FLEET UPDATE 2025-01-12

"When you grow up by the sea, you spend a good deal of time looking at the horizon. You wonder what on earth the waves might bring - and where the sea might deposit you - until one day you know you have lived between two places,
the scene of arrival and the point of departure"

- Andrew O'Hagan

LATEST NEWS

• Pictures Of The Week - Picture of the Year award Entry
• It's High Season @ The Panama Canal
• Fiesta Nautica Club De Pesca Cartagena 🇨🇴 Ocean
• 2025 Panama Yacht Fest
• South Pacific Crossing Seminars
• Marina Chahue 🇲🇽 Oaxaca Mexico
• Must- See Along The Route
• The Great Blue Hole 🇧🇿 Belize
• Mob With A Twist
• Great Exuma Island 🇧🇸 Bahamas
• Posse Perk Burgee
• Ocean World Marina 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic
• Excursion To Castle Of San Lorenzo
• Meet The Fleet
• Barefoot Cay Resort Roatan 🇭🇳
• Phoenix Islands 🇰🇮 Kiribati
• Caribbean Safety And Security Net
• Tropical Cyclone🌀 Pita Downgraded
• The Ocean Posse Fleet Is Tracking
• The Giant Clam
• Why Join The Ocean Posse
• The Panama Canal Reservoir

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Outnumbered by sticks in 🇵🇦 Panama
MV Tidings of Joy 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy

MVD JACK Looking for his beach run
Maison de Sante

Priya and Felicità cross wakes in La Cruz for Tacos on the Street.

Happy to be back to the boat after the rush of the holidays- Posse dinner with our friends Beth, Larry and pups of MY PAUSE - MY MARTINI

2) AWARD ENTRIES OF THE WEEK

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Drake bay sunset COSTA RICA 🇨🇷 MV ALGONQUIN 🇨🇦 Diana & Lyle

AWARD CATEGORIES

• BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
• PICTURE OF THE YEAR
• YODA OF THE YEAR
• SPEEDY AWARD
• THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
  sponsored by NOVAMAR
• COURAGE AWARD
• CLEAN OCEAN AWARD

• MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR
• HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
• SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION AWARD
  sponsored by PREDICT WIND
• GALLEY GOD(ESS)
• GOOD SAMARITAN
• BOAT YOGA POSE
• SANDCASTLE OF THE YEAR

3) IT'S HIGH SEASON @ THE PANAMA CANAL

MY TIDINGS OF JOY - JOY feeding the Panama Canal Line Handlers

The Canal in the heavy tropical downpour

Opposite lanes

The path between the seas South-to-North Pacific to the Atlantic ( Caribbean )

.

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MY TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy - DeFever '52

5) 2025 PANAMA YACHT FEST BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHELTER BAY MARINA
A FULL DAY OF ACTIVITIES, FUN, RUM
AND YACHTS ON DISPLAY

Watch last season's recap of the vent and what to expect

6) SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING SEMINARS
SIXTEEN DESTINATIONS AND MARITIME AREAS

🐢 🗿 🇵🇳 🇰🇮 🇵🇫 🇨🇰 🇦🇸 🇼🇸 🇳🇺 🇼🇫 🇹🇴 🇫🇯 🇻🇺 🇳🇨 🇳🇿 🇦🇺

The Ocean Posse will be hosting 8 days / 16 hours of LIVE zoom seminars in February – for curriculum, details and to RSVP please follow this link for details ▶

TOPICS:
Vessel Preparation • Rigging • Tracking • Communications • System Backups • What To Bring With From The Americas • Safety • Security • Clearing In And Out • Crew Selection • Weather • Squalls • Elevated Sea State • Provisioning In Paradise • Must See And Do’s • Open CPN Installation • Using Open CPN Sat Charts • Fuel • Propane • Logistics • Biosecurity • Repairs •Cylcone Season Strategies • Open CPN Integration • Chart Organization • PLUS Q+A for all particpants

7) MARINA CHAHUE 🇲🇽 OAXACA MEXICO

15°45.81' N 096°07.2866' W

After about a week of persistence, SY Cavu was able to secure a slip at Marina Chahué. We managed to get a side tie along the main dock, which worked well for our needs. The key to securing a spot was direct in person communication with Daniel, the marina manager. This required several in-person visits via dinghy to finalize arrangements. Persistence paid off. We anchored outside at the beach next to the marina entrance and visited via dinghy.

Entrance Depth

The marina entrance is shallow. When we arrived (~3 hours after low tide), the minimum depth observed was **7 feet**, which equates to about 1–1.5 feet above low tide. Cavu has a 4.5ft draft so no problems for us.

Depths become shallower further into the marina due to river runoff, so caution is advised. We sounded over further into the marina and saw as low as 4ft.

Marina Conditions

The marina is undergoing significant construction, with middle docks removed and repairs underway on pilings. Space is very limited, and our location was one of the few available.

There are no water or power hookups at the slip

The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-maintained. Security is excellent, with 24/7 guards stationed at the dock access points.

Costs

The cost for a 37-ft boat was approximately 10,300 pesos for one month

A two-week stay was only about 2,000 pesos less making the monthly rate the more economical choice.

Check-In and Additional Requirements

You must check in with the port captain upon arrival, providing the necessary paperwork to both the marina and port captain.

Proof of marina payment is required for checkout with the port captain.

If you plan to leave your boat unattended (e.g., for travel to Oaxaca), the marina requires you to hire someone to oversee it. We hired Pedro to watch our boat while we are away.

FROM THE NEW ⚙️ GEAR SEMINARS

9) MOB WITH A TWIST

DIGITAL YACHT BRINGS A NEW
SYNTHETIC MOB CONCEPT TO YACHTS

Digital Yacht introduced a man overboard (MOB) product called MOB Alert, which connects to the boat's NMEA 2000 network and synthesizes the MOB beacon alert. This product is more affordable than traditional MOB beacons and can be used in conjunction with AIS targets. Nick also mentioned the possibility of adding extra switches for larger boats and using the outboard kill cord switch as a method of activating the manual report alarm. ... MORE ▶

10) GOOD NAUTICAL

GREAT EXUMA ISLAND 🇧🇸 BAHAMAS
PEACE & PLENTY ⚓ ANCHORAGE

During peak season, you can easily find 200–400 boats anchored in Elizabeth Harbour. This anchorage is well-suited for social cruisers, offering both solitude and camaraderie, depending on your preference. With Nearby resorts restaurants, amenities and marinas it's a magnetic port hard to leave from.

23° 30.5701' N 075° 46.1090' W ⚓10'

11) POSSE PERK

🚩 Free OCEAN POSSE Burgee

When you join or renew with the Ocean Posse, you'll receive a complimentary burgee to proudly fly from your vessel. Crafted with care by a women owned business in Mexico and built to endure your maritime adventures, this burgee features:

Triple-Stitch Corner: Reinforced seams to withstand strong winds and salty sprays.

Durable Materials: Made with marine-grade fabric designed for the rigors of ocean voyaging.

Nautical Design: Showcasing the spirit of the Ocean Posse and your commitment to the call of the sea.

Note: While the burgee is well-crafted, the eyelets may succumb to rust over time in salty air. A quick rinse with fresh water and occasional care can help keep it looking sharp!

Fly your colors and let the world know you're part of a most advanced and adventurous community of seafarers !

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO GET YOURS ▶

12) OCEAN WORLD MARINA 🇩🇴 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

19° 49.655′ N 070°43.9833′ W

Ocean World is located on Cofresi beach, near town of Puerto Plata. With an abundance of hotel rooms and recreation opportunities that include, golf, fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, and even white water rafting, Puerto Plata is already celebrated as an affordable Caribbean vacation playground. Puerto Plata’s airport (POP) is a 30 minute drive, and has daily flights from Miami, NYC and cities in Europe. Ocean World Marina, now the only full-service marina located between the heavily traveled Florida/Bahamas area and the Puerto Rico/Eastern Caribbean region.

13) EXCURSION TO
CASTLE OF SAN LORENZO
@ PORT CHAGRES 🇵🇦 PANAMA

From a fortification engineering perspective there is an interesting connecting thread – We are focusing on the activities of Juan Bautista Antonelli a prestigious Italian family of military engineers in the service of the Habsburg monarchs of Austria and Spain (Philip II) worked with his older brother on projects in Oran, Algeria and Spain.

The bridge over the moat to fight off pirates

A historic chart of the fortifications and settlements + the river mouth of the Chagres

Cannons and more weaponry to guard the fortification - more ▶

SY BRIGADOON III - SY QUE VENDRA - MV SUMMER BRREZE - MV TIDINGS OF JOY

14) MEET THE FLEET

15) BAREFOOT CAY RESORT ROATAN 🇭🇳
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

16° 20.2383′ N 086° 28.5366′ W

MARINA SPECS

• Convenient south-central location on Roatan
• Marina layout comprised of U-shaped basin with sturdy concrete construction and stout cleats (358 total linear feet), plus wooden docks for additional moorage and for tying tenders (243 linear feet of dockspace)
• Draft allowance of up to 9 ft
• Boat launch ramp
• Purified water & shore power with 120V 30A & 240V 50A service; 100A service available in select locations

AMENITIES

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Restrooms with hot water showers
• Laundry service (priced per item)
• 24-hour security
• Restaurant & Bar
• PADI 5 Star Dive Center
• Spa
• Concierge desk
• Pool
• Palapa
• Immigration and Port Captain clearing services​
• BIP (Bay Islands Petroleum) fuel dock located just East of the Cay

DISCOUNT OFFERED

20% savings on daily, weekly & monthly rates. Rates are per foot OAL (including extensions), and 15% sales tax applies e marina

16) PHOENIX ISLANDS 🇰🇮 KIRIBATI

PIPA UNESCO World Heritage Site

17) CARIBBEAN SAFETY AND SECURITY NET

The "Zoom-Tap, Know & Go" tool is an interactive infographic developed by the Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN) to assist mariners in assessing security risks across various Caribbean regions. This resource allows users to explore reported incidents by zooming into specific areas, tapping on markers for detailed information, and gaining insights to make informed decisions about their voyages. For 2024, the tool provides comprehensive data on incidents such as thefts, burglaries, and piracy attempts reported throughout the Caribbean. By interacting with the infographic, users can identify patterns and hotspots, enhancing situational awareness and promoting safer cruising experiences. To utilize this resource and review the 2024 entries, visit the CSSN's official website .... more ▶

18) TROPICAL CYCLONE🌀 PITA DOWNGRADED

12 Jan 2025 | 04:35 AM UTC

Cook Islands: Tropical Cyclone Pita tracking eastward toward the southern Southern Cook Islands the evening of Jan. 11 /update 1

Tropical Cyclone Pita is tracking eastward in the South Pacific Ocean toward the Southern Cook Islands the evening of Jan. 11. As of 17:00 CKT Jan. 11, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 130 km (81 miles) southeast of Rarotonga Island, Southern Cook Islands.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will make landfall over Mangaia Island late Jan. 11 before weakening into a tropical disturbance and dissipating early Jan. 12 as it tracks eastwards away from the island. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of the evening of Jan. 11, the Cook Islands Meteorological Service is maintaining strong wind warnings across land and sea areas of the Southern Cook Islands and a coastal inundation warning for all the Southern Cook Islands, as well as a damaging heavy swell warning for the open waters of the Southern Cook Islands. Showers and strong winds will persist through at least early Jan. 12.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.

19) THE OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS TRACKING

Tracking the Ocean Posse ... more ▶

20) MEDIA PARTNERS

LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES

OCEAN POSSE HAS A SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION DEAL >>
TO GET YOUR DEAL FOLLOW THIS LINK ▶

21) SPONSORSHIP MARINAS
WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle , Ventura, CA

🇺🇸 Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay , Chula Vista CA

🇲🇽 ECV MARINA – Ensenada MX

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas – MX

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – MX

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – MX

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – MX

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – MX

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto de La Navidad – MX

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – MX

🇬🇹 Marina Pez Vela – Guatemala

🇸🇻 Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador

🇸🇻 La Palma Moorings – Bahia del Sol, El Salvador

🇳🇮 Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua

🇨🇷 Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica

🇨🇷 Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica

🇨🇷 Flamingo Marina – Costa Rica

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad, Ecuador

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Vista Mar Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 La Playita Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Solarte Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 IGY Red Frog Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – Colombia

🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

🇯🇲 < Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Jamaica

🇯🇲 Errol Flynn Marina – Jamaica

🇯🇲 Montego Bay Yacht Club – Jamaica

🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina – Cayman Islands

🇭🇳 Barefoot Cay Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Fantasy Island Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan – Honduras

🇬🇹 Marina Nana Juana Resort & Guatemala

🇧🇿 Hummingbird Marina – Placencia – Belize

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize

🇧🇿 Hakim Marina & Boatyard – Belize

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina V&v – Quintana Roo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina El Cid – Cancún – Mexico

🇨🇺 Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo – Cuba

🇹🇨 South Bank Marina & Boatyard – Turks And Caicos

🇧🇸 Romora Bay Resort And Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Elizabeth On The Bay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇻🇮 St. Croix Yacht Club – USVI

🇻🇮 Green Cay Marin A – USVI

🇻🇬 Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour – Bvi

🇵🇷 Marina Pescaderia – Puerto Rico

🇩🇲 Dominica Marine Center – Dominica

🇰🇳 Port Zante Marina – St Kitts & Nevis

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys, FL

🇺🇸 Pier 66 Hotel & Marina – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

🇺🇸 Titusville Marina – Fl, Usa

🇺🇸 Port 32 Marinas – Jacksonville, Fl

🇺🇸 Oasis Marinas At Fernandina Harbor FL

🇺🇸 Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. GA

🇺🇸 Windmill Harbour Marina – Hilton Head SC

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah GA

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, NC

🇺🇸 Holden Beach – Town Dock, NC

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, NC

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA

🇺🇸 York River Yacht Haven – VA

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – VA

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, VA

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, VA

🇧🇲 Pier 41 Marina – Bermuda

🇧🇲 Caroline Bay Marina – Bermuda

🇵🇹 Marina De Cascais – Portugal

🇵🇹 Marina Funchal – Portugal

🇪🇸 Alcaidesa Marina – Spain

🇪🇸 Marina Del Odiel – Spain

🇪🇸 Igy Málaga Marina – Spain

🇪🇸 Puerto Sotogrande – Spain

🇪🇸 Yacht Port Cartagena – Spain

🇮🇹 Marina Molo Vecchio – Italy

🇬🇮 Ocean Village Marina – Gibraltar

🇨🇻 Marina Mindelo – Cape Verde

🇹🇳 Marina Bizerte – Tunisia

Check this map for 100+ Ocean Posse friendly marinas near you

22) THE GIANT CLAM

The giant clam (Tridacna gigas) is one of the largest and most fascinating bivalve mollusks in the world. Native to the warm, shallow waters of coral reefs in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, this incredible creature can live for over a century and grow to over 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length, weighing up to 500 pounds (227 kg).

BIG Size: The giant clam is renowned for its impressive size and weight, making it the largest living bivalve mollusk.

Symbiotic Relationship: Giant clams host photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae in their tissues. These algae produce energy through photosynthesis, which the clam uses to supplement its diet.

Vibrant Colors: Their mantles display a kaleidoscope of colors, including iridescent blues, greens, and purples, due to light-reflecting cells called iridocytes. These colors help optimize light absorption for the algae.

Filter Feeding: In addition to deriving nutrients from algae, giant clams filter plankton and organic particles from the surrounding water.

Habitat / Ecosystem:

Giant clams are found in lagoons and reef flats at depths of up to 20 meters. They play a vital ecological role by filtering water, providing shelter to reef organisms, and contributing to reef-building through their shells.

from SV Pogeyan ▶

23) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

• ABERNATHY - PANAMA
• BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
• BOAT HOW TO
• CABRALES BOAT YARD
• CENTENARIO CONSULTING - PANAMA CANAL
• CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
• DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
• DIGITAL YACHT
• DOWNWIND MARINE
• EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
• FOUNTAINE PAJOT
• FLOR DE CAÑA
• HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
• HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
• HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
• LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
• MARINA PAPAGAYO

• NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
• PANAMA YACHT BROKER
• PREDICT WIND
• SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
• SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
• SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
• SHAFT SHARK
• SUN POWERED YACHTS
• WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
• WIKUS MARINE AUTO
• WESTMARINE PRO
• YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

24) WHY JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

25) THE PANAMA CANAL RESERVOIR(S)

The Panama Canal, a critical artery of global maritime trade, has long been celebrated as an engineering marvel. Spanning 50 miles across the Isthmus of Panama, it facilitates the transit of over 14,000 vessels annually, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. At the heart of its operation lies a sophisticated water reuse system, which ensures that the canal functions efficiently while addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity and environmental sustainability.

Historical Context and the Necessity for Water Reuse

Since its inauguration in 1914, the Panama Canal has relied on an intricate system of locks and reservoirs to lift and lower ships across its varied elevations. This process requires enormous volumes of freshwater. For every transit, the traditional locks system consumes approximately 52 million gallons of water. Initially, this water was discharged into the oceans, making it unavailable for reuse.

With increasing ship traffic and the rise of larger vessels, the Panama Canal faced escalating demands for freshwater. Compounding this challenge was the growing unpredictability of rainfall, essential for replenishing the canal’s reservoirs. These factors underscored the need for a more sustainable approach, culminating in the implementation of water reuse systems.

How the Water Reuse System Works

The Panama Canal’s water reuse system is a blend of advanced engineering and natural resource management. Its primary components include:

1. Side Basins:

The newer locks, introduced during the canal’s 2016 expansion (known as the Panama Canal Expansion or the Third Set of Locks project), incorporate water-saving basins. Each lock chamber is flanked by three side basins, which store water during the filling and emptying process. Approximately 60% of the water used in each lock cycle is reused, reducing the overall consumption.

2. Gravity-Based Flow:

The system leverages gravity to transfer water between the lock chambers and the side basins. This eliminates the need for pumps, making the process energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

3. Sequential Reuse:

When a lock chamber is emptied to lower a vessel, the water is directed into the side basins instead of being discharged into the ocean. This stored water is then reused to fill the chamber for subsequent vessels, minimizing wastage.

4. Reservoir Management:

The canal’s reservoirs, such as Lake Gatun and the Alhajuela Reservoir, play a pivotal role in supplying freshwater. Advanced water management techniques ensure optimal reservoir levels, balancing the needs of canal operations, drinking water supply, and ecological conservation.

26) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

• SSCA
• Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua
• Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica
• Advertising Partners – Summerlin, LV - USA
• Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

OUR MISSION

• Make traveling for yacht owners easier, transparent and better informed.
• Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas and with service providers
• Pass on relevant information to help fellow participants in a timely manner without personal opinions
• Identify, document and reduce risks
• Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules