Flor de Caรฑa Rum delivered to Phillipe @ CARINTHIA
The view of Portobello ๐ต๐ฆ Panama
The sampling of rum ๐น has begun
MY GRATITUDE ๐บ๐ธ detour to Colombia
Burgees delivered and picked up
Relaxed & underway
Alan ๐ณ๐ฟ SV Ora Pai new to the Ocean Posse
MV SERENITY ๐บ๐ธ Kurt & Kylie – Horizon 76
At the registration desk – Ocean Posse Event in Shelter Bay ๐น Panama
2) PORTOBELO ๐ต๐ฆ PANAMA
Along the Caribbean coast of Panama, Portobelo is a place where history, culture, and seafaring traditions converge. Once a bustling hub of Spanish trade and piracy, today, this small town is a hidden gem for sailors, explorers.
Portobelo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well-preserved forts, clear blue waters, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture make it a fascinating stop. The town’s rich history promise a remarkable experience.
Portobelo was founded in 1597 by the Spanish as an essential part of their transatlantic trade network. Gold, silver, and precious goods from Peru and Bolivia passed through Portobelo before being shipped to Spain. The wealth of the town made it a prime target for pirates, including the infamous Sir Francis Drake, who attacked the settlement multiple times before finally succumbing to dysentery and being buried at sea nearby.
Over the centuries, the town changed hands multiple times, saw the rise and fall of colonial power, and played a significant role in the African diaspora. Today, echoes of its storied past remain in its ruins, its traditions, and its people.
Chart Bahรญa y Ciudad de Portobelo en la Provincia de Panamรก o del Istmo 1748
For yacht captains and blue-water sailors, Portobelo offers a strategic and scenic anchorage. Located just 20 nautical miles from Colรณn and the entrance to the Panama Canal, it serves as a natural staging ground for those preparing to transit the canal or explore the San Blas Islands.
Black Jesus of Portobelo, also known as the Nazareno of Portobelo or the Cristo Negro, is one of the most revered religious icons in Panama. It is housed in the Iglesia de San Felipe in the historic port town of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Caribbean coast.
The origins of the Black Jesus statue are shrouded in mystery. Several legends surround its arrival in Portobelo:
Shipwreck Legend โ One popular story claims that the statue was discovered by local fishermen after washing ashore from a shipwreck.
Miraculous Journey โ Another tale suggests that the statue was being transported to another destination but mysteriously remained in Portobelo, leading locals to believe it was meant to stay.
Spanish Trade Route โ Some historians argue that the statue was brought by Spanish missionaries or traders during the colonial period, when Portobelo was a key hub for gold and silver shipments.
MV Tidings of Joy – SY Brigadoon III & MY Summer Breeze
3) CAPTAIN RON AWARD ENTRY
“๐ฅ๏ธโ๏ธ How it Started- the Plan ๐๐Our 1,259 nautical mile offshore journey from ๐ต๐ฆPanama to ๐บ๐ธFlorida – non-stop 8 days, 24/7.
๐ Paul & Heatherโs Adventure: Day #1793: The Wildest Yet! ๐ค
After mapping the perfect weather window, confirmed by top meteorologists, we left Colรณn, Panama, at sunset on Thursday, Jan 23. Destination: Florida. 1,260 nautical miles. ๐
But the ocean had other plansโฆ Relentless 25 knot winds, 10 foot waves every 9 seconds meant as soon as we thrashed up one wave, it would crash over our boat and right when we were almost through it, another one would immediately come again. Nordhavn boats are meant to plow through anything safely, but it was rough!”
“๐๏ธLifesavers in San Andrรฉs, Colombia๐จ๐ด:
Just before losing Starlink, Heather activated her Colombian and world network of legends texting 3 key people, quickly explaining the situation and that we might need help getting into and settled in Colombia. She also spoke via VHF in all the chaos at the helm to a local cargo ship captain who was returning to San Andres (thank goodness she is fluent in Spanish!) This angel followed us for 15 hours to make sure we got safely to shore โ especially critical as we did not have electricity at this point. The result of her amazing #dialafriend efforts resulted in the Coast Guard, marina owner, and port officials all prepped and waiting for us, while we were escorted into port, secured dock space (the ONLY space available), and cleared customs like VIPs.
Blessed to all who helped us. (Especially Miguel, Ann, Fer, Nana, Catalina, Nene) Exhausted but so grateful.
PS. For anyone that knows Heather – she LOVES Colombia and has a strong network of dear friends, some of course even on this small island 80 miles off the coast of Nicaragua in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. We are safe. #gratitude “
MV GRATITUDE ๐บ๐ธ Heather & Paul – Nordhavn 43′
4) GALLEY GODDESS๐ AWARD
70+ Crab Rangoon’ shared at the Ocean Posse Caribbean Yacht festival easily won he Galley Goddess award in Panama – Time from serving to disappearing 300 seconds – Congratulations !!! Main ingredients Wonton wrapper, cream cheese, crab meat scallions, garlic …
Poke Bowl with Yellow Fin Tuna caught by the Captain โค๏ธโค๏ธ๐ฅ
SY REMEDY ๐บ๐ธ Natalie & Karl Robertson & Caine 45′
6) OCEAN POSSE EVENTS & GATHERINGS
Meeting adventurers, sailors, and explorers is a great way to learn, share knowledge, and build lasting connections while embracing the spirit of exploration.
