FLEET UPDATE 2023-11-05

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

November 5, 2023

“It is the top of the ninth inning and humanity is hitting nature hard.  But everyone must remember that nature bats last.” 

– An old saying documented by Paul R. Ehrlich 

TOP NEWS  

• Season 7:  Registration Is Open  207 Yachts from 21 Ensigns Signed Up !
• Season 7 Burgees are flying.
• Award Nominations
• Season Posse Events Past and Future
• Introducing Isabel Panama Posse Marina Liaison and VIP Concierge 
• West Coast Baja Run to Barra
• San Diego Events Round Up
• Posse Parties onboard: Captain’s Recipe for the Good Times
• Action Items: Sign up and activate free vessel tracking
• Day of The Dead Celebration 
• SAFETY ALERT: Learning from three Hurricanes on Mexico’s Pacific Coast 
• Must See: Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas
• Boats for Sale
• News from other Oceans

207 Yachts are signed up – JOIN YOUR POSSE 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Panama Posse Season 7 Burgee Flying on the bow

MV CELT 🇺🇸 Gerry & Angela – Nordhavn 43′

Sup’ping with a Turtle 🇪🇨 Ecuador

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′

Dolphins escort Summerbreeze into Mexico 🇲🇽 

MV SUMMERBREEZE 🇺🇸 Kurtis – Bestway 46′

Captain Dietmar and Secondino at San Diego Kick Off Event

SY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸  Dietmar & Suzanne & Maxi – Lagoon 44′

Harbormaster at Isla Navidad Marina, Barra de Navidad Mexico 🇲🇽

RSVP FOR THE DEC 7 – 10 MEXICO KICK OFF WEEKEND HERE >>

Safely celebrating the solstice in Mexico 🇲🇽  

SY DO THE THING 🇨🇦 Marjolaine & Francois – Dufour 43′

2) SAVE THE DATE: 4 POSSE HAPS

 

#1 SEASON 7 WEEKLY LINE CALL

 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

15:30 UTC ATLANTIC AND CARIBBEAN 
16:00 UTC PACIFC 
to find your local time vs UTC time pls fallow this link >>

for help installing and configuring line follow this link >> 

The first Monday live Panama Posse call of the season is this Monday, November 6th.

These calls are very helpful for everyone, topics are  vessel emergencies, weather,  logistics & general announcements. Your time is precious so these calls  are designed to be brief.  The warm up portion of the calls start with general check in’s , follow up’s to provide a better understanding of what to expect with current changes at ports/areas , reports of storm damages and ongoing bureaucracy changes in countries followed by short general updates.  

Join the PANAMA POSSE for the LIVE CALL this Monday 
and  check in with the Posse. 

#2 UPCOMING SEMINAR THIS MONTH

PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE

PredictWind App ZOOM SEMINAR THU Nov 16 2023

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Zoom Meeting

12:00-13:30 PACIFIC TIME

The PredictWind App and Website are designed for use on cellular and wifi networks. View high resolution forecasts on your mobile, tablet or computer.

Available on iOS and Android.

Forecasts                                Tools

Daily Briefing                                                          Weather Routing

Tables                                                                      Departure Planning

Graphs                                                                     Ocean Data

Wind                                                                         Local Knowledge

Gust                                                                          Observations

Cape                                                                         Validation

Wave                                                                        GPS Tracking

Rain                                                                          YB Tracking

Cloud                                                                        Forecast Alerts

Isobar                                                                       AIS Data

Air Temp                                                                  GMDSS Map

Sea Temp

Solunar

Zoom link to  this free and highly informative Panama Posse seminar

#3  SAVE THE DATE  

NEW VESSELS ON-BOARDING WITH NICOLE

Saturday – November 18, 2023

14:00 EASTERN  TIME  

13:00 PANAMA   TIME  

12:00 MEXICO   TIME  

11:00  PACIFIC TIME 

meet Nicole – the Panama Posse welcome Ambassador 

Nicole is your welcome ambassador to help you reach new height and help you make the most of all the perks of the Panama Posse 

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7  

AHOY YOU ARE CORDIALLY  

INVITED TO MEET YOUR PEERS 

        

      NEW VESSELS PP           
 ON-BOARDING ZOOM WITH NICOLE

Saturday – November 18, 2023

ZOOM LINK TO WELCOME CALL >> 

 
 

#4 PREVIOUS ZOOM SEMINARS 

OPEN CPN ZOOM SEMINAR

PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE /  DEPARTURE PLANNING & WEATHER ROUTING SEMINAR

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND @

https://panamaposse.com/seminars

This pre-season OPEN CPN seminar hosted by Rob Murray and Captain Dietmar

available under panamaposse.com/seminars

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK

POSSE MEMBERS GETTING UNDERWAY

Sundowner Crew setting out from the desert to the sea.

