the cathedral of thorns 🇨🇼 Curaçao

The Cathedral of Thorns is a full building-sized illuminated labyrinth on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. Visitors are invited to walk through its corridors and experience an artistic journey through a troublesome history toward a bright future; both sides are represented by the hostile yet beautiful thorns. To raise consciousness of the similarities between religions, the design includes symbols of today’s world religions and ancient nature-based religions. The walls have niches containing objects of contemporary art by guest artists, expressing mankind’s ability to change, share and collaborate through creativity. In addition, the labyrinth also functions as a stage for performances. The Cathedral of Thorns was designed by Herman van Bergen, winner of the International Sculpture Award, 2023 and the prestigious Cola Debrot Award in 2016, and was constructed by unemployed youth. This work of art (in progress) unites all themes of Van Bergen’s previous thorn-art sculptures into one expansive project: a building honoring Mother Nature and the Free Spirit that achieves change through creativity.

SY MASION DE SANTE  🇺🇸 Keenan Nicole & Jack – Cal 46′

🌊 Ocean Posse Fleet Insurance Plan
Now Available   …8 Years in the Making

We’re are, and this is rare, proud to announce the official launch of the Ocean Posse Group Insurance Program – a global, captain-forward insurance solution designed specifically for long-range cruising vessels. This plan has been 8 years in the making, built from thousands of conversations with yacht owners, feedback from our seminars, and the lessons learned from real-world claims and policies that fell short.
If you’ve ever struggled to find reliable, reasonably priced insurance for bluewater cruising – especially with global navigation, hurricane coverage, or single-handed sailing – this plan is for you.

Over the years, we’ve seen our members declined, dropped, or given inflexible, overpriced policies. So we teamed up with one of the most respected marine insurance brokers in the business, Steve Bonner  an accomplished sailor himself, to change that. Steve brings 37 years of experience, a lifelong sailing background, and direct communication with a top-tier underwriter.

This is not a generic policy. It’s a purpose-built plan that reflects the real needs of the Ocean Posse fleet.

Key Features for Ocean Posse Members:
•    ✅ Guaranteed Issue for vessels with a survey within 5 years (no automatic declines for minor issues)
•    ⚡ Fast Binding – coverage issued within 48 hours in most cases
•    📍 Global Navigation, including Colombia, Panama, the South Pacific, and New Zealand
•    🌪️ Hurricane Coverage without excessive restrictions
•    ⚓ Agreed Value Policies (no surprises at claim time)
•    🛥️ Includes Dinghy, Lightning, Pollution, Towing, P&I, Medical, Uninsured Boaters, and Personal Property
•    🇨🇦 No exclusions for Canadians or foreign-flagged vessels
•    🪫 Lithium batteries accepted – DIY or pro install, no red tape
•    🧭 Custom endorsements available for singlehanders, high GL needs (like New Zealand), and more

Member Benefits

All Ocean Posse members who have been part of the Ocean Posse for at least 1 year will receive an automatic 15% discount off regular premiums. Year 2 will have a premium freeze with the same premium as the prior year.  And starting in year three, vessels with no claims receive an additional 5% discount off the year 3 premium, guaranteed. That’s real savings, not just empty marketing.  We will accomplish this with our large collective group size and a mindset of all of us minimizing claims.  Obviously, all blows up if our claims are high and we will be back on our own again.  But several years of success will go a long way towards a permanent solution.

This plan has been vetted with the same care we bring to every partnership – not just a checkbox for benefits, but a long-term relationship focused on your safety, mobility, and peace of mind.

How It Works


• Right now, the program is live with a simple intake: just fill out the two forms, attach your most recent survey, and coverage can be bound in 72 hours.
• Within weeks, we’ll launch a custom online portal with streamlined applications, quotes, and payment – all designed for Ocean Posse yacht owners
• Every member gets a welcome call from Steve or his team to go over your coverage, answer questions, and make sure the fit is right.
• No call centers. No corporate script. Just real service from people who understand what it means to be at anchor when the squall line rolls through.

A Major Milestone
This is one of the most important benefits we’ve ever added to the Ocean Posse. 

It’s designed to protect your vessel, your journey, and your freedom to roam.
We’re proud to offer a solution worthy of the miles you’ve sailed and the ones ahead.
🧭 Learn more and apply @

oceanposse.com/insurance 

Captain Dietmar

Cruising Dinghies in paradise – here is they dinghy dock at big momma’s
Pangaimotu in Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu 🇹🇴  TONGA

BROWNS MARINA 🇧🇸 BIMINI BAHAMAS
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
25°43.325′ 79°17.925′ W

< 50 nm FROM FLORIDA – SAFE APPROACH

We are please to sponsor the Ocean Posse with a 10 % discount off our slip fees.
Christian

Browns Marina
+1 (305) 799-3143‬

30 DAY LOOP  🇧🇸 CRUISING THE BAHAMAS >>>

MUST SEE IN THE BAHAMAS 🇧🇸
THE GLASS WINDOW BRIDGE 

The Glass Window Bridge is one of the striking natural and man-made landmarks in the Bahamas, located on Eleuthera Island. Known as the “narrowest place on Earth,” this bridge dramatically connects the deep blue Atlantic Ocean on one side with the calm turquoise waters of the Exuma Sound on the other—separated by only a sliver of rock and concrete.
Notable Facts:
• Location: Eleuthera Island, Bahamas
Coordinates: 25°25.0′N 76°19.5′W
• Originally a natural rock arch, it collapsed in the 1940s and was replaced by a man-made bridge.
• The site is known for powerful waves from the Atlantic crashing over the road during storms and heavy swell.
• A metal railing and marker let you safely stand at this unique geographical divide where two oceans meet.
Why it’s Infamous:
• Storm surges have damaged or even swept away parts of the bridge multiple times.
• There are local accounts of vehicles being pushed by rogue waves when attempting to cross in rough weather.
• Despite improvements, it’s still considered dangerous during storms and is sometimes closed temporarily.

WATER MAKER 💧IN DEPTH
ZOOM SEMINARS JULY 17 ’25

Marine Watermakers Seminars Part 2 - OCEAN POSSE

⚓ Marine Watermakers Seminar Series Segment 2: Installation & Operation at Sea 🎯 Goal: Walk through real-world installation examples and […]

Marine Watermakers Seminars Part 2

!!! OUR FIRST MARINA IN BRAZIL !!!

STELLA MARINA BRAZIL- ALAGOAS
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

09° 50.3416′ S   035° 54.61′ W 

Special Ocean Posse welcome offer

• February to November:
Special monthly rate for boats between 30 and 50 feet – R$ 1,500
• Yachts in Transit
2 days free
• December and January:
Please inquire about slip availability in advance

 AMENITIES

• Bar
• Restaurants
• Historical Sites
•  Sail Repair
• Chandleries
• Mechanics
• Supermarkets
• Bakery

 NEARBY

1. Visit Praia do Gunga
One of Brazil’s most stunning beaches, perched between the Atlantic Ocean and Lagoa do Roteiro. Ideal for boat trips through mangroves and natural reefs, as well as surfing, kayaking, and soaking in breathtaking views

2. Lounge at Praia Barra de São Miguel
The charming local beach offers calm, clear waters perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the laid-back village atmosphere .

3. Explore Conchas Beach
Known for its “shell” pools that form at low tide, this natural attraction is great for snorkeling, exploring tidal pools, and marveling at coastal rock formations .

