FLEET UPDATE 2023-12-10

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

DECEMBER 10, 2023

“Once you accept the fact that queso and margaritas taste better than being skinny, the second half of your life begins”

– someone, somewhere along the way in Mexico

TOP NEWS  

• Season 7:  Registration Is Open  231 Yachts From 21 Ensigns Signed Up !
• Season 7  Posse Seminars And Events Past And Future
• Photo Of The Year Nominations
• Meeting The Captain And Crew Of A 1940’s Recommissioned Navy Ship In Costa Rica 🇨🇷
• Discover Hidden Treasures In Belize: Atolls 🇧🇿
• Red Tide: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
• Land Trip To The Highlands In Chiapas, Mexico 🇲🇽
• Good Nautical: San Blas Islands, Panama  🇵🇦
• Meet The Fleet: Mark And Cindy On Mv Delta Swizzler
• Grenada, Nicaragua 🇳🇮

231 Yachts are signed up – JOIN YOUR POSSE 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Barra Marina filling in for the Kick-off Weekend Seminars and Festivities 🇺🇸 

http://xk5ki.mjt.lu/img2/xk5ki/9bb61beb-a1dc-4af7-8419-10d116ddc851/contentMY TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy – DeFever 52′

Flying their Spinnaker south along the Mexican coast, 🇲🇽 

SY C-YA 🇺🇸 Glenn & Ashleigh – Island Packet 38.8’

Travelling from the York River to Lake Worth Inlet 🇺🇸 

SY FIDO 🇺🇸 Yolanda – Leopard 44′

Sundowner and Serenity are neighbors in Marina Ixtapa, 🇲🇽

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸  Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

MY SUNDOWNER 🇺🇸 Jeffrey & Lynn – Californian 50′

2) SAVE THE DATE :  TOMORROW
Presentation

South Pacific Posse and Panama Posse Pacific Route 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico  🇲🇽

Dec 11, 2023

15:00 pm – 17:30

New Location Paseo de los Cocoteros 55, 63735 Nautico Turistico, Nay.

NUEVO VALLARTA MX

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK:

Posse Boats en route to the Kick-off Weekend

Entrance to Barra de Navidad, Mexico 🇲🇽

SY TIAMAT 🇺🇸  Stephanie & Owen – Fountaine Pajot 44’

Rounding Cabo Corrientes 15-17 knot & 5′ swell.  Not a bad ride at all.

MV PAUSE 🇺🇸 Beth & Larry – Nordhavn 55′

Multi Day Passage Ocean Sunset between La Paz to Barra de Navidad.

Can’t beat it!

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

4) SEASON 7 AWARDS

Editor Nominations for PICTURE OF THE YEAR:

Quite a view leaving Savannah, Georgia 🇺🇸

SY CERCA TROVA 🇺🇸 Bruce & Lynette – Manta MK IV 42′

Flat calm morning in La Cruz, Mexico 🇲🇽 

MY MOCEAN SICKNESS 🇺🇸 Jim & Lynda – Med Yacht 50′

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

Share the adventure

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

 
5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

(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) PRE-KICKOFF POSSE MEET UP 

HOSTED BY MV DELTA SWIZZLER

Adventure is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse.  Diving deeper one will find that Comradery is in the heart and Reverie is in the soul of Posse gatherings.

MV
Delta Swizzler has been posted up in Barra for several months now and
generously hosted a potluck meet and greet on their vessel.. The
invitation was simple: 

PRE-POSSE
CHRISTMAS KICK OFF PARTY. Gates open around 5 and as long as  the
lights are on I guess we’ll keep going.  Please bring great
appetizer to share and your drink of choice. We will have ice as long as
it last, also with music and stories. We have been with the Posse 5-6
years and just returned from Panama last year. So there will be a few
skippers around who can answer some of your questions. If you have boat
cards grab a few as you meet Your fellow cruisers.  We are the lit
up Christmas boat on C dock, just ask anyone directions.