MY SUNDOWNER 🇺🇸 Jeffrey & Lynn – Californian 50′

Setting out from Annapolis, Maryland

SY BUG OUT BOAT 🇺🇸 Bob & Terri – Hunter 46′

Sailing to Bahia Caraquez, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, is a DREAM 

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′

Joining the Posse for their  second Go, this time from the East Coast of the USA

SY MYLA 🇺🇸 John & Julie – Moody 44′

4) SEASON 7 ENTRIES

AWARD ENTRY: HIGHEST WIND RECORDED

Does it count when we are attached to the dock in Mexico 🇲🇽 ? 19 knots  SSW

MV DELTA SWIZLER 🇺🇸 Mark & Cindy – Vantare 58′

AWARD ENTRY: BOAT YOGA POSE

Boat projects and Boat Yoga go hand and hand: try fixing your winlass.

SY SOULMATE  🇺🇸  Adam & Jen – Fountaine Pajot 45′

ANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:

• BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
• PICTURE OF THE YEAR
• YODA OF THE YEAR
• SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
• THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
• MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
• HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
• SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
• GALLEY GOD(ESS)
• GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
• BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
• COURAGE AWARD

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

Share the adventure

 
5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

We look forward to meeting you at these events – we do not sail on a set schedule to make your journey more relaxed and take into account ever changing weather conditions.  Move only when the conditions are right and you feel good !

The events in Barra de Navidad /  Shelter Bay / Club De Pesca and Buenaventura will have POT LUCK culinary competition so follow these rules to win the coveted 

(1) PANAMA POSSE 
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, ’23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

Secundino Alvarez – Harbor Master
Vessels Must be  registered with the Panama Posse  prior to Oct 31st to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

(2) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 13 ’24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

Ileana Stevenson Covo  – GM
For those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in full on Latin style in Colombia – come celebrate the great food and culture that is Colombia in it’s premier yacht club. 

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

(3) OCEAN POSSE PARTY PANAMA + SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 

FLEET MEET UP

SAT. FEB 3 ’24
SHELTER BAY MARINA 
🇵🇦  PANAMA

IMPORTANT: This event is in the middle of high season.  The Shelter Bay Marina will be near capacity  so make reservations early.  Additionally, we are also going to organize a shuttle bus to get folks to this event from alternate locations.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: 

Juanjo Boschetti – GM juanjo@shelterbaymarina.com
Tel (+507) 433-3581

(4) PANAMA POSSE AWARDSFUN ACTIVITIES, GOLF, POOL, DJ LOUNGE, + MARINE EXPO 

SAT. MAY 11 ’24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama. The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast of Panama.
Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

Emilio Lau – Marina Manager
emilio@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  

6) LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN

Partnerships along the route are key to the draw and success of 

the Panama Posse.

DOWNWIND MARINE / SMX  SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE 
WITH  AMAZING PARTNERSHIPS AND RESOURCES FOR ALL VESSELS

Sharing adventures is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse experience. 

Please share pictures of your adventures, your award entries, your breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email Maurisa at editor@panamaposse.com to share in the upcoming newsletter.  Maurisa is a sailor among us.  She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and helpful updates to the Panama Posse. 

SY BUG OUT BOAT pointing generally south along the US East Coast of the USA

Making it to Beaufort.  It’s been a great day sailing and some motoring.  Belhaven, NC is a great stop for a good night rest on the Anchor or at a marina.  I’ll stop there again.  

Sundown’ers on the bow.  Cheers, Bob!

SY BUG OUT BOAT 🇺🇸 Bob – Hunter 46′

7) INTRODUCING ISABEL MONTES:

PANAMA POSSE LIASON AND VIP CONCIERGE
  

Isabel  is incredibly personable and bilingual in Spanish and English.

