FLEET UPDATE 2024-05-05

OCEAN POSSE 
FLEET UPDATE 2024-05-05

“Life is unchartered territory.  

It reveals its story one moment at a time”

-Leo Buscaglia

TOP NEWS  

• PICTURE OF THE WEEK 📷
• PANAMA POSSE 🎉  SEASON FINALE EVENT
• END OF SEASON ZOOM CELEBRATION CALL
  AWARD NOMINATIONS 
• BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT 🐠
• MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR 🕷️
• PICTURE OF THE YEAR
• THE👨‍✈️  CAPTAIN RON AWARD
• HIGHEST WIND RECORDED💨
• GALLEY GOD(ESS) 😇
• GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR ⚙️
• BOAT 🧘‍♀️YOGA
• CINCO DE MAYO 🇲🇽
• LAS PERLAS 🇵🇦 PANAMA  RECAP
• Safety Alert ⚠️ USCG RECALLS
• ⚠️ Marine Fire Extinguishers 12 year cap
• JOIN 🧭 ATLANTIC POSSE
• JOIN 🗿  SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 

🇲🇽 🇧🇿 🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇪🇨 🇸🇻 🇵🇦 🇩🇴 🇭🇳 🇯🇲 🇧🇸 🇹🇨 🇰🇾 🇬🇹 

281 Yachts are signed up 
 
SIGN UP FOR NEXT SEASON 
REGISTRATION STARTS MAY 15 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Sunset lighting up the Panama City Skyline.

SY EVER AFTER 🇺🇸 Andrew & Laura – Jeanneau 44′

 Old wreck on the shore of Crab Cay, Abacos, Bahamas

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

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

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

2) PANAMA POSSE 
SEASON FINALE EVENT

PANAMA POSSE PANAMA YACHT FEST 

@ BUENADVENTURA MARINA

Saturday May 11, 2024 @ 17:00 PANAMA

Welcome
to our amazing Buenaventura Marina ! We welcome the participants of the
Panama Posse with an outstanding offer and a free first night if you
have never been here before – we know you may never leave  

Cesar Ramos

cesar@bv-marina.com

Mobile: +507-6411-5597

www.bv-marina.com

RSVP HERE: 
https://panamaposse.com/bmrsvp

• 340+ Acres 
• The Buenaventura Resort Panama – Autograph Collection
• Spa 
• Gym
• Parksa
• 5 Restaurants 
• Sushi Bar 
• Shops & Boutiques
• Gran Deli Gourmet  
• Felipe Mota Wine and Deli 
• Equestrian Center 
• Golf 18-hole golf course by Nicklaus 
• Beach Clubs with multiple  Pools
• Children’s Park
• Events
• Sports Club 
• 3 km of Private Beach 
• Culture Center 
• Chapel
• Real Estate Services
• Rental Units 
• Marina
• Dry Stack 
• Zoo 
• Local Clinic
• Dentist
• Golf Cart Friendly 
• Candy Store
• Bike Lanes 
• RUM BAR AT POSSE PARTY

BUENAVENTURA MARINA 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS DE PANAMA POSSE 

08° 20.5166′ N   080°09.7683′ W

FLOR DE CAÑA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

3)  MARK YOUR CALENDAR ! 

END OF SEASON ZOOM CELEBRATION CALL  

Sunday  May 12  2024 

14:00   CALIFORNIA 

15:00   MEXICO CITY 

16:00   PANAMA TIME 

17:00   EAST COAST 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82318714622?pwd=fzQODBacbPPd07MZM0WbaJ6q4SY3Wl.1

Meeting ID: 823 1871 4622

Passcode: 630281

4)  AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR

BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT

Note * Billfish is excluded from Biggest Fish Award 

Monster Mahi-mahi Teal brought aboard SY BASIK in northern Costa Rica 🇨🇷 

Emma on SY BASIK bringing in her best catch too.

Monster King Mackeral Peter brought aboard SY BOHEMIA

Leah on SY JUBEL brings in her first and biggest fish

Kyle on SY JUBEL also brings in an entry to the table

Chris on MV NEXT CHAPTER bringing on a Mahi 

Young crew member of MV NEXT CHAPTER, Lexi landed a big one in Costa Rica

While
she was setting the line out it hit and ran hard. She asks “Can the
lure be this heavy?!”. She then reeled it in all by herself!