Suffice to say, fun was had by all!

Letting the good times roll on MV Delta Swizzler

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

6) MEETING THE CAPTAIN, CREW 

OF A 150′ 1940’S NAVY SHIP

& THEIR EARTHRACE CONSERVATION MISSION 

MV MURDOC on anchor in Costa Rica 🇨🇷 

We (SV MAISON DE SANTÉ) were invited onboard a 150 foot Navy ship, MV MURDOC,
from the 1940s recently.  This vessel has been recommissioned as a
conservation boat targeting illegal fishing and wildlife poaching in
Costa Rica and Panamanian waters.  Captain Pete is known for his
anti-whaling conservation efforts with the group Sea Shepherd and his
eco-Trimaran (that he built!) that was hit by and tragically sunk by a
Japanese fishing vessel that was engaged in illegal fishing/whaling
activities. To say this guy is a badass is an understatement. 

Art, passion, & maritime eco mission rooted to mother earth

Jack inspecting the Command Center

Their ships outdoor space to relax and refresh.

See
what he does now with Earthrace Conservation at the link below. Captain
Pete is looking for energetic volunteers to help so if you know someone
who would be interested in the cause and could commit to a month
onboard, contact him through the website. In February they have plans to
monitor the Galápagos Islands.  

LINK to:  https://www.earthrace.net  

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

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures SY  MAISON DE SANTÉ !

 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. 

7) DISCOVER HIDDEN TREASURES IN BELIZE 🇧🇿

TURNEFFE ATOLL & 

LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL

The Blue Hole

This
landmark is one of Belize’s most historic marine sites since Jacques
Cousteau explored it in 1970. The Blue Hole is a deep, circular sinkhole
within the Lighthouse Reef atoll with a depth of almost 400 feet.
According to several studies, this site dates back to more than fifteen
thousand years; tectonic shifts and rising sea levels caused the cave to
collapse and form a sinkhole. Here you can find many species of sharks,
algae, sponges, and other immobile lifeforms. The interior wall is
decorated with coral growths and a variety of marine species just beyond
the underwater wall. The Blue Hole is a must-see for divers but even
non-divers can find some appreciation of its majestic beauty; Which can
be viewed from a helicopter, plane, or on the surface with a boat.

At,
30 miles long and 10 miles wide, the Turneffe Atoll is the largest
atoll in Belize and the Mesoamerican Reef System. Turneffe Atoll,
located 20 miles east of Belize City, is a destination you must visit
while exploring Belize. The Turneffe Atoll is a remote, destination
famous for its vibrant blue beaches, and crystal-clear water with an
wide variety of marine wildlife. Escape and explore this natural and
diverse marine ecosystem in Belize!

The
atoll is a network of flats, creeks, and lagoons with over 150 mangrove
islands and cayes with savannah and littoral forests. The mangrove and
seagrass provide a nursery to numerous species of fish, crocodiles,
lobster, conch and other small aquatic life. The atoll boasts three
known fish spawning aggregation sites that have been identified
(Turneffe Management Plan, Belize Department of Fisheries).

Queen Angel Fish

Vibrant and mysterious Marine Life home in the Atoll waters

Sea Turtle

The
Turneffe Atoll consists of a tropical climate, with warm temperatures
year-round. The best time to visit the atoll is during the dry season,
which runs from December to May. During this time, visitors can expect
sunny days and pleasant temperatures, perfect for outdoor exploring.

Take
a picturesque journey to Turneffe Atoll, which takes about an hour via
boat ride from Belize City. The Atoll boasts a variety of resorts and
lodges to cater to a wide variety of travelers, from luxury resorts to
budget-friendly eco-lodges.