Mrs. Montes has been a friend of the Panama Posse for years.  Beginning in Season 7, Isabel is officially part of the team helping  the Panama Posse improve it’s outreach and relationships with Marinas along the route. In the future she will also be available at a premium agent basis to assist Panama Posse members with Spanish’s language communications, marina reservations, logistics and other time sensitive tasks.

WELCOME TO THE PANAMA POSSE TEAM

8) SIGN UP FOR VESSEL TRACKING

& START USING IT
  

Free yacht tracking courtesy of Predict Wind:

ADD YOUR VESSEL TO THIS FLEET TRACKING PAGE >>  

For Help and to review the different options :

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ABOUT THE FLEET TRACKING PROCESS >>

Group Fleet Tracking is designed to give an overview of 

where Posse vessels are along the route. 

For specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates, changes, real time positions and specific location related questions please contact each vessel directly and follow their vessel tracker. You may track vessels via their tracker or request AIS tracking from https://www.predictwind.com or  https://marinetraffic.com .  Please note: that this is also not exactly accurate either. There are many reasons why a vessel’s position is not updated.  It is important NOT TO conclude that a vessel has an emergency or is in need of assistance because the vessel has not reported in lately. Sometimes they may just want to get away from it all and not tell you where they are. It is the responsibility of each vessel to file a float and check in plan and escalation procedures.

9) THE BAJA RUN

ANCHORAGES DOWN THE WEST COAST 

FROM SAN DIEGO TO BARRA DE NAVIDAD

The Panama Posse is a collective with a lot of great insight.  While there is no specific route or schedule, here is a host of possibilities along the Baja from San Diego to Barra de Navidad.  Choose your own Adventure.

The Baja Run can be done in mostly day hops or extended hops.  
Your choice.  No rush !

10) 🇲🇽  MARINA PUERTO DE LA NAVIDAD 

BARRA DE NAVIDAD  –  PANAMA POSSE HQ

Welcome to one of the best marina facilities and Panama Pose HQ in Mexico.

Considered among the 10 best private marinas in Latin America, Marina Puerto de la Navidad is located in Isla Navidad, an upscale, secure and private tourist development just across the quaint village of Barra de Navidad and 30 minutes north of the Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO).

We always love to hear from you. If you have a request or need, or if you would like additional information about Marina Puerto de la Navidad, or would like to make a reservation, please contact:

Secundino Alvarez- Harbor Master

Tel: 011 52 (314) 337 90 14

Marina Office – Operating hours:

8:00am – 6:00pm

BOOK NOW

Call 011 52 (314) 337 90 14

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

 

With a capacity for up to 250 ft vessels, with all the necessary services: water, electricity, sanitary boat discharges, telephone, laundry, internet, cable TV signal and 24/7 security, this world-class marina operates with the highest standards of safety and has strong ties with most international insurance companies.

Marina Puerto de la Navidad also has a maritime fuel station where yachts can safely and conveniently refuel.

Picture by Baja Fog 

11) POSSE PARTIES:

CAPTAIN’S RECIPE FOR THE GOOD TIMES

WHEN 2 OR MORE PANAMA POSSE BURGEES MEET …

INGREDIENTS:  

• 2 or more Ocean Posse boats
• 1 beautiful anchorage 
• good food
• good humor
• drinks

PANAMA POSSE PARTY PROTOCOL

Captains and crews either meet on the beach / dock for a potluck or on the larger vessel of the boats gathered.

• Typically, there are sundowners involved.  Bring your own and when possible extra to share.
• Bring some food.  Homemade is best as the prized galley goddess award comes from potluck nominations.  
• Remember: Quality over Quantity.

12) GOOD NAUTICAL:

HOW TO ADD INFORMATION TO GOOD NAUTICAL

Good Nautical is a bonafide 501 (c) 3 non profit organization as such our role is to safeguard hard to find maritime information and hazards to navigation. It has collected over 35,000 datapoints from seafarers worldwide and access is currently assailable for free to all Ocean Posse participants. To add and augment data please login with your credentials.

Step by Step guide on how to add an anchorage to Good Nautical 

1) Login and go to one of the relevant Maritime Area ( Example Panama ) 

2) Zoom to the general area of exactly where the anchorage is 

3) place the cursor on the area of the anchorage ( look at the bottom right for exact coordinates ) and click and hold for 3 seconds and the following menu is revealed  

4) you can validate the coordinates and next click the  ADD+ button

5) Next select they type of information you are adding – in this case select ⚓ ANCHORAGE 

6) Give the anchorage it’s official name / optional local name / region and choose the Maritime Area it’s in – next add the meta data 

6) additional information such as depth / bottom Composition / Aids to Navigation, Dangers, Shore Access, Nearby and relevant notes Images and observations 

VOILA the Anchorage has been added and tagged with your credentials.

