FLEET UPDATE 2023-12-03

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

December 3, 2023

“If you think you are too small to make a difference,

try sleeping with a mosquito”

—Dalai Lama

TOP NEWS  

• Panama Posse Registration Is Open 
• Pictures of the Week
• BARRA DE NAVIDAD KICK OFF WEEKEND 
• Season 7 Awards
• Isla Espiritu Santo, 🇲🇽 Mexico
• Predict Wind & Ocean Posse Seminar
• The Care And Feeding Of A Panama Canal Transit Crew  
• Acapulco In The Wake Of Hurricane Otis: Vicente
• Focus Marina Ixtapa 🇲🇽 Mexico  
• Visit Drake Bay, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
• Good Nautical: Bahia Careyes
• Visit Marina Puerto Velero 🇨🇴
• Panama 🇵🇦 Jazz Fest
• Longlines & Other Mass Extinction Devices:
• Meet The Fleet: Eric And Pati On
• Safety Alert: Corruption
• Must See: 🇲🇽 Tequila

226 Yachts are signed up – JOIN THE PANAMA POSSE 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

From the Jungle to the Bay, Drake Bay, Costa Rica   🇨🇷

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan –  Cal 46′

SY VIVA & Delaware Girl crew soaking in the natural hotsprings in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽 

SY VIVA 🇺🇸 Pierre & Marie – Amel 52′

SV NorthDawn’s welcome to Provedencia, Columbia 🇨🇴

SY NORTH DAWN 🇨🇦  Garry & Sheryl – Catalina 47′

2) COME JOIN US:

BARRA DE NAVIDAD KICK OFF WEEKEND 

COMING UP 

DECEMBER 7-10, 2023

Posse members are assembling in Barra 🇲🇽 awaiting the Kick off event THIS WEEK

MY TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy – DeFever 52′

SY VOYAGER 🇺🇸 Ed & Liz – Hylas 54′

SY LONG WINDID 🇺🇸 Dan & Marla – Jeanneau 42′ 

RSVP FOR PANAMA POSSE

KICK-OFF WEEKEND IN BARRA DE NAVIDAD

NEWS FROM CAPTAIN DIETMAR:

“We can confirm that 3 cases of Flor de Caña rum have arrived at Marina Puerto de la Navidad in Barra de Navidad, Mexico

We have 4 days to get rid of it.”

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

We got a whole posse full of these bad boys waiting for us next weekend 

BARRA GALERIA DE ARTE & RESTAURANT Barra de Navidad 🇲🇽 

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK

SY FREEDOM in Abacos, Bahamas 🇧🇸 

SY FREEDOM 🇺🇸 David & Sheri – Beneteau 55′

Professional beggars wear ties (tie)(tie)

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan –  Cal 46′

Big Caribbean seas underway between Jamaica and Shelter Bay Panama.

It was a rough ride- 9ft swells and 30 knot gusts practically the whole way.  Sooo excited to be here  (Shelter Bay, 🇵🇦 Panama) and on solid ground.

MV CELT 🇺🇸 Gerry & Angela – Nordhavn 43′

4) SEASON 7 AWARDS

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   

SUBMIT ENTRIES ON THE LINE AP OR EMAIL TO EDITOR@PANAMAPOSSE.COM

Share the adventure

Does it get any better?

Nomination for Picture of the Year: 

Maison de Sante in a double rainbow in  Drake Bay, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica

 
5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

Panama Posse gatherings 

(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:

Cesar – Marina Manager
cesar@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  

SAVE THE DATE 
 PANAMA POSSE BELIZE YACHT FEST 
APRIL 6 2024

https://oceanposse.com/events/belize-placencia-yacht-fest/

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 
@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

Placencia Yacht Club

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

>> RSVP HERE <<

CONTACT

 Beat,  Caroline, dogs & Heyson Garcia – 
YES PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB IS UBER DOG FREINDLY 

We, Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich are running this place since January 2021. We moved from Switzerland to Belize in 2019 and found this treasure while looking for a dock for our yacht.

Simplicity on a high level is our aim and to make our guests happy.

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

SAFE APPROACH 

SAVE APPROACH   @ 16° 29.9333′ N 088° 20.9266′ W

Watch this video on how to grab life in Belize ! 

6) WORLD HERITAGE SITE:

ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO, 🇲🇽 MEXICO

 SY COURAGE goes a short 4 hours north from La Paz to Isla Espiritu Santo

 Candelero Bay Anchorage @ 24° 302 N  110° 231 W 11.00 ft 3.90 m 

 First night here!  Beautiful! 

We (went) snorkeling!  We swam around a little island in middle of bay where the pin drop is above by Playa Candalero. Saw a dozen species of fish and five kinds of coral. Had two beautiful beaches with easy access and hiking trails inland. We would have stayed longer but needed to get back to La Paz (4 hours away) for more work being done as we upgrade courage after our first three months out here!

SY COURAGE  🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

Like many Panama Posse members before and many yet to come, SY COURAGE dropped their hook at Isla Espirtu Santo last week.  This island is part of a national park system in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico just north of La Paz.  Isla Espiritu Santo is separated by a narrow channel from another beautiful island called Isla Partida.  There are anchorages all around both islands and in between.  Each offer adventures, vistas, and shelter all their own.  The desert cactus and turquoise water around Isla Espiritu Santo, 🇲🇽 Mexico make exploring underwater, at the surface, or ashore especially memorable!

Crystal clear waters are home to so much marine life.  

In a short time at Isla Espiritu Santo one will see sea turtles poking their heads above the surface for some fresh air, rays jumping and splashing, and colorful fish navigating rock structures lining the shore.

Exploring onshore is a great way to see the island & look back on your mothership. 

 SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES  
is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

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. 

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures SY COURAGE…

…and your Sunsets!

7) PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE SEMINAR 

Weather Routing while under way

  Friday, December 8, 2023⋅11:30am – 1:00pm  PACIFC TIME 

Complex weather analysis made easy.

Don’t spend hours plotting a course and checking forecasts to ensure a safe passage. PredictWind Weather Routing takes care of the heavy lifting to give you the perfect route, in seconds.

Join Zoom Meeting
 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83131859510?pwd=emFMSnNUMDdCV2Q5WVhQakNBNG12UT09

 

8) THE CARE AND FEEDING

OF A PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT CREW

A question came up on the line call this week regarding what to feed the line handlers and advisors – how much water / coca cola etc.  We wrote Panama Posse sponsor Marcus Santana, General Manager with Waypoint Marine.  We asked him for recommendations.  Below is his response:

There is no regulation on what kind of food, but for pilots (vessels) should provide bottled water during the whole transit, and the meal should be similar to the officers meals on board.

The yacht may provide on board food or drinks to other ACP personnel as a courtesy.

Additionally, according to the regulation stated in the Procedures for securing a Handline Transit of the Panama Canal (https://pancanal.com/maritime-services/informacion-para-clientes/), it states that:

• Sanitary Facility: it must be a Western – type toilet that has a storage tank of sufficient capacity during the transit, so as not to incur delays or additional charges when having to relieve the Pilot or Transit Advisor.

• Drinking water: must be individual sealed bottles of water, at least 3 liters per day for the consumption of the transit advisor or pilot, otherwise, there may be additional charges for this  service.

• Meal available: a complete hot meal with protein, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, conditioned by transit schedule, otherwise, there may be additional charges for this service.

Although we understand that the aforementioned information already attends to your queries, please allow us to add a few suggestions, as per the below:

WHAT IS SUGGESTED?

WHEN STARTING THE TRANSIT, PROVIDE A SMALL BREAKFAST WHICH MAY INCLUDE, BUT DOES NOT NECESSARILY SHOULD, BLACK COFFEE, TEA, MILK, JUICE, SOFT DRINK OR WATER. SMALL PORTIONS OF COOKIES, TOAST, BREAD, AND, IN SOME SITUATIONS, EGGS, SALAD, SAUSAGE AND OTHERS.

DURING THE COURSE OF THE DAY, MAINLY, CLOSE TO NOON, A SMALL MEAL IS RECOMMENDED, ACCORDING TO EACH ONE’S TASTE, SUITABLELY ACCOMPANIED BY SOME DRINK.