Tropical Tern

Or…

You
can opt for a fun day trip as the Turneffe Atoll offers tons of
activities for travelers to enjoy. Visitors can choose to sign up for a
deep-sea dive and explore the majestic aquatic life or surface
snorkeling. The atoll boasts some of the best diving sites in Belize
with an amazing diversity of marine life such as nurse sharks, turtles,
and rays. Turneffe is a perfect place to spend the day sailing and fly
fishing. Here you can try your hand at catching bonefish, tarpon, and
permit; Chase a grand slam or spend your day fishing for snappers and
barracuda. The atoll is one of the most legendary fly-fishing spots
filled with fishing sites with local fishermen as your guides.

Turneffe
Atoll attracts both novice and experienced Flyfishers, and the guides
here have years of experience in finding the perfect spots to cast. The
fish in this area is typically found in large schools and appear to be
quite relaxed. This means you can approach them in a shallow-draft boat
to get an up-close look or even get the chance to make multiple casts
towards the same school!

Turneffe
Atoll is a well-managed Marine Protected Area which resonates with the
quality of flyfishing experience. All flyfishing guides adhere to the
“Keep Fish Wet” principles, designed to minimize stress and injury for
fish. These principles apply to catching, handling, and releasing fish.
The Turneffe Atoll is a protected marine reserve, home to a diverse
array of marine life and coral reefs. As such, visitors are encouraged
to practice responsible and sustainable tourism to help protect the
fragile ecosystem. The Turneffe Atoll was declared a national marine
reserve by the government of Belize in 2012.

Nice Tarpon!

For
those who wish to explore the landscape, the atoll is home to a wide
diversity of wildlife; a variety of bird species and exotic flora and
fauna. The Turneffe Atoll also boasts rich culture and history, dating
back to the ancient Maya civilization. You can explore via a guided
tour, visit art exhibits and cultural events. You can also explore the
atoll on a guided nature hike or take a long stroll along the scenic
beaches. Whichever activity you choose, Turneffe Atoll is an exotic
paradise for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders
of Belize.

Further East…

Further
East, lies the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, 50 miles off the coast of Belize
City. This atoll is similar in size to Turneffe, 30 miles long and 8
miles wide, offering an amazing marine experience. The famous Blue Hole
sits right in the center of this atoll along with the 45-acre national
park, Half Moon Caye. Lighthouse Atoll is home to five small islands,
lighthouses, and a wide variety of marine life.

Half Moon Caye

Half
Moon Caye, named for its moonlike shape beach is home to over 4,000
endangered red-footed boobies. This is truly a Birders Paradise with
almost 100 species of avian life. There is a lookout tower in the center
of the nesting grounds, allowing visitors to get a clear view of the
different kinds of birds nesting on the island. If you wish to explore
the nearby waters, Half Moon Caye offers a shallow drop-off with a
series of underwater tunnels that is home to many species of fish and
rays.

Ready
to fish or explore? Take the bait, visit the largest atolls and try for
a grand slam at one of Belize’s premier flyfishing destinations! You
are guaranteed to take back a great fishing or birding story!

Half Moon Caye

Turneffe Atoll

Ready
to fish or explore? Take the bait, visit the largest atolls and try for
a grand slam at one of Belize’s premier flyfishing destinations! You
are guaranteed to take back a great fishing or birding story!

Contribution by M.Goodin

Sources

Belize.com

Belize Hub

Turneffe Island Resort

Bluewild Ecoadventures

Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association

8) RED TIDE:

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY OF THIS

NATURAL ALGAEL BLOOM

Red Tide is a harmful algae growth that blooms seasonally in the ocean

Currently,
Posse Members on the Pacific Coast of Mexico are seeing red tide moving
into some anchorage and clear in others.  This is an annual and
totally natural occurrence.  In fact, Algae Blooms have been
observed in the oceans of the world since before the Spanish were out
exploring new to them lands.  Most algal blooms are not harmful.
Most are part an integral part of the ocean food web.  The
tiny plants that make up the bloom harness light energy to grow and
become food for animals in the ocean.  Such blooms therefore a
major source of energy that sustains ocean life.

Having
said that, Red tide is a seasonal and harmful algae bloom that occurs
worldwide.  Presently, red tide has been observed in Banderas Bay
Mexico and south to Paraiso in Bahia Chamela.  