4. Cruise the São Francisco River Mangroves
Take a boat tour along the “Velho Chico” river. Through rich mangrove ecosystems, enjoy wildlife spotting, scenic lagoon stops, and fresh oysters straight from local farms

5. Day-trip to Praia do Francês & Mirante do Gunga
Combine a visit to nearby Praia do Francês—with its reef-protected pools and vibrant beach scene—with the stunning cliff viewpoints (“Mirante do Gunga”) overlooking the bay and lagoon

6. Stroll along St Peter’s Pier
and savor local seafood at the beachside restaurants in tow

OCEAN POSSE PARTNERSHIP MARINAS 

MUST SEE 

Coronado San Diego Bay 🇺🇸 California USA

CORONADO is a vibrant community with historic and present day navy heritage and offers a rich history. Just over the bridge from San Diego is this small, tree-lined beach haven island, which is really a peninsula connected to the mainland by a neck of land named the Silver Strand.

San Diego land boom

In the mid-1880s, the San Diego region was in the midst of one of its first real estate booms. At that time, it was common for a developer to build a grand hotel as a draw for what would otherwise be a barren landscape.

Coronado Beach Company

In November 1885, five investors went together to buy all of Coronado and North Island, approximately 4,000 acres and in April 1886, Babcock and Story created the Coronado Beach Company, after which they established a number of additional enterprises to support the development of Coronado. The Coronado Ferry Company built wharves and storage facilities and developed ferryboat service between Coronado and San Diego; The Coronado Water Company piped fresh water under San Diego Bay from the San Diego River; The Coronado Railroad Company provided rail lines in Coronado and eventually a “Belt Line” connected Coronado to San Diego via the Strand. Hotel del Coronado also boasted one of the largest electrical power plants in the state, providing service to the entire community of Coronado until the 1920s.

The men hired architect James W. Reid and his brother Watson Reid helped supervise the 2,000 laborers needed for the construction of the grand hotel.

” It would be built around a court… a garden of tropical trees, shrubs and flowers,… From the south end, the foyer should open to Glorietta Bay with verandas for rest and promenade. On the ocean corner, there should be a pavilion tower, and northward along the ocean, a colonnade, terraced in grass to the beach. The dining wing should project at an angle from the southeast corner of the court and be almost detached, to give full value to the view of the ocean, bay and city.”

TREES ON CORONADO

There is a unique list of heritage trees on the island from many areas around the world.

• TORREY PINE / Pinus Torreyana is the rarest pine in the United States and is native to this area
  Well-cared for, Coronado’s Torreys grow to more than 50 feet in height.
• STAR PINE located in Rotary Plaza was designated a Heritage Tree on April 3, 2008. This Araucaria Heterophylla is native to Norfolk Island in the SW Pacific and was transplanted to this location by Supt. Bandel in 1936.
• MORETON BAY FIG located adjacent to Star Park at 1121 Flora Avenue was designated a Heritage Tree on December 7, 2011. Ficus Macrophylla, native to northeastern Australia, has heavy buttressing trunks that spread to support a massive crown that can grow to more than 100 feet in diameter.
• FERN PINE / Afrocarpus Gracilior (previously known as podacarpus g.) are from eastern Africa.
• ITALIAN STONE PINE  clearly visible from the streets  is believed to be the largest in the City and was planted as a one foot Christmas tree in 1965. A native of southern Europe, Pinus Pinea grow well here, producing paired bright green needles in a dense umbrella shape.
• DEODAR CEDAR located in the second block of the Orange Avenue  was planted in 1952 as one of the forty-two memorial trees to replace the trolley tracks that were removed after World War II. This Cedrus deodara, native to the Himalayas.
• SUGAR GUM is a stately Eucalyptus cladocalyx is representative of the Sugar Gums that were planted on this block at the beginning of the 20th century. Eucalyptus were imported from Australia soon after California’s Gold Rush, 90% of them being Tasmanian Blue Gums. The Blue Gums are structurally weak and have other problems which these Sugar Gums lack.
• NORFOLK ISLAND PINE  was designated a Heritage Tree on February 5, 2015. Araucaria heterophylla, sometimes called Star Pine, is native to a small beautiful southwest Pacific island. It grows wonderfully well and very tall in Coronado. This beautiful specimen about 100 years old is on the property of a historically designated home moved from Ocean Boulevard after the 1905 storm that washed away some of the boulevard.