Next the  GN editors review the information and publish it to the Maritime Area.

13) 🇬🇹 MARINA NANA JUANA RESORT & BOATYARD 

RIO DULCE – SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

15°39.508′ N   088°59.5833′ W

Happy to announce Nanajuana Marina, Boatyard & Resort as a sponsor the Panama Posse.

 

Río Dulce is a great hurricane haven! Welcome Multihulls and Monohulls ⛵, feel free to ask about our Drydock services to repair and maintenance your boat! We have a huge work area and an awesome team! Our Dockmaster speaks perfect English, spanish and french.

We look forward to meeting all the participants of the Panama Posse. 

Elisa Roitman

GM

Nanajuana Marina

Rio Dulce, Guatemala

CONTACT

ADDRESS : Km. 274 Carretera a Petén, Río Dulce

EMAIL:  reservas@nanajuanariodulce.com

TEL:  +502 7790 7676

WEB: nanajuanariodulce.com

MARINA NANA JUANA

AMENITIES

42 uncovered & covered slip rentals

Secure long-term boatyard storage

Drydock services, repair and maintenance

110V – 220V power

24/7 security

BBQ & fire-pit area

Tiki Ti Lounge

Special hotel accommodation rates

Expansive pool, exclusive for guests

Cayena Restaurant

Minutes away from provisioning, shopping and entertainment

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Connections to fresh water

Food preparation & dishwashing facilities

Ample and convenient vehicle parking near vessel

Heliport near marina

Shell Fuel Dock adjacent to marina

Marine Convenience Store

Private bathrooms & showers

Pet Friendly

Tours to Mayan Ruins and National Parks

Airport Crew Transfers

16) DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION AND MYTHOLOGY

Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere throughout the world.

The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for

and remember friends and family members who have died.  The gathering is to help support the spiritual journey of the dead. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle.  Mexicans view it not as a day of

sadness but as a day of celebration.

Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars called ofrendas, honoring the deceased using calaveras (skeletons/skulls), aztec marigolds, the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. Visitors also leave possessions of the deceased at the graves. 

Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. It has become a national symbol and as such is taught (for educational purposes) in the nation’s schools.

MICTLÁN

According to the Great Nahuatl Dictionary, Mictlán means underworld, others

translate it as “place of the dead.” Different legends, visual representations and ancient codices define Mictlán as an unknown, dangerous and dark place, which has nine levels. 

In the Mexica worldview, the Earth was considered a being that devoured the flesh of the deceased. At the time of death, the Mexica thought that they were paying off their debt with the Earth, since when they died, they gave continuity to the cycle

of the universe. These nine levels are related to rot, fetid, cold, damp, watery, darkness, and night. The animals related to the Mictlán were owls, bats, worms and centipedes, which were in the service of Mictlantecuhtli and his consort Mictecacíhuatl.​

The Nine Levels:

1. Itzcuintlan

    Place of the dogs

2. Tepectli monamictlan

    Place of the hills that come together

 3. Iztepetl

      Hills of the very sharp flints

4. Itzehecayan

      Place of the obsidian wind

5. Paniecatacoyan

      Place where people fly like flags

6. Timiminaloayan

      Place where people are smitten

7. Teocoyohuehualoyan

     Where the jaguars eat your heart

8. Izmictlan Apochcalolca

      Smoke water lagoon

9. Chicunamictla

     The nine waters.

17) MEET THE FLEET

Julie and John relishing their NE hailing port of Annapolis, MD

From Julie:

Cruisers making plans is like building sandcastles at low tide. Things change. We started cruising in 2015 when we sold our racing sailboat, bought a cruising boat, left our home in Southern California, retired, and headed to Mexico with the 2015 Baja Ha Ha cruising rally. Our plans were to spend a season in Mexico and then see about the Puddle Jump to the South Pacific. However, we fell in love with Mexico and ended up cruising full time there for about three years upinto the Sea of Cortez and south to Zihuantanejo like migratory birds up and down those lovely cruising grounds. But after year three, life changes helped us reconsider the South Pacific and instead of going right, we went left. Much of our family now live on the East Coast, so heading in that direction made sense.