FURTHERMORE, WE BELIEVE THAT GOOD COMMUNICATION AND VERBAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES IS MORE VALID THAN THE WRITTEN ORDER OF THINGS. HOWEVER, WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE THE SAME EDUCATION, STANDARDS AND PRINCIPLES THAT WE HAVE. WHEN THESE CASES OCCUR, WE SUGGEST USING A CALM VOICE TO INFORM ALL CREW OF THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE ON BOARD AND CONTACT YOUR AGENT VIA PHONE TO MEDIATE THE SITUATION AND SEEK TO PEACE IN THE SITUATION.

THIS IS THE FAMOUS: THE UNWRITTEN ORDER OF THINGS, WHICH DENOTES OUR INTRISIC OBLIGATION TO TAKE CARE OF MATTERS NOT PREVIOUSLY DETERMINED BY WRITTEN ORDER, WHICH, HOWEVER, ARE PART OF THE LOCAL CULTURE, GOOD CUSTOMS, HABITS, AND ROUTINES. THIS IS THE FAMOUS “USAGES AND CUSTOMS”, WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH TO MAINTAIN GOOD ORDER AND EXPECTED PROCEDURE DURING TRANSIT, ESPECIALLY REGARDING WHAT TO OFFER OR WHAT TO EAT.

FURTHERMORE, WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT WHEN WE INVITE A PERSON TO ENTER “OUR HOUSE”, WE ENSURE THAT THEY MAKE THEM FEEL WELCOME AND AT EASE. BY OFFERING ONE OR TWO MEALS, IN ADDITION TO SHOWING A SIGN OF EDUCATION AND SOLIDARITY, IT SEEMS REASONABLE SINCE THE PERSON IS WORKING AND, IN ANY COUNTRY OR COMPANY, FOR EVERY 4 HOURS OF WORK THE PERSON HAS THE RIGHT TO REST, FOOD, WATER AND BATHROOM.

THEREFORE, IT SEEMS TO BE GOOD TO OVITRE TO OFFER THE MINIMUM NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE GOOD WORK OF THE PILOT ADVISOR AND LINE HANDLERS.

We hope that aforementioned information is under your expectation and appraisal, and we remain at your disposal for further information or clarification you may deem necessary, looking forward to hearing from you soon again.

   

Best regards,

Marcus – General Manager
Waypoint Yacht Services

Mob: +507 6427-8099

9) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES 

IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE PANAMA POSSE

10) ACAPULCO IN THE WAKE OF

HURRICANE OTIS:

PANAMA POSSE MEMBERS REACH OUT TO HELP ACAPULCO RESIDENT AND LONGTIME MARINER, VINCENTE

Hurricane Otis was the result of a tropical storm that rapidly intensified off the coast of Acapulco in October 2023.  No one expected it and everyone was caught off-guard.  In the dark of night three 20 foot waves came through the bay and destroyed everything. In one fell swoop the entire Acapulco Yacht Club was thrown on land.  Four marinas are gone.  Boats got swamped and sunk rapidly.  650 boats were destroyed or sunk.  Some people escaped with their lives, others did not.    

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Mexican government has sent in assistance.  Two ships arrived in from Mazatlan last week to help lift the boats out of the bay.  Meanwhile, Panama Posse members have come together to help where they can.  

Immediately following the devastation, Captain Dietmar attempted to make contact with longtime mariner, Acapulco resident, and friend, Vincente.  Vincente ran the mooring balls in Acapulco and many vessels and crew that have travelled through Acapulco have had the opportunity to meet him.  All communication lines were down following Otis and it took several weeks to discover that in fact Vincente was alive.  He survived!  

We quickly learned that his wife, son, and grandson were lost aboard his boat and he is left to make sense of what is left.  A relief fund has been organized.  If you or anyone you know would like to contribute to a man picking up the pieces in Acapulco, Vincente is a kind soul in need.

WE ARE RAISING MONEY FOR CAPTAIN VICENTE  HERRERA

All funds (minus credit card fees) will go directly to Vicente

Update 2023.12.01

 By these means I send you a report of the current situation that we are experiencing in Acapulco Guerrero: After the passage of Hurricane Otis, the Port of Acapulco is in total abandonment by the municipal government authorities, which is why we have certain shortcomings such as the docks of the Acapulco marina and Yacht Club closed and destroyed, the reconstruction of the marina is very slow therefore sailors or sea workers do not have work. The mooring balls are mostly found in their places of origin, almost all of them survived the hurricane. The marina area is guarded by the national guard and the marina therefore is very well maintained and safe. The entire population does not yet have water and electricity, but gasoline and diesel are already available throughout the city for the service of those who request it. The port captain’s office is already working its normal schedules and continues to search for the 55 missing people (captains and sailors). Currently what we need most is to repair our homes, household items such as beds, refrigerators, etc. Since most of us lost our homes. For example, at this moment I am staying with a neighbor because my home was taken away by the hurricane. I say goodbye to you, remaining at his command, Greetings.