With over 100 yachts and 250 adventurous souls the Caribbean yacht fest was one of the largest gatherings for the Ocean Posse … EVER ! Thank you all – Save the date for 2026 January 31 / Feb 1 2026
The Gazebo at Shelter Bay Marina in full swing
The life raft demo in the Shelter Bay Pool
Shelter Bay Marina filled to the brim !!!
“Come in here, dear boy, have a cigar, you’re gonna go far
You’re gonna fly, you’re never gonna die
You’re gonna make it if you try, they’re gonna love you !!”
SV Remedy, SV Triaena, SV Sancerre making a unsuccessful provision run into the Pueblo of Bahia Honda.
At the local “shop”
Shore to bay view
Local piggies rummaging
Old School Communications
Off-the-beaten-path Bahรญa Honda is a secluded and picturesque bay on the Pacific coast of Panama, located in the Veraguas Province. It is known for its deep, well-protected anchorage, lush tropical surroundings.
Anchorage: Excellent holding with protection from swells and winds, making it a safe stop for cruisers heading along the Panamanian coast.
Surroundings: The area is surrounded by dense rain forest, small islands, and mangroves, providing a remote and wild cruising experience.
Local Community: The bay has a small fishing community, and some locals may paddle out to greet visiting boats, offering to trade fresh produce or seafood.
Wildlife: Due to its proximity to Coiba National Park, the waters around Bahรญa Honda are home to abundant marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and even whales during migration seasons.
SY REMEDY ๐บ๐ธ Natalie & Karl Robertson & Caine 45′
12) MYSTERIOUS CREATURES OF THE SEA Who is dis doin’ this synthetic type of alpha beta psychedelic funkin’?
“If you zoom in you will see this translucent sea creature with purple dots running its length. Is this a type of jellyfish? Any thoughts?”
QUESTION by Natalie on SY REMEDY
MY MARTINI Bryan & Mary – I think it is squid eggs- we saw something similar in the sea of Cortez
“This is a Portugese Man of War. ๐”
A Portuguese Man o’ War is a highly venomous marine organism often mistaken for a jellyfish but actually a colonial siphonophore. It is composed of a colony of specialized polyps working together as one organism.
Floating Gas Bladder
The Man oโ War has a translucent, gas-filled bladder that sits above the water, acting like a sail.
It can be blue, purple, or pink and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.
It drifts with the wind and currents rather than actively swimming.
Long, Venomous Tentacles:
It has long, trailing tentacles that can reach up to 165 feet (50 meters), though they are usually around 30 feet (10 meters).
These tentacles contain nematocysts, specialized cells that inject potent venom to paralyze and kill fish and small marine creatures.
Venom and Sting:
The sting can cause severe pain, red welts, nausea, breathing difficulties, and, in rare cases, cardiac arrest.
Even detached tentacles can sting for hours or days after being separated from the main body.
First aid includes rinsing with seawater, removing tentacle fragments, and using hot water to neutralize venom.
13) GOOD NAUTICAL
GLOVERS REEF ๐ง๐ฟ BELIZE
Approach
โ 16ยฐ 42.9850′ N 087ยฐ 51.0000′ W
Gloverโs Reef Atoll is a remote and pristine coral atoll located about 45 miles off the coast of Belize, forming part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of only four atolls in the Caribbean, offering some of the most spectacular marine biodiversity in the region. โ Anchoring: Anchor in Southwest Caye where thereโs good holding in sand and protection from the trade winds.
14) BENEFITS OF JOINING THE OCEAN POSSE 6 MONTHS OF WORK DONE FOR YOU DIGITAL CHARTS
The SHAFT SHARK line cutter is a serrated edge circular blade machined from high quality (316L) type stainless steel. It is easy to install; no drilling
Shaft Shark cuts long lines
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.
If you encounter a longline at night the shaft shark will cut the line and prevent this
16) MARINA PUERTO BAHIA ๐ฉ๐ด DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
19ยฐ 11.6383โฒ N 069ยฐ 21.3283โฒ W
ON SITE AMENITIES
On-Site Customs & Immigration
30 and 50 amps, 125 and 250 volts, 60 Hz
Water
High Speed Pump Fueling Pier
24-Hour Security
Restrooms and Showers
Laundry Room
Mini-Market
Garbage Pickup
Free Internet Access
Bars and Restaurants
Infinity Pools
Gym
Spa and Beauty Salon
Taxi and Car Rental
Water Taxi to Cayo Levantado Island
Parking
We are pleased to sponsor the Ocean Posse with a special 15% discount on Winter rates (High Season) !