This Big Mahi being one of two Brandt on SV PRIYA caught south of Manzanillo Mexico 

Karl on SV REMEDY says “First time ever. Gonna chow! 😆”  

nice catch Ed!  Eat well SV VOYAGER

SV OHANA and her crew brought in this big Tuna

While crossing the Tehuantepec, SV COURAGE brought on this big dorado

5) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD ENTRY

Black Capped Night Heron in Zihuatenejo Bay

It’s not so bad having them visit, it’s what they leave behind (splatters or poop) that is most unwanted!

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

SV TIAMAT found a ‘diesel bug’ while prepping to cross the Pacific

This Gecko was not invited but is now welcome to stay on SV SERENITY

A mixed and most Unwelcom batch of birds on the bow of SV BRIGADOON

MV MARTINI did not roll out the welcome mat for this dapper dude on the bow

SV QUESO GRANDE did not invite the jet ski over for sun downers UNDER the tramp

Onboard SY FELICITÀ :  Unwanted visitor… no moths were harmed. 

This thirsty bee was not invited to SV PILIALOHA for refreshments 

MV MUIRGEN sharing the sunset with a few unwelcome guests 

While not on the guest list, SY MAISON DE SANTÉ had a stick bug show up for a dance party late night.

SV KNOT RIGHT
said, ‘No Miss Kiskadee, you are not welcome to make a nest in my stack
pack, not today, tomorrow, or the next day.  Not ever.’

6) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

PICTURE OF THE YEAR

SY DA MMAD CAT captures the ghost ship 

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ  scoots in the sand at Starfish beach

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ underneath a double rainbow in the Perlas Islands

MV SUMMERBREEZE and their welcome party entering Mexico

Sunset in La Cruz Mexico from MY MOCEAN SICKNESS 

MY TIDINGS OF JOY  enjoys this sunrise off the Guatemalan coast

Jumping ray in front of Mexican sunset from MY TIDINGS OF JOY 

SY PRIYA captures a Humpback whale breaching

Rare and healthy flock of blue and yellow Macaws.  Photo by SV WHIRLWIND 

SY CERCA TROVA witnesses this sunset while leaving Savannah, Georgia

SV CHALLENGE sailing into the sunrise

SV BISOU northbound at sunset

MY MUIRGEN captured this colorful sunset in Chacala, Mexico

SY YO-D-YO shared this Panamanian sunrise

SY JOURNEY witness Space X launch from Bahia San Marte, Sea of Cortez, Mexico 

SY JUBEL enjoyed this white sand beach in the San Blas

MV SERENITY captures a pelican flying across a Costa Rican Sunset

7) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD

Captain Dietmar on SY CARINTHIA had an engine failure and did five doughnuts in the 110 foot wide Gatun locks crossing through the Panama Canal before righting the vessel and continuing on.

Captain Walt of SY KNOT RIGHT struggled docking before his Canal transit

MV ROLLING THUNDER Pro
Tip: If your chart plotter is in the oven to protect it during a
lightening event, put the knob in the oven or otherwise disable the
stove till you take it (the chart plotter!) out.  

8)  AWARD NOMINATIONS:

HIGHEST WIND RECORDED

High winds recorded on SY TIAMAT on the dock in Vista Mar, Panama

SY SERENITY  saw some high winds while sailing the Papagayos

MV DELTA SWIZZLER recorded some high winds on the dock in Barra early in the season

9) AWARD NOMINATIONS:

GALLEY GOD(ESS)

Joy of MV TIDINGS OF JOY received the galley goddess award at the kickoff event in Barra de Navidad

10) AWARD NOMINATIONS:

GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR

Muranda on SV FICKLE brought water membrane from the States to fellow posse member in Costa Rica…life saver!

11) AWARD NOMINATIONS:

BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR

For Adam on SY SOULMATE  boat yoga IS fixing winlass

For Bruce on SY CERCA TROVA boat yoga is repairing the water maker…again.

For SY LOST PEARL boat yoga is diving into hard to reach places.

For Mark on SY DAWN PATROL boat yoga means getting your feet in the air

For Bruce on ROXY boat yoga is done in tight spaces

12) CALLING FOR FINAL AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR:

COURAGE AWARD

SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION

SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD

YODA OF THE YEAR

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS 

INTO ANY AND ALL CATEGORIES 

THROUGH WEDNESDAY, MAY 8TH, 2024

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

SHIPPING ITEMS TO PANAMA AT A DISCOUNTED RATE

BY AIR OR BY SEA

https://oceanposse.com/panama-sa/

LET
ME introduce you to our exciting new shipping service tailored
specifically for participants of the Ocean Posse Yacht Rallies.