Red Tide can cause massive fish die offs

The
Colonies of algae  that produce what is called red tide grow out
of control, or ‘bloom’ producing toxins that effect people, fish,
shellfish, marine mammals and birds.  The bloom turns the water red
and depletes the water of precious oxygen that marine life requires.
Most marine life scatters as fast and far away as they can to
clear waters.  However, often smaller fish die, shellfish become
toxic, and humans report skin irritation.  studies suggest that
harmful algal blooms are increasing in frequency, likely due to climate
change and nutrient pollution from farming and landscaping.

Posse Members along the route are advised to please share with one another where they see Red Tide and where they do not.  

9) PORTSIDE MARINA MOREHEAD CITY, NC 🇺🇸 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

34° 43.1183′ N   076°42.34′ W

We are please to welcome the Panama Posse to the Portside Marina and to celebrate their journey offer a 15% discount

Lee / Shelby / Tylor

CONTACT

209 ARENDELL STREET

MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557

 VHF CH16

+1 (252)726-7678​

info@portsidemarina.com

Portside
offers over deep water slips for vessels up to 125’feet. Immediate
access to the ICW and Atlantic Ocean without height restrictions.

Our full compliment of marine repair, refueling and transient facilities are best in class.

SERVICES

Water Hookup

Fuel Dock / 24hr Availability

Electric 30/50/100

Diver & Marine Repair

Transient Slips

Pump-Out

Dry Dock

Fuel Polishing / Dive Serv.

Yacht Brokerage

AMENITIES

Eateries within Walking Dist

Ice & Potable Water

Ship’s Store

Restrooms

Laundry Facilities

Shower Facilities

Regional Airport Access

Cable-TV

Wi-Fi / Internet

FedEx & UPS

MUST SEE

• Fort Macon (don’t fire the canons)
• Nature walk and Wild Horses on Carrot Island  (take dinghy)
• North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores  (don’t feed the fish)
• Shortway Brewing Company (don’t drive back )
• North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort with Booty and gear from Pirate Blackbeard (as tempting as this sounds don’t loot)

10) LAND TRIP TO

THE HIGHLANDS IN

CHIAPAS 🇲🇽 MEXICO 

A walking street in SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS, Chiapas, 🇲🇽 Mexico   

A beautiful and Culturally rich city nestled in the Highlands of Chiapas.

San
Cristóbal is considered to be the “cultural capital” of the
southernmost state of Chiapas, Mexico.  In 2003, this city was
designated a “Pueblo Mágico” (Magical Village).  Then Mexcian
President, Felipe Calderón, recognized San Cristóbal as “The most
magical of the Pueblos Mágicos”.  San Chris, to locals, is located
inland in a small valley surrounded by hills in the mountains with a
2,200-meter elevation 7,218 feet which gives the city a crisp and cool
climate year-round.  The town boasts a vibrant and wide variety
gastronomical choices from regional to worldwide cuisine.  Walking
the Spanish cobblestone streets, there is impressive and historic
architecture, modern murals, and artistic handicrafts rooted in the
traditions of the region for centuries around every bend.  San
Chris truly is magical. 

One of the multiple markets specializing in various traditional handicrafts

Many
indigenous and automnomous communities are similarly nestled in the
highlands nearby.  Notably close and yet a world away from this
international city is a smallvillage called San Juan de Chamula

City Center and Church in San Juan de Chamula

This
church is particularly interesting as it is a site of religious
syncretism, or the blending of two different religious systems into a
new religious system that appears to blend different aspects and
traditions of the two dispirit religions.  For example in this
church one will find indigenous people chanting and speaking an
indigenous language that far predates the Spaniards, a tomb of Jesus and
chickens being sacrificed to the gods.  It is a stunning almost
shocking intersection of two very different religions being practiced by
dedicated and spiritual people.  The experience is one to see to
believe.

Every Sunday the Street and Square across from the church has a bustling market.