Sincerely Acapulco Guerrero on November 30, 2023 Captain Vincente Herrera Carrillo Telephone: 7444398184

Update 2023.12.03

The money is coming to me, thank you very much 🙏 I still feel devastated and desperate for not finding my family, the search is very slow, I have paid many divers and still not even the boat has been found but we are standing and waiting for the group  Panama Posse to serve you as we always have, a big hug for the entire group.

Blessings 🙏

I already collect the initial support money from Oxxo

Thank you

VICENTE IS GREATFUL & A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THESE  DONORS 

CARINTHIA       ·   Suzanne & Dietmar   ·   $500

FLOATING STONES  ·   Bryan & Cheryl Stone  ·   $500

SUMMER BREEZE  ·   Kurtis  Bell  ·   $150

JULIA MAX  ·   George & Sue  Stonecliffe    ·   $50

TOKETEE  ·   Dar & Diane Winkler-Nelson  ·   $50

DAWN PATROL    ·   Laney Gale  ·   $50

PRIYA     ·   Brandt Faatz    ·   $50

TIDINGS OF JOY  ·   Jeff &  Joy Dornick  ·   $25

SUNDOWNER  ·   Rhiannon Venier  ·   $50

ONE LIFE   ·   Douglas & Mary  David  ·   $100

PINCOYA  ·   Aimee Souza  ·   $250

DELTA SWIZZLER  ·   Mark & Cindy Miller  ·   $100

GALATEA  ·   Sarah & Mark  ·   $25

MAISON DE SANTE  ·   Nicole & Keenan Smith  ·   $250

 ·   Elaine Bailey  ·   $50

FORTITUDE  X  ·   Stefanie & Torsten Schulz  ·   $50

SJ  ·   Sarah & Craig Dempsey / Tyler  ·   $50

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Devon Dunlap  ·   $25

SUNDOWNER  ·   J and L Venier  ·   $250

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Tiffany Hsu  ·   $25

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Michelle Hamdani  ·   $100

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Susanna Tuan  ·   $200

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Niyati Shah  ·   $25

CHEMISTRY  ·   Sean Anderson  ·   $100

KNOT RIGHT  ·   Walt Childson & Jearine  ·   $200

HO’OKIPA  ·   Charles & Lisa Lenhoff  ·   $100

OZ  ·   Steve & Susan Warner  ·   $50

 ·   Delphine McCourt  ·   $30

BISOU  ·   Robin Felicity Foley  ·   $100

BUG OUT BOAT  ·   Bob Sadler  ·   $50

ZORBA  ·   Limor Zimerman  ·   $25

FREEDOM  ·   Sheri Normandin  ·   $100

PERCEPTION  ·   Melinda & James Hall  ·   $100

SPLINTERS  ·   Kim Paulsen  ·   $100

Mandalay Bay  ·   Alison Gabel  ·   $100

GREEN FLASH  ·   Robert Ritner  ·   $100

 ·   Blouin Pierre  ·   $25

FELICITÀ  ·   Gretchen & Tim  ·   $100

SUNDOWNER  ·   Donovan Kessler  ·   $25

 ·   Lauren Empey  ·   $100

Family of Maison de Santé  ·   Meredithe & Mitchel Katz  ·   $500

JUNGLE  ·   Deb & Jim Ellifritt  ·   $300

TRIUMPH  ·   Lynn Smith  & Joseph  ·   $100

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Cristian Barros  ·   $25

BOHEMIA  ·   Thomas Watkins  ·   $25

WHIRLWIND  ·   Mike Descheemaeker  ·   $25

PATHFINDER  ·   Jean-Philippe chevaillier  ·   $100

For updates on Vicente’s progress  on building back his life follow this page 

11)  MARINA IXTAPA 🇲🇽 Mexico  

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

17°39.9733′ N  101°37.0533′ W

We welcome to the 20·21 Panama Posse with the following discounts

for members of the PANAMÁ POSSE:

10% discount off on daily rates

CONTACT

Lic. Elsa Zuñiga Loeza

Manager

Marina IxtapaTel.

