on the wall and decorated tiles on the stairs beside them.

A sunlit street scene featuring a group of people walking away from the camera. They are surrounded by colorful, artistic installations and parked cars, including a vintage black car on the left. The sky is clear and blue, and there are overhead utility wires visible.

A vibrant street scene with colorful classic cars parked on the side and a red convertible driving by. People are gathered near a street vendor stall under a blue and yellow umbrella, with palm trees and various shops in the background.

A view from the passenger side mirror of a classic car, driving down a sunny residential street. The road is lined with green fences, trees, and power lines. There are a few other classic cars parked along the street, and palm trees can be seen in the distance.

A vintage dark-colored Chevrolet car is parked under a covered driveway. The car's door is open with a person standing next to it, partially visible. In the background, there are lush green trees and a garden with blooming flowers.

A bright blue vintage car is parked on a cobblestone street. The car, featuring chrome accents and a classic design, is positioned in front of a building with white railings and balconies. Sunlight casts shadows, adding to the nostalgic ambiance.

A rectangular outdoor swimming pool with clear blue water is surrounded by beige tiles. The pool is situated in a garden with lush green trees and plants. In the background, there is a shaded patio area with a seating arrangement and a brick structure.

A person wearing a black jacket and a cap is sitting in a moving boat. They are using a camera to capture a photo of the water and distant horizon. Another individual holding a camera is partly visible on the right side of the image. The boat's engines create a wake.

Three people are on a boat ride in a large body of water. One person in the foreground is wearing sunglasses and smiling, while another person is standing near the boat’s center console and a third person is partially visible. The sky is partly cloudy.

A pontoon boat is being launched into the water from a boat ramp, with one person guiding it and another standing nearby. The scene is set on a clear day with calm waters and a bridge visible in the distance under a blue sky.

A white truck is towing a black motorboat on a trailer at a boat ramp. There are utility poles and palm trees in the background under a clear blue sky. A water fountain and grassy area are visible in the foreground.

A map showing a flight path from Clearwater, Florida, USA, to Havana, Cuba. The dashed flight path line starts from Clearwater, goes through the Gulf of Mexico, and ends in Havana. Nearby cities such as Tampa, Miami, and Nassau are also visible on the map.

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