Cemetery nearby on the grounds of a roofless church

A
land trip into the Highlands of Chiapas is profoundly moving as one
feels like they are both stepping back and forward at the same time.

11) GOOD NAUTICAL:

THE SWIMMING POOL ANCHORAGE ON THE 

NORTH SIDE OF ISLA BANEDUP

SAN BLAS ISLANDS, PANAMA 🇵🇦

We
are anchored in a place called the swimming pool right now and it’s 10′
deep, chrystal clear water with white sand beaches as far as you can
see.  There is a massive reef that is blocking 9′ waves on the
outside and it is flat calm in here.  The trade winds blow strong
so we can sail from Anchorage to Anchorage with predictability and there
is always a cool breeze at night that keeps the bugs away.  

10/10 I recommend this area for cruising.

Over 50 anchorages in San Blas – many are validated within Good Nautical 

Buddy boats SV Salaccia and SV Jubel protected by a reef in the distance.

color contrast: a feast for the eyes

A calm anchorage on the edge of the ocean

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle – Gulfstar 44′

12)MARINA EL CID

CANCÚN – RIVIERA MAYA   🇲🇽   

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Marina El Cid is happy to support the Panama Posse with a

 20% discount over our rates

As
the only Riviera Maya resort with its own professional boating
services, Marina El Cid Cancún features a wide and deep channel ––
providing safe harbor to yachts and other large boats. Experience Cancún
/ Riviera Maya from a truly breathtaking point of view, then drop
anchor and enjoy the luxurious accommodations and world-class services
of our oceanfront resort hotel and spa. Considered one of Mexico’s
finest boatyards by experienced Puerto Morelos boaters and fishermen,
our marina accommodates vessels ranging from 25 to 120 feet in length.

Harbor Master

José Viruega Mangín | Harbor Master

Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort.

Mazatlan – Riviera Maya – Cozumel

+52 (998) 872 8999 EXT. 17060

Cel. (984) 117 0064

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo | México

jviruega@elcid.com.mx

www.elcidmarinas.com

 

TOLL FREE  USA& CAN: 1-888-870-3010

https://panamaposse.com/marina-el-cid-mazatlan

AMENITIES

• Floating concrete docks, built to rise with the tide
• Marina Slip Fees
• Dock carts, locker boxes, drinking water, 30, 50 & 100 amp power, TV cable, fire stations, and 24-hour security
• Diesel and gasoline fuel dock and pump out station
• Transient Port Captain check-in facilities are onsite; marina monitors VHF channel 16
• Inlet and marina depth is 9 to 12 feet (3 to 4.5 meters)
• Breakwater protects the moorage from north, east, and southeast winds, providing comfort and safety for the yachts
• Moderate rates for car, motorcycle, and bicycle rentals
• 24-hour taxi service
• Ice machines and bait & tackle shop
• Launching ramps
• Long-term parking facilities
• Snack bar
• Weather services
• E-mail service
• Laundromat
• Restrooms & showers
• Sportfishing
• Dive shop
• Snorkeling, sailing, day cruises, and ecological tours departing daily
• Marina updates on VHF Channel 16

13) MEET THE FLEET: MARK AND CINDY

ABOARD MV DELTA SWIZZLER

Working
in northern California for 30+ years we started our boating adventures
in a 36 foot Gibson Houseboat, going out on the Sacrament Delta
Tributaries weekends for 21 years. In retirement we decided to buy a
bigger boat and find a bigger pond. So our timing with the Panama Posse,
was just about excellent. We have now been members for 6 years.

36′ Gibson Houseboat: our first boat.

In
May of 2015, we left Alameda, Ca and began our adventure. Over the next
few months we explored the California Coast and islands. In late
November, we left with the 2015 CUBAR (a power boat version of the Baja
HaHa) for the run from San Diego Yacht Club to La Paz.