As
fellow enthusiasts of the sea, we understand the challenges and
logistics involved in transporting goods and supplies during your
journey. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer a seamless and reliable
solution to ensure that your packages arrives safely and on time,
allowing you to focus on enjoying the adventure ahead.

Here’s how our service can benefit you:

1.
Convenience: Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying extra provisions and
supplies on your yacht. With our shipping service, you can send
everything you need ahead of time, directly to your destination in
Panama.

2.
Reliability: We pride ourselves on our commitment to reliability. Rest
assured that your packages will be handled with care and delivered
promptly to your specified location in Panama, allowing you to plan with
confidence.

3.
Competitive Rates: Enjoy competitive pricing without compromising on
quality or service. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees,
ensuring that you receive the best value for your shipping needs.

4.
Peace of Mind: With our track record of excellence and attention to
detail, you can have peace of mind knowing that your shipments are in
good hands. Focus on enjoying the Panama Posse Yacht Rally experience
while we take care of the logistics.

We
would love the opportunity to discuss how our shipping service can
enhance your experience during the Panama Posse Yacht Rally. Please feel
free to reach out to me directly with any questions or to request a
quote.

Thank
you for considering our service, and we look forward to the possibility
of working together to make your journey to Panama as smooth and
enjoyable as possible.

Fair winds and following seas!

 

Warm regards,

Emilio Lau

Co Founder

Ocean Posse Panama Office

WHATSAPP +507-6616-7531

emilio@oceanposse.com

13) CINCO DE MAYO 🇲🇽  MEXICO

Cinco de Mayo: Celebrating History, Culture, and Identity

Cinco
de Mayo, celebrated on the 5th of May each year, is a significant
cultural event observed primarily in Mexico and the United States. While
often associated with festivities, parades, and vibrant displays of
Mexican culture, the holiday holds deeper historical and cultural
significance. In this essay, we delve into the origins, historical
context, modern-day celebrations, and cultural implications of Cinco de
Mayo.

Origins and Historical Context:

Cinco
de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which occurred on May 5,
1862, during the Franco-Mexican War. At the time, Mexico was facing
significant financial difficulties and political instability. The
country had recently emerged from a prolonged period of civil war and
was burdened by debt. In addition, the Mexican government had suspended
repayment of foreign debts, leading to tensions with European powers,
particularly France.

Napoleon
III, seeking to establish a French presence in the Americas and to
exploit Mexico’s instability, sent troops to invade Mexico. The French
forces, considered one of the most powerful in the world at the time,
aimed to establish a puppet regime in Mexico under Emperor Maximilian I,
with French interests at the forefront.

However,
the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, achieved a
remarkable victory against the French forces at the Battle of Puebla.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexican troops successfully
repelled the French army, dealing a significant blow to Napoleon III’s
ambitions in the region.

Cultural Significance and Celebrations:

While
Cinco de Mayo originated as a commemoration of a specific historical
event, its significance has evolved over time. Today, it is celebrated
as a symbol of Mexican heritage, pride, and resilience, particularly in
the United States, where it has gained widespread popularity.

Cinco
de Mayo is marked by various festivities, including parades, concerts,
traditional music and dance performances, culinary events, and street
festivals. These celebrations showcase the rich diversity of Mexican
culture, highlighting its music, dance, cuisine, art, and traditions.

Cinco de Mayo and Identity:

Beyond
its historical and cultural dimensions, Cinco de Mayo holds personal
significance for many individuals of Mexican descent. For them, the
holiday is a reminder of their roots, history, and heritage. It serves
as a source of pride and connection to their cultural heritage,
providing an opportunity to celebrate their identity and share it with
others.

Cinco
de Mayo is a celebration of history, culture, and identity that
transcends borders and resonates with people around the world. From its
origins in the Battle of Puebla to its modern-day celebrations, the
holiday serves as a symbol of Mexican pride, resilience, and heritage.
As we commemorate Cinco de Mayo each year, let us reflect on its
significance, honor its legacy, and celebrate the rich tapestry of
Mexican culture that continues to enrich our lives.

