WORLD RECORD

On the way to the USA: Roger Klüh's Apache Star leaves Cuba

Roger Klüh and crew arrive in Cuba aboard APACHE STAR powerboat after world record.

Now, at last - a proud 17 months and eleven days after its world record journey from the USA to Cuba - a US freight forwarder working for the government in Washington succeeded in transporting the Apache Star initially from the Hemingway Marina to the cargo port in Mariel.

As Klüh pointed out, this was only possible after a five-month lead time and with many special permits in the luggage; for example, wooden trestles suitable for transport had to be made. The world record boat was then loaded on Wednesday and shipped on an open container to Port Everglades in the USA. This means that what the U.S. government demanded of Roger Klüh has finally been fulfilled.

The criminal file was also successfully closed last week: the Düsseldorf man was facing 20 years in prison. Now, however, it remains with a mere warning. The prison sentence and massive fines had threatened him because of a possible violation of the still existing embargo. An odyssey is coming to an end, and Klüh seems very happy about it: "I want to have and keep the Apache Star in my home country."

The entire transport process via the U.S., including customs clearance all the way to Düsseldorf, is likely to take until the end of March. "But time is no longer an issue now. I would now like to close this chapter after a total of five years and move on to new tasks," he says with relief.

Source: RP Online

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Return of the Apache Star to USA
  • What happened to Roger Klüh’s Apache Star after the world record?

    After setting the 2015 Florida–Cuba world record, the Apache Star remained in Cuba for over 17 months before finally being cleared for transport back to the U.S.

  • Why was the Apache Star held in Cuba for so long?

    Due to the ongoing U.S.-Cuba embargo, numerous special permits and export restrictions delayed the boat’s return. The process required government involvement and custom-built transport equipment.

  • Was Roger Klüh facing legal consequences?

    Yes, he was temporarily under investigation for potential embargo violations, facing up to 20 years in prison. However, the case was closed with only a warning.

  • How was the Apache Star transported back?

    The powerboat was moved from Hemingway Marina to Mariel Port, then shipped on an open container via Port Everglades in the U.S.

  • What’s next for Roger Klüh and the Apache Star?

    With the boat’s safe return, Klüh plans to close this five-year chapter and focus on new international projects and adventures.

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THE APACHE STAR LIFESTYLE LABEL

DESIGNER FASHION

Rugged luxury, built to move. APACHE STAR® fuses vintage offshore-powerboat attitude with modern performance — technical outerwear, precision-cut layers, and statement pieces that work on the street and on the water. Our 2025 collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week, presented by brand ambassador Lilly Becker.

  • Weather-ready, wind- and water-repellent sustainable fabrics
  • Smart details like an integrated thermometer, cigar-compartment, and carry-strap systems
  • A clean, military-nautical aesthetic and signature Apache Orange

Own the moment. Explore the latest drops and limited editions — crafted for people who don’t idle.

Shop APACHE STAR® FASHION

Rugged luxury, built to move. APACHE STAR® fuses vintage offshore-powerboat attitude with modern performance — technical outerwear, precision-cut layers, and statement pieces that work on the street and on the water. Our 2025 collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week, presented by brand ambassador Lilly Becker.

  • Weather-ready, wind- and water-repellent sustainable fabrics
  • Smart details like an integrated thermometer, cigar-compartment, and carry-strap systems
  • A clean, military-nautical aesthetic and signature Apache Orange

Own the moment. Explore the latest drops and limited editions — crafted for people who don’t idle.

Shop APACHE STAR® FASHION