+52   755 553-0222

+52 755-553-2180

email ezuniga@marina-ixtapa.com

reservations@marina-ixtapa.com

www.marina-ixtapa.com

AMENITIES

The Marina has 583 slips with:

Power supply for 30, 50 and 100 amps

Potable water supply

24-hour security guards

Launch ramp for boats less than 30’

Boatyard for boats up to 120 gross tonnage

Weather reports, and tourist information.

Other services:

Pick up and delivery laundry service

Showers and restrooms (Guest and crew)

In our Harbor Master Office we help all our guest to do the arrivals and departures of boats instead to send them to the Port Captain Office.

Vessels with deeper drafts are advised to talk with manager and go in at high tide.

https://panamaposse.com/marina-ixtapa

12) VISIT DRAKE BAY, 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA

A Courtesy dock can be found just inside the estuary in the east side of the anchorage in Drake Bay 

Drake Bay is a wonderful anchorage to stop in on your way north or south along the pacific coast of Costa Rica.  Bahía Drake (Drake Bay) is a generous bay on the north side of the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park on the coast of southwestern Costa Rica.  The Bay is surrounded by lush jungle, blooming tower-size plants, swinging monkeys, and colorful birds.  

Lobster Claw Heliconia stores water for birds and insects. 

Historically, this bay is believed to be a port once used by Sir Francis Drake during his raids on the Spanish Main in the 16th century and the location of one of the British pirate’s fabled hidden treasures.

Today, Drake Bay is an out of the way home and destination for many an adventurous soul.  Drake Bay is difficult to get to by land and if the swell is not favorable, it is difficult to stay on the water.  This is to say, anyone lucky enough to get there and have the favorable conditions to stay has much to enjoy.

The ramp up the dinghy dock has a towering entrance at low tide

At the top of this ramp is a path.  To the left you can walk to town (very nice walk), to the right you can walk all the way to Corcovado National Park.  Walking in this direction is awesome!   Along the path towards Corcovado are many secluded beaches and eco resorts on the hill. The area is super picturesque and it is impressive how maintained the path is for being in the jungle zone.  

How far will you go?

OPTIONAL ADVENTURE: 

If you walk the trail towards Corcovado for a couple few miles (?) and get to a flat open area where there is what looks to be a closed school (or official building of some sort) and then a small church.  Just at/past the small church there is a path to the left.  Walk this path a short ways.  It will feel like you are in someone’s backyard and you will get to a Soda (a small, local Costa Rican eatery).  IF you chose this adventure, and my description is sufficient, enjoy and let me know what you think.

13) GOOD NAUTICAL:

BAHIA CAREYES

Costalegre, Jalisco,  🇲🇽 Mexico

Bahia Careyes is a small bay which has been developed for luxury living and upmarket tourism. Moorings and tour boats tend to occupy the more sheltered parts of the three coves which make up the bay however there is still space to anchor outside the mooring field off Playa Careyes in the southern cove

https://goodnautical.com/mexico-pacific/anchorage/bahia-careyes

  Anchorage is possible in the northern lobe however the holding is poor and the beach is private property.

Even during the winter months swell diffracting between the islands tends to make this a rolly anchorage.  SY VOYAGER recently took a mooring in Careyes.  Ed and Liz report:

We took a bow and stern mooring with Captain Crunch. Quiet picturesque anchorage. Nice restaurant and beach ba shore. Easy beach landing.

(You can) make a res for mooring with Captain Crunch. +52 315 112 7044 on WhatsApp. He texts in Spanish. Speaks some English in person. Capital Crunch will meet you in his panga and hand you mooring lines. No need to have lines pre-rigged on your boat 😊 $50/night

Approaches

Keep good lookout for isolated, uncharted rocks as you approach the anchorage from the south-west.

Anchorage

Anchor outside the moorings in 7.3m on sand. Check your anchor is well set as the holding is moderate. Playa Careyes is buoyed for guest swimming and cannot be approached by dinghy. Instead go ashore at Playa Rosa in the central cove.

