Meet José Miguel Díaz Escrich: Cuba’s Boating Ambassador and Leader of Marlin Marinas

Cuba’s Boating Ambassador

In August, a significant appointment was made in the Cuban maritime community. Commodore José Miguel Díaz Escrich of the Hemingway International Yacht Club of Cuba (HIYC) was named President of the Marinas y Náuticas MARLIN S.A., popularly known as the Marlin Marinas Business Group—the largest marina company in Cuba. This move marks a pivotal step in Cuba’s efforts to enhance its nautical tourism and marina services.

A Lifelong Passion for the Water

Commodore Escrich’s love affair with the sea began early in life. Born on December 21, 1946, in the port city of Santiago de Cuba, he entered the Naval Academy of Cuba at the age of 16. Over 25 years, he served in the Cuban Navy, sailing along the picturesque Cuban coast and exploring its over 3,000 isles and surrounding keys. This deep-rooted connection to the sea has shaped his lifelong mission to share his passion with others.

PART II Cubas Boating Ambassador Jose Miguel Diaz Escrich

Founding the Hemingway International Yacht Club of Cuba

In 1991, recognizing the need to develop recreational boating in an isolated Cuba, Escrich took on the role of adviser at Marina Hemingway. With only a handful of foreign recreational boats moored there, he envisioned creating a nautical institution that would unite the Cuban nautical community and foster international friendships. This vision materialized on May 21, 1992, with the founding of the Hemingway International Yacht Club of Cuba. As the first Commodore and Executive Director, Escrich led the club from its inception with 32 diverse members from countries like Spain, the USA, France, Italy, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Mexico.

Building International Relationships

Under Escrich’s leadership, the HIYC has grown to 2,049 members from 47 countries, with over half being Americans. The club has forged strong ties with prestigious yacht clubs and associations worldwide, including the Yacht Club Argentino, Royal Canadian Yacht Club, and the New York Yacht Club. Additionally, HIYC represents the International Game Fish Association and is a member of the ICOMIA Marinas Committee. These relationships have enabled the club to host numerous international regattas, fishing tournaments, and seminars, significantly contributing to Cuba’s nautical tourism.

If They Build It Yankee Boats Might Come To Cuba

Vision for Marlin Marinas Business Group

As President of Marlin Marinas Business Group, Escrich oversees eight marinas, six of which are international—Marina Hemingway, Marina Dársena Varadero, Marina Callo Guillermo, Marina Santiago de Cuba, Marina Cienfuegos, and Marina Cayo Largo—and two national marinas, Marina Tarará and Marina Trinidad. His extensive experience visiting marinas in over 20 countries equips him with valuable insights to enhance the services offered by Marlin Marinas. Escrich aims to improve safety along Cuban coasts and elevate the marinas’ profiles at both national and international nautical events.

Goals for the Future of Cuban Nautical Tourism

Commodore Escrich envisions transforming Cuba into a paradise for recreational boating and nautical tourism. His plans include enhancing the quality of services at Marlin Marinas, developing diving and sport fishing camps, establishing boat charter bases, beach clubs, boatyards, yacht repair workshops, and other nautical enterprises. Despite regulatory challenges, Escrich remains committed to elevating Cuba’s marina standards to attract more international boaters and tourists.

Balancing Dual Leadership Roles

Balancing his responsibilities as both Commodore of the Hemingway International Yacht Club and President of Marlin Marinas Business Group, Escrich plans to leverage his passion and dedication to advance Cuba’s nautical sector. He intends to channel the same energy and commitment that fueled his 17-year tenure at HIYC into his new role, ensuring continuous growth and development in Cuba’s marina and boating industries.

Conclusion: A Dedicated Leader Steering Cuba’s Nautical Future

Commodore José Miguel Díaz Escrich stands as a pivotal figure in Cuba’s maritime landscape. His unwavering dedication to promoting nautical tourism, building international partnerships, and enhancing marina services underscores his role as Cuba’s boating ambassador. Under his leadership, Marlin Marinas Business Group is poised to elevate Cuba’s status as a premier destination for recreational boating, fostering a vibrant and inclusive nautical community for years to come.

Andrea Bailey has written for ALL AT SEA since 2009.