14) LAS PERLAS 🇵🇦 PANAMA  RECAP 

Yellow is sail track so far, green is the plan written in the sand at low tide

SY WHIRLWIND raises their kite to start off the voyage.

After
two nights on the east side of Isla del Rey we planned to weigh anchor
at noon for an anchorage 4nm south.  Just before noon we were each
approached by a panga one by one and asked different questions.
The panga had 5 men in it ranging, I would guess, from the late
teens to mid thirties.  They were cleanly dressed and had no
fishing gear aboard.  One did all the talking while the rest but
the driver stood up looking up-current away from us, on our topsides,
and through the portlights into our boats.  Something definitely
did not feel right as we watched them at the first boat in our fleet.

We
were the next boat; the boat in the middle. They told us they were
looking for a stolen panga.  We spoke about the boat they were
looking for but it was odd that:

1. they didn’t speak as though alarmed or desperately searching
2. they did not give us a way to contact them if we did see the vessel
3. they did want to know where we came from, where we were going and how long we would be there.  

When
they left our boat I instantly went to our radio and asked the first
boat if they were told about a stolen panga.  They said, “No, they
asked us for crackers.”  The third boat was listening to the radio
while watching the panga approaching.  We asked them to take photos
which they did.  The panga crew asked for crackers while looking
all about again.  

After
the panga left we realized that we each boat felt cased.  The
feeling was just that a feeling that we shared in varying degrees.
Nothing happened that was wrong….but what did happen did not feel
quite right.  Speaking aboard our vessel, 

SY WHIRLWIND,, and looking into the eyes of my husband and each of our children (10yo and 13yo) I knew we each felt it
in our gut.  There was discomfort, vulnerability, and our safety
in the wind.  Having our kids onboard is amazing and their safety
and security is a HUGE responsibility.  We will err of the side of
caution when the safety and security of our crew is on the line.
This is not holding us back from being out here obviously but it
does keep us very keenly aware of our surroundings, our choices, and in
tune with our inner mama and papa bear.

Further,
I remembered one of the comments that struck me from the report off the
first boat that was attacked last year off Isla del Rey was that in
hindsight she said she didn’t listen to her gut feeling.  She said
how important that is to do and to remember this.  The comment
struck me then and came back to me now as we discussed what we wanted to
do.  I knew our crew would not be at ease a mere 4nm away which
had been the plan for the day.  

We
decide our best move was going to be sailing further south in order to
put more distance between us and San Miguel.  San Miguel is a
rather populated town on the north side of the island where they told us
they are from.

While
discussing this new plan another cruising boat was moving in to the
anchorage.  We hailed them, told them what had just happened, and
invited them to join us.  Yet another boat that had been more north
in the Perlas was on their way south to meet us.  We communicated
with them as well and they were on board to go an additional 17nm to a
different anchorage.   We attempted to contact Aeronaval (the
Panamanian version of the American Coast Guard), weighed anchor, and set
sail.  

Perfect Spinnaker conditions: SY  WHIRLWIND & SY GALATEA

SY PATHFINDER set a great pace.

The
sail was absolutely excellent.  Spinnakers were flying and the
wind was just aft of the beam.   We sailed 17nm to the southern end
of Isla del Rey and anchored at the mouth of Rio Cacique.  With
our anchors down, our number increased to five, and a visual on an
aeronaval station, we felt great relief.  My relief was fueled by
the massive amounts of tropical black-blue-green butterflies that were
flying through the anchorage.  This spot felt whimsical and wild.
Beyond the butterflies the mouth of Rio Cacique is incredibly
picturesque: a long beach with big lizard tracks on end and the entrance
to a great winding river to explore by dinghy on the other.  For
three days we have continued to keep an eye out for one another and
explored by dinghy, kayak, and on foot.  We have seen many locals
in pangas some selling fruit, others fishing or just moving about.
All seemingly friendly.

Our five boats anchored off Playa Cacique.  Crocs enter stage right.

Big Lizard prints going overland between the ocean and the estuary.

Definitely changes my swim plan.

Reflections in Rio Cacique at low tide.

As seen from above, the River Rio Cacique, has some big bends in it.

Exploring the river at high tide

Just don’t let it be a Three Hour Tour.

The trees grow so tall to get to the sun & you can see the branching of their root systems high out of the water.

Around the bend is Morro Cacique, another great place to anchor.  Very protected

Plenty of room for our five boat flotilla

Interestingly,
I will share that I have had the opportunity to look much more closely
into Panamanian Emergency Response Systems.  Here in Panama it is
written to hail channel 16 if in distress on the water, to call 108 if
in distress anywhere, or 911 in case of a medical emergency.  In
real life this week our experience has been as follows:

• While we have continued to try to reach aeronaval on Channel 16 on the radio no one has responded.  
• There is no cell service out here with which to call 108 or 911 if there is an emergency.  
• Over
  our Starlink we have been successful through Whatsapp texting aeronaval
  on Contadora.  They know we were approached off Isla Espiritu
  Santo and that we moved to Ria Cacique.  They do not ask for or
  require check in’s or outs so when we move on that is what we will do.
  I do not plan to text them about our whereabouts unless we have an
  issue in which case we will be lucky if our Starlink is on as we only
  use it during the day when we are working.

Ultimately,
we, as mariners, are responsible for our safety on the water.
Having an organize, trustworthy, available backup of any sort is a
luxury.  The great lesson for me so far has been that while the
choices we make about where we go, when we go, and how we go will are
all very practical and important, it is equally as important to listen
to our inner voice, to trust our gut, and change plans accordingly.

The
plan from here is to make our way over to Isla San Jose, the
southwesternmost island in the Perlas, and work our way north back to
where we started.  This is definitely a special set of islands; I
am so grateful we are here, we are safe, and we are among friends.

 

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

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, 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. 

Mike bringing home the Corvina for some fresh ceviche.

16) POSSE PERK: MARINERS HELPING EACH OTHER THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL
  

With the help of friends & 2 hired line handlers SY CARINTHIA 
goes through the Canal

Nicole from SY MAISON DE SANTÉ helps Carinthia through 

Here is a 17 minute timelapse of going through the Panama Canal 

17) MARINA CHIAPAS

 🇲🇽 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE A CENTRAL AMERICAN RALLY

14° 41.67′ N 092° 25.185′ W

Discounts at the marina CHIAPAS for participating VESSELS

    7 days – 1 day free

    2 weeks – 2 days free

    three weeks monthly fee

    Night use of the barbecue area and luck for the participating boats, if

    free use of the pool

    a little party when we have 10 boats as a happy hour in the pool

Road Playa Linda km 6.50 Puerto Chiapas México

Tel: +52 962.111.82.91

Tel: +52 962.620.40.38

EMAIL: memogarcia@marinachiapas.com.mx

EMAIL: rmarichal@marinachiapas.com.mx

BENEFITS FOR YOU, YOUR YACHT & YOUR CREW $ 299

✔️ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts 

📊 Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice 

💰 Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts *

🛰️ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind 

🚩 Free Burgee  

💰 Save with service providers and chandleries 

🕵️ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in  agents 

🗺️ Free aid to navigation 150 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android)  

💰  Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount 

💰 Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount 

🗺️ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics   

📹 Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there  immediately 

🌩️ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker 

⛵ Community of voyagers all are welcome, kids, single-handers, pets 

⚓ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures 

🛈  Fleet Updates via email and Prior Fleet  

🏆 Fun Award Categories 

📍 Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage  reports 

☎️ Free Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group 

💬 Free 24/7 LINE group channel

🌊 Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants 

🔭 Be part of a fleet of sensor for those who come behind you or meet 

🚷 Always priority traffic – for participants by participants  

18) MARINA IGY MARINA SANTA MARTA 🇨🇴 
SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Lat 12º 37’ 17” N, Long 87º 20’ 30” W 

https://panamaposse.com/colombia-marina-igy-marina-santa-marta

MARINA IGY MARINA SANTA MARTA 🇨🇴 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Hello PANAMA POSSE;

According to what was discussed today, Marina Santa Marta we are excited to be a Panama Posse Sponsors

and being included as a destination within the Rally

We will offer participants a 35% discount on the rate that we normally handle.

Let us know if you would need additional information from us.

Cordially

Juan Ernesto Gomez

comercial@marinasantamarta.com.co

msm@igymarinas.com

19) LONG LINES

Environmental & Cruiser Risks of Microplastics and Long Lines

Long
lines, driftnets, ghostiest, 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 to be 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. 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.

What are Long Lines?

Long
lines are an efficient and well administered, yet illegal, method of
over-fishing practiced by commercial fisherman all over the world. The
fishing technique uses a long main fishing line that extends sometimes
dozens of miles. The line contains branch lines (snoods or gangions)
which clips onto the main line. These branches of lines contain hooks
for randomly catching fish that are in the area. Main line with its
branches can contain as many as 3,000 hooks which target swordfish,
tuna, halibut, sablefish and of valuable species. Longlines attached at
the surface catch Tuna or Swordfish whereas those attached at the sea
floor target ground fish such as halibut or groupers or cod.

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  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 an extremely
damaging.

Risk to Sailors

When
a surface long line which may extend as many as 3 miles perpendicular
from the shore is attached, it poses immediate risk to any boat
traveling. Longlines can easily become trapped in a propeller and
immobilize a vessel.

Risks to Environment

When
a long lines 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 does not biodegrade they will create hazards that damage marine
life. These drifting lines lost or abandoned at sea due to storms
causing strong currents, accidental loss, or purposeful discard become
ghost nets. 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.

Below YOU will find the panama posse live update of long line reporting along the pacific coast.

https://panamaposse.com/longlines

20) MEET THE FLEET  

SY DAWN PATROL 

Laney & Mark  

Mark
and I first met in Seattle, I was rigging my first boat, Steel Breeze, a
Martin 242 for a race there although we were both living in Oregon at
the time!  He in Mosier and I lived 6 miles away in Hood River.
Mark was a former windsurfer so sailing really piqued his
interest!  He joined the Hood River Yacht club, took lessons and
offered to be crew on race days.  He became the most reliable crew
member to my racing program!  Soon we bought our second boat
together, an Olson 911 that we named Blue Martini.  We kept her in
Seattle and made the trek north almost every weekend for years to race
and cruise in the Puget sound.  Fast forward 12 years we were
considering retirement.  We sold the race boat and purchased our
home, Dawn Patrol, an Outbound 46 in 2019.  We spent a couple years
getting her cruise ready and in 2022 we sailed away from Seattle and
headed south!  After a month stop in Ventura, we carried on, but
the weather changed and it was cold so we overnighted to San Diego and
arrived in Ensenada in time for thanksgiving!  We always felt that
we missed something not being able to see the Channel Islands or
Catalina so this year, when faced with heading south to Panama or doing
something else we decided on a do over!  We spent the winter
enjoying more of the Sea of Cortez and we are now sitting in Cabo
looking for the weather window to get us back north to San Diego!
We have many things planned, visits to see friends and family, a
small surgery and more cruising.  In November, we will head back
down, this time heading to Zihuataneho where we turned around and start
cruising south! Our goal will be to get through the canal then up to the
east coast of USA by June next yeat! Looking forward to seeing our
friends and making new ones on our journey! 

SY DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸  Laney & Mark  – Outbound 46’

21) POSSE SWAG

 

22)  USCG PRODUCT RECALLS

USCG PRODUCT RECALL LIST 2024 >>

 23) MARINE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Carrying out a visual inspection.

Check
for rust, dents, or chemical deposits. Even the smallest leak will
render your device useless. It’s important to inspect your fire
extinguishers on a monthly basis to check for any signs of a leak or
corrosion.

EXPIRATION

Disposable
(non-rechargeable) dry chemical fire extinguishers, must be removed 12
years after their date of manufacture. These extinguishers generally
have their year of manufacturing stamped on the bottom or have its year
marked next to its UL label.
Refer to the date of manufacturing stamped on the bottle; for example, “11” means “2011.”

Units needed 

Between 26 and 40 feet, you need either two 5-B fire extinguishers or a single 20-B fire extinguisher.

Between
40 and 65 feet, you need either three 5-B fire extinguishers or one
20-B fire extinguisher and one 5-B fire extinguisher.

Got Lithium  ?
Class
D fire extinguishers are effective against lithium-metal battery fires.
Lithium-ion battery fires are Class B fires, indicating the presence of
flammable liquids, so a standard dry chemical or ABC extinguisher can put them out. Plus New high performance battery fire blanket are now designed for lithium ion battery packs.

With lithium smoke and expanding batteries you will also need Safety glasses Safety gloves

Marine
Safety Companies have developed a new high performance, multi-use,
lithium-ion battery fire blankets (“Blankets”) which are designed
specifically for fires involving devices incorporating lithium-ion
batteries.

