OCEAN POSSE  @ THE ANNAPOLIS 🏛️ SAIL BOAT SHOW AT VB9 

⚓ Ocean Posse at the Annapolis Sailboat Show 🌊
We’ll be at the Annapolis Sailboat Show October 9–12  find us at Booth VB9!

This year, Booth VB9 is part of the Current Yachts Treasure Hunt — a fun challenge running each day of the show. Attendees follow daily Instagram clues to discover hidden treasures around the docks and downtown Annapolis. Winners receive marine-themed prizes (over $12,000 total) and direct a $500 donation to local sailing nonprofits

Stop by Booth VB9, join the treasure hunt, and be part of the adventure!

Here’s the deal:
🔎 Each day, clues drop on @CurrentYachts Instagram & around the show.
💰 Follow the trail to uncover 3 hidden “treasures” scattered throughout the show
grounds and downtown Annapolis.
🎁 Daily prizes valued at $1,500+!
💝 Winners also choose a local sailing nonprofit

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

39 hours Upwind passage from Colombia to Aruba

Tidings Of Joy sitting pretty in Aruba. 39 hours and 348 miles with quite tolerable conditions. First 24 hours from Santa Marta to rounding Punta Gallinas we had less than 1 meter waves and less than 10 kn knots of wind. The next 15 hours were a bit sportier but not bad. Short steep waves still mostly under 1 meter and mostly on the bow kept us porpoising all the way into Aruba with a bit more wind on the nose. Uncomfortable but not really bad. Something to keep in mind with routing is that the rhumb line from the point to Aruba takes you very close to the Archipelago de Los Monjes. Small islets owned by Venezuela. We stayed 14 miles off to the north to avoid entering Venezuelan territorial waters for obvious reasons. Enroute from Santa Marta we picked up an uninvited guest.Sunset From the back deck.

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

Marina Piratas 🇧🇷 SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
23° 00.2183′ S   044° 18.0816′ W

Marina Piratas proudly sponsors the Ocean Posse ⚓
We are delighted to welcome Ocean Posse members to our harbor. As a gesture of support, your first night is free and you will enjoy 5% discount on the first 3 days and 10 % off dockage thereafter. We look forward to hosting your voyages and being part of your journey under sail.

CONTACT

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Amenities

Slip / berth types (floating docks, fixed piers, finger docks) with varying depths

• Dry dock / haul-out / boatyard with travel lift
• Crane or hoist for lifting vessels
• Storage (covered & open) for boats, gear, trailers
• Security & surveillance (fencing, CCTV, guards)
• Dock lighting & night lighting
• Fuel station for diesel & gasoline
• Waste disposal / pump-out service (sewage / black water)
• Garbage & recycling bins
• Pumping station / bilge waste handling
• Fire safety (fire extinguishers, hydrants, alarms)
• Marine supplies / chandlery store
• Spare parts & hardware shop
• Rigging, sail repair, canvas workshop
• Engine, electrical & electronics servicing
• Dive & underwater hull cleaning services
• Laundry / wash & dry service
• Laundry facilities (coin or staff service)
• Fresh provisioning (groceries, ice, water)
• Dining / café / restaurant on site
• Lounge / clubhouse / social room
• Showers, restrooms (possibly VIP / private showers)
• Crew quarters or guest rooms
• Parking for cars, trailers
• Transportation / shuttle to town
• Fuel / gas for cars on land (if applicable)
• Access roads and access points
• Waste sewage hookup to shore
• Environmental measures (oil spill kits, bilge filters)
• Shore power with multiple voltages (e.g. 110V, 220V)
• Weather / forecast display / meteorological station
• Navigation aids, lighting, signage
• Dock masters / harbor staff / guest services desk
• Laundry, showers, restrooms accessible 24 h
• WiFi high bandwidth and reliability
• Reservation & booking system
• Visitor amenities (lounges, WiFi, tour / excursion desk)
• Safety / medical station / first aid
• Fuel discount / courtesy for rally participants
• Fuel monitoring & quality control
• Mooring line & fender provision
• Dinghy dock / tender service
• Waste recycling, bilge water management
• Accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility
• Meeting / conference rooms (if hosting events)
• Entertainment / social events space
• Power backup / generator

MARINA PIRATAS SAFE APPROACH

MUST SEE NEARBY – ILHA GRANDE

Ilha Grande
The crown jewel of the region — a lush island with jungle trails, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. No cars are allowed, which preserves its untouched feel. Popular for hiking, diving, and overnight stays.