Facilities

A couple of restaurants can be found at Playa Careyes and Playa Rosa. Swimming and snorkeling are heavenly in the crystal clear waters.

Easy beach landing with a great view of the mothership

SY VOYAGER 🇺🇸 Ed & Liz – Hylas 54‘

14) MARINA PUERTO VELERO 🇨🇴 

SPONSORS PANAMA POSSE

Latitude 10° 55′ 48″ N, Longitude 75° 03′ 32″ W

Hello Panama Posse, thanks for the interest with our marina.

The rates are on our website and we can offer your affiliates a 10% discount on these rates.

For reservations the phones are: +57 304 228 7282 / +57 311 286 2836

Email: info@mpv.com.co

I remain pending that other things need, cordially,

Zoraida / GM

MARINA PUERTO VELERO 🇨🇴 SPONSORS PANAMA POSSE

15) PANAMA 🇵🇦 JAZZ FEST 

JANUARY 15-20, 2024

The Panama Jazz Festival was created in 2003 with the mission of improving people’s quality of life through excellent musical experiences.

Offering educational and artistic activities of the highest academic and professional quality, the Festival inspires and educates while providing tools and opportunities to build a better future for individuals and their communities.

Since its inception the Festival has announced more than 5 million dollars in national and international scholarships, has attracted more than 500,000 people from around the world to Panama and has offered more than 1 million dollars in music education of the highest quality to Panamanian students and the rest of Latin America in their educational events.

The 2024 XXI Panama Jazz Festival will be dedicated to highlighting the work of Panamanian jazz drummer and composer, Billy Cobham .

Billy Cobham, born in Columbus, was named in 2001 as one of the 25 most influential drummers by Modern Drummer Magazine.

In his extensive career, he has released more than 50 albums as a solo artist and has collaborated with artists such as Miles Davies, Carlos Santana, Ron Carter, Gil Evans, Fania all Star, James Brown, Peter Gabriel, Quincy Jones, Sonny Rollins, among many others. . 

Tickets for the Panama Jazz Festival are 50% off now.

https://panamajazzfestival.com/    

16) LONGLINES, DRAGNETS, &

UNMARKED FISHING DEVICES:

What to look out for and What are they?

LONG LINES ARE ILLEGAL or RESTRICTED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD…

WATCH OUT FOR THEM ALONG THE CENTRAL AMERICAN PANAMA POSSE ROUTE 

Be on the look out for a black flag that can mark an end or a mark along a longline.

Long lines are typically tended by local fisherman in open boats called Pangas

Also be on the look out for floating plastic bottles that may mark fishing nets.

Moving along the Pacific Coast between Mexico and Panama, a vessel will likely see or encounter longlines, dragnets, and/or unmarked fishing devices.

ENVIRONMENTAL & CRUISER RISKS OF MICROPLASTICS AND LONG LINES

Long lines, driftnets, ghost nets, and other illegal fishing techniques are the main source of microplastics pollution in the Pacific Ocean. Further these environmentally damaging fishing systems increase the percentage of by-catch, causing many millions of tons of fish and marine life to be wastefully and tragically discarded yearly.

Panama Posse participants are advised that Longlines along the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Panama create risk for your voyage. For this reason we have created this page https://panamaposse.com/longlines to help located longlines that can disable your vessel (see below). Most countries have jurisdiction over the waters within 200 nautical miles of their shores, called the exclusive economic zone, set by the Law of the Sea, however enforcement is very limited.

https://panamaposse.com/longlines

Longlines are a lethal weapon to the fish they seek and other marine animals.

Longlines catch and kill marine life indiscriminately and far more than they target.  The non target animals are called “bycatch”; they can be seabirds or sharks to aquatic mammals.  

WHAT ARE LONG LINES?

Longline fishing is a prevalent form of commercial fishing and allows for massive fish yields. Longlines can be used near the surface (pelagic longlines) to catch open-water fish such as tuna and swordfish, or near the seafloor (demersal longlines) to catch bottom-dwelling fish such as cod or halibut. Longlines consist of a very long mainline (up to 60 miles long) that is set and dragged behind a boat. The mainline has thousands of attached branchlines, each containing baited hooks used to lure and capture target fish. An unfortunate consequence of the longline design is that it attracts and easily snags non-target marine life (known as bycatch). A wide range of animals such as sea turtles, sharks, seals, seabirds, and marine mammals can get caught on hooks or entangled in fishing line (above). Interactions with longlines can cause non-target animals, many of which are endangered, to suffer injury and even mortality.

LONGLINE DANGERS

Longlining practices lead to the creation of Ghost Nets as the plastics degrade in the water. These nets were at one time made from hemp and other naturals substance however in recent decades they are made from microplastics that do not degrade. Storms, strong current, accidents, and purposeful discarding of these net-like lines create extremely dangerous situations in our oceans.

RISK TO SAILORS

A surface long line may extend as many as 3 miles perpendicular from the shore.  It poses immediate risk to any boat traveling along the coast. Longlines can easily become trapped in a propeller and immobilize a vessel.

RISKS TO ENVIRONMENT

When a long line gets loose or is degraded to the point where it is discarded, it will begin a journey that leads to catastrophic risk to the environment. Since these lines have hooks made of metal and plastic that do not biodegrade they will create hazards that damage marine life. These drifting lines can easily be lost or abandoned at sea due to storms and/or neglect.  Synthetic nets are resistant to rot or breakdown, therefore ghost nets fish indefinitely in the oceans. Marine animals are easily tangled in ghost nets as are the predators the dead animals attract. The float line on the net allows it to be pushed in the current which causes ecological damage to plant life and substrate habitats as the nets drag the sea floor.  In addition, oceanic microplastics pollution is largely caused by plastic-made fishing gear like drift nets, that are wearing down by use, lost or thrown away.

A recent study reported that “Fibers caused by long-lining were found to be the most common plastic particle in the open water. These tiny particles have been found to travel as far as 10,000 kilometers in the Pacific Ocean and have reached even the most remote areas such as Galapagos Islands, polluting its pristine waters and rich wildlife.

Some vessels attach a SHARK SHAFT to their prop shaft to cut away any line that may threaten to entangle their prop. 

HOW TO DEAL WITH LONG LINES

Without a Shark Shaft the way in which one deals with a longline depends on their vessel, how they are moving, and what time of day it is.

• If you are sailing and not using engines – simply check your boat speed and look aft to see if a tell tale V comes to the surface – if you see a V and your vessel is slowing down attach a sharp kitchen knife to your boat hook (with 2 hose clamps ), cut the line, and continue on – on larger keels or bulb shaped keels it may be difficult to see if you are free so watching your boat speed is key here – if the line is wrapped around your keel you can carefully reverse or jump in and cut the line to free yourself.

• If this happens at night all bets are off as your ability to see if you snagged the line is greatly diminished. A drastic decrease in boat speed is usually a good indication. A waterproof flashlight can sometimes be lowered aft so you can try to see the line. Proceed with caution – wake up the crew – and talk through the process of freeing your vessel.

• If you are under power using engines –  and you see the line in time – place your engines in neutral and coast over the long line ( if you have folding props this folds them to reduce the chances of snagging the line).  Simply check your boat speed and look aft to see if a tell tale V comes to the surface – if not you are free

• Alternatively PLACE THE ENGINE(S) INTO NEUTRA  IMMEDIATELY

– if you see a V and your vessel is slowing down attach a sharp kitchen knife to your boat hook (with 2 hose clamps ) and cut the line and continue on as soon as the v slips away – let the current wind drift you out of the location and continue on

– if the line has wrapped around your prop you are going to have to inspect the level of damage first – stop the engine and use a sharp knife to cut off the wrapped line –

With sail drives there is a possibility that the line has entered into the seal area and the line is keeping your oil from gushing out – if you are on a cat use the spare engine – watch your sail drive oil level like a hawk after the incident

– consider adding prop protecting line cutters in the future

17) MEET THE FLEET: Eric and Pati on 

SY SHEARWATER

HAVE BEEN WITH THE PANAMA POSSE 

SINCE THE BEGINNING

 Eric and Pati sporting their Season 3 Burgee

SY SHEARWATER framed bay a picture perfect rainbow in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Panama Posse Season 5 Picture of the Year WINNER

Receiving their Season 6 Burgee

Eric and Pati have been with the Panama Posse since its conception in Barra de Navidad in 2017.  Over the years they have shared and continue to share their journey with the Panama Posse.  