 DOG FRIENDLY BEACH 

Voted one of America’s finest beaches Coronado is known for its pristine sandy beaches with sand  courtesy of the mineral Mica.
You can even bring your four legged friends to North Beach, where dogs are allowed off-leash year round!

START STUDDED HISTORY

In 1958 a trio of actors checked into the Hotel Del Coronado to film what would become the most lauded comedy of all time – Billy Wilder’s SOME LIKE IT HOT.

A funny as hell screenplay with award-winning performances from screen legends Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe  during what is said to be one of the happiest times in her life.

EXPENSIVE REAL ESTATE – NAVY SEAL HQ

Coronado is also home to some of the most expensive real estate per sqft in California with cultural attractions such as the world-famous, historic Hotel Del Coronado—visited by many U.S. Presidents and global dignitaries, the Coronado Museum of History and Art, and the U.S. Navy SEAL Headquarters.

MARINAS, FERRIES,  BRIDGES AND ANCHORAGES

Public Docks
Glorietta Bay Marina is a Clean Marina Certified marina managed by California Yacht Marina.

Centrally located adjacent to the historic Hotel Del Coronado and Coronado’s vibrant downtown mainstreet, Glorietta Bay Marina features brand new dock systems with 100 slips ranging in size from 20’ to 110’feet. Each slip includes electrical power, water and cable/internet connections. Showers, restrooms, and a coin operated laundry are provided on-site for tenants and guests.

The Glorietta Bay Marina offers both transient and permanent docks. There is currently a waitlist for dockage. For more information on slip availability and transient docking please contact California Yacht Marina at (619) 435-5203 or by email at gbm@californiayachtmarina.com.

THE CORONADO BRIDGE

In 1926, John D. Spreckels recommended that a bridge be built between San Diego and Coronado, but voters dismissed the plan. The U.S. Navy initially did not support a bridge that would span San Diego Bay to connect San Diego to Coronado. They feared a bridge could be collapsed by attack or an earthquake and trap the ships stationed at Naval Base San Diego.

In 1951–52, the Coronado City Council initiated plans for bridge feasibility studies. By 1964 the Navy supported a bridge if there was at least 200 feet (61 m) of clearance for ships which operate out of the nearby Naval Base San Diego to pass underneath it. To achieve this clearance with a reasonable grade, the bridge length was increased by taking a curved path, rather than a more direct path to Coronado. The clearance would allow an empty oil-fired aircraft carrier to pass beneath it

The principal architect was Robert Mosher. Construction on the San Diego–Coronado Bay Bridge started in February 1967. The bridge required 20,000 tons of steel and 94,000 cubic yards of concrete. To add the concrete girders, 900,000 cubic yards of fill was dredged and the caissons for the towers were drilled and blasted 100 feet into the bed of the bay. It is supported by 27 concrete girders, the longest ever made at the time of construction.

The center span of the Coronado Bay Bridge was designed to float in the event of a bombing, according to local urban legend. Though the 1,880-foot-long center section of the bridge is hollow, the circumstances that would allow it to fall 200 feet and somehow still float are beyond improbable.

FERRY FROM DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO

To get a across to Corando take a scenic boat ride across the bay to/from Coronado, aboard a piece of San Diego history with a scenic 15-minute ride to the Coronado Ferry Landing, a waterfront marketplace full of over 25 unique shops and restaurants, and convenient access to all that Coronado Island offers!

ANCHORAGES

Beginning July 1, 2021, the Port of San Diego’s Maritime Department will assume management responsibilities from the Harbor Police Department for anchorages on San Diego Bay, including the Glorietta Bay A5 anchorage, and the Port’s Shelter Island Guest Docks located at 1401 Shelter Island Drive on the southern end of Shelter Island at the entrance to the Shelter Island Yacht Basin.

The Port also provides two 72-hour anchorages and a “Cruiser Anchorage.” Aside from the management change, no additional changes are being made for the anchorages at this time. No fee is required to anchor in these areas; however, a permit is required. Permits for the A1 and A5 anchorages are still available online. For the A9 anchorage, permits still require a vessel inspection performed by a Harbor Police Officer and must be obtained in person at the Harbor Police substation located at 1401 Shelter Island Drive.

Anchorage locations are:

Primary Named Winds in the Mediterranean 🌬SIROCCO

Siroccos arise from warm, dry, tropical air masses that are pulled northward by low-pressure cells moving eastward across the Med with the wind originating in the Arabian or Sahara deserts. The hotter, drier continental air mixes with the cooler, wetter air and the counter-clockwise circulation of the low propels the mixed air across the southern coasts of Europe.
Effects
The sirocco causes dusty dry conditions along the northern coast of Africa, storms in the Mediterranean Sea, and warm wet weather in Southern Europe. The sirocco does not affect other parts of Europe. The sirocco’s duration may be as short as half a day or may last several days. While passing over the Mediterranean Sea, the sirocco picks up moisture; this results in rainfall in the southern part of Italy known locally as “blood rain” due to the red sand mixed with the falling rain.

• The dust can irritate the respiratory system, triggering asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties.
• The high temperatures and low humidity can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses.
• Some people experience headaches, insomnia, and general unease during Sirocco events due to the heat, dust, and humidity.
• The dry and hot conditions associated with Sirocco winds can exacerbate the risk of wildfires, especially during the summer months when vegetation is already dry.
• The dust can significantly reduce visibility, impacting transportation and other activities.

⚓️ SAILING STRATEGIES
1. Route Planning
* Favor protected anchorages with shelter from SE winds (e.g., coves open to NW).
* Avoid long SE-facing fetches, the Sirocco can create long, confused seas in open waters.
* If heading northwest, the Sirocco gives a broad reach or downwind advantage.

2. Sail Handling
* Reef early,gusts can be sudden and strong.
* Prepare for unpredictable lulls followed by violent gusts.
* Double-check gybe preventers if sailing downwind in a swell.

3. Visibility
* Expect poor visibility (hazy or reddish sky from Saharan dust).
* Use radar, AIS, and sound signals prudently, especially near busy shipping lanes or when near land.

4. Anchoring Tips
* Choose anchorages with solid holding (many Mediterranean spots have weed or soft silt).
* Drop extra scope, gusts may shift your boat unpredictably.
* Set anchor alarms and consider backing down under power to test your set.

🧭 REGIONAL INSIGHTS
Adriatic Sea:
* The Sirocco (called Jugo) can build long swells. Many harbors are open to the south—plan exits early.

Central Med (Italy/Tunisia/Malta):
* Frequently heralds storm systems. Do not assume steady trade-wind-like conditions—monitor barometer closely.

SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE – MEET THE CRUISING FLEET – SAT AUG 30 – NAWI ISLAND MARINA

• 15:00  YACHT MARKET OVERVIEW FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS PRESENTED BY
  THE YACHT SALES CO

• 15:30  THE PASSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND – PRESENTED BY OCEAN TACTICS

• 16:00 MEET AND MINGLE AND FREE RUM

• 17:00 LET THE FEAST BEGIN …

• 19:00 KAVA AND RUM AFTER HOURS 

OFFICIAL OCEAN POSSE EVENTS

Sat August 2025

SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING PARTY AT Nawi Island Savusavu 🇫🇯 Fiji

NAWI ISLAND MARINA & RESORT, SAVUSAVU FIJI

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Thu September 2025

THE PASSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND | WEATHER BY BY OCEAN TACTICS

ZOOM, ONLINE

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Thu September 2025

OCEAN POSSE & BEN TAYLOR STREET PARTY @ CANNES 🇫🇷 YACHTING FESTIVAL

TAQUERIA LUPITA, 72 Rue Meynadier, Cannes

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Fri September 2025

OCEAN POSSE @ GENOA 🇮🇹 INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Genoa Boat Show, Via dei Cantieri Navali, 16128 Genova GE, Italy

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Wed September 2025

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

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Sat September 2025

OCEAN POSSE 🇪🇸 KICK OFF PARTY @ YACHT PORT CARTAGENA

YACHT PORT CARTAGENA SPAIN, MURCIA SPAIN

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Thu - Sun October 2025

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 🇺🇸 MARYLAND USA

ANNAPOLIS, Annapolis Town Dock Booth VB 9

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Tue - Fri October 2025

OCEAN POSSE 🇺🇸 SAN DIEGO BAY 4 DAY CRUISING SEMINARS SERIES @ SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY

SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY EVENT CENTER, CHULA VISTA, SAN DIEGO, CA

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Wed - Sun December 2025

OCEAN POSSE KICK OFF 🇲🇽 BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO December 3-7 2025

MARINA PUERTO DE LA NAVIDAD, BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO

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Sun January 2026

FIESTA NAUTICA CLUB DE PESCA CARTAGENA 🇨🇴

CLUB DE PESCA, CARTAGENA COLOMBIA

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Sat January 2026

OCEAN POSSE AT SHELTER BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

SHELTER BAY MARINA, FORT SHERMAN, PANAMA

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Thu September 2026

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

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FLOR DE CAÑA RUM SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

⚠️ OCEAN POSSE SAFETY BULLETIN

Lithium Battery Fires Aboard  
Ahoy Skippers, Captains, Crws, Harbor Masters, and Marinas
With the growing number of lithium-ion batteries aboard modern vessels – powering everything from navigation gear to e-bikes and watermakers – it’s critical we address a fire risk unique to these compact energy sources: thermal runaway.

⚠️ Traditional ABC, CO₂, or dry chemical extinguishers are not effective once thermal runaway begins. These extinguishers may knock down flames, but they will not stop the internal chemical reaction or cool the battery sufficiently to prevent re-ignition.

• 🔥 Once thermal runaway begins, traditional extinguishers are of limited value.

• 💧 Water cooling or specialized agents are more effective.

• ⚠️ Early detection and isolation are critical.

Extinguishing Agents Designed for Lithium Fires
Several modern extinguishing agents have proven significantly more effective at tackling lithium-ion battery fires, offering both cooling and re-ignition prevention:
* Hydrogel
 A water-based gel with modified clay that rapidly cools the fire, blocks oxygen, and prevents flammable gas release. Ideal for compartmentalized battery spaces.
* K36 Agent 
A dry agent using high-surface-area clay particles. It creates a fire-suffocating blanket, stopping oxygen flow and reducing off-gassing. Works on lithium and other fire classes.
* AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion)
Fine vermiculite particles suspended in water. When sprayed, it forms a heat-absorbing mist and mineral barrier, effectively stopping flame spread and reducing battery temperature.

The Challenge of Lithium Battery Fires
Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, high-performance, and efficient – but when damaged, overcharged, or improperly stored, they can enter thermal runaway, where one overheating cell sets off a chain reaction in neighboring cells.

Water mist or flooding is often recommended by fire safety experts. Water absorbs heat and may slow or prevent propagation to nearby cells water is not dangerous on lithium-ion fires and is now used by many fire brigades (especially for EV and e-bike battery fires)
Lithium battery fire suppression blankets or specialized lithium battery extinguishing agents (like Lith-X, Aqueous Vermiculite Suspension (AVS), or Firebane) are more effective.
Compartmentalization and early isolation om a vessel are key. If one cell starts to fail, stop charging, and cool the battery if possible. How to remove and dump an battery in an emergency ?

3. What Makes a Lithium Fire Extinguisher Effective?
When evaluating fire suppression equipment aboard, look for agents with these key characteristics:
* High Cooling Capacity
Rapidly lowers the temperature to halt thermal runaway propagation.
* Oxygen Isolation
Forms a barrier to prevent oxygen from feeding the fire.
* Re-ignition Prevention
Many lithium battery fires reignite – the right extinguishing agent must prevent this.
* Environmental Safety
Choose non-toxic, residue-free, marine-safe options when available.

4. Recommendations for Ocean Posse Vessels
* 🔌 Isolate charging batteries and avoid charging lithium batteries ( non ion )  unattended or overnight.
* 🧯 Upgrade your fire suppression kit to include at least one lithium-rated extinguisher (AVD or equivalent).
* 🌡️ Store lithium batteries in ventilated, fireproof containers or lockers, preferably in cool, shaded areas.
* 📦 Inspect battery packs regularly for swelling, corrosion, or excessive heat.
* 🚒 Practice fire drills that include battery fires and know how to isolate your electrical system.

The Bridge of the Americas (Puente de las Américas) in Panama:
It was built with enough clearance for the tallest ships to pass—except one!
When completed in 1962, the Bridge of the Americas provided 61.3 meters (201 ft) of vertical clearance, allowing nearly all ships using the Panama Canal at the time to pass beneath it. However, in 2008, the cruise ship Carnival Freedom was denied transit because it exceeded the bridge’s height limit—even with its retractable smokestack !

Bonus nautical trivia:

The bridge is at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and officially connects North and South America, making it one of the few places in the world where you can drive across continents in a single minute.

PANAMA POSSE CANAL AGENTS

To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact our dedicated Panama Canal agents and sponsors of the Panama Posse and the Pacific Posse

CENTENARIO CONSULTING

Erick Gálvez
info@centenarioconsulting.com
www.centenarioconsulting.com
Cellphone +507 6676-1376
WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

OCEAN POSSE MERCHANDISE | SHOP

3 CRUISING SERIES
OPEN CPN SEMINARS IN AUGUST  

OpenCPN is the ultimate navigation tool for cruisers. It’s free, open-source, and customizable with global chart support, real-time GPS, AIS, radar overlays, and powerful plugins. Whether you’re coastal hopping or ocean crossing, OpenCPN delivers reliable navigation without vendor lock-in—trusted by sailors worldwide for its flexibility, accuracy, and community-driven innovation.

 AUG 7 

OPEN CPN | Installing OpenCPN, Connecting GPS/NMEA, and Use Cases - OCEAN POSSE

Installing OpenCPN on Windows, Mac Connecting USB GPS, NMEA 0183/2000, and AIS receivers Basic navigation setup for cruisers Live demo […]

 AUG 14

OPEN CPN | Using Satellite Charts & Overlays - OCEAN POSSE

Topic: Using Satellite Overlays for Coastal Navigation Where to find and download satellite charts Installing and configuring SAT plugins (GE2KAP, […]

 AUG 21

OPEN CPN | Tracks, Waypoints, and Plugins - OCEAN POSSE

Tracks, Waypoints, and Plugins Topic: Maximizing OpenCPN with Routes, Marks & Powerful Plugins Importing/exporting GPX/KML tracks and waypoints Planning passages […]

⚓ How to Secure a Yacht to Mangroves for a Hurricane 

⚓ How to Secure a Yacht to Mangroves for a Hurricane

1. Choose the Right Spot
• Seek a well-protected mangrove-lined creek or hurricane hole with minimal fetch and good holding.
• Avoid areas with strong tidal currents or overhead hazards (power lines, branches).

2. Prepare the Boat
• Remove all sails, canvas, solar panels (if possible), and anything wind-exposed.
• Seal hatches and deck openings; double check bilge pumps are functional.
• Fully charge batteries and shut down unnecessary electrical loads.

3. Set Multiple Anchors
• Drop a primary bow anchor in the center of the creek (ideally with chain + rode).
• If possible, drop a secondary stern or side anchor for directional stability.