Praia Lopes Mendes
Located on Ilha Grande, this beach is often ranked among Brazil’s most beautiful. A 3 km stretch of fine white sand backed by forest, with crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and surfing. Accessible via a short hike from the nearby cove.

Ilha de Cataguases
A tiny island with shallow turquoise waters and fine sand. Perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and a relaxing picnic atmosphere. Popular stop on local boat tours.

Praia do Dentista (Dentista Beach)
A sheltered bay with calm waters where yachts often anchor. Known for its social vibe, with floating bars and lively boat gatherings, yet still beautiful with clear water and white sand.

Aventureiro Beach
On the southern side of Ilha Grande, this remote beach is wilder and more rugged, framed by jungle. Famous for its leaning coconut palm, one of the most photographed in Brazil. Best for those seeking a less crowded escape.

Shopping Piratas
Right next to Marina Piratas, this open-air shopping and dining complex offers restaurants, boutiques, and bars. A convenient spot for provisioning, leisure, or an evening ashore.

Angra dos Reis Waterfront & Old Town
The central harbor area has colonial churches, plazas, and lively markets. A short walk reveals the city’s historical character and a chance to sample local seafood.

Praia Grande & Praia do Anil
Easily accessible beaches near town. Praia Grande offers calm waters for swimming, while Praia do Anil is popular with locals and has nearby restaurants. Good options without leaving the mainland.

Atlantic Forest Trails & Waterfalls
Inland, trails lead through dense Mata Atlântica rainforest to refreshing cascades and hidden pools. Excellent for a half-day hike combining nature and cool freshwater swims.

Cap de Creus  🇪🇸  Where the Pyrenees Meet the Sea

The peninsula of Cap de Creus stands as a place where land, sea, and sky merge in a rugged, dramatic harmony. It is the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and the final rocky outcrop of the mighty Pyrenees before they plunge into the Mediterranean. For millennia, this headland has marked both an end and a beginning: the conclusion of Europe’s great mountain chain and the start of a coast shaped by wind, salt, and ceaseless waves. For sailors approaching from the open Mediterranean, it appears as a wild fortress of cliffs, ridges, and hidden coves, announcing in unmistakable fashion that this is no ordinary stretch of shoreline.

A Park Born of Sea and Stone

Cap de Creus is more than a headland. It is the heart of a natural park, established in 1998 as the first of its kind in Catalonia to protect both land and sea. The park encompasses 13,886 hectares in total, divided between 10,813 hectares of land and 3,073 hectares of sea. Few places on the Spanish coast present such a seamless integration of terrestrial and marine environments. From the jagged granite and schist formations that dominate the ridges to the transparent waters teeming with marine life, the park embodies the unity of a geological and ecological story written over eons.

Its coast is famously abrupt and jagged. Towering cliffs rise sheer from the water, their profiles broken by crevices, caves, and natural arches. Remote coves lie hidden between these sentinels, offering both beauty and shelter to small craft when weather permits. The shapes of the rocks are as fantastical as they are monumental—wind and salt have sculpted them into forms that resemble animals, figures, and abstract designs. Salvador Dalí, who lived and painted in nearby Portlligat, found in Cap de Creus a source of endless inspiration, declaring that its landscapes were “geological delirium.”

The Three Natural Zones of National Interest

Within this greater protected area, three zones of national interest (PNIN) have been specially designated for their ecological, geological, and cultural importance:

The Northern Zone – Cap Gros to Cap de Creus
This sector contains the very tip of the peninsula itself, culminating in the famous Cap de Creus lighthouse, a beacon to sailors since the mid-19th century. Here, the coast is at its most rugged, with the land fractured into labyrinths of islets, reefs, and wind-sculpted promontories. The combination of harsh north winds—especially the Tramontana—and strong currents makes navigation challenging. Yet, in calm weather, it is a sailor’s paradise of hidden anchorages such as Cala Culip and Cala Jugadora, where the water glows with extraordinary clarity. The geology here is also striking: twisted metamorphic rocks that bear witness to the titanic forces that created the Pyrenees.