Over the years there have been many Beautiful Sunsets.

Sweet underwater creatures

Slow sloths

Here’s to another great season together Eric and Pati.  Thanks for your longterm participation!

SY SHEARWATER 🇺🇸 Eric & Pati – Formosa 50’

 

17) LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES

 ADVENTURE SAILING MEDIA PARTNER

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All subscribers receive:

10% off at the Lats & Atts Store

Download the digital magazine for easy offline access!

Invitation to Cruisers Parties

18) POSSE SWAG

 

19)  SAFETY ALERT: CORRUPTION

A dictionary definition of corruption is:

dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

Corruption in the form of bribery is most common form of corruption for cruisers to encounter.  2024 is a Political year in Panama meaning that many officials in office at the beginning of the year may or most likely may not hold their position through the end of the 2024.  People in the Port Captains office, Immigration may be looking for kickbacks while they still have the power to seek them.  

Here are some steps to take to mitigate this scenario:

1) if asked or hinted for a bribe offer to buy them a Soft Drink / Cookie 

2) if he / she insists ask to use the bathroom 

3) start a voice recording of what happens next – ask the official to confirm their name – while recording on govt properties are often illegal – you are not video recording – it’s a butt dial

4) do not pay the bribe – the govt official will use TIME to pressure you – don’t give in say that you need to leave to get the money you have plenty of time … and leave 

5) take a picture of outside the office and email us the information including date and time etc 

6)   leave the area and fill out a corruption report and submit it to registration@panamaposse.com – we will then contact the embassy on your behalf and next steps 

7) IF YOU PAY A BRIBE YOU FORCE THE NEXT SAILOR TO ALSO HAVE TO PAY A BRIBE – PLEASE HELP STOP CORRUPTION !

20)  MUST SEE: 🇲🇽 TEQUILA

Pro Tip: It is Best to stay overnight and savor the offerings.

The official town of Tequila – a 3 hour drive from Banderas Bay and Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast on Mexico –offers Museum Tasting and the ‘How to” on Tequila Production.

The 34,658 ha site, between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the deep valley of the Rio Grande River, is part of an expansive landscape of blue agave.  This landscape is shaped by the culture of the plant and has been used since the 16th century to produce tequila spirit.

Within the landscape are working distilleries reflecting the growth in the international consumption of tequila in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the agave culture is seen as part of national identity. The area encloses a living, working landscape of blue agave fields and the urban settlements of Tequila, Arenal, and Amatitan with large distilleries where the agave ‘pineapple’ is fermented and distilled.

The property is also a testimony to the Teuchitlan cultures which shaped the Tequila area from AD 200-900, notably through the creation of terraces for agriculture, housing, temples, ceremonial mounds and ball courts.

Tequila is produced by removing the heart of the plant in its seventh to fourteenth year .  Harvested piñas normally weigh 80–200 pounds   This heart is stripped of its leaves and heated to convert the inulin to sugars.

True tequila is made from blue agave. The production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling.

 

21)  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

 

22)  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

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico  

🇲🇽 PANAMA POSSE HQ  – Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico 

🇲🇽 La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – Mexico  

🇬🇹 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  

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador  

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama  

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 La Playita Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Solarte  Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – 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 & Boatyard – Guatemala 

🇧🇿 Thunderbirds Marine – Placencia – Belize 

🇧🇿 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 

FLAMENCO  MARINA PANAMA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

23)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

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

SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT | SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE 

24) 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

25) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

“Our vision is to provide a top tier service to our customers while covering every potential need they may have when approaching shore. 

Small yachts (up to 38.1 meters LOA) are expected to experience substantial delays, and in the meantime, we will be able and willing to help you mitigate this impact and serve you.

 Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus Santana 
General Manager 
Marcus.Santana@waypointyacht.com

International Business Park Building 3855, office 201 Panama Pacifico / Panama

Phone: +507-310 9891 ext.206 
AOH: +507-310 9892 (24/7) 
Mob: +507 6427-8099

 Casco Viejo  downtown Panama

26) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SSCA

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

27) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

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Atlantic Posse ’24 Burgees

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, St. Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳

28) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

REGISTRATION OPENS DEC 1 2024 

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC