MY HOKIPA Lucky Chucky & Lisa  – Selene 43′

“The Heroic City” of CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA 

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

SY SAMLL WORLD III 🇻🇮 Karen & Daren – Bristol 47.7

Corsica

lies in the Mediterranean, to the southeast of mainland France and north of the Italian island of Sardinia. While politically part of France, the island has a distinct cultural heritage, with a history shaped by various influences, including Italian, Genoese, and French. This unique blend of cultures is reflected in Corsica’s architecture, cuisine, and even language, as many locals still speak Corsican alongside French. The island’s allure is amplified by its dramatic natural scenery, and its diverse coastline spans over 1,000 kilometers, offering endless opportunities for exploration by sea.

Corsica is divided into several cruising regions, each offering its own set of attractions and points of interest:

• The Cap Corse Peninsula in the north
• The West Coast, with rugged cliffs and the Gulf of Porto
• The South, including the Gulf of Ajaccio, Bonifacio, and the Lavezzi Islands
• The East Coast, featuring long, sandy beaches and calmer waters

🌊 Ocean Posse Fleet Insurance Plan 

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 @ ( login to download the forms )

oceanposse.com/insurance >>

Captain Dietmar

Sometimes you motor sometimes you sail

!!! OUR SECOND  MARINA IN BRAZIL !!!

RECIFE  MARINA BRAZIL
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
08°04.2116′ S   034°52.44′ W

We present the new and modern RECIFE MARINA, an ideal destination for Brazilian and foreign vessels sailing the waters of the South Atlantic and the Brazilian coast. As a welcome present to the Ocean Posse Members we offer 15% discounts to Ocean Posse members.

Located strategically located among the main nautical destinations of the South Atlantic. Our marina combines high-standard facilities with personalized service and complete solutions for those who sail the seas seeking comfort, safety, and technical support, designed especially to accommodate international and national long-haul vessels. We are located in the city center; Historic center, with modern and safe infrastructure, piers and slips with capacity for large sailboats and yachts.

SAFE APPROACH

Recife, Brazil, known as the “Venice of Brazil,” is a vibrant coastal city rich in history and culture. Famous for its canals, colonial architecture, and lively Carnaval, it offers stunning beaches like Boa Viagem, diverse cuisine, and nearby Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

 AMENITIES

 NEARBY 

WATER MAKER ZOOM SEMINARS SERIES
PART 3💧  JULY 24 ’25

Marine Watermakers Seminars Part 3 - OCEAN POSSE

Marine Watermakers Segment 3: Maintenance, Repairs & Emergency Workarounds 🎯 Goal: Equip participants with the knowledge to keep their system […]

Marine Watermakers Seminars Part 3

Marine Watermakers Seminars Part 3

OCEAN POSSE PARTNERSHIP MARINAS 

MARIGOT BAY YACHT HAVEN  🇱🇨 Saint Lucia 

We’re excited to share a special offer at our Marina: Stay 3 nights and pay for only 2! We’d love to extend this promotion to your fleet and invite you to enjoy not only the Marina, but also discounted access to our resort facilities during your stay.
It’s a perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and experience everything we have to offer in a stunning setting.
Please find the flyer with full details attached. If you have any questions or would like to coordinate a visit, feel free to reach out, we’d be happy to assist.
We look forward to welcoming you and your fleet soon.
Warm regards
Mandy Louis
Marina Supervisor

Mandy Louis
Marigot Bay Yacht Haven

MONDAY – FRIDAY: 09:00 – 17:00
SATURDAY – SUNDAY: 08:00 – 17:00

VHF CHANNEL 12

P.O. Box MG 7227
Marigot Bay, Castries
Saint Lucia

Marina Office:
+1 758-728-9948

Marina Manager:
+1 758-728-9948

Resort Office:
+1 758-458-5300
info@marigotbayyachthaven.com

MUST SEE – Risco Caído 🇮🇨 CANARY ISLANDS 

  1. Introduction – A Mountain Sanctuary Frozen in Time

Risco Caído, nestled high in the rugged interior of Gran Canaria, is far more than a collection of ancient caves carved into volcanic rock. It is a living testimony to the ingenuity and spirituality of the island’s pre-Hispanic inhabitants, the Canarii people, who developed a sophisticated culture in isolation for over a millennium. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, Risco Caído and the surrounding “Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria” represent a cultural landscape where astronomy, agriculture, ritual life, and human adaptation to a harsh volcanic environment merged into one.
This vast archaeological and cultural complex stretches across some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Canary Islands. It is a place where nature dictated survival, where caves became temples, and where sunlight and moonlight were harnessed to mark the rhythm of the seasons.

2. The Setting – Geography and Natural Environment
Risco Caído is located in the mountainous heart of Gran Canaria, near the town of Artenara, at an altitude of over 1,200 meters. The protected cultural landscape spans nearly 18,000 hectares, with an additional 8,500-hectare buffer zone. It covers portions of the Caldera de Tejeda, the Tamadaba Natural Park, and the Parque Rural del Nublo, three of the island’s most scenic and biologically rich regions.
The landscape is a maze of deep ravines, sheer cliffs, volcanic escarpments, and pine-clad slopes. Ancient erosion has sculpted iconic rock formations such as Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, which tower over the valleys like stone sentinels. These natural features held sacred significance for the island’s early settlers, serving as landmarks for rituals and agricultural calendars.
The biodiversity of the region is equally impressive. Endemic flora such as the Canarian pine (Pinus canariensis), wild laurels, and juniper thrive alongside native herbs and shrubs used in traditional medicine. Raptors, kestrels, and small mammals make their home here, forming a delicate ecosystem that the ancient inhabitants respected and depended upon.

MORE DETAILS – when to go and how to get there >>>

Primary Named Winds in the Mediterranean 🌬 Tramontane

NAMED WINDS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN 

OCEAN POSSE HAUL OUT MAP

haulout-and-storage - OCEAN POSSE

The Network Of Yacht Owners with discounts, perks and parties

SOUTH PACIFIC – MEET THE CRUISING FLEET – SAT AUG 30 – NAWI ISLAND MARINA
Brought to you by the yacht sales co.

• 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 

SAFE APPROACH TO NAWI ISLAND MARINA

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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The Bay of Biscay – A Notorious Stretch of Water

The Bay of Biscay, stretching between the rugged northwest coast of Spain and the west coast of France, has a well-earned reputation for being one of the more challenging bodies of water in Western Europe. Long Atlantic swells, unpredictable winds, and sudden weather shifts make this area a passage to be planned with respect and precision. For sailors making their way from the English Channel to Spain or Portugal—or further afield to the Mediterranean—understanding the best time to cross can make the difference between an exhilarating passage and a punishing ordeal.

BAY OF BISCAY ROUTES

Direct Route
Most crews punch straight south-southwest from a French port, making landfall on Spain’s rugged north coast – A Coruña is the usual target. Expect 2 to 3 nights of continuous sailing, depending on departure point and hull speed. Treat it like what it is – a short ocean leg, not just a coastal hop.

Intermediate Stops
If you’d rather ease into Biscay or need a weather window, you can stage the trip with stopovers. Belle Île works before the jump, or you can aim for Gijón or Viveiro once you’re across – both offer good shelter and solid facilities.

Distance & Reality Check
• Brest to A Coruña, direct: ~360 miles
• Or coastal Route with day hops ( waiting out weather windows )

For many crews, Biscay is the first real offshore test – expect fatigue, seasickness, and the uncomfortable truth that you’re a long way from help if something goes wrong. Prepare like it’s a mini ocean crossing: thorough maintenance beforehand, solid crew briefings, and a realistic plan.

Tactics & Tips
• Time your departure – hit the shelf in settled conditions if you can. A northwest breeze over a leftover southwest swell will build steep, nasty cross seas.
• Daylight crossing over the shelf helps – you’ll see the wave sets (and those wandering fishing boats) coming.
• Best hands on deck for this leg – alert, experienced watchkeepers make the difference.
• In heavy weather, stay west of 7° – crews report a cleaner sea state out there.

The Centenario Bridge Panama  stands as a bold reminder of what connects us – quite literally linking two continents across the legendary Panama Canal. Towering above the Culebra Cut, this modern span allows travelers to stand with one foot in Central America and the other in South America, a true symbol of exploration and connection. Like this bridge, the Ocean Posse unites marinas and captains across oceans, carrying forward the same spirit of engineering, adventure, and collaboration that makes maritime history possible.The bridge crosses the Continental Divide right above the famous Culebra Cut of the Panama Canal, making it a symbolic link between the two continents. 🌎

🏗️ Engineering highlights
• Design: Cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 420 m (1,378 ft) and a clearance of 80 m (262 ft) for ships to pass beneath.
• Size: Total length 1,052 m (3,451 ft); two towers stand 184 m (604 ft) tall.
• Purpose: Built to ease traffic from the overburdened Bridge of the Americas, it carries six lanes of the Pan-American Highway.

🎉 Historical note
• Named to commemorate Panama’s 100th anniversary of independence (1903).
• Inaugurated on August 15, 2004 — the exact 90th anniversary of the first ship (the SS Ancon) transiting the Panama Canal.

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  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 […]

⚓ VOLTAGES BY COUNTRY – GOING CRUISING BETWEEN 110 and 220 VOLTS

CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES SHORE POWER

CLICK HERE FOR SOLUTIONS TO THE POWER DILEMMA >>>

Plugin anywhere and charge your 12 V house bank

12-Volt 70 amp 120-240VAC Battery Charger, 1+1 Isolated Outputs

Tidbits

MEXICAN TRAIN

After a day at sea, few things bring cruisers together like a lively game of Mexican Train Dominoes. It’s easy to learn, fits perfectly on a cockpit or marina table, and mixes just enough strategy with luck to keep everyone laughing. Crews from different boats can join in, making it a natural icebreaker and social tradition across anchorages and yacht rallies. Whether it’s a rainy-day distraction or a post-sundowner ritual, Mexican Train has become a staple of cruising camaraderie—one domino at a time.

Mexican Train Dominoes – Quick Rules
Goal: Be the first to play all your dominoes. Lowest total points at the end of all rounds wins.
Setup:
• Use a double-12 set (or double-9 for smaller groups).
• Each player draws:
◦ 2–4 players: 15 tiles
◦ 5–6 players: 12 tiles
◦ 7–8 players: 10 tiles
• Place the rest in a “boneyard” (draw pile).
• Place the highest double (usually double-12) in the center – this is the “engine.”
Playing:
1 Players take turns clockwise.
2 On your turn, play a tile matching the open end of:
◦ Your own train (personal line)
◦ The Mexican Train (shared line anyone can play on once started)
◦ Another player’s train (only if they’ve marked it “open” because they couldn’t play last turn).
3 If you can’t play, draw 1 from the boneyard. If still no play, mark your train “open” and pass.
Starting the Mexican Train:
• Anyone may start it on their turn by placing a matching tile.
Doubles Rule:
• If you play a double, you must play another tile immediately (anywhere you legally can).
• If you can’t, you must draw. If still no play, leave the double “open” for others to satisfy.
Ending a Round:
• Round ends when a player goes out or no one can move.
• Points are totaled from unplayed tiles (lowest total after all rounds wins).
• Next round starts with the next-lower double (e.g., double-11, then double-10, etc.).

SARGASSUM MAPS 

A type of free-floating brown seaweed (algae) that drifts in massive mats across the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. It originates mainly from the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic but now blooms heavily in the tropical Atlantic (Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt).
Why it’s increasing: Warmer sea temperatures, nutrient runoff from rivers (especially the Amazon and Congo), and changing currents have fueled record growth since 2011.
Benefits at sea:
• Provides a floating habitat for fish, turtles, and juvenile marine life.
• Supports biodiversity and offshore ecosystems.
Problems onshore:
• Large beach landings rot quickly, releasing hydrogen sulfide gas (rotten egg smell) and posing respiratory risks.
• Harms tourism and local fisheries.
• Can entangle propellers or clog cooling systems on vessels.
Tracking:
• Monitored by NOAA, USF SaWS, CariCOOS, and Sargassum Monitoring maps.
• Peaks seasonally between March and October, often hitting the Caribbean, Gulf, and Florida coasts hardest between May and August.
Navigation note for yachts: Dense mats can foul intakes, wrap around props, and reduce speed. Best to alter course to avoid thick patches spotted via satellite trackers.

https://optics.marine.usf.edu/projects/SaWS.html

Optical Oceanography Laboratory — College of Marine Science — University of South Florida

https://optics.marine.usf.edu/projects/SaWS.html

https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/habsos/maps.htm

Sargassum in the Atlantic and the Caribbean

Sargassum in the Atlantic and the Caribbean - Sargassum Monitoring

Atlantic evolution of the Sargassum belt Map provided by Sailgrib.com Latest Map from USF – SaWS Legend of the USF-SaWS Map : Images are an interpretation of satellite images. Updated on July 08, 2025 Sargassum map – Caribbean Sea How are Sargassum stranding forecasts calculated ? Sargassum movement forecasting method : Each red dot corresponds […]

⚓ Haiti Coast Guard Boat Raid Seizes Cocaine
Haitian police intercepted a boat off Tortue Island carrying about 1,000 kg of cocaine. During the operation, three traffickers were killed—two jumped overboard and died, the third died onshore. A fourth, a Bahamian national, was injured and arrested AP News.

🚨 USCG Rescues Near Plana Cays, Bahamas (June 30)
On June 30, the U.S. Coast Guard rescued three adults and an 8-year-old from a semi-submerged sailing vessel near Plana Cays, Bahamas A reminder that small boat crews must always maintain safety vigilance and have proper emergency plans.

🌊 Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Dominican Republic
A small vessel carrying roughly 40 migrants capsized off the east coast of the DR. At least 4 confirmed fatalities, including a rescued child, while 17 survivors were found in good health. Search efforts continue in challenging conditions AP News.

📈 Rise in Last-Minute Charter Bookings in the med
• IYC, a charter broker, confirms that while early bookings remain essential, there’s been a resurgence in last-minute bookings in Q2 2025, as clients delay decisions amid economic uncertainty

🔍 More Deals Compared to Past Years
• YachtCharterFleet (2025) has expanded its “Offers + Last Minute” section relative to 2023–24. The page archives show numerous mid-season featured deals—20+ bulletins in June–July 2025 alone, compared with fewer posts in summer 2023/24
• The broker trend mirrors reports from platforms like Boatbookings and YachtBooker, which state that late-season and deferred bookings generate deeper discounts—often 20%+ off even during high season

Extraordinary Cruising °°° Join the Fleet

• Access vetted local knowledge, safety resources, and prior experiences to make your passage safer and more enjoyable.
• Unlock a Life of Adventure
  Explore hidden destinations, experience new cultures, and discover the freedom of life at sea or near shore – on your terms.
• Get VIP Perks & Discounts at marinas, chandleries and boatyards
  Get exclusive discounts, priority access, and personalized support at partner marinas across the globe.
• Observe the actions of Experienced Captains
  Tap into a wealth of tips, tools, and real-world know-how from seasoned mariners to grow your skills and gain confidence.
• Make Every Nautical Mile Memorable
  Join events, meetups, and shared journeys that turn you voyages into unforgettable stories and lasting memories.
• Cruise with a Conscience
  Gain insights into sustainable practices and join a movement that protects the waters you love to explore.