The Southern Zone – Punta Falconera to Cap Norfeu
Stretching southwards, this sector offers a different but equally captivating landscape. Cap Norfeu, a long finger of rock reaching into the sea, is especially renowned for its biodiversity, both on land and underwater. It is considered one of the richest ecological sites in the entire park. Beneath the surface, divers encounter forests of gorgonians, shoals of fish, and a marine ecosystem in robust health thanks to decades of protection. Onshore, the headlands are cloaked in Mediterranean scrub—aromatic rosemary, thyme, and heather—that perfumes the air. The coves here, such as Cala Montjoi and Cala Pelosa, are popular with yachtsmen and locals alike, though their beauty still retains an air of remoteness.

The Western Zone – Serra de Rodes
Inland from the cliffs, the Serra de Rodes rises as a backdrop of ancient hills. This sector is important not only for its landscapes but also for its cultural heritage. The Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, perched high on the slopes, offers commanding views over the Cap de Creus and has long been a landmark for mariners. The monastery dates from the 9th century and reflects the medieval power and spiritual significance of this coast. Its proximity to the sea and to the pilgrimage routes of Santiago made it a crossroads of faith and trade. Today, the Serra de Rodes provides a striking contrast to the coastal wilds, offering trails, vineyards, and a human imprint that goes back thousands of years.

Islands, Islets, and Marine Sanctuaries

The marine portion of the park is as valuable as the land. Scattered around the headland are numerous islands and islets, all granted the same protected status as the mainland zones. These rocky outcrops are havens for seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, and shearwaters, while their surrounding waters shelter species ranging from dolphins to octopuses. The seabed, carpeted with posidonia oceanica meadows, is a crucial nursery ground for Mediterranean marine life. For sailors, these islands add both hazard and wonder—navigating among them requires care, but they create some of the most unforgettable seascapes in the region.

A Meeting Place of Winds and Currents

Cap de Creus is also famous for its weather. Here the Tramontana wind—a fierce, dry northerly—sweeps down from the Pyrenees with ferocity, capable of reaching storm force in winter. It has shaped both the land and the people who live here, leaving an indelible mark on local culture. For yachtsmen, knowledge of the Tramontana is essential: anchorages that seem idyllic on a calm summer’s day can turn perilous under its sudden blast. Conversely, when the wind drops, the air clears to a crystalline brilliance, revealing views across to the French coast and down along the Costa Brava.

Cultural Resonance and Human Presence

Despite its ruggedness, Cap de Creus has always been inhabited and traversed. Fishermen have long sought its sheltered coves, shepherds its pastures, and monks its solitude. Ancient megaliths and dolmens dot the interior, reminders of prehistoric communities who regarded this headland as a place of power. In modern times, the town of Cadaqués, just west of the park, has become a cultural beacon, known for its whitewashed houses, artists’ studios, and maritime traditions. Dalí’s home in nearby Portlligat connects the park indelibly to the world of art, ensuring that Cap de Creus is not only a natural treasure but also a cultural one.

For the Ocean Posse

For today’s sailors, the Cap de Creus peninsula is both a challenge and a delight. The anchorages—Culip, Jugadora, Guillola, Montjoi—are jewels set into a wild, fractured coastline. Yet they must be approached with seamanship and respect, for rocks abound and sudden gusts are common. Charts, local knowledge, and prudent weather-watching are all vital. Those who enter these waters find themselves in a place where nature still rules supreme, where the coast has not been tamed by development, and where the spirit of exploration is alive.

A Landscape with a sense of the sea
The creation of the Cap de Creus Natural Park in 1998 recognized the uniqueness of this meeting point of mountains and sea. Its 13,886 hectares ensure that not only the terrestrial ecosystems of cliffs, scrub, and forests are preserved, but also the underwater world that sustains Mediterranean biodiversity. By protecting both, Catalonia ensured that future generations of sailors, hikers, and naturalists could experience the same awe that Dalí and countless mariners before him knew.

NAUTIC TARRAGONA 🇪🇸 SPAIN -SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
41° 06.4883′ N    001° 15.1733′ E

Welcome to Marina Tarragona and the City of Tarragona

We are delighted to welcome the Ocean Posse to our Port and our City. We hope all visiting yachts will enjoy the culture, history, and hospitality that Tarragona has to offer.

For Ocean Posse members, we are pleased to extend the following:

An additional 10% discount on all rental rates and promotions, with a maximum cumulative discount of 50%.

With warm regards,

Marina Tarragona

CONTACT

VHF 09
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Amenities

441 berths up to 20 meters
Depth: 6 meters
100 storage units
240 parking spaces
Next to the train station
7 km from Reus Airport
100 km from Barcelona Airport ( 11-20 Euros pp via train )

Pontoons with secure access
Water and electricity (230–440 V) at all pontoons
Waste disposal and bilge pump-out facilities
Harbor master’s office open on weekends and holidays
Fuel station
Laundry facilities
Dock assistance from 06:00 to 22:00
Night security from 22:00 to 06:00
Free Wi-Fi connection
Showers & changing rooms

SAFE APPROACH

NEARBY

Tarragona Amphitheatre
– A Roman arena overlooking the sea where gladiators once fought.

Tarragona Cathedral
– A stunning Gothic cathedral with Romanesque roots and panoramic views from the bell tower.

Pont del Diable (Devil’s Bridge)
– A remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct just outside the city.

Plaça de la Font
– The lively main square, perfect for tapas, wine, and people-watching.

Rambla Nova & Balcó del Mediterrani
– A broad promenade leading to a viewpoint over the sea.

Circ Romà (Roman Circus)
– Ancient chariot-racing grounds hidden beneath the old quarter.

Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona
– Artifacts from the city’s Roman past, mosaics, and statues.

Mercat Central de Tarragona
– A bustling local market full of Catalan flavors, seafood, and produce.

Carrer Major & Old Town Streets
– Winding medieval lanes lined with cafés, boutiques, and history.

Les Ferreres Roman Aqueduct Park
– A tranquil spot to walk, picnic, and marvel at Roman engineering.

⚓ Tarragona – Where Roman Stones formed Mediterranean Life 🌊

Stepping ashore in Tarragona is like walking into a living museum layered with history, culture, and the easy rhythm of Mediterranean life. Once the capital of Roman Hispania, this Catalonian port city still carries the grandeur of its past. The Roman Amphitheatre, perched dramatically above the sea, reminds visitors of gladiatorial battles, while the remains of the Circus and the city walls reveal just how important Tarraco once was in the empire.

Beyond its ruins, Tarragona hums with modern vitality. The Rambla Nova cuts through the city like a lifeline, filled with cafés, boutiques, and street performers, ending at the Balcó del Mediterrani, where locals gather to gaze out over the sparkling coastline. The Plaça de la Font, located in the heart of the old town, is always buzzing with terraces serving tapas, wine, and the region’s famous vermouth.

The city’s spiritual crown is the Tarragona Cathedral, an impressive blend of Romanesque and Gothic, with cloisters and chapels that invite quiet reflection. From its bell tower, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views across rooftops, ruins, and sea. A short trip outside town brings you to the Pont del Diable, the Roman aqueduct that still arches proudly across the landscape, a marvel of ancient engineering.

Food lovers will find no shortage of treasures here. The Mercat Central brims with seafood, cured meats, and seasonal produce, while seaside restaurants specialize in paella, fideuà, and freshly grilled fish. Festivals, too, give Tarragona its pulse: the human towers, or “castells,” rise from its plazas, a thrilling display of balance, trust, and Catalan pride.

Tarragona is more than a port of call — it’s a place where past and present coexist, where sailors can immerse themselves in history by day and savor Mediterranean hospitality by night

PRESS RELEASE 🇮🇹 COMUNICATO STAMPA
ROME SEP 2025 

Ocean Posse and Assonat Announce Strategic Partnership

To Strengthen Recreational Boating and Nautical Tourism in Italy

Rome, September 29, 2025 – Ocean Posse, an international association of more than 300 offshore yachts and 130 partner marinas worldwide, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Assonat-Confcommercio, the National Association of Landings and Tourist Ports, Italy’s leading organization representing recreational marinas.

This collaboration strengthens ties between the Italian marina network and a global community of long-distance sailors, reinforcing Italy’s position as one of the most welcoming and strategic nautical destinations in the Mediterranean.
Questa collaborazione rafforza i legami tra la rete dei porti turistici italiani e una comunità globale di velisti di lungo corso, consolidando il ruolo dell’Italia come una delle destinazioni nautiche più accoglienti e strategiche del Mediterraneo.

Through this agreement, Assonat-Confcommercio member marinas will gain direct visibility to the Ocean Posse fleet as yachts transit westward through the Mediterranean and beyond. In turn, Ocean Posse captains will enjoy preferential services, discounts, and the professional hospitality of Italy’s premier marinas.

