Nov. 20 - Skiing to Cuba - a podcast by 43 Keys Media

Prior to September 10, 1978, the furthest training run that Charles McCoy had ever under taken was a successful 80 mile non-stop crossing to the Dry Tortugas. That run took him 3 hours and 55 minutes.     But on Sept. 10th, 1978, his successful crossing to Cuba from Key West of over 110 miles took 6 hours and 10 minutes. He started that trip in calm seas that built to four and five feet over the course of the day. Through most of the trip, he used an ax handle for a tow bar and he used a 10 year old ski that he later retired. That’s right Charles was making the trip to Cuba on a slalom ski!   In talking about his experience, McCoy said, “What disturbs you is that you have to maintain constant attention. You keep wanting to slack off because you are tired. The boat is rolling and pitching and you have waves coming from both side.” He was forced to make 20-30 adjustments a minute all the way to Cuba.   “I felt terrible until about 10 miles out of Key West, and for the next 100 miles I was feeling awful. After that, it just got worst. But there was no turning back. I knew I had to make it this time.”    This wasn’t McCoy’s first attempt. His first attempt was aborted when he slashed his hands open on the tow rope in rough weather and heavy waves. He still ended up skiing for 99 miles on that attempt.    On the journey, he was allowed no technical assistance. His only protection was a small belt life preserver and the constant eyes of the boat crew members.   

The Cuba trip, inspired by a challenge from a local reporter, was arranged after a chance conversation with then-President Jimmy Carter at a national mayoral conference. 

During the final hour, McCoy was escorted into Havana Harbor by a pair of Russian-built Cuban gunboats. Afterwards, the Cuban government hosted a welcoming party. 

"I thanked everyone and invited them to come to Key West to visit us," said McCoy. "The following year 125,000 Cuban landed in Key West during the Mariel boatlift. 

"I guess they were looking for me," he quipped.

  Each year after this amazing achievement, Charles gathered at the Hukilau Restaurant to celebrate the achievement with friends.   It was today in Key West history, November 20th, 1979 that Charles “Sonny” McCoy was elected for his 5th term as Mayor of Key West. He became the first Mayor to ever serve for 10 years.    That’s right, Charles “Sonny “ McCoy was the Mayor of Key West when he set the crossing record for his journey from Key West to Havana on a slalom ski.   And that’s what happened today, in Key West History.

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