 

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

🇲🇽 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 

South Bank Marina and Boatyard 🇹🇨  TURKS AND CAICOS 
SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

South
Bank Marina and Boatyard (previously known as Caicos Marina and
Shipyard) is please to announce  the sponsorship of the PANAMA
POSSE with a 15 % discount over slips and certain services

Located
on the south shore of Providenciales, the Caicos Bank offers a natural
barrier to heavy wave action and storm surge. With an easy approach from
offshore through charted shipping channels which offer greater depth
than the surrounding banks. At 9′ full high tide, South Bank Marina and
Boatyard offers the greatest depth entry on the south shore of the
island.

South
Bank Marina and Boatyard operates the only 75 ton Marine Travelift on
Providenciales accommodating vessels with up to 25’ beam. Our Taylor
20,000lb marine forklift aides stepping masts and hauling twin engine
vessels up to 35’. A tractor provides the quickest haul and launch
service available to our clients.

 

CONTACT

The Marina at South Bank,

Long Bay Highway, Long Bay Hills, TKCA 1ZZ,

Turks and Caicos Islands

TEL +1 (649) 946 5600

EMAIL marina@southbank.tc

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Marine Service

At
South Bank Marina and Boat Yard we care for your vessel with passion
and meticulous attention to detail so that you may focus on the
enjoyment of the stunning Turks and Caicos waters.

•     Fuel provision
•     Chandlery: The Yacht Store
•     Ycahct Agency
•     Concierge Services
•     Laundry
•     Ice and beverages
•     Boat Storage Services (Wet & Dry)
•     Hurricane Tie down
•     Trailer Hurricane Tie Down
•     Pick up and delivery of vessels
•     Boat painting, Akexseal certified
•     Fiberglass work
•     Compound and waxing
•     Labeling
•     Power washing
•     Monthly boat servicing

HAUL OUT

HAUL OUT + STORAGE

We
are equipped to handle your haul-out needs efficiently and safely using
our Marine Travel Lifts, hydraulic transport trailers and
state-of-the-art haul-out facilities.

South
Bank Marina & Shipyard’s highly trained lift operators and staff
will safely move your boat to and from the haul-out slip as required
before and after launching, using our specially equipped work boats.

Our
extensive range of berthing facilities is tailor-made to fit the most
demanding requirements coupled with a wide range of incentives on offer
at select times of the year to provide the best berthing and boat
storage on Providenciales.

Inquire about our wide range of special offers should you wish to engage us for your longer term berthing requirements.

The Marina at South Bank

25)  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  
• SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
• SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
• WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
• WESTMARINE PRO
• YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
   

WEST MARINE PRO SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE 

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) 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

Costa Rica Crimson-fronted Parakeet  image by  JS Campos 

28) 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

29) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

Madeira Natural Park 🇵🇹  Madeira 

SIGN UP WITH THE 
 ATLANTIC POSSE >>

Atlantic Posse ’24

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

30) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

The Amazing 🇨🇰  Cook Islands just a quick sail west from French Polynesia 

South Pacific Posse burgees available now in   FP 

The leaning palm trees in the South Pacific  

Nawi Island Event August 31 2024 – come party and mingle with the Cruising Fleet 

SAVE THE DATE 

SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 

MEET THE CRUISING FLEET

 AUGUST 31 🇫🇯   NAWI ISLAND FIJI 

RSVP REQUIRED – FULL ITINERARY 

    09:00 – 12:00 SWAP MEET / TREASURES OF THE BILGE 

 FJ$ 2 DONATION FOR LOCAL CHARITY  

    12:00 – 18:00 MARINE EXPO &  trade show

    14:00 – WEATHER SEMINAR

    15:00 – SAILING TO NZ

    16:00 – VANUATU / NEW CALEDONIA

    17:00 – OPEN SUNSET RUM BAR

    18:00 – DINNER & BRING A DISH TO SHARE + WIN A DELUXE BOTTLE OF RUM

              ( if you do not bring a dish to share you do not get to taste the food )

    20:00 – MEXICAN TRAIN / TEXAS HOLDEM TOURNAMENT  

FREE FOR SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE PARTICIPANTS AND MARINA GUESTS

  FJ$ 50 PP  for those anchored out

http://pacificposse.com/party

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

 OUR MISSION

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