“Italy has always been a crossroads of maritime exploration,” said Captain Dietmar Petutschnig, founder of Ocean Posse. “By collaborating with Assonat-Confcommercio and its member marinas, we ensure that today’s generation of ocean-going sailors will find not only safe harbors, but also welcoming communities and world-class services.”

The partnership will be featured across Ocean Posse’s global communications, including its weekly Fleet Updates, website, and social media channels. Assonat-Confcommercio marinas will be recognized as official Ocean Posse partner ports, symbolizing quality, safety, and hospitality for international cruisers.

Together, both organizations aim to promote sustainable nautical tourism, economic growth, and cultural exchange along the Italian coastline.

“Our collaboration with Ocean Posse represents an opportunity to highlight the excellence of Italian marinas internationally,” said Luciano Serra, President of Assonat-Confcommercio. “We are ready to welcome the fleet and showcase the quality and professionalism of our marinas, allowing sailors to experience the beauty of Italy through its history, architecture, culture, and gastronomy.”

With its fleet sailing more than 70,000 nautical kilometers annually, Ocean Posse serves as a unique bridge between continents—connecting marinas and sailors across the Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific, and Mediterranean.

only 2 weeks left for a chance to win $250
TAKE THE Annual Ocean Posse Survey  ⚓️

Ahoy Captains and Crew,There’s nothing quite like a good  survey to get your day started – a little honesty, a little embarrassment, and a whole lot of truth. We’re excited (yes, really excited) to hear what you really think.

This is your chance to weigh in – anonymously – and help shape the course of the Ocean Posse fleet. No names, no judgments, just your salty insights.Grab a coffee, drop anchor, and take a few minutes to fill it out.
👉

Take the Survey Now 

We’re counting on you – and there might just be a $250 prize at the end of your honesty.Stay informed,
The Ocean Posse Team

Gulf of Panama “Gap” Winds 💨

Gulf of Panama “Gap” Winds

The Gulf of Panama can be a challenging sailing area and much of its character is shaped by a powerful meteorological phenomenon known as the Panama Gap Winds. These winds are strong NORTH – NN-EASTERILIES which surge from the Caribbean Sea, funnel through a natural break in the Panamanian mountain chain, and accelerate toward the Pacific Ocean. Their seasonal force, their impact on navigation, and their oceanographic consequences make them a defining feature for mariners transiting the region and approaching the Panama Canal from the Pacific.

The setup for these winds begins with the boreal winter pressure pattern. During the months from December through April, a strong high-pressure system frequently establishes itself over North America and the western Atlantic, while at the same time low pressure develops in the eastern tropical Pacific. This pressure gradient sets up a large-scale flow across the isthmus of Central America. In most places, the Cordillera Central forms a barrier that prevents the Caribbean trade winds from spilling westward. However, at the Isthmus of Panama the mountains are lower, broken by valleys and river plains… and the canal gap though the culebra cut itself. The most significant of these is the Chucunaque–Tuira River valley and the gap around Lake Gatún and the Panama Canal corridor. Here the trade winds find a passage to cross and funnel from the Caribbean to the Pacific.

As the air is forced through this gap, it accelerates much like water through a nozzle. By the time it emerges over the Gulf of Panama, the wind can reach gale force (34–47 knots) and, on occasion, even hurricane force in short bursts. These winds are strongest during January and February, though they may blow intermittently from December through April. The flow is predominantly from the northeast to east, spreading out once it clears the land barrier and influencing a broad swath of the Gulf of Panama and beyond.

For sailors, the Panama Gap Winds are more than just a chart note—they are a real operational concern. Vessels bound for Panama City, the Canal approaches, or points farther south toward Ecuador and Peru must often contend with them. The winds can raise steep, confused seas in the Gulf, with significant square waves. These conditions can make for hard going, particularly for smaller yachts or those attempting westward passages. Careful weather routing and an understanding of seasonal climatology are essential.
In addition you have the tidal flow of up to 20 feet in the bay of panama which effectively named the entry to gulf of Panama bay as “PUNTA MALA”.

Ocean Posse captains have been known to wait for up to 3 weeks getting near the canal and have timed their passages to skirt the most intense periods, or they plan their routes along the more sheltered western shores of the Gulf to reduce exposure.

Beyond their impact on navigation, the Gulf of Panama “Gap” Winds exert a profound influence on the ocean itself. Their persistent strength drives coastal upwelling along the eastern side of the Gulf. The winds push surface waters offshore allowing colder, nutrient-rich water from the depths to rise to the surface. ( this did not happen in 2024- 2025 ) This process transforms the marine environment. Sea surface temperatures can drop markedly during upwelling events, sometimes by 5–7 °C in a matter of days. The influx of nutrients fuels phytoplankton blooms, which in turn support an abundance of marine life—from schooling fish to seabirds and marine mammals. For local fisheries, this seasonal productivity is a cornerstone of the economy, providing rich harvests of sardines, anchovies, and tuna.

From a larger climatological perspective, the Gulf of Panama “Gap” Winds are one of several such wind jets in Central America. Their cousins include the Papagayo Winds of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and the Tehuantapec Winds of the Gulf of Tehuantepec in Mexico. Together these gap winds represent an important mechanism by which the atmosphere and ocean exchange momentum and energy between the Atlantic and Pacific basins. They are a reminder that the Isthmus of Central America, though narrow, plays an outsized role in shaping regional climate and ocean circulation.

Captains preparing to cross the Gulf of Panama should monitor forecasts closely, note the seasonal peaks, and remain flexible in their routing. With prudent preparation, the Gulf can be transited safely, and its challenges add to the seafaring lore of one of the most storied crossroads in the world.

OFFICIAL OCEAN POSSE EVENTS

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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Sat October 2025

OCEAN POSSE MARINE INSURANCE SEMINAR

ZOOM, ONLINE

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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

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

TAQUERIA LUPITA, 72 Rue Meynadier, Cannes

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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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Fri September 2027

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

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

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Sun September 2028

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

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

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Mon September 2029

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

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

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Tue September 2030

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

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

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 BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT ( SOUTH) –  PAPERWORK CONSIDERATIONS

• • VESSEL DOCUMENTATION
    In general named vessel owners on official documents matching is the easiest way to enter and exit countries LLC or Corporate ownership of vessels – please be sure to have ample documentation to proof ownership / plus authority to operate Vessel documented under a trust generally are the most difficult to enter and exit countries – be prepared for significant delays and difficulties with authorities – some countries may not allow you in with vessels in a trust
  • VESSEL INSURANCE / LIABILITY INSURANCE
    Hull insurance covers physical damage to your yacht itself – hull, machinery, and equipment.Full (comprehensive) insurance includes hull plus liability, personal effects, towing, and sometimes crew or storm coverage.Liability insurance covers damage or injury you cause to others or their property, not your own vessel.

    JOIN OUR OCT 25 INSURACNE SEMINAR FOR FULL DETAILS

     

  • PASSPORTS AND DRIVERS LICENSES 
    – ensure that you have at least 9+ months before expiration of to avoid delays and issues upon entry and exit with immigration. Always check your passport on exit of countries to ensure you have a valid exit stamp. Panama Immigration in particular has been known to use this as a wedge issue and make re-entry difficult. Get an international drivers license from AAA – godd for one year for less than $ 30 .
  • ATM / CREDIT CARDS 
    – I bring a spare ATM with a dual account  linked so in case I loose a card I can simply transfer funds to the secondary account
    and continue on
  • MOBILE PHONE PLANS –
    sooner or later AT&T / T Mobile & Google Fi will cut me off – a good workaround is to secure a permanent Google Voice number ( $ 25 onetime fee ) and have an unlocked dual sim android phone which allows me to create hot spots and use local sim cards to access data and tether – the google voice # phone will still ring and deliver SMS as long as you are connected via IP / WIFI / Starlink
  • HEALTH INSURANCE –
    outside the US healthcare is very affordable so I tend to  pay as I go
    you can always search for reasonable overseas insurance health plans  –   healthcare outside the US is affordable.
  • MEDICATIONS – same as above but I bring the script  for restricted substances – I do not bring illegal drugs across any border  – for a list of recommended drugs to have onboard and it’s uses  – which I can purchase in Central America to build up our medical kit follow this link >>
  •  VACCINATION CERTIFICATES
    – as the policies in countries have changed you will no longer need proof of vaccinations – there are from time to time hiccups on  requirements that pop up such as yellow fever and malaria – but you can always get shots locally as demand and required vaccinations levels increase.
  • PETS VACCINATION INTL CHIPS  PROOF OF VACCINATION –
    we keep them up to date and upon exit from one country we may need to get an intl. health certificate from a local vet – we will create this list but know that these requirements are different for each country and
    update often – based on where you come from and which mode of travel ( air / yacht / car / walking )
  • YACHT OWNERS  POWER OF ATTORNEY
• to a next of kin so trusted family can legally act on their behalf if they are absent, incapacitated, or at sea.
• This allows the representative to:
• Handle financial or insurance matters.
• Register or sell the yacht if needed.
• Authorize repairs or settle marina or customs paperwork.
• Manage emergency medical or legal issues during long voyages.
• In essence, it ensures continuity and protection when the owner cannot be present.

If you come to the seminars in San Diego as Rob from SY Avant about this trick

PORTOBELO 🇵🇦 FORT SAN LORENZO PANAMA

 Portobelo is a historic port  in the Portobelo District, Colón Panama. It lies 20 nm from the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal. Established in 1597 by the Spanish empire due to its deep natural harbor, it served as one of the two ports alongside Veracruz through which Spanish treasure was shipped from the mines of Peru back to Spain. The city was repeatedly captured by British privateers and pirates, culminating in a successful siege by the Royal Navy in 1739.

UNESCO designated the ruins of the Spanish colonial fortifications, along with nearby Fort San Lorenzo, as a World Heritage Site named “Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo”.

HISTORY

Portobelo was founded in 1597 by Spanish explorer Francisco Velarde y Mercado and quickly replaced Nombre de Dios as a Caribbean port for the transfer of Peruvian silver.

Sir Francis Drake died of dysentery in 1596 was buried in a lead coffin near Portobelo Bay, memorialised by the present Isla Drake at the entrance of the harbour.

The Spanish built an extensive network along the route of defensive fortifications.

In 1601 by the English privateer William Parker captured Portobello from the Spanish. Henry Morgan captured it in 1668 with a posse of 450 privateers to overcome its strong fortifications.
It was captured again in 1680 by pirate John Coxon.

In 1726 the British suffered a disaster in their Blockade of Porto Bello under Admiral Francis Hosier, an attempt to prevent the Spanish treasure fleet returning to Spain, when due to their lengthy wait and inactivity moored at Bastimentos to the northeast a significant portion of sailors died from tropical diseases. 13 years later during the War of Jenkins’ Ear the port was captured on November 21, 1739, by a British fleet of six ships commanded by Admiral Edward Vernon. Across the British Isles the name of “Portobello” was given to places and streets in honor of the victory, most notably Portobello Road in London.

The Spanish soon recovered Portobelo when in 1741 they defeated the British in the Battle of Cartagena de Indias and forced Vernon to return to England with a decimated fleet, having suffered more than 18,000 casualties. British efforts to gain a foothold on the Spanish Main and disrupt the galleon trade were ultimately fruitless. A change in tactics by the Spanish as they switched from using large fleets calling to small fleets trading at a wide variety of ports allowing them to develop flexibility that made them less subject to attack. Their vessels also began to travel around Cape Horn to trade directly at ports on the western coast.

Portobello was integrated via these Spanish trading Routes

CULTURE

Festival del Cristo Negro

Panama for its celebration of the Festival del Cristo Negro which takes place on October 21. During this festival, thousands of Panamanians travel to Portobelo and head to the Church of San Felipe, which houses the life-size wooden sculpture of the Black Christ. 

Portobelo is renowned throughout The Black Christ is bathed in legend, some of which describe it being marooned in Portobelo by sailors while en route to Colombia. Another legend says that on October 21, 1821 the residents of Portobelo prayed to the Black Christ to be spared from a cholera epidemic that was sweeping Panama—and they were
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Festival de Diablos y Congos

It’s a festival of celebration and rebellion: Every year in February, the port city of Portobelo, Panama holds the “Festival de Diablos y Congos.” It’s a unique local take on the widespread Carnival tradition, a five-day party with no shortage of loudspeakers, dancing — and devils wielding whips.

The Casa de la Cultura Congo is an open public space that hosts workshops and the creation of arts and crafts. Focusing on Congo art, the mission of the Casa de la Cultura Congo is to exalt and express the importance of the colonial Latin and African legacy in Portobelo, by bringing those traditions to life through different creative expressions.

PLAYA BLANCA

Outside of the town, there is a small, scenic beach known as Playa Blanca. It’s at the tip of a peninsula and only accessible by boat. Those that make the trip here will often have the whole beach to themselves.