We were looking into routes and plans when we kept hearing from fellow cruising friends about this new thing called the Panama Posse. It was 2017/18. The rally was new, and we had no idea what it was, but heck, if it put us in touch with more fellow cruisers and information about some routes, fabulous. We ended up joining somewhere along the way while still in Mexico and in the rally’s infancy. The group was all about lat/long sharing, swapping stories, tips, and finding boat buddies along the way. When someone’s dinghy was stolen, we helped spread the news to warn others and offered dinghy rides to our newfound Panama Posse pals. We ended up buddy boating with them for several months and many miles.

One of the many highlights early in the Posse was a road trip with about 11 other Panama Posse members. We all embarked from Chiapas to several Mayan ruin sites. The history of the region was amazing, and the camaraderie of the group coalesced. We continued south, sometimes with buddies, sometimes alone, but always with the knowledge that there were others out there on our same path.

We absolutely loved El Salvador where we ended up staying about a month. The fellow cruisers at the marina handed over a packet to all new arrivals with information aboutinland trips available and we buddied up with another couple and went off exploring San Salvador, a mountaintop health spa, and coffee plantation. We continued southfrom El Salvador where we finally met Dietmar and Suzanne in person when we arrived in Costa Rica. We had blown past the fleet that were hunkered down waiting for a break in the Papagayos. We thought we were pretty slick with our Iridium Go and Predict Wind gribs. We called a course and went for it. We were thinking we were pretty darn all that and a bag of potato chips when we came sauntering into Costa Rica, only to have our headsail blow out a few miles from port. The next several days involved a lot of hand sewing and swearing but was made easier with night time libations aboard Dietmar and Suzanne’s boat where we got to meet more Panama Posse pals. We continued south, sometimes with others, sometimes solo. We particularly loved the northwestern area of Panama where it was rare to see another boat. We were out there alone feeling terrific, but always knew there were Posse friends out there, too.

We started experiencing some engine overheating off Punta Mala and when this was shared with others in the Posse, all suspected the heat exchanger. We couldn’t believe how that could be considering we’d had a complete engine service before we left Mexico, but the collective intelligence from the Posse was right. We proceeded to spend over a month in Panama attempting to properly diagnose and remedy the situation. We were able to finally get the engine running correctly the day before we were scheduled to make passage through the canal. Sometimes things just work out, but this may explain why I’ve turned gray.

While in Shelter Bay, we met even more Panama Posse friends and were able to regroup with boat repairs, provisioning, and take some trips back to the states. One of the flights back was to take possession of a home we bought site unseen. While not something we’d recommend, it has all turned out fine. I needed a land base and my captain was good about supporting me. Like being at sea, it’s all a matter of balance.

When we returned to our boat in Panama, we set off with another Panama Posse buddy to spend about a month in the San Blas Islands. We then bid our friends goodbye as they headed to Guatemala and we headed to Grand Cayman, Cuba, the Bahamas, and then a 6-day passage to Annapolis.

Our new home port, Annapolis, puts us in a perfect position to cruise all over the East Coast. We’ve been to Maine and back one summer. We’ve also went to Martha’s Vineyard and New England another summer. We’ve gone all over the Chesapeake, and currently we’re heading south back to the Bahamas. Our place in Annapolis has become the East Coast Panama Posse Boat Show Headquarters. We pride ourselves in being able to help promote this great group.

If you’re on the fence about joining a rally because you’re concerned that you will have to adhere to a schedule or rules, fear not about the Panama Posse. We have had all the benefits of a supportive cruising community, plus numerous discounts. It is growing each year with more and more benefits.

THANKS FOR SHARING JULIE AND JOHN

AND….WELCOME BACK!!

SY MYLA is back on the water with the Panama Posse

SY MYLA 🇺🇸 Julie & John – Moody 44′

18) LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES:

ADVENTURE MEDIA PARTNER

Adventure Awaits:  Subscribe Now to the online Lats & Atts Online Magazine!

19) POSSE SWAG

 

20)  SECURITY ALERT:

LESSONS FROM MEXICO’S PACIFIC COAST OCTOBER 2023

Whether you take a conservative (June 1 to November 30) or loose (July 1 to Nov 4) approach to defining the months of hurricane season, the fact is that the worst weather of hurricane season is historically experienced in August, September and October.  

In October 2023 the Pacific Coast of Mexico has borne the brunt of a simple fact: 

TROPICAL DEPRESSIONS AND STORMS RAPIDLY INTENSIFY INTO HURRICANES

In October 2023, 3 Hurricanes made landfall:

1.  Hurricane Linda made landfall on the southern part of Cabo Corrientes affecting Banderas Bay and Bahia Chamela.
2. Hurricane Norma made landfall at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas cutting across the bottom of the Baja Peninsula affecting the popular cruisers port, La Paz among other coastal communities on the southern and southeastern side of the Baja Peninsula.
3. Hurricane Otis made landfall in Acapulco.  

The most recent of these hurricanes on the Pacific side of Mexico is perhaps the scariest and most pressing because of the way Hurricane Otis rapidly intensified in a very short amount of time and took the heavily developed and densely populated coastal town by surprise with its devastating and destructive force.  What we know is Hurricane Otis is going down in history as a weather bomb. Communication systems were severed and still at the time of this writing getting information in and out of the city is exceptionally challenging.  People were killed and more are still missing, 80% of all buildings over 5 stories are damaged, boats and docks have been destroyed, businesses are being looted and the Mexican government has sent in troops to assist in damage control.

Damage in Acapulco is still being assessed.

A tropical storm as forecast by many models Rapidly Intensified into Cat 5 Hurricane Otis.  Otis’s model forecasts on Tuesday early morning were nowhere remotely close to what happened. (Tomer Burg on Twitter)

Scientists and weather forecasters attribute this higher occurrence of hurricanes in these later months of hurricane season due to seasonally higher ocean temperatures at the surface and in deeper water.  

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes.  

Currently, many scientists are investigating and documenting sea temperatures that are rising above the historically normal highs and may be creating conditions for more hurricanes of greater strength and frequency. Temperature is not the only influence on hurricane development, of course.  Location, local and global winds also influence hurricane development and movement.  

Rapid Intensification (RI) of storms has become a more frequent and increasingly unpredictable nemesis for forecasting storms.  Scientists are actively trying to understand RI: the how’s and why’s of rapid intensification to improve forecasting and modeling.  The data from the three most recent storms to hit Mexico is actively being analyzed.  

Regardless of where captain, crew and vessel are on the water it is natural that we mariners get excited to get out on the water especially after many months of boat preparations.  Please take note that Hurricane season is almost over, yes, but it may not be over yet.  

• Stay vigilant of weather where you are and where you will be going.  
• Watch for large debris in the water
• Use multiple sources often to watch your local weather when storms are brewing.
• Share your anchor location or float plan with emergency contact/s.  
• If weather is coming take precautions to anchor securely, batten down sails, topside projectiles, and hatches.

21) BOLO VICENTE HERRERA 

WE ARE ISSUING A BOLO FOR VICENTE HERRERA 

Vicente has been a stable in Acapulco harbor and we are desperately searching for  him. All calls to his whatsapp and cellphone number have gone unanswered as we suspect many other seafarers in Acapulco are also missing. A lot of the comms in Acapulco are still down.

If you have any information about Vicente 
please notify the Panama Pose immediately 

22)  MUST SEE: 🇺🇸 FORT JEFFERSON – DRY TORTUGAS

 24° 37.3033′ N   82°52.7833′ W

Present day Bird Key Anchorage 

In 1513, Ponce de León led the first known European expedition to La Florida, which he named during his first voyage to the area and discovered the islands in 1513 and named them for the tortoises (Spanish tortugas) that abounded there.

Early European expedition trip to La Florida

In 1521, Ponce de León returned to southwest Florida with the first large-scale attempt to establish a Spanish colony in what is now the continental United States. However, the native Calusa people fiercely resisted the incursion, and he was seriously wounded in a skirmish. The colonization attempt was abandoned, and died from his wounds soon after returning to Cuba.

In 1821 Spain sold Florida to the United States for $5 million (Florida Purchase Treaty which remained in full effect for a whopping 183 days) and about 5 years later lighthouse was constructed on Garden Key in the dry Tortugas

Under US ownership in the 1800’s a fort was built and The Dry Tortugas would constitute the advance post for a defense of the Gulf Coast.

Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson lies about 60 nm due west of Key West

300 years after Ponce’s discovery it was of course prisoners, soldiers and hundreds of slaves who built the park’s centerpiece Fort Jefferson which constitues the largest all-masonry fortification in the Americas and is the largest brick masonry structure composed of over 16 million bricks. At 400 bricks per day it takes a lot of manpower ( 40,000 days to be exact ) to build as this building covers 16 acres. Among United States forts, only Fort Monroe in Virginia and Fort Adams in Rhode Island are larger.

Enslaved African Americans were responsible for  the most difficult tasks at Fort Jefferson. They labored ten hours a day, six days a week. Using little more than wheelbarrows they offloaded arriving ships. The 16 million bricks were used in the fort’s construction. Perhaps their most arduous task was collecting and transporting large quantities of coral rock from nearby islands. This coral material served as the main ingredient in forming coral concrete, a vital component in the fort’s construction. Several of the enslaved men were permitted to bring their wives with them. These women often served as cooks and laundresses

The History of the Fort is fascinating.  The slaves that built it escaped.  

Learn more about this on this link

  https://panamaposse.com/fort-jefferson

The Fort has been turned into a National Park.

The park can be reached only by boat or seaplane. Its waters contain abundant and varied marine life, including three species of sea turtles. Thousands of migrating birds stop at or nest on the islands. For Birders of note is a large flock of sooty terns that nests on Bush Key each spring and summer.

 

23)  PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

SV ARROW 1973 CARTER 37 

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽  Mexico

*37′ Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10′ dinghy with 6hp motor, safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.  Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or offshore.  

Ready for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy, live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.  As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.  

Arrow was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$34,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama A DAYSAIL TO THE PERLAS ARCHIPELAGO

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 34k USD

SY SEAGLUB  FOR SALE IN FIJI 

1999 Hylas 46 – SEAGLUB – $290,000 USD

This 1999 Hylas 46 is a beautiful world voyager in amazing, turn-key condition. She is completely equipped for comfortable cruising under any conditions as well as living aboard. It is no wonder that the Hylas 46 is such a popular choice for modern cruising couples.

This is an extremely sought-after vessel. Designed by the renowned German Frers and built by Queen Long Marine, this luxurious-center cockpit, two-stateroom vessel with a longer waterline and beam carried aft, improves sailing performance, comfort at sea and interior volume. The Hylas 46 has the accommodations you want with all the characteristics that make sailing safe, easy and very enjoyable.

This particular Hylas 46 has had only two owners and has been meticulously maintained evidenced by an excel spreadsheet maintenance log book dating back to 2001. SeaGlub is cutter rigged and complete with new in 2020 B&G radar, autopilot and navigation electronics, Selden in-mast mainsail electric furling system, Furlex headsail furler, Harken staysail furler (new 2023), cockpit enclosure, watermaker, electric toilet, Dometic 16,000btu air conditioning system with reverse-cycle heat, dedicated compressors for refrigerator and freezer, dinghy on arch with electric lift winch, flatscreen TV and Fusion stereo sound system, and more. With a 64 hp Yanmar diesel and added 180 amp secondary house alternator, an 8kw Fisher Panda genset, 1,000 watts of solar and a 350 watt Superwind wind generator, SeaGlub is equipped with abundant sources for power generation.

The Hylas 46 has a wonderful aft owner’s private stateroom and ensuite, plus a lovely pullman berth stateroom on the port side with large head forward for guests. The walkthrough galley to starboard is classic with huge top and front-loading fridge and freezer, four-burner stove/oven, incredible counter space, and the galley is safe and secure when sailing or at anchor. The navigation station is on the port side. The salon and the entire interior is pleasing with varnished teak joinery and custom upholstery. The cabin house has generous windows to create a light and bright interior. Custom cabinetry provides even more storage and makes the vessel extremely liveable!

The numerous hatches have screens in the fore and aft staterooms. The quality and luxury is apparent and you will appreciate the attractive appointments from the high-quality fixtures to the all-LED lighting throughout the boat.

For more information, please contact:

36 Degrees NZ

Rob Hielkema robbs@36degrees.nz

https://www.36degrees.nz/yacht-boat-sales-auckland-new-zealand/boat/hylas-46

 SY  SEAGLUB 🇺🇸  CHRIS – HYLAS 46′ 

 

24)  75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS 

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle –  Ventura, USA

🇲🇽 Cruise Port Village – Mexico

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas  – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico

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🇳🇮 Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua  

🇨🇷 Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica  

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🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador  

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🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina –Cayman Islands 

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🇬🇹 Marina Nana Juana Resort & Boatyard – Guatemala 

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🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize 

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina El Cid – Cancún – Riviera Maya – 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 

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas  

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic    

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys 

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

🇺🇸 IGY Marina at Ortega Landing – Jacksonville, FL , USA 

🇺🇸 Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor Marina – FL , USA  

🇺🇸 Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. Simons Isl. – Georgia, USA  

🇺🇸 Windmill Harbour Marina – Hilton Head South Carolina , USA  

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah Georgia , USA  

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA  

🇺🇸 Holden Beach  – Town Dock, North Carolina , USA 

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA  

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina – Portsmouth,  USA  

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, USA  

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA  

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, Virginia USA 

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA 

LA PLAYITA MARINA PANAMA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

25)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

• PREDICT WIND
• SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
• HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
• HERTZ RENTAL CARS  MEXICO
• YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS 
• FLOR DE CAÑA
• SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER  
• WESTMARINE PRO
• SAILMAIL 
• CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
• SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
• DOWNWIND MARINE
• BELIZE TOURISM
• PANAMA YACHT BROKER
• LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES  
• DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA 

26) PANAMA CANAL AGENT 
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

27) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION

Vicente’s Moorings – Acapulco – Mexico

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

Pacific Posse 

Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

28) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
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28) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 3 

SOUTH PACIFIC SEASON 3 AWARDS 

BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT AWARD

 SY WANDERLUST 🇺🇸 Kristin & Fabio Seawind 52′

THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD

 SY SAOIRSE  🇸🇪  Tomas –  Dufour 40 e’

GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

SY ROLLING STONES  🇺🇸 Geoff, Meghan & crew – Leopard 45′

THE COURAGE AWARD

SY FLITE DECK 🇺🇸 Katie –  Seawind 1160 Lite 38′

SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION AWARD

SY  DREAMER 🇺🇸 Caliber 40lrv’ –  David & Gerne & Crew

UNINVITED VISITOR AWARD

SY PISCES 🇺🇸  Mary & Kevin – Antares 44′

PICTURE OF THE YEAR AWARD

SY GLADAN  🇵🇱  Giancarlo & Paola – Lagoon 44′

THE EXCEPTIONAL SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE CLASS OF ’23

Esteemed Captains, Skippers and Crews of the 2023 South Pacific Posse,

Ahoy and a big heartfelt thank you – let’s celebrate your adventure.

As we battened down the hatches and prepare for the cyclone season, bringing the 2023 South Pacific Posse to a close, I find myself once again inspired and humbled.

A heartfelt salute to the courage, resilience, and unbreakable spirit you’ve shown.

This year’s rally wasn’t just sunsets and smooth sailing; it tested your prowess in ways that only life on the sea can. It’s the grit, the reality of the South Pacific ever moving highs, multiple cultures you encountered,  equipment issues and malfunctions you overcame that make the calmer days sweeter and the bonds between the South Pacific Posse fleet – stronger.

A momentous acknowledgment goes to SY Rolling Stones for their exceptional  rescue of all souls onboard Rain Dancer. Your heroic act epitomizes the spirit of community and skill that we hold dear in the South Pacific Posse. It’s a vivid reminder that while the sea may be untamed, the bonds that link sailors are …  unsinkable. 

We also thank our sponsors, partners and sponsorship  marinas for providing crucial and well operating sanctuaries. These harbor masters, staff, and marina owners have been nothing but supportive of our enterprise, echoing our values of community and adventure.

Now, as we prepare to lay low for the cyclone season, it’s important to remember that this is a seasonal interlude providing you respite to mend your sails and prepping your vessel for next season. You’ll be back, charting new courses and seeking new horizons as soon as the elements allow. In the meantime, we welcome your reflections and suggestions. Your voice helps shape what the South Pacific Posse will become as it grows and evolves.

To every captain, crew member, admiral and vessel that made this year’s rally a tapestry of challenges, and triumphs—thank you.  

Fair winds and following seas, until our hulls meet down the line.

Respectfully.

Captain Dietmar, Suzanne & Maxi 

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