FLEET UPDATE

FLEET UPDATE 2025-01-26

OP 2025-01-26 Gatherings, Seminars - the Coast Guard is out here

โ€œBlack met black on the distant horizon, the stars alone distinguishing sky from lake. On the sand below, Silver Beach glittered at the water's edge while on the north side of the river the lighthouse's beacon signaled safe harbor.โ€

- Erin Farwell Shadowlands

Good morning from St Lucia!

Good morning from St Lucia ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡จ SY DARK HORSE โ–ถ

LATEST NEWS

  • Pictures Of The Week
  • Ulus ๐Ÿ›ถ
  • Boat Yoga Pose Entry
  • Ocean Posse Caribbean Party
  • Ocean Posse South Pacific Seminars
  • One Sails Mexico ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Sponsors the Ocean Posse
  • Marina Funchal ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Madeira
  • Caleta Paradiso Costalegre ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexico Pacific
  • History Of Increasing ๐Ÿ’ต Panama Canal Fees
  • Dugong ๐Ÿฆญ Manatee โ‹†๏ฝกหš๐“‡ผ โ‹†๏ฝกหš Seacows
  • Isla Cavada ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Islas Secas Panama
  • Benefits Of Joining The Ocean Posse
  • Free Welcome Drink At Cloud 9
  • Marina Papagayo ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica
  • Help !!! Meet The Fleet
  • Sensar Marine Boat Monitor โš™๏ธ
  • The Battle Of The Flowers Batalla De Flores
  • Break In Alert โš ๏ธ La Pax Mexico
  • Predict Wind๐ŸŒ€ Offshore App
  • House On The Hill ๐Ÿ‘ท๐Ÿปโ€โ™‚๏ธ On The Panama Canal

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฑ ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ณ ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ซ ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡บ ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡ผ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡ผ๐Ÿ‡ซ ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ด ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡บ ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡จ ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ง ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ซ ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ป ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡พ ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡จ ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡บ ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡จ ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ป ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ถ ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฒ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ต ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฎ ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ท ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

PUNTA MALA

Sun setting behind Punta Mala lighthouse ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Panama SY ALGONQUIN

Mystic departed San Francisco at 07:00 today headed for Willmington North Carolina via the Panama Canalโš“๏ธ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Ž

MV MYSTIC departed San Francisco ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ at 07:00 today headed for Willmington North Carolina via the Panama Canalโš“๏ธ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Ž

Itโ€™s not even noon and tucked in at playa azul is already busyโ€ฆ

Itโ€™s not even noon and tucked in at Playa Azul ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด is already busyโ€ฆ
SY MAISON DE SANTE

Kosmos

MY KOSMOS ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ in the canal

Good morning from Isla Chichime San Blas Panama

Good morning from Isla Chichime
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ MV MARTINI

JUBEL passing us in the canal

SY JUBEL ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ in the canal

EVENSTAR

2) ULUS ๐Ÿ›ถ

CANUS

Guna Yala canoes in the San Blas, also known as ulus, are made from mahogany, bamboo, poles, fronds, and molas. Mahogany is a hardwood that's considered the best for the rainforest

Ulus are a lifeline for the Guna people and a common sight for cruisers in these stunning islands. Youโ€™ll often see villagers paddling their ulus out to anchored yachts, trading lobsters, crabs, and other fresh catchesโ€”or their famous molas, vibrant appliquรฉd cloth designsโ€”for a cold drink, a hammer, or even a quick phone charge.

SAN BLAS

Ulus are built tough and simple. Their sprit sail rigs are no-frillsโ€”just a rough-hewn spar to hold up the peak and a sail made of whateverโ€™s handy: old bedsheets, tarps, patched-up scraps. The sheet runs through a hole in the sternpost and gets tied off with a quick knot when the course is steady. Thereโ€™s even a little flying jib strung up to the masthead. And somehow, with just a carved skeg for a keel, these things sail to weather like champs. Theyโ€™re not just boatsโ€”theyโ€™re proof of what you can do with skill, ingenuity, and a whole lot of grit.

ulus with sails

Ulus under under Sail by SY Footloose

3) BOAT YOGA POSE ENTRY
AWARD ENTRY

BOAT YOGA POSE

BOAT YOGA expertly executed by Brandt onboard SY PRIYA ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Ericson 38'

4) OCEAN POSSE AWARD CATEGORIES

5) OCEAN POSSE EVENTS & GATHERINGS

Meeting adventurers, sailors, and explorers is a great way to learn, share knowledge, and build lasting connections while embracing the spirit of exploration.

gatherings

Ocean Posse gathering watching the Ohio State beating Notre Dame at he cruisers lounge @ Shelter Bay Marina

6) OCEAN POSSE CARIBBEAN PARTY

24-25โ€ฒ PANAMA POSSE KICK OFF WEEKEND ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO WHEN: December 4-8 2024 WHERE: Barra de Navidad, MX at the Marina Puerto de la Navidad RSVP PLEASE AND CONTACT THE MARINA DIRECTLY TO RESERVE A SLIP

SHELTER BAY MARINA ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ PANAMA

MEET THE FLEET EVENT OPEN TO ALL

09:00 โ€“ 12:00 Swap Meet @ Gazebo $1 Donation
12:00 - 21:00 Exhibits and Yacht Showings
14:00 LIFE RAFT INFLATION DEMO / Pool
14:30 Panama Canal Best Practices
15:00 Going Back To Cali Or Sea Of Cortez
15:30 Opencpn Sat Charts / Installation Usage
16:00 International Yacht Brokerage
16:30 South Pacific Posse Beyond Bora Bora
17:00 Safety And Security
17:30 Predict Wind
17:15 Open Bar By Flor De Caรฑa
17:45 Sunset & Local Folkloric Dance
18:00 Pig Roast / Pot Luck +the Posse Feast
19:00 Dance / Mexican Train / Texas Hold'em

RSVP TO GET YOUR ALL ACCESS WRISTBAND

SHELTER BAY

7) OCEAN POSSE SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINARS

seminars
APP Series

FEBRUARY 2025 PACIFIC CROSSING SEMINARS

WEDNESDAY Feb 5 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

THURSDAY Feb 6 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

FRIDAY Feb 7 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

SATURDAY Feb 8 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

TUESDAY Feb 11 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

WEDNESDAY Feb 13 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

THURSDAY Feb 14 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

FRIDAY Feb 15 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

RSVP HERE
FIJI

Fiji ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ welcomes cruisers and has been a friendly and safe haven for all yachts

10) MARINA FUNCHAL ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น MADEIRA
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

MARINA FUNCHAL MADEIRA

32ยฐ38.7016' N 016ยฐ54.6466' W

We are please to sponsor the Ocean Posse with a 10 % discount

Welcome to Madeira !

BOOK A SLIP NOW !
Marina Funchal Madeira

  • Showers
  • Water
  • Laundry
  • Electricity 16/32 220 V
  • Internet
  • Port of entry
  • Fuel Dock open 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 17:30 pm
  • 24 hour surveillance
  • Offices open MON โ€“ FRI 9:00 am to 18:30 pm

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

Marina Funchal Madeira

11) ANCHORAGE REPORT
PLAYAS PARADISO
COSTALEGRE ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ MEXICO PACIFIC

Playas Paraiso

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Caleta Playa Paradiso 19ยฐ 28.3394' N 105ยฐ 3.6214' W

Approaches

Uncharted reefs and rocks make the northern entrance hazardous and it is recommended to approach this bay from the west, taking great care passing between the islands and the peninsula between the northern and southern coves.

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Playa Paradiso

Anchorage

The cove shoals rapidly and the bottom is rocky. Find a sandy patch close to the mouth of the inlet in 3-4m. Dinghy ashore to any of the small beaches in the bay except the beach in the southern cove which is claimed to be owned by the hotel.

 19ยฐ 28.3394' N 105ยฐ 3.6214' W

This anchorage is located in the northern bay of Caleta Paraiso. It is a tiny cove with swinging room for just one boat and might be tight fit for larger vessels larger than 55โ€™. The bay is well protected from the south and east and has moderate shelter from northerlies but swell from NW-N wraps around the headland.

Paradiso

SY PRIYA ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Brandt - Ericson Yachts 38'

PRIYA BRANDT

12) RECENT HISTORY OF INCREASING
PANAMA CANAL ๐Ÿ’ต FEES

Panama Cana fee increases

Since 2001 the fees have been filling up

PANAMA CANAL FEES in 2001

2001-2002: Tolls for small vessels were based on the Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS). Specific rates for vessels under 65 feet during this period are not detailed in the available sources.

2007: The ACP restructured its pricing to better align with the value provided to different market segments. This restructuring aimed to reflect the "true value" of the Canal's services to its customers.

Autoridad del Canal de Panamรก

2016: A more complex toll system was introduced on April 1, 2016. For small vessels up to 125 feet, tolls were assessed based on length overall (LOA). The rates were:

Up to 50 feet: $800

50.01 to 80 feet: $1,300

80.01 to 100 feet: $2,000

100.01 feet and above: $3,200

2023: As of January 1, 2023, the transit cost for yachts less than 65 feet was $1,760. Additional fees included a $75 Transit Vessel Inspection (TVI) charge and a $165 security charge. A buffer deposit of $1,060 was also required if no agent was used, refundable upon successful transit without incident.

PANAMA CANAL FEES 2025

PANAMA CANAL RATE
INCREASE IN 24 YEARS FOR SMALL VESSELS

Percentage increase in panam canal fees since 2024

13) DUGONG ๐Ÿฆญ MANATEE โ‹†๏ฝกหš๐“‡ผ โ‹†๏ฝกหš SEACOWS

DUGONG

Dugongs and manatees are the only predominantly herbivorous aquatic mammals. Given that manatees use both marine and fresh water ecosystems they tend to have a broader diet, eating many kinds of submerged, floating or emergent algae and seagrass (even bank growth!). On the other hand, dugongs are a strictly marine species and primarily feed on seagrass, which may look very similar to seaweeds, but are in fact marine flowering plants.

Seagrass tend to form underwater shallow meadows that are among the most productive ecosystems in the world6. In fact, dugong grazing influences the biomass, species composition and nutritional quality of seagrass meadows. Just like we take care of our gardens, dugongs regulate seagrass ecosystems. But there is more. Research conducted in the Great Barrier Reef indicates that seagrass seeds that have been digested by dugongs germinate at a faster rate. As well as playing a role in dispersal, it appears that dugongs are pooping seeds with enhanced germination potential, hence participating to seagrass meadow resilience.

SEA COWS DUGONGS

"sea cow"

DUGONG MUNCHING

Dugong muching away

DUGONG vs MANATEE

Manatee vs Dugong

DUGONG vs MANATEE

Watch this Dugong + Turtle and a Manta Shrimp:
Filmed by Kurt Roll in Lamen Bay on the island of Epi in Vanuatu ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡บ
Dugongs are endangered like the Manatee and both at sea grass.

14) GOOD NAUTICAL

ISLA CAVADA ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ ISLAS SECAS
PANAMA

ISLA CAVADA APPROACH

Approach

ISLA CAVADA ANCHORAGE

โš“ 07ยฐ 59.6160' N 082ยฐ 1.9220' W

SV Remedy, SV Sancerre, SV Triaena plus a few other sailors in the anchorage of Isla Cavada ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ PANAMA

15) BENEFITS OF JOINING THE OCEAN POSSE

pacific

โœ”๏ธ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ“Š Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฐ Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts * โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind โœ”

๐Ÿšฉ Free Burgee โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฐ Save with service providers and chandleries โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in agents โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Free aid to navigation 150 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android) โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฐ Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฐ Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ“น Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there โœ”๏ธ

๐ŸŒฉ๏ธ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker โœ”๏ธ

โ›ต Community of voyagers all are welcome, kids, single-handers, pets โœ”๏ธ

โš“ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ›ˆ Fleet Updates via email โ€“ free โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ† Fun Award Categories โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ“ Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage reports โœ”๏ธ

โ˜Ž๏ธ Free Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฌ Free 24/7 LINE group channel โœ”๏ธ

๐ŸŒŠ Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ”ญ Be part of a fleet of sensor for those who come behind you or meet โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿšท Always priority traffic โ€“ for participants by participants โœ”๏ธ

(* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and subject to a marinaโ€™s availability )

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE โ–ถ

16) FREE WELCOME DRINK AT CLOUD 9

CLOUD 9 ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ FIJI ยท SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

CLOUD 9 ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ FIJI ยท SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

BULA BULA โ€“ WE WELCOME THE SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE TO FIJI

JUST FOR VISITING US FOR THE FIRST TIME YOU RECEIVE 2 FREE WELCOME DRINKS PER SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE YACHT

CLOUD 9 ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ FIJI ยท SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

17) MARINA PAPAGAYO ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท COSTA RICA
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

https://oceanposse.com/marina-papagayo/

10ยฐ 38.3783โ€ฒ N 085ยฐ39.225โ€ฒ W

  • GATEWAY TO THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC
  • Situated below the hurricane line and sheltered from the northern Papagayo winds, Marina Papagayoโ€™s naturally protected harbor offers a year-round safe haven in a yachting paradise, just 30 minutes from an international airport. An idyllic stop-off point and staging area for epic diving and underwater adventures in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape. Malpelo Island, Isla del Coco, Coiba and the Galรกpagos are all close by.
  • A Full Service Deep Sea Port
  • Marina Papagayo offers 180 fully serviced berths for yachts up to 250 feet LOA, with both single & 3-phase electrical service, grey & black water disposal and wireless broadband. All complimented by a wide range of services and amenities, including mooring assistance, 24/7 monitoring, yacht assist, on-site provisioning, fuel bunkering and dockside concierge service. From airport transfer, shuttle service, car rentals, dining reservations and activities for captains and crew members, the marina concierge team is at your service.
  • Where Captain is King
  • While staying at Marina Papagayo, captains and crew enjoy access to select facilities and amenities on Peninsula Papagayo. Including seven spectacular beaches, the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, Andaz Costa Rica Resort Beach House and miles of hiking and biking trails. For insider access to nature unleashed, check out Papagayo Explorers Club. Their expert guides, naturalists and translators are available for crew expeditions off the beaten path.
  • Vessels of all shapes and sizes
  • Among its ultra-wide, custom-designed floating dock system, 180 owner and guest slips can accommodate a wide variety of watercraft. From superyachts and luxury cruisers to schooners and sportfishing vessels. Ultimately, 350 slips will fill the marina, making it the largest and most advanced in Costa Rica.
  • MARINA SUITES
  • The village at Marina Papagayo is undergoing a metamorphosis, offering new and enhanced amenities for owners and guests. A refreshed seaside apartment hotel offers studio, 1- and 2-bedroom suites with daily housekeeping, pool, gym, lounge and meeting rooms.
https://oceanposse.com/marina-papagayo/

The Papagayo Peninsula, located in the northwest region of Costa Rica within the province of Guanacaste, is a stunning expanse of tropical paradise. Renowned for its luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and biodiversity, the peninsula is a haven for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and a taste of the Pura Vida lifestyle. Stretching into the Pacific Ocean, this unique geographic feature boasts an array of natural and cultural wonders that make it a must-visit destination.

Geography and Nature

The Papagayo Peninsula spans over 1,400 acres of lush tropical landscapes. It is surrounded by the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, with numerous coves and beaches dotting its coastline. The regionโ€™s dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and verdant forests are a testament to the rich volcanic origins of Costa Rica, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn.

The area is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which highlights its ecological importance. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, from dry tropical forests teeming with wildlife to vibrant coral reefs offshore. The surrounding waters are ideal for snorkeling and diving, offering a glimpse of marine life like sea turtles, manta rays, and colorful fish.

Beaches and bays in the Papagayo Peninsula

The Papagayo Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, each with its unique charm:

Playa Nacascolo: A secluded and serene beach, Playa Nacascolo is a favorite for those seeking a quiet escape. Its calm waters are ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.

Playa Blanca: Known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, Playa Blanca offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Playa Panama: This beach is perfect for families, with gentle waves and plenty of shade. Itโ€™s also a great spot for kayaking and fishing.

Playa Hermosa: Located near the peninsula, this expansive beach is popular for its laid-back vibe and stunning sunsets.

Playa del Coco: A vibrant beach town near the peninsula, Playa del Coco is a hub for nightlife, dining, and shopping.

PAPAGAYO PENINSULA COSTA RICA

Luxury and Resorts

The Papagayo Peninsula is synonymous with luxury. The development of high-end resorts and residences has transformed the area into a premier destination for affluent travelers. Notable resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Peninsula Papagayo and the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo provide world-class amenities, from spa treatments to gourmet dining and private beach access.

RITZ CARLTON

Wildlife and Ecotourism

Costa Rica is renowned for its commitment to conservation, and the Papagayo Peninsula is no exception. The region is a haven for wildlife, with numerous opportunities for eco-tourism:

Birdwatching: The peninsula is home to an array of bird species, including toucans, parakeets, and hummingbirds. Guided tours are available for avid birdwatchers.

Wildlife Spotting: Monkeys, iguanas, and coatis are commonly seen in the area, while sea turtles nest on nearby beaches during certain times of the year.

Sustainability Initiatives: Many resorts and tour operators in the Papagayo Peninsula prioritize sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy, supporting local communities, and protecting native habitats.

Climate

The Papagayo Peninsula enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons:

Dry Season (December to April): This is the most popular time to visit, with sunny skies and little rain. Itโ€™s perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures.

Green Season (May to November): While this period sees more rain, itโ€™s also when the landscapes are at their most lush. Afternoon showers are common, but mornings are often sunny.

MARINA PAPAGAYO

18) HELP !!! MEET THE FLEET

MEET THE FLEET

19) SENSAR MARINE
BOAT MONITOR WITH BILGE SENTRY

https://sensarmarine.com/

Key Features:

Exact Bilge Temperature & Depth

The Sensar Marine Bilge Sentry provides an exact measurement of the water in your bilge. In addition, it measures the temperature in the bilge so that you can ensure that your boat is not exposed to harmful frost and icing.

Battery Bank Monitoring

Sensar Marine monitors two battery banks and alerts you when charge is diminishing. The device will monitor 12, 24 & 48 volt banks and recognizes Lithium batteries. You will always know that your boat is ready to go.

Long Life Internal Battery

Sensar Marine has an internal battery that will operate for 40+ days without taking a charge from your boatโ€™s battery. It will only charge when your boat is running, connected to shore power or solar charging. The internal battery will continue operating in temperatures from -40f to 185f. The device will always operate when on a mooring for an extended period.

Easy Installation

Sensar Marine is simple to install and easy to operate. The Sensar Marine app will let you know that your boat is OK, even when you are away.

Contact Information:

Paul Garland Email โ€“ paul.garland@sensarmarine.com

20) THE BATTLE OF THE FLOWERS
BATALLA DE FLORES @ CARNIVAL BARRANQUILLA
Sat, Mar 1, 2025 โ€“ Tue, Mar 4, 2025

CARNEVAL IN BARANQUILLA

A Celebration of Chaos and Color

The Barranquilla Carnival kicks off four days before Ash Wednesday, exploding into life with a riot of color, music, and unrestrained revelry. The crescendo arrives Saturday with the legendary Batalla de las Floresโ€”a dazzling clash of Colombian joy, where the streets become battlegrounds of flowers, costumes, and unyielding celebration.

Tatiana, la reina del Carnaval 2025

Tatiana, la reina del Carnaval 2025

Prelude to Madness: Pre-Carnival Frenzy

Though the carnival officially starts with the Lectura del Bandoโ€”a proclamation demanding uninhibited dancing and wild abandonโ€”Barranquilla starts to buzz weeks ahead. Pre-Carnival events are electric with anticipation. From the Toma de la Ciudad (Taking the City) to the crowning of the Carnival King and Queen, the city pulses with life. But the highlight of this buildup is La Guacherna, a Friday night parade where cumbias, masquerades, and infectious rhythms light up the streets like a thunderstorm of joy.

BARANQUILLA

Saturday: The Battle of the Flowers

Saturday delivers the Batalla de las Flores, a spectacle etched into history since 1903. For six vibrant hours, colossal floats roll down the avenues, each a masterpiece of artistry and exuberance. Iconic carnival characters like Rey Momo, Marรญa Moรฑitas, and the mischievous Hombre Caimรกn come to life, delighting the crowds. The queen of the carnival leads the charge, throwing flowers and dancing with her court, while marimondasโ€”figures with long noses and vibrant costumesโ€”march alongside gigantonas, dwarfs with oversized heads. Itโ€™s a symphony of chaos and jubilation.

BARANQUILLA Saturday: The Battle of the Flowers

Sunday: The Grand Parade

Sunday sheds the floats but not the fervor. Itโ€™s a day for masks, disguises, and fierce competition as dance groups battle for the honor of performing in next yearโ€™s Batalla de las Flores. Folk traditions like the Torito dance, the mesmerizing moves of the Garabato, and the elegant Hilanderas (Spinners) take center stage during the Gran Parada. The energy is raw, the stakes are high, and the streets pulse with life.

Sunday: The Grand Parade

Monday: The Sound of Carnival

Monday cranks the volume up with the Festival de Orquestas. Caribbean and Latin bands ignite the city, vying for the coveted Golden Congo award. Amid the music, the Fantasy Parade adds a kaleidoscope of costumes and creativity, pushing the limits of imagination.

Monday: The Sound of Carnival

Tuesday: The Farewell of Joselito

Carnival ends with bittersweet revelry on Calle 84. Here, the queen of the carnival, dressed in mourning black, grieves the symbolic death of Joselito Carnaval, the soul of the party. Her theatrical fainting marks the passing of the festivities, but not before the streets explode once more with music, cumbia dancers, and costumed revelers, ensuring the carnival ends in unforgettable style.

The Barranquilla Carnival isnโ€™t just a festivalโ€”itโ€™s a full-throttle celebration of life, history, and the unbreakable spirit of Colombia. Each dance, costume, and note of music is a testament to the grit, joy, and passion that define this legendary event.

https://www.barranquilla.gov.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/whatsapp-image-2019-03-05-at-5-01-01-pm.jpeg

Stay at Marina Puerto Velero on your yacht to enjoy the nearby carnival

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dfm23UkwuMXtoZ2r6
MARINA PUERTO VELERO

SOO MUCH TO MUST SEE

THE MANY MUST SEE'S ALONG
THE OCEAN POSSE ROUTES

21) BREAK IN ALERT

BREAK IN

Sailboat Break-In in La Paz Bay ๐Ÿšจ MEXICO

Attention, cruising community:

We regret to inform you that a sailboat anchored in La Paz Bay was recently broken into and stripped of valuables. This serves as an unfortunate reminder to remain vigilant and take extra precautions to secure your boats and belongings.

โš ๏ธ What You Can Do:

โœ…Ensure hatches, doors, and lockers are securely locked when leaving your boat.

โœ…Avoid leaving high-value items visible or easily accessible.

Install motion lights, alarms, or cameras if possible.

โœ…Donโ€™t leave your boat unattended; if you must, inform your neighbors so they can keep an eye out.

โœ…Report any suspicious activity to the local cruiser network or authorities immediately.

๐Ÿ“ข If You Notice Anything:

Please share any information about suspicious activity or sightings with the local boating community or your marina office to help keep everyone safe.

Let's work together to protect our vibrant community and each other. Stay safe, everyone!

๐ŸŒž La Paz Yachts

22) THE OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS TRACKING

Tracking Ocean Posse

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Ocean Data Integration

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Multiple Forecast Formats

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Trip Planning Tools

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๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Safe Harbor Ventura Isle , Ventura, CA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Safe Harbor South Bay , Chula Vista CA

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ECV MARINA โ€“ Ensenada MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Palmira Topolobampo โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina el Cid โ€“ Mazatlan โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Puerto de La Navidad โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Vicenteโ€™s Moorings, Acapulco โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Chiapas โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Pez Vela โ€“ Guatemala

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ป Marina Bahia del Sol โ€“ El Salvador

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ป La Palma Moorings โ€“ Bahia del Sol, El Salvador

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Marina Puesta del Sol โ€“ Nicaragua

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Marina Papagayo โ€“ Costa Rica

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Banana Bay Marina โ€“ Costa Rica

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Flamingo Marina โ€“ Costa Rica

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ Marina Puerto Amistad, Ecuador

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Buenaventura Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Vista Mar Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Flamenco Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ La Playita Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Shelter Bay Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Bocas Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Solarte Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Linton Bay Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Turtle Cay Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ IGY Red Frog Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด ClubNautico Cartagena โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Marina Puerto Velero โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด IGY Marina Santa Marta โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Manzanillo Marina Club โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ < Royal Jamaica Yacht Club โ€“ Jamaica

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Errol Flynn Marina โ€“ Jamaica

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Montego Bay Yacht Club โ€“ Jamaica

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡พ The Barcadere Marina โ€“ Cayman Islands

๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Barefoot Cay Marina โ€“ Roatan โ€“ Honduras

๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Fantasy Island Marina โ€“ Roatan โ€“ Honduras

๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan โ€“ Honduras

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Nana Juana Resort & Guatemala

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Hummingbird Marina โ€“ Placencia โ€“ Belize

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Placencia Yacht Club โ€“ Belize

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Hakim Marina & Boatyard โ€“ Belize

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Makax โ€“ Isla Mujeres โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina V&v โ€“ Quintana Roo โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina El Cid โ€“ Cancรบn โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡บ Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo โ€“ Cuba

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡จ South Bank Marina & Boatyard โ€“ Turks And Caicos

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Romora Bay Resort And Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Elizabeth On The Bay Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Great Harbour Cay Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด Marina Puerto Bahia โ€“ Dominican Republic

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด Ocean World Marina โ€“ Dominican Republic

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฎ St. Croix Yacht Club โ€“ USVI

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฎ Green Cay Marin A โ€“ USVI

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฌ Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour โ€“ Bvi

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ท Marina Pescaderia โ€“ Puerto Rico

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Dominica Marine Center โ€“ Dominica

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ณ Port Zante Marina โ€“ St Kitts & Nevis

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Marathon Marina โ€“ Marathon Keys, FL

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Pier 66 Hotel & Marina โ€“ Ft. Lauderdale, FL

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Titusville Marina โ€“ Fl, Usa

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Port 32 Marinas โ€“ Jacksonville, Fl

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Oasis Marinas At Fernandina Harbor FL

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. GA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Windmill Harbour Marina โ€“ Hilton Head SC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Coffee Bluff Marina โ€“ Savannah GA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Hazzard Marine โ€“ Gerogetown, NC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Holden Beach โ€“ Town Dock, NC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Portside Marina โ€“ Morehead City, NC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ York River Yacht Haven โ€“ VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Yorktown Riverwalk Landing โ€“ VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Regatta Point Marina โ€“ Deltaville, VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Regent Point Marina โ€“ Topping, VA

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฒ Pier 41 Marina โ€“ Bermuda

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฒ Caroline Bay Marina โ€“ Bermuda

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Marina De Cascais โ€“ Portugal

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Marina Funchal โ€“ Portugal

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Alcaidesa Marina โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Marina Del Odiel โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Igy Mรกlaga Marina โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Puerto Sotogrande โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Yacht Port Cartagena โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Molo Vecchio โ€“ Italy

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Ocean Village Marina โ€“ Gibraltar

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ป Marina Mindelo โ€“ Cape Verde

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ณ Marina Bizerte โ€“ Tunisia

MARINAS

25) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

  • ABERNATHY - PANAMA
  • BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
  • BOAT HOW TO
  • CABRALES BOAT YARD
  • CENTENARIO CONSULTING - PANAMA CANAL
  • CHRIS PARKER โ€“ MARINE WEATHER CENTER
  • DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
  • DIGITAL YACHT
  • DOWNWIND MARINE
  • EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
  • FOUNTAINE PAJOT
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  • HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
  • HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
  • HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
  • LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
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NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
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  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

27) House on the Hill on the Panama Canal

PANAMA CANAL HOUSE OF THE ENGINEER

The House on the Hill on the Panama Canal, often referred to in historical accounts, served as the residence of the chief engineer or project manager during the construction of the canal. It stands as a symbol of the monumental effort and leadership required to oversee one of the most ambitious engineering feats in history.

Key Facts about the House on the Hill and Its Role:

1. The Historical Context

The house was built during the early 20th century, during the American-led construction of the Panama Canal (1904โ€“1914) by lead engineer John Frank Stevens.

It provided a commanding view of the canal's construction areas, symbolizing authority and oversight.

2. The Role of the Chief Engineer

The chief engineer was the lead figure in managing the canal's construction, with responsibilities ranging from technical problem-solving to labor management.

Notable chief engineers include:

John Frank Stevens: Credited with reorganizing the project and prioritizing worker health and safety.

George Washington Goethals: Known as the "Man Who Finished the Canal," he oversaw its completion and managed the transition to operations.

3. Strategic Location

Situated to provide a panoramic view of the canal's progress, the house symbolized the leadership's ability to "oversee" every aspect of the project.

Its location reinforced the project manager's central role in coordinating the vast workforce, machinery, and resources.

4. Living Conditions

The house offered better living conditions compared to the workers' accommodations, emphasizing the hierarchy within the project.

It was equipped with amenities that allowed the chief engineer to work and host meetings effectively.

CENTENARIO CONSULTING Erick Gรกlvez Erick Gรกlvez info@centenarioconsulting.com www.centenarioconsulting.com Cellphone +507 6676-1376 WhatsApp +507 6676-1376
Erick Galvez

OCEAN POSSE

(Y)OUR MISSION

  • Make global yacht travel easier, more transparent, better informed and fun
  • Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas & service providers
  • Document and pass on relevant information to help fellow yacht owners and operators in a timely manner
  • Reduce risk, identify risks, document risks
  • Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules


MEET THE FLEET INTERVIEW

Ahoy, Ocean Posse adventurers!ย ย  JUST A FEW QUESTIONS

We want to feature you and your incredible journey in our upcoming โ€œMeet the Fleetโ€ series! This is your chance to share your story, inspire fellow cruisers, and showcase the spirit of maritime exploration that defines the Ocean Posse community.

We dive into the personal experiences, lessons learned, and unique perspectives of life at sea withย  , exploring what it means to live the journey.
This is your way to introduce yourselves to your peer group .


ย 

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Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 5 files.

Gulf Stream Crossings

FLORIDA TO BAHAMAS โ™’๏ธŽ Gulf Stream Crossings

Here is a quick overview of why the ruleย  “go 25 miles or so south of your intended Bahamas destination”ย  in order to cross the Gulf Stream.
Northerly winds will make the crossing very uncomfortable; as the wind against current create short steep nasty waves – wait for no winds or light easterlies for a more comfortable ride
If you plan on Sailing look forย  S or SW winds

Tides and Currents

WINDS

Gulf Stream Crossings to The Bahamas

Because of the Gulf Streamโ€™s north-setting current, most cruisers prioritize making as much southing as possible along the U.S. East Coast before crossing. From South Florida, itโ€™s just a day hop across the Gulf Stream to reach the first islands of The Bahamas. This route follows the typical snowbird cruising path, as outlined by Van Sandt in A Gentlemanโ€™s Guide to Passages South. It allows for travel within the ICW or limits to manageable day hops offshore.

The Strategy for a Smooth Crossing
The general advice is to get as far south as possible before making the crossing. The farther south you start, the easier the crossing and the more route options youโ€™ll have. Slower vessels benefit most from this approach. For instance, leaving from Key Largo with a moderate southeasterly breeze โ€” a common forecast โ€” allows you to take advantage of a more favorable heading and the Gulf Streamโ€™s flow instead of fighting against it.

Chris Parker of the Marine Weather Center identifies two primary crossing zones: the North and South Crossing Areas. These terms are widely used in marine forecasts, even if you donโ€™t use his services (though theyโ€™re highly recommended).

North Crossing Area

The North Crossing Area spans the track from West Palm Beach (Lake Worth Inlet) to West End, Grand Bahama โ€” a route roughly 56 nautical miles east.

Common departure points include:

  • Farther north: St. Lucie Inlet or Fort Pierce Inlet, often with crossings targeting the Abacos.
  • Farther south: Departures from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, with direct routes to Grand Bahama or the Abacos.

Once on Grand Bahamaโ€™s southwest corner, itโ€™s an easy passage through the Northwest Providence Channel toward the Berry Islands or Nassau.

South Crossing Area

The South Crossing Area typically covers the route from Fort Lauderdale or Miami directly to Bimini, about 46 nautical miles east of Key Biscayne. This is the shortest crossing from Florida to The Bahamas.

Other options include:

  • Departing Key Largo or the Florida Keys: These routes lead to Bimini or South Riding Rock, opening paths toward Andros, the Berry Islands, Nassau, and the Exumas.
  • Continuing to North Crossing zones: A route to Grand Bahama or the Abacos is also possible from this area.

SHORT WINDOW SCENARIO

For those of you considering crossing Monday night to Bimini, note that the forecast at 11 am Sunday shows the wind shifting into the north at about 5 am. Wave heights are forecast to go from 1 foot/4 seconds to 2 feet/3 seconds – not very comfortable at all. Winds go from 1 k SE to 11 k NW, gusting 15, but since it’s very early in the shift, it shouldn’t be too bad FOR EXPERIENCED MARINERS.
If you’re going to jump on this very short window, leave before midnight, you want to arrive in Bimini at sunrise or very shortly after, before things get lively.

Palm Beach to West End is showing essentially the same conditions, starting at 2 feet/5 seconds and moving to 2 feet NW on 3 seconds. Winds move into the NW instead of the north.
Same advice, with one proviso – that wave action will make entering the marina at West End a bit challenging. Be sure to consider its effects on your boat as you approach,and compensate for them.
N0TE – conditions are changing rapidly, so check again before you leave for any updated wind and wave forecasts.


FLEET UPDATE 2025-01-19

OP 2025-01-19 Gatherings, Seminars, MX Shipping Updates, Navily

โ€œI felt just the way any other boy would a felt when I see that wreck laying there so mournful and lonesome in the middle of the river. I wanted to aboard of her and slink around a little.โ€ย 

ย "Huck" Finn ย - Mark Twainย 

BY CARMODY CLAN

1865 Sub Marine Explorer a Civil War-era submarine is ย now a shipwreck in theย 
Archipelago of the Las Perlas ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Panama. Image by SY DISTANT DRUMMER โ–ถ

LATEST NEWSย 

  • Refer A Friend
  • The Wolf Moon ๐ŸŒ‘ย 
  • Picture Of The Yearย Entry
  • Gatherings
  • Event @ Club De Pesca ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Cartagenaย 
  • Ocean Posse Caribbean Partyย 
  • South Pacific Seminars
  • Marina V&V - Quintana Roo ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝย 
  • New Global Sponsorย Navily Pro
  • Rounding Punta Mala ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Panama
  • Culebra Cays - W ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexicoย 
  • Titusville Marina ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ย FL
  • Marquesan For All !
  • Meet The Fleet SY Galatea
  • Scarlet Macaws ๐Ÿฆœ
  • Sunrise ๐ŸŒ… Tikal ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น Guatemala
  • Mexico Shipping Update

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE โ–ถย 
HEADS

1) ย  WOLF MOON ๐ŸŒ‘ย 
PICTURES OF THE WEEK

WOLF MOON BY TIDINGS OF JOY

Wolf Moon Boquete Panamaย 
MV TIDINGS OF JOYย 

FULL MOON

Something about Wolf Moon? SY EOTIย 

FULL MOON

Buenaventura Panamรก Marinaโ€ฆ new holiday present of a camera for our upcoming crossing of the Pacific. ๐ŸŒ‘ SY PATHFINDERย 

FULL MOON

Wolf moon over Zihuatanejo! Serenaded by a horn player and jazz singer from shore! Life is grand! - SY DAWN PATROLย 

In Bocas del Toro, the primary mode of transport is by water and for the local kids, this means taking their dugout canoes and paddling to schoolโ€ฆ

Wolf Moon๐ŸŒ‘ Shelter Bay Marinaย 
by MV SUMMER BREEZE

WOLF MOON

๐ŸŒ‘ ย La Playita, Panama MV KOSMOS

Shelter Bay Panama ๐ŸŒ‘ MV MARTINI

WOLF MOON

Wolf Moon in the San Blas Islands ๐ŸŒ‘ ย by SY SERENITYย 

2) PICTURE OF THE YEARย 
AWARD ENTRYย 

PErception

Culebra Caye - Bahรญa de la Ascensiรณn ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ MX - yes there was a pot of gold, and yes we have already spent it on boat parts... SY PERCEPTIONย 

3) OCEAN POSSE AWARD CATEGORIES

4) OCEAN POSSE EVENTS & GATHERINGS

Meeting adventurers, sailors, and explorers is a great way to learn, share knowledge, and build lasting connections while embracing the spirit of exploration.

gatherings

After After party onboard MV Tidings of joyย 

OPEN CPN INSTALLATION SEASON

Cruiser Lounge the OpenCPN ย install sessions with Rob Murray SY AVANT

GATHERINGS

Ocean Posse gathering @ Shelter Bay Marinaย 

GATHERINGS

At Restaurant ANY'S in ย Zihuatanejo MX
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew made from hominy (dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali), meat (commonly pork, chicken, or turkey), and various seasonings. The dish is often garnished with toppings such as radishes, onions, avocado, lime, and chili powder, which add flavor and texture.ย 

GALATEA JUNO Mark and Sarah got their burgee for SV Galatea

ย Juno ๐Ÿพ Mark and Sarah got their burgee ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ SY Galateaย 

CLUB DE PESCA

ย 6) ย OCEAN POSSE CARIBBEAN PARTYย 

24-25โ€ฒ PANAMA POSSE KICK OFF WEEKEND ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO WHEN: December 4-8 2024 WHERE: Barra de Navidad, MX at the Marina Puerto de la Navidad RSVP PLEASE AND CONTACT THE MARINA DIRECTLY TO RESERVE A SLIP

SHELTER BAY MARINA ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ PANAMA

MEET THE FLEET EVENT OPEN TO ALL

09:00 โ€“ 12:00 Swap Meet @ Gazebo $1 Donation
12:00 - 21:00 ย Exhibits and Yacht Showingsย 
14:30 Panama Canal Best Practices
15:00 Going Back To Cali Or Sea Of Cortez
15:30 Opencpn Sat Charts / Installation Usage
16:00 International Yacht Brokerageย 
16:30 South Pacific Posse ย Beyond Bora Bora
17:00 Safety And Security
17:30 Predict Wind
17:15 Open Bar By Flor De Caรฑa
17:45 Sunset & Local Folkloric Danceย 
18:00 Pig Roast / ย Pot Luck +the ย Posse Feast
19:00 Dance / ย Mexican Train / Texas Hold'em

SHELTER BAY

ย 7) ย OCEAN POSSE SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINARS

APP Series

ย FEBRUARY 2025 ย PACIFIC CROSSING SEMINARS ย ย 

ย  ย  WEDNESDAY Feb 5 2025 @ ย 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

ย  ย  ย  ย  ย 

ย  ย  THURSDAY Feb 6 2025 @ ย 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

ย 

ย  ย  FRIDAY Feb 7 2025 @ ย 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

ย  ย  SATURDAY Feb 8 2025 @ ย 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

ย  ย  TUESDAY Feb 11 2025 @ ย 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

ย  ย  WEDNESDAY Feb 13 2025 @ ย 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

ย  ย  THURSDAY Feb 14 2025 @ ย 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

ย  ย  ย 

ย  ย ย FRIDAY Feb 15 2025 @ ย 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

RSVP HEREย 
seminars

8) MARINA V&V - QUINTANA ROO ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝย 
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

VINATAGE MARINA

21ยฐ 14.29' N ย  086ยฐ 48.2016' W

Marina V&V, is located in front of the second longest barrier reef in the world. It has an extension of 1.5 kilometers and has the capacity to receive 176 boats of up tp 200 feet. We offer world-class services with the best personnel trained in customer service and attention, with the willingness to attend to your needs

BOOK A SLIP NOW ย !
https://oceanposse.com/marinavv/

  • Concierge
  • VIP Concierge service is available to you 365 days a year from 8-5 pm during your stay with us (applies to boats over 100 feet).
  • Electricity
  • Electricity service with the amperage required for your boat.
  • Captains Room
  • Captains who visit our facilities can have time for recreation and rest. Enabled with the following services:

  • ย  Billiards
  • ย  Video game
  • ย  Music
  • ย  Football
  • ย  CABLE TV Sky Premier TV
  • Immigration Services
  • Immigration services for vessels arriving from abroad that plan to arrive and sail from Mexico.
  • Fuel dock
  • The only marina with a fuel station that has a 0% water certification, available from 7 in the morning until 7 at night.

marina v&v

9) NEW GLOBAL SPONSORย 

NAVILY PRO SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSEย 

NAVILY

ย Discounted Navily Premium subscriptions for all Ocean Posse Participantsย 

NAVILY / NAVILY APP Key Features:

Navilyโ€™s over ย 1 Million users shape a global platform that connects boaters and marinas, inspiring a spirit of solidarity thatโ€™s as vast as the seas they navigate.

Information on anchorages and marinas

The first thing people do on Navily is consult information about anchorages and marinas. A simple map shows points of interest which you can click on to have access to the destinationโ€™s page. On this page youโ€™ll find all relevant information added by users along the years through pictures and reviews.

Contribute to Navily

Canโ€™t find the anchorage where youโ€™re comfortably anchored on the map? No problemโ€”just add it! Snap a photo, leave a review, and share details about the seabed, wind and swell protection, and nearby amenities. ย 

As you explore new destinations, keep enriching the map with photos, reviews, and corrections. ย 

NAVILY AND OCEAN POSSE

10) ย ROUNDING PUNTA MALA ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ PANAMA

TRIP REPORT BY MY KOSMOS

Some notes from our passage through the Gulf of Panama to La Playita marina:

We had 2-3 foot following seas as we approached Punta Mala, which combined with the 2-3 head seas and wind as we rounded Punta Mala. Rounding and turning a bit west by going on the inside of Iguana Island reduced the combination effect. Conditions simply resolved to head seas and winds as we headed almost due north. No big surprise, but well, I believe Punta Mala is a good name.

We approached Vista Mar Marina area around 1900. We took this option to get close to shore asap to minimize the prevailing head seas. About 1.5nm offshore in about 35-40 feet of water running parallel to the coast we encountered about 10 fishing boats over the course of about 2 hours. None had AIS, but were well lit with light signals for trawling fishing. They had trawling nets out, and were doing some circles and zig zags. There were also about 7-8 markers with dim flashing strobe lights, which were hard to see until about 0.25nm away. I am not sure what they were for. It took several course changes to avoid the fishing boats and the strobe light markers. Also a random panga got with about 100 feet of us at one point.

We then proceeded to navigate through the ship anchorage area to get to La Playita marina at sunrise, still favoring being north to avoid the head seas. This was a densely packed anchorage with at least 50 targets in a 1nm radius. The Marine Traffic App was helpful to scout the area remotely. I saw hundreds of targets in the area, a testament to the 14,000-15,000 vessels that transit the canal each year. AIS helped us resolve the picture, and we were able to proactively set waypoints. Then we weaved our way through with radar and AIS providing confirmations. There was minimal moving traffic, with only 3 vessels actively moving near our route. Also almost no radio chatter on 16.

Currently La Playita looks a little more than 50% full. There are some wakes from the ferry based in the marina, and light surge. We did contract ahead and got confirmation of space, but we did not have a specific slip assigned. We came through the break water and marina staff was there as we decided to just take the first slip we could fit into, and they were happy with that. First night free for Posse members, have your member number handy. The anchorage currently has about 5 boats and space for more.

We have Erick Galvez as a canal agent and he had his assistant Jose drive us to the port captain and immigration offices, which are at Flamenco Marina area. Playita is about 3km from Flamenco. Immigration did require everyone to be there in person, since they take your picture as part of the process. Check-in took us about 20 minutes with no lines to slow us down.

For those that want to avoid the night run to Playita or Flamenco, Vista Mar Marina is an option, or anchoring at Isla Otoque. ย 

Brigth work
PUNTA MALA

Punta Mala

PUNTA MALA LIGHTHOUSE

Punta Mala Lighthouse and Tidal Stationย 

PUNTA MALA ROUTE

11) GOOD NAUTICAL ย 

CULEBRA CAYS - W ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ MEXICOย 

CULEBRA CAYS

Approach

CULEBRA CAYS

โš“ 19ยฐ42.7583' N 087ยฐ304983' Wย 

https://skipperandflipper.com/2022/01/02/cayo-culebra/

Image of the Caribbean horizon captured from Cayo Culebra byย  skipperandflipper.com ย 

12) ย BENEFITS OF JOINING THE OCEAN POSSE

PERKS

โœ”๏ธ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ“Š Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฐ Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts * โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind โœ”๏ธ

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๐Ÿ’ฐ Save with service providers and chandleries โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in ย agents โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Free aid to navigation 150 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android) โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฐ ย Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฐ Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ“น Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there โœ”๏ธ

๐ŸŒฉ๏ธ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker โœ”๏ธ

โ›ต Community of voyagers all are welcome, kids, single-handers, pets โœ”๏ธ

โš“ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ›ˆ ย Fleet Updates via email โ€“ free โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ† Fun Award Categories โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ“ Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage ย reports โœ”๏ธ

โ˜Ž๏ธ Free Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฌ Free 24/7 LINE group channel โœ”๏ธ

๐ŸŒŠ Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿ”ญ Be part of a fleet of sensor for those who come behind you or meet โœ”๏ธ

๐Ÿšท Always priority traffic โ€“ for participants by participants โœ”๏ธ

ย 

ย  ย  ย (* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and ย subject to a marinaโ€™s availability )

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE โ–ถย 

13) ย  YACHTS FOR SALE

https://www.panamayachtbroker.com/yacht_listing-image/46ft-1991-nautor-swan-46/
https://www.panamayachtbroker.com/yacht_listing-image/47-ft-leopard-47/

14) TITUSVILLE MARINA ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ย FL
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

https://oceanposse.com/titusville-marina/

28ยฐ 37.2466โ€ฒ N ย  080ยฐ 48.5316โ€ฒ W

We are pleased to sponsor the Ocean Posse and offer a 10 % discount off our short term docking rate

  • Transient Dockage
  • Public Launch Ramps
  • Newly Remodeled Ship Store
  • WiFi
  • Pump Out Station and Boat Available
  • Diving Services
  • 1 Hour to Orlando Attractions
  • New Indoor Captainโ€™s Lounge
  • Newly Remodeled Bathrooms
  • Gas & Diesel
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Nearby Restaurants
  • 5 Minutes to Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
  • 10 Minutes to Canaveral National Seashore
  • Grocery Store Within Walking Distance
https://oceanposse.com/titusville-marina/

15) MARQUESAN FOR ALL !

MARQUESAN FOR ALL

For more than a century, scientists and scholars have referred to the language spoken

in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia as โ€œendangered.โ€ Only about 20,000

people speak Marquesan, and until recently it was entirely absent from schools and

rarely written down. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, its use was

strongly discouraged and even forbidden. Marquesan Islanders, or 'enata / 'enana,

held onto the language in private, often behind closed doors, and it evolved. Today

Marquesan is heavily influenced by French and Tahitian, in schools as well as

through music, television and other media

MARQUESAN FOR ALL - A GUIDE TO THE MARQUESAN LANGUAGE

 

ka'oha Hello
a epo See you soon, see you later
a pae Goodbye
e yes
a'o'e no
vai'einui Thank you
ahe fifi No problem
a pei! let's go!
e toko mai ia'u! Help me!
'i hea te kapine? Where is the bathroom?
'i hea te fa'e hoko? Where is the store?
'i hea te poste? Where is the post office?
fa'e mate infirmary
taote doctor
e aha e ko'ana ia'oe e tu'u mai ta'oe numera vini? Can I have your cell phone number?
e aha te hora? What time is it?
mate te one Iโ€™m hungry
kaki au inu te vai Iโ€™m thirsty
pa'opa'o au Iโ€™m tired
a'e vivini au I do not understand
pehea 'ia pe'auโ€ฆ? How do you sayโ€ฆ?
e fia moni? How much does it cost?
e aha to'oe hakatu? How are you?
mea meita'i I am well, Iโ€™m good (response to: e aha to'oe hakatu)
o'ai to'oe inoa? What's your name?
o Julie to'u inoa My name is Julie
o'ai to'oe fenua? Where are you from?
mei te fenua menike au Iโ€™m from America
mei te fenua ferani au Iโ€™m from France
o 'inei to'u hoa o Teani This is my friend Teani

 

PRONUNCIATION

GET READY FOR THE PACIFIC CROSSINGย 
AND LEARN MARQUESAN ON THE WAYย 

MARQUESAS

Marquesan for All makes Marquesan simultaneously accessible to both English and

French speakers for the first time. It also offers a resource for 'enata / 'enana

interested in speaking more English. Most of the existing literature translates directly

between French and Marquesan, using writings written by 18th and 19th century

voyagers. This book is the first English reference on Marquesan to be published

since the early 19 th century. Based on decades of research with Marquesan speakers,

it embraces the authenticity of Marquesan as it is spoken today

MARQUESAN GUIDE

ย PRONUNCIATIONย 
ย (adapted from Zewen 1987)

Fluent Marquesan speakers are the best guide for how to pronounce Marquesan,

but this guide is a starting point. The rules below apply to both North (N) and

South (S) Marquesan dialects.

Consonants

F : as in English (example: fill)

H : as in English (example: hand)

K : as in English but with less force (example: welcome

M : as in English (example: mat)

N : as in English (example nip)

P : as in English but with less force (example: spend

R : lightly rolled

S : as in English, sharply (example: sand)

T : as in English (example: tail)

' (glottal stop) : sound made by pressing the vocal cords

together to stop the flow of air (example: uh-oh!)

V : as in English (example: vine)

Vowels

A : ah, as the "a" in father ("fah ther") or above ("ah buv")

E : ei, as the "a" in may ("mei") or bait ("beit")

I : ee, as the "e" in me ("mee") or believe ("bee leev")

O : oh, as the "o" in no ("noh") or obey ("oh bei")

U : oo, as the "u" in rule ("rool") or duo ("doo oh")

MARQUESAN SCENE

ARRIVE IN THE MARQUESAS WITH KNOWLEDGE IN STYLE !ย 

Marquesan vowels are lengthened (as in the "ee" in free) in certain words. Long

vowels can be indicated by either a hat or a line (as in mรข or mฤ, the fermented

breadfruit paste). Context will help, but listen and speak carefully since a short or

long vowel can often change the meaning of a word. Take care to pronounce

each vowel separately (unlike in English, where vowel sounds may combine or

be silenced), though sounds may blend together slightly in speaking. For

example, 'oe (you) is pronounced "oay" (with a nice, rounded "o" sound), ia (he,

About the author Anthropologist, historian and writer, Dr. Donaldson lives in Vermont with her husband, two daughters, dog and a small flock of chickens. Trained as an archaeologist and social anthropologist at Harvard, University of Chicago and McGill, she has been working in the Marquesas Islands for over twenty years. Her work focuses on the connections between culture, sustainability and the past. Visit her website to find out more: www.emilydonaldson.org.
BY EMILY C. DONALDSON, PhD

16) MEET THE FLEET ย 

17) SCARLET MACAWS ๐ŸฆœYOU'LL SEE ALONG THE ROUTE

MACAWS

SY REMEDY - "Macaws in the trees in Golfito ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท CR feasting on cashew nuts"

With bright red feathers accented by yellow and blue on its wings, the Scarlet Macaw is one of the most colorful and recognizable birds in Costa Rica.

Habitat: Found in coastal lowlands, particularly along the Pacific coast. Common areas include:

  • ย  ย  ย  ย ย Carara National Park
  • ย  ย  ย  ย  Palo Verde National Park
  • ย  ย  ย  ย ย Osa Peninsula (Corcovado National Park)

Behavior: These macaws are often seen in pairs or small flocks, flying noisily across the forest canopy. They feed on fruits, seeds, and nuts. Scarlet Macaws are highly social, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They form monogamous bonds that last a lifetime.
Known for their loud, screeching calls that can be heard from a great distance. This helps them communicate in dense forests. They nest in tree cavities, typically in tall, mature trees. Breeding season peaks between December and May.

Overall: 32-38 inches in length, including their long tail feathers /ย  2-2.6 poundsย 

Predominantly bright red, with bold yellow on the wings and vibrant blue on the outer flight feathers. A small patch of green may appear between the red and yellow wing feathers. With a large, curved beakโ€”white on the upper part and black on the lowerโ€”designed for cracking hard nuts and seeds. Pale yellow, giving them an intense and intelligent expression.

scarlet macaws

18) MYST-SEEย 
SUNRISE ๐ŸŒ… TIKAL ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น GUATEMALA

TIKAL

Tikal, known to the Maya as Yax Mutal, served as a major political, economic, and ceremonial hub during the Classic Period (200-900 CE). The city was home to powerful rulers who built alliances and waged wars with neighboring city-states, including Calakmul and Caracol. At its peak, Tikal supported a population of over 100,000, with its influence spreading across the Petรฉn Basin and beyond.

TIKAL

The Maya were master astronomers, and Tikal reflects their celestial understanding. The alignment of the temples and plazas demonstrates a sophisticated knowledge of the solar and lunar cycles, which played a crucial role in their agricultural and ceremonial activities.

the plan of tikal

Reaching Tikal ย involves a journey through the picturesque landscapes of Guatemala, making it a destination for those who embrace adventure. Once at the site, local guides provide invaluable insights into the history and culture of the Maya. For those arriving by yacht, a trip inland from the Rio Dulce ย 

Visitors should plan to arrive early to catch the sunriseโ€”a magical moment when the jungle awakens, shrouded in mist, as the first rays of light illuminate the ancient temples.

The dry season (November to April) is ideal for visiting Tikal, as the weather is cooler and the trails are less muddy. ย 

SUNRISE IN TIKAL

SUNRISE ๐ŸŒ… TIKAL ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น GUATEMALA

  • Spring Equinox (Around March 21) and Fall Equinox (Around September 21)
  • Certain structures in Tikal, such as the ceremonial plazas and temple alignments, were designed to mark the position of the sun during these equinoxes.
  • The equinoxes signify balance and were important in Mayan agricultural cycles
SOO MUCH TO MUST SEE

THE MANY MUST SEE'S ALONGย 
THE OCEAN POSSE ROUTESย 

19) ALERT

ADUANAS MEXICO
ADUANAS MEXICO

MEXICO SHIPPING UPDATE

As of January 1st all inbound shipping (DHL/FedEx/UPS) packages MUST have the Receivers RFC or CURP number attached to the commercial invoice accompanying the shipment. If this is not attached, the shipment will be returned to the sender by Aduana (Customs).

** If the receiver is company: You need the RFC โ€“ Registro Federal de Cotribuyentes

** If the receiver is a person: You need the RFC or CURP โ€“ Clave รšnica de Registro de Poblaciรณn.

Itโ€™s Mexico of course, so some shipments may make it through without the Required Tax ID information, but donโ€™t be surprised if your Box is turned around if you donโ€™t have the RFC or CURP number on the commercial invoice.

What is the "IdCCP complement identifier" (IdCCP)?

Regarding the "IdCCP complement identifier" (IdCCP) attribute, which is necessary to express the 36 characters corresponding to the folio of the complement, it is important to take into account the following:

The structure of the IdCCP attribute must comply with the guidelines defined in the RFC 4122 standard. This implies that it must begin with three default characters which are the letter "C". Also, it must follow the pattern specified for this attribute in the standard of the Carte Porte 3.0 add-on.

20) THE OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS TRACKING

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Safe Harbor Ventura Isle , Ventura, CA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Safe Harbor South Bay , Chula Vista CA

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ECV MARINA โ€“ Ensenada MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas ย โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Palmira Topolobampo โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina el Cid โ€“ Mazatlan โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Puerto de La Navidad โ€“ ย MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Vicenteโ€™s Moorings, Acapulco โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Chiapas โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น ย Marina Pez Vela โ€“ Guatemala

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ป Marina Bahia del Sol โ€“ El Salvador

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ป La Palma Moorings โ€“ Bahia del Sol, El Salvador

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Marina Puesta del Sol โ€“ Nicaragua

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Marina Papagayo โ€“ Costa Rica

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Banana Bay Marina โ€“ Costa Rica

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Flamingo Marina ย โ€“ Costa Rica

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ Marina Puerto Amistad, Ecuador

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Buenaventura Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ ย Vista Mar Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Flamenco Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ La Playita Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ ย Shelter Bay Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Bocas Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Solarte Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Linton Bay Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Turtle Cay Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ IGY Red Frog Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด ClubNautico Cartagena โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Marina Puerto Velero โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด IGY Marina Santa Marta โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด ย Manzanillo Marina Club โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ < Royal Jamaica Yacht Club โ€“ Jamaica

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Errol Flynn Marina โ€“ Jamaica

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Montego Bay Yacht Club โ€“ Jamaica

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡พ The Barcadere Marina โ€“ Cayman Islands

๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Barefoot Cay Marina โ€“ Roatan โ€“ Honduras

๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Fantasy Island Marina โ€“ Roatan โ€“ Honduras

๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan โ€“ Honduras

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น ย Marina Nana Juana Resort & Guatemala

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Hummingbird Marina โ€“ Placencia โ€“ Belize

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Placencia Yacht Club โ€“ Belize

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Hakim Marina & Boatyard โ€“ Belize

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Makax โ€“ Isla Mujeres โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina V&v โ€“ Quintana Roo โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina El Cid โ€“ Cancรบn โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡บ Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo โ€“ Cuba

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡จ South Bank Marina & Boatyard โ€“ Turks And Caicos

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ ย Romora Bay Resort And Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Elizabeth On The Bay Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Great Harbour Cay Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด Marina Puerto Bahia โ€“ Dominican Republic

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด Ocean World Marina โ€“ Dominican Republic

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฎ St. Croix Yacht Club โ€“ USVI

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฎ Green Cay Marin A โ€“ ย USVI

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฌ Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour โ€“ Bvi

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ท Marina Pescaderia โ€“ Puerto Rico

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Dominica Marine Center โ€“ Dominica

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ณ Port Zante Marina โ€“ St Kitts & Nevis

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Marathon Marina โ€“ Marathon Keys, FL

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Pier 66 Hotel & Marina โ€“ Ft. Lauderdale, FL

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Titusville Marina โ€“ Fl, Usa

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Port 32 Marinas โ€“ Jacksonville, Fl ย 

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Oasis Marinas At Fernandina Harbor FL

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. GA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Windmill Harbour Marina โ€“ Hilton Head SCย 

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Coffee Bluff Marina โ€“ Savannah GA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Hazzard Marine โ€“ Gerogetown, NC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Holden Beach ย โ€“ Town Dock, NC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Portside Marina โ€“ Morehead City, NC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ย Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VAย 

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ York River Yacht Haven โ€“ VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Yorktown Riverwalk Landing โ€“ VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Regatta Point Marina โ€“ Deltaville, VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Regent Point Marina โ€“ Topping, VA

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฒ Pier 41 Marina โ€“ Bermuda

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฒ Caroline Bay Marina โ€“ Bermuda

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Marina De Cascais โ€“ Portugal

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Marina Funchal โ€“ Portugal

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Alcaidesa Marina โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Marina Del Odiel โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Igy Mรกlaga Marina โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Puerto Sotogrande โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Yacht Port Cartagena โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Molo Vecchio โ€“ Italy

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Ocean Village Marina โ€“ Gibraltar

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ป Marina Mindelo โ€“ Cape Verde

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ณ Marina Bizerte ย โ€“ Tunisia

MARINAS

23) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORSย 

  • ABERNATHY - PANAMA
  • BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
  • BOAT HOW TOย 
  • CABRALES BOAT YARDย 
  • CENTENARIO CONSULTING - PANAMA CANALย 
  • CHRIS PARKER โ€“ MARINE WEATHER CENTER
  • DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
  • DIGITAL YACHT
  • DOWNWIND MARINE
  • EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
  • FOUNTAINE PAJOT
  • FLOR DE CAร‘A
  • HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
  • HERTZ RENTAL CARS ย MEXICO
  • HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
  • LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES ย 
  • MARINA PAPAGAYO
  • NAVILY
NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
  • NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
  • PANAMA YACHT BROKER
  • PREDICT WIND
  • SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER ย 
  • SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • SHAFT SHARK
  • SUN POWERED YACHTS
  • WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
  • WIKUS MARINE AUTOย 
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOSย 

24) VIDEOย OF THE WEEK ย ย 

Hurricane Beryl (/หˆbษ›r.ษ™l/) was a deadly and destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that impacted parts of the Caribbean, the Yucatรกn Peninsula, and the Gulf Coast of the United States in late June and early July 2024. It was the earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record and the second such storm in the month of July, the other being 2005's Hurricane Emily. Beryl was also the strongest hurricane to develop within the Main Development Region (MDR) of the Atlantic before the month of July. The second named storm, first hurricane, and first major hurricane[nb 1] of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Beryl broke many meteorological records for the months of June and July, primarily for its unusual location, intensity, and longevity.

25) THE PANAMA CANALย 

PANAMA CANAL

Historical and Construction Facts

  • ย  ย  Length of Construction: The canal took 34 years to complete, with the French starting in 1880 and the U.S. finishing in 1914.
  • ย  ย  Challenges of Disease: Malaria and yellow fever killed thousands of workers during the canal's construction.
  • ย  ย  Engineering Feat: The Panama Canal was one of the largest and most complex engineering projects ever undertaken at the time.
  • ย  ย  Torrijos-Carter Treaties: In 1977, these treaties established that Panama would gain full control of the canal by December 31, 1999.
  • ย  ย  French Failure: The French initially started the project but abandoned it due to financial troubles and high mortality rates.

Economic and Global Impact

  • ย  ย  Shortcut: The canal saves ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans approximately 8,000 nautical miles.
  • ย  ย  Major Trade Route: About 6% of the world's trade passes through the Panama Canal annually.
  • ย  ย  Revenue Generator: The canal generates billions of dollars annually for Panama's economy.

Design and Operations

  • ย  ย  Lock System: The canal uses a series of locks to raise and lower ships by 85 feet to cross the Isthmus of Panama.
  • ย  ย  Lake Gatรบn: A man-made lake, once the largest in the world, forms part of the canal's route.
  • ย  ย  Mules: Electric locomotives, called "mules," guide ships through the locks to prevent them from hitting the walls.
  • ย  ย  Panamax and Neopanamax: Ships are classified by whether they can fit the original locks (Panamax) or the expanded locks (Neopanamax).
  • ย  ย  Freshwater Use: Each transit through the locks uses about 52 million gallons of freshwater, sourced from nearby reservoirs.
  • Environmental and Geographic Facts
  • ย  ย  Isthmus of Panama: The canal cuts through the narrowest part of the Americas.
  • ย  ย  Rainforest Surroundings: The canal is bordered by lush tropical rainforests, which help protect its water supply.
  • ย  ย  Biodiversity: The region around the canal is home to thousands of plant and animal species.

Unique Records and Events

  • ย  ย  First Transit: The first official transit was by the U.S. vessel SS Ancon on August 15, 1914.
  • ย  ย  Largest Ship to Transit: As of recent years, the Ever Ace, a Neopanamax vessel, holds the record for the largest ship to transit.
  • ย  ย  Expansion Project: In 2016, a major expansion added a new set of locks, doubling the canal's capacity.
  • ย  ย  Quickest Transit: The fastest recorded transit of the canal was completed in just under 8 hours.

Social and Cultural Impact

  • ย  ย  Panama Canal Zone: For decades, the U.S. administered the canal and the surrounding Canal Zone, creating a unique cultural blend.
  • ย  ย  Labor Force Diversity: Workers from over 50 countries participated in its construction, including large numbers of Caribbean laborers.
  • ย  ย  Symbol of Sovereignty: The canal is a symbol of national pride and sovereignty for Panama.

Fun and Miscellaneous Facts

  • ย  ย  Tourism Magnet: The canal attracts over a million tourists annually, eager to watch the engineering marvel in action.
  • The Panama Canal remains a vital link for global maritime trade and a testament to human ingenuity and determination.
dealing with canal turbulance

water turbulence from vessel prop washย 


NAVILY SPONSORS ๐Ÿ“ THE OCEAN POSSE

NAVILY HAS 1,000,000 uSERS

 

NAVILY / NAVILY APP Key Features:

Navilyโ€™s three pillarsโ€”Community, Social, and Marinasโ€”shape a global platform that connects boaters and marinas, inspiring a spirit of solidarity thatโ€™s as vast as the seas they navigate.

Feature 1: Information on anchorages and marinas

The first thing people do on Navily is consult information about anchorages and marinas. A simple map shows points of interest which you can click on to have access to the destinationโ€™s page. On this page youโ€™ll find all relevant information added by users along the years through pictures and reviews.

Feature 2: Contribute to Navily

Canโ€™t find the anchorage where youโ€™re comfortably anchored on the map? No problemโ€”just add it! Snap a photo, leave a review, and share details about the seabed, wind and swell protection, and nearby amenities.

As you explore new destinations, keep enriching the map with photos, reviews, and corrections.

Feature 3: Berth Booking with select marinas

On Navily you can book a berth in 3 clicks in over a thousand marinas around the world. Last year it was over 400 000 nights that were booked through our app. By providing marinas and boaters with an easy to use system for booking, we have revolutionized the way people approach their boating experience, answering a big problematic question : the hassle of planning your boating holiday itinerary.

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TRAVERSING FRENCH POLYNESIA ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ซ MARQUESAS

TRAVERSING FRENCH POLYNESIA WITHOUT A LONG STAY VISA
MARQUESASTUAMOTUSSOCIETY ISLANDS

MARQUESASย  24+ ANCHORAGES





 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 



 




 

 

 

 

<!– heading north –>

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 














 



 

 

 




FLEET UPDATE 2025-01-12

2025-01-12 ๐Ÿงญ OCEAN POSSE FLEET UPDATE

FLEET UPDATE 2025-01-12

"When you grow up by the sea, you spend a good deal of time looking at the horizon. You wonder what on earth the waves might bring - and where the sea might deposit you - until one day you know you have lived between two places,
the scene of arrival and the point of departure"

- Andrew O'Hagan

OCEANPOSSE in NUKU HIVA

LATEST NEWS

  • Pictures Of The Week - Picture of the Year award Entry
  • It's High Season @ The Panama Canal
  • Fiesta Nautica Club De Pesca Cartagena ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Ocean
  • 2025 Panama Yacht Fest
  • South Pacific Crossing Seminars
  • Marina Chahue ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Oaxaca Mexico
  • Must- See Along The Route
  • The Great Blue Hole ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Belize
  • Mob With A Twist
  • Great Exuma Island ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Bahamas
  • Posse Perk Burgee
  • Ocean World Marina ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด Dominican Republic
  • Excursion To Castle Of San Lorenzo
  • Meet The Fleet
  • Barefoot Cay Resort Roatan ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ
  • Phoenix Islands ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Kiribati
  • Caribbean Safety And Security Net
  • Tropical Cyclone๐ŸŒ€ Pita Downgraded
  • The Ocean Posse Fleet Is Tracking
  • The Giant Clam
  • Why Join The Ocean Posse
  • The Panama Canal Reservoir

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

STICKS IN PANAMA

Outnumbered by sticks in ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Panama
MV Tidings of Joy ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Jeff & Joy

Making Landfall

MVD JACK Looking for his beach run
Maison de Sante

SHORE VIEW

Priya and Felicitร  cross wakes in La Cruz for Tacos on the Street.

Priya and Felicitร  cross wakes in La Cruz for Tacos on the Street.

PARTY IN CASCO VIEJO Panama

Happy to be back to the boat after the rush of the holidays- Posse dinner with our friends Beth, Larry and pups of MY PAUSE - MY MARTINI

2) AWARD ENTRIES OF THE WEEK

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

ALGONQUIN

Drake bay sunset COSTA RICA ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท MV ALGONQUIN ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Diana & Lyle

AWARD CATEGORIES

3) IT'S HIGH SEASON @ THE PANAMA CANAL

gatherings

MY TIDINGS OF JOY - JOY feeding the Panama Canal Line Handlers

CANAL

The Canal in the heavy tropical downpour

PANAM CANAL

Opposite lanes

CANAL

The path between the seas South-to-North Pacific to the Atlantic ( Caribbean )

.

JEFF

JOY

.

MY TIDINGS OF JOY ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Jeff & Joy - DeFever '52

5) 2025 PANAMA YACHT FEST BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHELTER BAY MARINA
A FULL DAY OF ACTIVITIES, FUN, RUM
AND YACHTS ON DISPLAY

24-25โ€ฒ PANAMA POSSE KICK OFF WEEKEND ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO WHEN: December 4-8 2024 WHERE: Barra de Navidad, MX at the Marina Puerto de la Navidad RSVP PLEASE AND CONTACT THE MARINA DIRECTLY TO RESERVE A SLIP
ENTERING SHELTER BAY

RSVP FOR THE CARIBBEAN YACHT FESTIVAL

6) SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING SEMINARS
SIXTEEN DESTINATIONS AND MARITIME AREAS

๐Ÿข ๐Ÿ—ฟ ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ณ ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ซ ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡ผ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡บ ๐Ÿ‡ผ๐Ÿ‡ซ ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ด ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡บ ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡จ ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ

7) MARINA CHAHUE ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ OAXACA MEXICO

MARINA CHAHUE

15ยฐ45.81' N 096ยฐ07.2866' W

After about a week of persistence, SY Cavu was able to secure a slip at Marina Chahuรฉ. We managed to get a side tie along the main dock, which worked well for our needs. The key to securing a spot was direct in person communication with Daniel, the marina manager. This required several in-person visits via dinghy to finalize arrangements. Persistence paid off. We anchored outside at the beach next to the marina entrance and visited via dinghy.

Entrance Depth

The marina entrance is shallow. When we arrived (~3 hours after low tide), the minimum depth observed was **7 feet**, which equates to about 1โ€“1.5 feet above low tide. Cavu has a 4.5ft draft so no problems for us.

Depths become shallower further into the marina due to river runoff, so caution is advised. We sounded over further into the marina and saw as low as 4ft.

the state of the docks

Marina Conditions

The marina is undergoing significant construction, with middle docks removed and repairs underway on pilings. Space is very limited, and our location was one of the few available.

There are no water or power hookups at the slip

The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-maintained. Security is excellent, with 24/7 guards stationed at the dock access points.

Costs

The cost for a 37-ft boat was approximately 10,300 pesos for one month

A two-week stay was only about 2,000 pesos less making the monthly rate the more economical choice.

Check-In and Additional Requirements

You must check in with the port captain upon arrival, providing the necessary paperwork to both the marina and port captain.

Proof of marina payment is required for checkout with the port captain.

If you plan to leave your boat unattended (e.g., for travel to Oaxaca), the marina requires you to hire someone to oversee it. We hired Pedro to watch our boat while we are away.

 Marina VIEW Oaxaca Mexico

10) GOOD NAUTICAL

GREAT EXUMA ISLAND ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ BAHAMAS
PEACE & PLENTY โš“ ANCHORAGE

During peak season, you can easily find 200โ€“400 boats anchored in Elizabeth Harbour. This anchorage is well-suited for social cruisers, offering both solitude and camaraderie, depending on your preference. With Nearby resorts restaurants, amenities and marinas it's a magnetic port hard to leave from.

Great Exuma Island - Peace & Plenty Anchorage

Great Exuma Island - Peace & Plenty Anchorage

23ยฐ 30.5701' N 075ยฐ 46.1090' W โš“10'

Great Exuma Island - Peace & Plenty Anchorage yachts

11) POSSE PERK

๐Ÿšฉ Free OCEAN POSSE Burgee

When you join or renew with the Ocean Posse, you'll receive a complimentary burgee to proudly fly from your vessel. Crafted with care by a women owned business in Mexico and built to endure your maritime adventures, this burgee features:

Triple-Stitch Corner: Reinforced seams to withstand strong winds and salty sprays.

Durable Materials: Made with marine-grade fabric designed for the rigors of ocean voyaging.

Nautical Design: Showcasing the spirit of the Ocean Posse and your commitment to the call of the sea.

Note: While the burgee is well-crafted, the eyelets may succumb to rust over time in salty air. A quick rinse with fresh water and occasional care can help keep it looking sharp!

Fly your colors and let the world know you're part of a most advanced and adventurous community of seafarers !

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO GET YOURS โ–ถ

12) OCEAN WORLD MARINA ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

CEAN WORLD MARINA ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

19ยฐ 49.655โ€ฒ N 070ยฐ43.9833โ€ฒ W

Ocean World is located on Cofresi beach, near town of Puerto Plata. With an abundance of hotel rooms and recreation opportunities that include, golf, fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, and even white water rafting, Puerto Plata is already celebrated as an affordable Caribbean vacation playground. Puerto Plataโ€™s airport (POP) is a 30 minute drive, and has daily flights from Miami, NYC and cities in Europe. Ocean World Marina, now the only full-service marina located between the heavily traveled Florida/Bahamas area and the Puerto Rico/Eastern Caribbean region.

RESERVE A SLIP
Ocean World is located on Cofresi beach, near town of Puerto Plata. With an abundance of hotel rooms and recreation opportunities that include, golf, fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, and even white water rafting, Puerto Plata is already celebrated as an affordable Caribbean vacation playground. Puerto Plataโ€™s airport (POP) is a 30 minute drive, and has daily flights from Miami, NYC and cities in Europe. Ocean World Marina, now the only full-service marina located between the heavily traveled Florida/Bahamas area and the Puerto Rico/Eastern Caribbean region.

13) EXCURSION TO
CASTLE OF SAN LORENZO
@ PORT CHAGRES ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ PANAMA

SAN LORENZO

From a fortification engineering perspective there is an interesting connecting thread โ€“ We are focusing on the activities of Juan Bautista Antonelli a prestigious Italian family of military engineers in the service of the Habsburg monarchs of Austria and Spain (Philip II) worked with his older brother on projects in Oran, Algeria and Spain.

FORT

The bridge over the moat to fight off pirates

A historic chart of the fortifications and settlements + the river mouth of the Chagres

the guns of san lorenzo
the crews of 4 vessels

SY BRIGADOON III - SY QUE VENDRA - MV SUMMER BRREZE - MV TIDINGS OF JOY

14) MEET THE FLEET

QUE VENDRA
QUE VENDRA
BETHANIA CHILE

SY QUE VENDRA

We are Maciek & Olena

Hello, we are Olena & Maciek, sailing on s/v Quรฉ vendrรก, an Outbound 46 sailboat. We left our home waters of the Pacific Northwest from Port Townsend on Sunday, Aug 29th, 2021, and sailed down the West Coast to Cabo and then Banderas Bay. In 2022 and 23, we explored Mexico up and down, from the Sea of Cortez to Happy Coast and Zihuatanejo, and visited many places inland, including a month in Mexico City. Then, last year, we renewed our voyage south through El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, where we spent several months, and Panama. We crossed the Panama Canal on Jan 7th, 2025, and are now in Shelter Bay Marina, catching up with the Posse and preparing for the next set of adventures in the Caribbean Sea. We love exploring the places we go through and learning about the people, their culture, and history. This route has offered many opportunities for that.
We also love to meet fellow cruisers and learn their stories. The Ocean Posse provides this traveling community that meets and re-connects in various places and supports each other in achieving our goals and dreams. We are grateful for that.

BAREFOOT CAY

16ยฐ 20.2383โ€ฒ N 086ยฐ 28.5366โ€ฒ W

MARINA SPECS

  • Convenient south-central location on Roatan
  • Marina layout comprised of U-shaped basin with sturdy concrete construction and stout cleats (358 total linear feet), plus wooden docks for additional moorage and for tying tenders (243 linear feet of dockspace)
  • Draft allowance of up to 9 ft
  • Boat launch ramp
  • Purified water & shore power with 120V 30A & 240V 50A service; 100A service available in select locations

AMENITIES

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Restrooms with hot water showers
  • Laundry service (priced per item)
  • 24-hour security
  • Restaurant & Bar
  • PADI 5 Star Dive Center
  • Spa
  • Concierge desk
  • Pool
  • Palapa
  • Immigration and Port Captain clearing servicesโ€‹
  • BIP (Bay Islands Petroleum) fuel dock located just East of the Cay

DISCOUNT OFFERED

20% savings on daily, weekly & monthly rates. Rates are per foot OAL (including extensions), and 15% sales tax applies e marina

RESERVE A SLIP
https://oceanposse.com/barefoot-cay-resort-roatan-honduras/

16) PHOENIX ISLANDS ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฎ KIRIBATI

PIPA UNESCO World Heritage Site

BORDER
MIT

MIT

17) CARIBBEAN SAFETY AND SECURITY NET

https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/zoom-tap-know-go-know-go-interactive-infographic-risk-assessment-tool/

The "Zoom-Tap, Know & Go" tool is an interactive infographic developed by the Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN) to assist mariners in assessing security risks across various Caribbean regions. This resource allows users to explore reported incidents by zooming into specific areas, tapping on markers for detailed information, and gaining insights to make informed decisions about their voyages. For 2024, the tool provides comprehensive data on incidents such as thefts, burglaries, and piracy attempts reported throughout the Caribbean. By interacting with the infographic, users can identify patterns and hotspots, enhancing situational awareness and promoting safer cruising experiences. To utilize this resource and review the 2024 entries, visit the CSSN's official website .... more โ–ถ

18) TROPICAL CYCLONE๐ŸŒ€ PITA DOWNGRADED

12 Jan 2025 | 04:35 AM UTC

Cook Islands: Tropical Cyclone Pita tracking eastward toward the southern Southern Cook Islands the evening of Jan. 11 /update 1

Tropical Cyclone Pita is tracking eastward in the South Pacific Ocean toward the Southern Cook Islands the evening of Jan. 11. As of 17:00 CKT Jan. 11, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 130 km (81 miles) southeast of Rarotonga Island, Southern Cook Islands.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will make landfall over Mangaia Island late Jan. 11 before weakening into a tropical disturbance and dissipating early Jan. 12 as it tracks eastwards away from the island. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of the evening of Jan. 11, the Cook Islands Meteorological Service is maintaining strong wind warnings across land and sea areas of the Southern Cook Islands and a coastal inundation warning for all the Southern Cook Islands, as well as a damaging heavy swell warning for the open waters of the Southern Cook Islands. Showers and strong winds will persist through at least early Jan. 12.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.

19) THE OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS TRACKING

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Safe Harbor Ventura Isle , Ventura, CA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Safe Harbor South Bay , Chula Vista CA

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ECV MARINA โ€“ Ensenada MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Palmira Topolobampo โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina el Cid โ€“ Mazatlan โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Puerto de La Navidad โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Vicenteโ€™s Moorings, Acapulco โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Chiapas โ€“ MX

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Pez Vela โ€“ Guatemala

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ป Marina Bahia del Sol โ€“ El Salvador

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ป La Palma Moorings โ€“ Bahia del Sol, El Salvador

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Marina Puesta del Sol โ€“ Nicaragua

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Marina Papagayo โ€“ Costa Rica

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Banana Bay Marina โ€“ Costa Rica

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Flamingo Marina โ€“ Costa Rica

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ Marina Puerto Amistad, Ecuador

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Buenaventura Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Vista Mar Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Flamenco Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ La Playita Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Shelter Bay Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Bocas Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Solarte Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Linton Bay Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Turtle Cay Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ IGY Red Frog Marina โ€“ Panama

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด ClubNautico Cartagena โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Marina Puerto Velero โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด IGY Marina Santa Marta โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Manzanillo Marina Club โ€“ Colombia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ < Royal Jamaica Yacht Club โ€“ Jamaica

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Errol Flynn Marina โ€“ Jamaica

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Montego Bay Yacht Club โ€“ Jamaica

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡พ The Barcadere Marina โ€“ Cayman Islands

๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Barefoot Cay Marina โ€“ Roatan โ€“ Honduras

๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Fantasy Island Marina โ€“ Roatan โ€“ Honduras

๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan โ€“ Honduras

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Nana Juana Resort & Guatemala

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Hummingbird Marina โ€“ Placencia โ€“ Belize

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Placencia Yacht Club โ€“ Belize

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Hakim Marina & Boatyard โ€“ Belize

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Makax โ€“ Isla Mujeres โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina V&v โ€“ Quintana Roo โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina El Cid โ€“ Cancรบn โ€“ Mexico

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡บ Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo โ€“ Cuba

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡จ South Bank Marina & Boatyard โ€“ Turks And Caicos

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Romora Bay Resort And Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Elizabeth On The Bay Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Great Harbour Cay Marina โ€“ Bahamas

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด Marina Puerto Bahia โ€“ Dominican Republic

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด Ocean World Marina โ€“ Dominican Republic

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฎ St. Croix Yacht Club โ€“ USVI

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฎ Green Cay Marin A โ€“ USVI

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฌ Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour โ€“ Bvi

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ท Marina Pescaderia โ€“ Puerto Rico

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Dominica Marine Center โ€“ Dominica

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ณ Port Zante Marina โ€“ St Kitts & Nevis

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Marathon Marina โ€“ Marathon Keys, FL

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Pier 66 Hotel & Marina โ€“ Ft. Lauderdale, FL

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Titusville Marina โ€“ Fl, Usa

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Port 32 Marinas โ€“ Jacksonville, Fl

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Oasis Marinas At Fernandina Harbor FL

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. GA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Windmill Harbour Marina โ€“ Hilton Head SC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Coffee Bluff Marina โ€“ Savannah GA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Hazzard Marine โ€“ Gerogetown, NC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Holden Beach โ€“ Town Dock, NC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Portside Marina โ€“ Morehead City, NC

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ York River Yacht Haven โ€“ VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Yorktown Riverwalk Landing โ€“ VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Regatta Point Marina โ€“ Deltaville, VA

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Regent Point Marina โ€“ Topping, VA

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฒ Pier 41 Marina โ€“ Bermuda

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฒ Caroline Bay Marina โ€“ Bermuda

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Marina De Cascais โ€“ Portugal

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Marina Funchal โ€“ Portugal

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Alcaidesa Marina โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Marina Del Odiel โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Igy Mรกlaga Marina โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Puerto Sotogrande โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Yacht Port Cartagena โ€“ Spain

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Molo Vecchio โ€“ Italy

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Ocean Village Marina โ€“ Gibraltar

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ป Marina Mindelo โ€“ Cape Verde

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ณ Marina Bizerte โ€“ Tunisia

MARINAS

22) THE GIANT CLAM

https://www.pogeyan.net/2019/06/minerva-reefs-north-south-2019.html

The giant clam (Tridacna gigas) is one of the largest and most fascinating bivalve mollusks in the world. Native to the warm, shallow waters of coral reefs in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, this incredible creature can live for over a century and grow to over 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length, weighing up to 500 pounds (227 kg).

BIG Size: The giant clam is renowned for its impressive size and weight, making it the largest living bivalve mollusk.

Symbiotic Relationship: Giant clams host photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae in their tissues. These algae produce energy through photosynthesis, which the clam uses to supplement its diet.

Vibrant Colors: Their mantles display a kaleidoscope of colors, including iridescent blues, greens, and purples, due to light-reflecting cells called iridocytes. These colors help optimize light absorption for the algae.

Filter Feeding: In addition to deriving nutrients from algae, giant clams filter plankton and organic particles from the surrounding water.

Habitat / Ecosystem:

Giant clams are found in lagoons and reef flats at depths of up to 20 meters. They play a vital ecological role by filtering water, providing shelter to reef organisms, and contributing to reef-building through their shells.

https://www.pogeyan.net/2019/06/minerva-reefs-north-south-2019.html

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24) WHY JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

WHY JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE
JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

25) THE PANAMA CANAL RESERVOIR(S)

PANAMA CANAL

The Panama Canal, a critical artery of global maritime trade, has long been celebrated as an engineering marvel. Spanning 50 miles across the Isthmus of Panama, it facilitates the transit of over 14,000 vessels annually, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. At the heart of its operation lies a sophisticated water reuse system, which ensures that the canal functions efficiently while addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity and environmental sustainability.

Historical Context and the Necessity for Water Reuse

Since its inauguration in 1914, the Panama Canal has relied on an intricate system of locks and reservoirs to lift and lower ships across its varied elevations. This process requires enormous volumes of freshwater. For every transit, the traditional locks system consumes approximately 52 million gallons of water. Initially, this water was discharged into the oceans, making it unavailable for reuse.

With increasing ship traffic and the rise of larger vessels, the Panama Canal faced escalating demands for freshwater. Compounding this challenge was the growing unpredictability of rainfall, essential for replenishing the canalโ€™s reservoirs. These factors underscored the need for a more sustainable approach, culminating in the implementation of water reuse systems.

How the Water Reuse System Works

The Panama Canalโ€™s water reuse system is a blend of advanced engineering and natural resource management. Its primary components include:

1. Side Basins:

The newer locks, introduced during the canalโ€™s 2016 expansion (known as the Panama Canal Expansion or the Third Set of Locks project), incorporate water-saving basins. Each lock chamber is flanked by three side basins, which store water during the filling and emptying process. Approximately 60% of the water used in each lock cycle is reused, reducing the overall consumption.

2. Gravity-Based Flow:

The system leverages gravity to transfer water between the lock chambers and the side basins. This eliminates the need for pumps, making the process energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

3. Sequential Reuse:

When a lock chamber is emptied to lower a vessel, the water is directed into the side basins instead of being discharged into the ocean. This stored water is then reused to fill the chamber for subsequent vessels, minimizing wastage.

4. Reservoir Management:

The canalโ€™s reservoirs, such as Lake Gatun and the Alhajuela Reservoir, play a pivotal role in supplying freshwater. Advanced water management techniques ensure optimal reservoir levels, balancing the needs of canal operations, drinking water supply, and ecological conservation.

OCEAN POSSE

OUR MISSION

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


Phoenix Islands

PROTECTED AREA

Exploring the Phoenix Islands: Kiribatiโ€™s Hidden Gem

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the central Pacific Ocean, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) is a sprawling marine sanctuary under the jurisdiction of Kiribati. Covering an area of over 400,000 square kilometers, it is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. This remarkable cluster of atolls and coral islands represents a pristine marine wilderness, teeming with biodiversity and offering a glimpse into what the oceans might have looked like before human impact.

For sailors and explorers, the Phoenix Islands embody the spirit of discoveryโ€”remote, untouched, and brimming with natural wonders. This guide takes a closer look at the islands, their ecological significance, their allure for cruisers, and practical tips for navigating these waters.


Geography and Overview

The Phoenix Islands are part of Kiribati, a nation spanning vast distances across the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago consists of eight main islands and several underwater seamounts. These islands are largely uninhabited, with the exception of a small presence on Kanton Island, which serves as the administrative hub of the region.

Key Islands in the Phoenix Group:
  1. Kanton Island: The largest and only inhabited island in the group, Kanton is a coral atoll with a central lagoon. It serves as a waypoint for trans-Pacific sailors.
  2. Rawaki Island: Also known as Phoenix Island, this is a small, low-lying island known for its bird populations.
  3. Manra Island: A former copra plantation site, this island features a brackish lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation.
  4. Orona Island: Known for its coconut palms and central lagoon, Orona is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
  5. Nikumaroro Island: Famous for its association with the Amelia Earhart mystery, this island is a compelling stop for history buffs.
  6. Birnie Island: A small, uninhabited island offering nesting grounds for seabirds.
  7. McKean Island: A haven for seabirds and known for its large population of hermit crabs.
  8. Enderbury Island: Once a guano mining site, this island is now a tranquil haven for wildlife.

PROTECTED AREA






Challenges and Sustainability

Exploring the Phoenix Islands comes with challenges that require careful consideration:

Environmental Impact

Visitors must adhere to strict guidelines to minimize their ecological footprint. Anchoring on coral reefs, leaving trash, or disturbing wildlife is prohibited.

Supply Limitations

Given the lack of infrastructure, yachts must carry ample provisions, fuel, and water. Desalination systems and solar panels are invaluable for extended stays.

Communication

Starlink or HF Radio communication is essential, as there is no cellular network coverage. Emergency equipment and a solid contingency plan are critical.


  1. Timing: Plan visits during the dry season (May to October) for calmer seas and favorable winds.
  2. Gear: Equip your vessel with high-quality charts, a reliable dinghy, and snorkeling or diving gear.
  3. Cultural Sensitivity: Engage respectfully with local inhabitants on Kanton Island. Learning a few phrases in Gilbertese can go a long way.
  4. Emergency Preparedness: Carry a medical kit, spare parts, and a detailed plan for handling emergencies in this remote area.

The Call of the Phoenix Islands

For those who yearn for uncharted waters and the thrill of true maritime adventure, the Phoenix Islands are an irresistible destination. Their isolation, natural beauty, and ecological significance make them a bucket-list destination for sailors and explorers alike. As stewards of the seas, visitors have a responsibility to preserve this pristine wilderness for future generations.

In the words of ancient mariners, the Phoenix Islands embody the spirit of the oceanโ€”vast, mysterious, and profoundly beautiful. Answer the call of these remote shores and embark on a journey that few have undertaken, but many will envy.


FLORIDA TO PANAMA

FLORIDA TO PANAMA

FLORIDA TO PANAMA VIA THE WINDWARD PASSAGE

  1. Distance: Approximately 1,300โ€“1,500 nautical miles, depending on stops.
  2. Sailing Time: 12โ€“18 days non-stop, but most cruisers spend several weeks exploring.
  3. Best Season: November to May (Caribbean dry season, avoiding hurricane risks).

Key Waypoints and Recommended Stops

1. Bahamas

  • Route Options: Cross the Gulf Stream from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini or sail to Grand Bahama (West End) as your first stop.
  • Highlights:
    • Bimini: Gateway to the Bahamas, with crystal-clear waters.
    • Exumas: Stunning chain of islands with protected anchorages and excellent snorkeling.
    • Georgetown (Great Exuma): A cruiser hub for provisioning and socializing.
  • Navigation Note: Shallow waters and coral reefs require careful planning and daylight navigation.

2. Turks and Caicos

  • Why Stop: Providenciales offers great provisioning and marina facilities, while the surrounding waters boast incredible diving and fishing.
  • Anchorages: Sapodilla Bay (calm and protected).
  • Tip: Check customs and immigration requirements for stopping here.

3. The Windward Passage (Between Cuba and Haiti)

  • Why Sail This Route:
    • Offers a direct and open-water route to the western Caribbean.
    • Favorable NE trade winds often provide a beam reach or downwind sailing.
  • Navigation Note:
    • The Windward Passage is wide and deep, but currents and winds can funnel through, causing rough seas in adverse weather.
    • Timing your passage with settled conditions is key.

4. Jamaica (Optional Stop)

  • Key Ports: Port Antonio (Errol Flynn Marina) or Montego Bay.
  • Why Stop: Jamaica offers a mix of vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and secure marinas.
  • Tip: Port Antonio is particularly cruiser-friendly and a good place to rest and refuel.

5. Cayman Islands (Optional Stop)

  • Why Stop: Grand Cayman is a great place for provisioning, diving, and resting in protected anchorages like Seven Mile Beach.
  • Navigation Note: Anchorages can be exposed to northerlies, so plan accordingly.

6. Providencia or San Andrรฉs (Colombia)

  • Why Stop: These islands are gems of the Caribbean with friendly locals, calm anchorages, and excellent snorkeling.
  • Tips:
    • Providencia is quieter and more laid-back.
    • San Andrรฉs is better for provisioning and fuel.

7. Bocas del Toro, Panama

  • Why Stop: A cruiser favorite for its protected waters, vibrant culture, and nearby provisioning. Bocas also serves as a great staging area for preparing to approach the Panama Canal.

Key Considerations

  • Weather:
    • NE trade winds dominate; youโ€™ll likely enjoy consistent downwind or beam-reach sailing.
    • Watch for cold fronts coming off the U.S. that can affect the Windward Passage and surrounding areas.
  • Currents:
    • The Gulf Stream runs northward and must be crossed carefully from Fort Lauderdale.
    • The Windward Passage has strong currents; timing your passage is crucial.
  • Customs and Immigration:
    • Check entry requirements for the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Each country has different procedures for arriving yachts.
  • Fuel and Provisioning:
    • Stock up in major ports like Nassau, Georgetown (Exumas), or Providenciales.
    • Fuel may be limited or expensive in smaller islands.

























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































FLORIDA TO PANAMA VIA THE YUCATAN CHANNEL / AKAย  AGAINST THE GULFSTREAM

Route Overview

  1. Distance: Approximately 1,200-1,400 nautical miles, depending on the route and stops.
  2. Sailing Time: 10โ€“14 days of continuous sailing, though most cruisers take 4โ€“6 weeks or more to enjoy stops along the way.
  3. Best Season: November to May (dry season in the Caribbean) to avoid hurricane risks and enjoy favorable trade winds.

Key Waypoints and Recommended Stops

1. Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL

  • Why Stop: Explore vibrant Miami and provision in a well-stocked city. Biscayne Bay offers a protected anchorage.
  • Activities: Visit South Beach, the art deco district, and local marine supply stores.
  • Tip: Avoid the busy shipping channels around Miami.

2. Florida Keys

  • Marinas and Anchorages: Key Largo, Marathon (Boot Key Harbor), and Key West.
  • Why Stop: Experience the laid-back atmosphere, excellent snorkeling, and fishing.
  • Navigation Note: Shallow waters require careful charting.

3. Dry Tortugas, FL

  • Why Stop: Remote and stunning national park with pristine beaches, snorkeling, and historical Fort Jefferson.
  • Provisioning: Limited; ensure you’re well-stocked.
  • Navigation Note: Anchorages can be rolly; watch for weather.

4. Isla Mujeres, Mexico

  • Why Stop: A great international port of entry with vibrant local culture, clear waters, and a popular yacht destination.
  • Tip: Ensure all paperwork for clearing into Mexico is ready in advance.

5. Belize Barrier Reef

  • Why Stop: Explore the worldโ€™s second-largest barrier reef, with stunning coral islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
  • Navigation Note: Reef navigation requires caution and good daylight.

6. Rio Dulce, Guatemala (Optional Detour)

  • Why Stop: A unique inland river experience with protected anchorages and lush jungle surroundings.
  • Tip: The entry through Livingston requires careful timing due to shallow depths.

7. Bay Islands, Honduras

  • Key Stops: Roatรกn, Utila, and Guanaja.
  • Why Stop: Excellent diving and vibrant local culture.
  • Navigation Note: Monitor local weather and safety conditions.

8. Providencia or San Andrรฉs (Colombia)

  • Why Stop: Quaint islands with a mix of Colombian and Caribbean charm. Friendly locals and stunning waters.
  • Tip: Ideal for provisioning and enjoying shore leave.

9. Bocas del Toro, Panama

  • Why Stop: A cruiser-friendly haven with vibrant expat communities, calm waters, and nearby provisioning.
  • Tip: Use this as a base for staging before heading toward the Panama Canal.

Approaching the Panama Canal

  • Balboa or Colรณn: Two key entry points for the Panama Canal.
  • Shelter Bay Marina (near Colรณn): A popular choice for preparing to transit the canal. Offers good facilities, provisioning, and access to canal agents.
  • Panama City: If entering from the Pacific side, La Playita Marina or Flamenco Marina are excellent staging points.

Key Considerations

  • Weather: Monitor the Caribbean trade winds (typically NE) and avoid adverse conditions such as strong northerlies in the Yucatรกn Channel.
  • Paperwork: Ensure up-to-date documentation, including passports, vessel registration, insurance, and any required cruising permits.
  • Fuel and Provisioning: Stock up in larger ports like Fort Lauderdale, Key West, or Isla Mujeres, as supplies can be limited and costly in smaller stops.


downwind fast and furious

ABC'S to COLOMBIA

ABC’S to COLOMBIA

this is a downwind run – fast and furious

Route Overview

Distance: Approximately 350 nautical miles
Estimated Duration: 2โ€“4 days, depending on weather, vessel speed, and stopovers
Route Highlights:

  • Aruba’s protected leeward coast
  • The open Caribbean Sea crossing
  • Venezuelan Waters – don’t get too close
  • Santa Marta’s dramatic Sierra Nevada backdrop

Weather Considerations

  1. Trade Winds:
    The prevailing northeast trade winds (15โ€“25 knots) will likely be on the beam or quarter. Expect steady winds but prepare for gusts.
    They can pipe up to 35 knots – accidental gibes and risk of rig breaksย  due to heavy sea state and winds.
  2. Seas:
    The waters ill be choppy, with swells ranging from 4โ€“8 feet. It can become rough near the Guajira Peninsula due to accelerated winds.
    You can expect up to 12 – 15 foot seas and massive following seas

 

  1. Season:
    • Best time: November to May
    • Caution: Juneโ€“October is hurricane season. Though storms skew north of thi route
      rare in this region, the sea can be unpredictable with squalls and lightning

Route Planning

  1. Departure from Aruba:
    • Depart from Oranjestad or Barcadera during daylight.
    • Clear customs and immigration before leaving.
  2. Open Crossing:
    • Stay south to avoid the rougher central Caribbean.
    • Monitor weather updates for squalls.
  3. Guajira Peninsula:
    • The region can have strong katabatic winds and high seas.
    • Approach with caution; night passages are not recommended.
  4. Arrival in Santa Marta:
    • Santa Marta Marina provides excellent facilities and a secure anchorage.
    • Clear customs and immigration upon arrival.

PILOT CHARTS FOR THIS ROUTE

ย WEATHER

CURRENTS

SWELL AND WAVESย