Gavi Roustand
Harbour Master
C: +1 809 801 9756
E: marina@puertobahiasamana.com
Puerto Bahรญa is a full service marina in Samanรก, Northeast of Dominican Republic, offering slips for vessels up to 150ft LOA and access to boutique hotel amenities.
BoatOn is a start-up that aims to become the benchmark solution for simplifying boat management ๐ซฐ while reducing their environmental impact ๐ฑ It has won several awards in Cannes Yachting Festival and other business events and is supported by Bpifrance and the French Ministry of the Sea.
Our clients include fleet managers and boat owners from small yachts to commercial vessels. We offer 4 main services:
BoatOn Book: one of the simplest boat management software on the market (check it out here: https://youtu.be/mv7cXEu-S1k?si=BOjf7rF200ZkGa7O)
BoatOn Consulting: experts with more than 40 years of technical management experience in the maritime sector, available for inventories, maintenance plans, technical audits, etc.
BoatOn Academy: training courses on CMMS, CSRD, the ISM code and compliance with the MLC, the fundamentals of the energy transition, etc.
BoatOn Assur: insurance brokerage to help our customers make savings
19) MUST SEE JOYA DE CERรN – LA LIBERTAD ๐ธ๐ป EL SALVADOR
The “Pompeii of the Americas”
Before the village was abandoned around AD 600 about 200 people lived in this Pre-Columbian Maya farming village.
The eruption of the Loma Caldera volcano caused 33 feet / 10 meters of debris to settle over the site. The site was remarkably well preserved due to the low temperature of ash and very fast ash-fall, a a thick layer having blanketed the town in the space of a few hours.
For sailors exploring the Pacific coast of Central America, a detour inland to Joya de Cerรฉn offers a rare glimpse into the everyday life of the ancient Maya. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often called the “Pompeii of the Americas” because it was suddenly buried under volcanic ash around 600 AD, preserving an entire farming village in remarkable detail.
A Window into Maya Daily Life โ Unlike most Maya ruins that showcase grand temples and palaces, Joya de Cerรฉn reveals homes, storage buildings, workshops, and fields, providing an unparalleled look at how common people lived over 1,400 years ago.
Exceptional Preservation โ The site remains frozen in time, with cooking utensils, crops, and even footprints left behind in the ash.
UNESCO Heritage Site โ Recognized for its unique historical significance, this is one of the best-preserved pre-Hispanic settlements in the Americas.
THE MANY MUST SEE’S ALONG THE OCEAN POSSE ROUTES
20) WHY I HAVE A LOT OF JERRYCANS
Sailors heading to the South Pacific carry 10+ jerry cans for diesel on deck
Extended Passages with Limited Fuel Availability
Backup for Unexpected Conditions
Generator & Systems Usage
Emergency Reserves
Expensive Fuel at Remote Islands
Unavailable Fuel and Fuel Shortages in remote places
Fueling Logistics in Remote Anchorages / no Fuel Dock
Longer Stays at Anchor
Island “Trade & Barter” Economy
Take on fuel at an inland fuel station
Validate fuel sales via quantity checks
Pre-filter fuel to prevent fuel tank contamination
Easily Help other vessels in case of fuel needs
Real-World Example:
In Tongaโs Haโapai Islands
Dinghy ashore
Walk to the police station
Borrow or flag down a pickup truck
Drive 5 miles to a small fuel depot
Fill jerry cans with fuel filter
Drive back, carry them to the dinghy, and then transfer fuel at anchor
This type of fuel run is part of the adventure when cruising the South Pacific, reinforcing the importance of carrying extra jerry cans on deck for when fuel runs arenโt possible !
The Panama Canal Museum, officially known as the Museo del Canal Interoceรกnico de Panamรก, is a non-profit institution located in Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo district. Established in 1997, the museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the historical memory of Panama and its canal.
Housed in a beautifully restored building that once served as the headquarters for the original French canal company, the museum presents excellent exhibits on the famous waterway, framed in their historical and political context.
The museum’s exhibits cover various stages of the canal’s history, including the initial French construction attempt, the subsequent efforts by the United States, and the eventual transfer of control to Panama. Visitors can explore a range of artifacts, maps, and photographs that illustrate the canal’s development and its impact on the country.
For those interested in visiting, the museum is situated in Plaza Catedral, also known as Independence Plaza, at the intersection of 5th and 6th streets. The building itself has a rich history, having served various roles since its construction between 1874 and 1875, including as the Grand Hotel and later as offices for the French canal company.
In addition to the Museo del Canal, the Miraflores Visitor Center offers another perspective on the canal’s operations. Located at the Miraflores Locks, the center provides an opportunity to observe ships transiting the locks and features exhibits on the canal’s history and functioning.
Both institutions offer valuable insights into the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and its significance in global trade and Panamanian history.
Make global yacht travel easier, more transparent, better informed and fun
Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas & service providers
Document and pass on relevant information to help fellow yacht owners and operators in a timely manner
Reduce risk, identify risks, document risks
Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules
one of the 4,000+ happy participants in the Ocean Posse
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