PORTOBELO – FORT SAN LORENZO PANAMA  VISITING YACHTS  MAP

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Vasco Núñez de Balboa – The First European to See the Pacific Ocean

Vasco Núñez de Balboa (c. 1475–1519) stands as one of the most significant figures in the history of exploration—a man whose determination and daring changed the world’s understanding of geography. Born in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain, Balboa belonged to a generation of explorers who followed in the wake of Columbus, seeking fortune, fame, and empire in the newly encountered lands of the Americas. His name would become forever tied to one of history’s great moments: the first European sighting of the Pacific Ocean from the New World.

Balboa’s early life was shaped by ambition and hardship. Coming from a minor noble family, he trained as a soldier but sought opportunity overseas. In 1500, he joined an expedition led by Rodrigo de Bastidas that explored the northern coast of South America, including present-day Colombia and Panama. The voyage gave him his first taste of the tropics and of the vast possibilities that lay across the Atlantic. Afterward, Balboa attempted to settle as a planter on the island of Hispaniola (today’s Dominican Republic), but his venture failed, and he found himself in debt. Fleeing creditors, he famously stowed away inside a barrel on a ship bound for the unknown coast of Darién, along the Isthmus of Panama.

That desperate act of escape would change history. When the expedition’s leader, Martín Fernández de Enciso, discovered the stowaway, Balboa convinced him of his experience and knowledge of the region. His insight and leadership quickly earned him influence among the settlers who founded the town of Santa María la Antigua del Darién, the first stable European settlement on the American mainland. There, Balboa proved a capable administrator and soldier, forging uneasy alliances with some Indigenous groups while warring with others. His boldness and charisma won the loyalty of his men, and he soon became governor of the fledgling colony.

In 1513, hearing tales from local tribes of a great sea to the south and rich kingdoms beyond, Balboa resolved to find it. Leading a small force of 190 Spaniards, several Indigenous guides, and a few dogs, he set out across the dense, mountainous jungle of the isthmus—a brutal march through swamps, rivers, and hostile territory. After nearly a month of hardship, on September 25, 1513, Balboa climbed a peak in what is now Panama and beheld the vast expanse of water stretching to the horizon. Falling to his knees, he raised his sword and took possession of the ocean in the name of King Ferdinand of Spain, calling it the Mar del Sur—the “South Sea.”

That moment redefined the world’s geography. Until then, Europeans had not realized how narrow the American landmass was, nor that another great ocean lay beyond it. Balboa’s discovery set the stage for Spain’s expansion across the Pacific, including Magellan’s circumnavigation just a few years later. The isthmus he crossed would one day host the Panama Canal, linking the very oceans he had first connected in European minds.

Balboa’s triumph, however, was short-lived. Political rivals, particularly the ambitious governor Pedro Arias Dávila (Pedrarias), saw him as a threat. In 1519, on false charges of treason, Balboa was arrested, tried, and beheaded near Acla. He was only in his mid-forties.

Though his life ended violently, Balboa’s legacy endures. The Panamanian currency bears his name—the balboa—and statues of the explorer stand overlooking the seas he revealed to Europe. His journey across the isthmus remains one of the greatest feats of exploration, symbolizing courage, endurance, and the eternal human drive to discover what lies beyond the horizon.

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Tidbits

LAPA needs shelter! Kathryn and I were just informed that our sweet, sociable, well trained, cuddle monster cannot remain in the family house (family drama 😢). Anyhow, the net result is she is potentially homeless from mid-October – April, the months Kathryn and I need to get Serenity from Panama to the States. We’d love to take her along, but will be stopping at countries for refueling that do not accept her breed.
Anyone out there need the company of our adorable pet? We are happy to compensate.
Please DM Mark & Kathryn from SY SERENITY Antares 44′

Over the past four weeks, U.S. naval forces have carried out multiple strikes on suspected drug-running vessels in international waters off Venezuela, killing several individuals and sinking at least four boats. The U.S. government now classifies these actions as part of an ongoing “armed conflict” against cartel-linked “narco-terrorists,” particularly networks tied to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua. Caracas has condemned the operations as violations of sovereignty and international law, while regional navies report increased patrols and tensions. Trafficking through Venezuelan waters appears temporarily disrupted, though concerns remain about escalation, shifting smuggling routes, and potential risks to civilian maritime traffic.
The Ocean Posse is seeking guidance from USCG a.m.o. on transits though this area. Contact Rob on SY AVANT for Ocean Posse  convoys and vessel reporting updates.

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