4. Run Multiple Mangrove Lines
• Take long, chafe-protected lines (preferably 3/4″ or larger) from strong cleats or winches to mangrove trunks.
• Run lines aft, forward, and abeam to create a web holding the boat in position.
• Tie to thick trunks (not roots) using a round turn and two half hitches, or secure a loop with a bowline around the trunk.
• Use sacrificial lines (old lines, webbing) around the trees to avoid damaging bark.
5. Allow for Tidal Surge
• Ensure there’s vertical play in all lines—tie high enough on trees to stay clear during surge, and allow slack to prevent snapping under rising water.
• Avoid over-tightening lines; lines should be snug but not under extreme tension.

6. Chafe Protection
• Add hoses, towels, fire hose, or anti-chafe gear at every rub point—especially where lines meet chocks, cleats, or trunks.
• Check and replace any UV-brittle lines.

7. Final Checks
• Lock the helm amidships.
• Remove or double lash dinghies, or sink them next to the yacht.
• Add fenders even if you’re not near a dock—rubbing on mangroves or against your own lines can still cause abrasion.

>>> read all about MANGROVES  here <<<

Good Nautical Cyclone hole in Fiji @ Denarau / Nadi River video by Capt. Kurt Roll

Tidbits

🗿 Ancient Royal Tomb Discovered Deep in the Belizean Jungle

Ahoy history buffs and cruisers exploring the western Caribbean!

A major archaeological discovery just surfaced inland from the turquoise coast of Belize: the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the founding ruler of the mighty Maya city of Caracol, has been uncovered after more than 40 years of excavation.

This jungle metropolis once held sway over the southern Yucatán between 560 and 680 AD—just a few centuries before it was swallowed by the forest. Now archaeologists from the University of Houston have located the first-ever confirmed royal burial at the site, dating back to 331 AD.

The tomb, found beneath a royal shrine, held an impressive stash of ancient riches: jadeite jewelry, a mosaic mask, carved bones, spondylus shells from the Pacific, and pottery painted with images of gods, rulers, and bound captives. One vessel even shows Ek Chuah, the patron deity of traders and travelers—perhaps a spiritual guide for Maya mariners.

Also found: ceramic lids topped with coatimundi heads (a local forest creature called tz’uutz’ in Maya), a symbol later adopted into royal names—like a totem carved into a yacht’s figurehead.

So if you’re cruising the Belize coast this season, anchor off the reef, head upriver by land, and consider a day trip to Caracol—it’s a rare chance to glimpse the powerful seafaring and trading legacy of the ancient Maya.

⚓️ From coral to jungle, this region oozes history

BAHAMAS CRUISING FEES UPDATE

⚓ Cruising & Entry Permits (Effective July 1, 2025)
Temporary Cruising Permit (valid for 12 months, two entries per permit):
* Under 50 ft: US $500
* 50–99 ft: US $1,000
* 100 + ft: US $3,000

Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC – valid 2 years, unlimited entries):
* Under 50 ft: US $1,500
* 50–99 ft: US $2,500
* 100 + ft: US $8,000

🐟 Fishing Permit (separate, 30-day duration)
* Under 50 ft: US $100
* 50 + ft: US $300

⚓ Anchorage Fees (outside marinas, up to 12 months)
* Under 50 ft: US $200
* 50–99 ft: US $350
* 100 + ft: US $1,500

🧭 Passenger Head Tax
* US $30 per extra non-resident passenger aged 6+

📡 AIS Requirement & Penalty
* All foreign vessels 50 ft+ must have AIS installed, active, and transmitting at all times in Bahamian waters (even at anchor)
* Non-compliance carries a fine of up to US $1,000

🧭 Entry Clearances & Process
* Click2Clear digital submission required for cruising permit or FDCC
* FDCC applications won’t be available digitally until mid‑July—apply on arrival at Customs with card or cash payment
* Clearing out (departure) costs US $75

💵 Sample Cost: Under 50 ft Boat, 30‑Day Stay

12‑month cruising permit $500
Fishing permit $100
Anchorage fee $200
Passenger tax (if applicable) $30+
Total $800+

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