We
spent the next two years exploring all the options in the Sea of
Cortez. Then we made our way down to Barra de Navidad and joined the
Panama Posse, trying to learn as much as we could. Our plan was go that
next year 2018-19 to Panama. We had made our way down to Zihuantanejo,
when Covid hit. We decided to ride out Covid in Barra. So we returned
north to Barra for nine months. In December of 2020 we headed South
again, with a several Posse boats.

We
did finally make it to Panama, went through the Canal and over to Bocas
Del Toro and the San Blas Islands. An incredible journey so far, but
the ride is not over. After spending time there enjoying the sloths,
howling monkey and clear warm water, we found we missed many things from
our days in Mexico and decided to return.

Now
eight years into cruising and logging over 15,000 miles we still love
the sound of the anchor coming up before the sun and moving to a new
anchorage and look to continue for at least another 10 years.

Mark & Cind

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

14) POSSE SWAG

 

15)  SAFETY ALERT:

Longlines are unfortunately common along the Central American coast threating to decimate the fisheries. 
Please report them here as your vessel encounters them here >>

16)  MUST SEE: 

🇳🇮 GRANADA

🇳🇮
Granada is a stunning city on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and
historically one of Nicaragua’s most important cities, economically and
politically. Granada had a thriving Indigenous population, but in 1524
Francisco Córdoba a Spanish conquistador the city was renamed Granada
and registered  as  a  city in official records of the
Crown of Aragon, and the Kingdom of Castile in Spain.

Grenada
sits on the western edge of Lago Nicaragua and is home to multiple
Spanish colonial landmarks that have survived repeated pirate invasions.
The city’s main plaza, Central Park, is dominated by the
colorful, neoclassical facade of the Cathedral of Granada, originally
dating to 1583.

Agriculture
around Granada is reflected by dry forests and humid forests which grow
on the sides of the nearby 1,344 meter high Mombacho volcano. The
volcano is also home to a wide array of wildlife.

 The
lake is also home to many creatures, both marine and freshwater
creatures. It is the only freshwater lake in the world where sharks
live.

Sharks live in the fresh water of Lake Nicaragua

Fertile and Tropical Jungle near the Lake

Granada’s restaurants have received international recognition by newspapers like the New York Times.

Not
only do they serve a wide variety of delicious foods, but they seek to
do so in a manner that is sustainable and beneficial to the larger
community. Granada is quickly becoming a central hub for excursions to
other areas of Nicaragua and Central America so if you are in the
region, stop by one of the restaurants mentioned on this list for a
taste of Latin American hospitality

• The Garden Cafe
• Cafe de los Sueños
• Cafe De Arte
• Miss Dell’s Kitchen
• Bocadillos Tapas Kitchen & Bar
• Monna Lisa

There are wonderful accommodations in Grenada as well.

For more information click this link: 

https://panamaposse.com/granada

 

17)  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

 

18)  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 

THUNDERBIRDS MARINE 🇧🇿 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

19)  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  
   

Thrilled
to announce that Panama Yacht Broker has teamed up with the one and
only Panama Posse! As a leading cruising resource, Panama Posse brings a
world of sailing knowledge and resources to the table. From route
planning and local intel to connecting with other cruisers, Panama Posse
has it all. We are honored to join that list of resources thanks to our
partnership.

Our
clients have exclusive access to complementary yacht brokerage
expertise, and discounts on listing agreements. Whether you’re a
seasoned sailor or just setting sail for the first time, Panama Yacht
Broker has a boat for everyone and can also help you sell your boat when
the time is right.

https://www.panamayachtbroker.com/buy-your-yacht/

Charles Badoian

Cell/WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal:

PA +507 6378-8345

US  +1 305-735-1661

Skype: badoian

E: charles@panamayachtbroker.com

20) 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

21) 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

View of Casco Viejo Panama

22) 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

23) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 24 SEASON

SIGN UP WITH THE 
 ATLANTIC POSSE >>

Atlantic Posse ’24

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

24) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN 

South Pacific Posse burgees available after January 15  

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

ocean posse llc 
 @ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA