Granma is out on the water again! Troop display on Derwent in preparation for La Habana Harbour next week

The famous motor launch which Fidel Casto and his brothers in arms used in their attempt to kick start the revolution has a replica in Hobart. Yes; the Amity situated at C07 on the RYCT marina, is IDENTICAL, except is is 15 feet shorter, suitable to carry 12 passengers (not 20) and wasn't used in the Cuban Revolution.

Check out the difference:

The original Granma; safely housed in protective custody in La Habana:

But see the Amity:

Both were bought from in Mexico, or at Kettering, and both for an undisclosed sum by a secret purchaser as blind trustee for the revolutionaries, Kimber et al and Castro, Guevarra and Camilio Cienfuegos. The secret is now out - that Mexican gun dealer Antonio "The Friend" del Conde, turns out to be - yes, The Man Formerly Known as Mr Tasmania, seen here, savouring the only beer available at the time - his very own "Gunners Stout".

But in truth, in the lead up to the review of troops in La Habana next week, and down to Moncada Barracks at Santiago de Cuba, at least we can say 'we are prepared' from the water side of things.

As a last "prior preparation prevents piss poor performance" test, Amity is leading the fleet in the sail past today before His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Mr Chief Justice Squiggle, on the picturesque river Derwent. 

But, much ado about nothing, we must secure the lanyards, halyards and mooring lines, and stock the Haminex Arctic Foodbox, and help the women, children and fat dogs onboard, ready for the sail past.

Adios Amigos! El Kimbros

(PS: the true story however, is probably here):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granma_(yacht)