FLEET UPDATE 2025-02-04
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SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINAR DETAILS
OCEAN POSSE SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINAR SERIES ZOOM LINKS AND TIMES
FEBRUARY 2025ย PACIFIC CROSSING SEMINARSย ZOOM LINKS
FLEET UPDATE 2025-01-26
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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 โMeet 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
FLORIDA TO BAHAMAS โ๏ธ 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 Streamโs north-setting current, most cruisers prioritize making as much southing as possible along the U.S. East Coast before crossing. From South Florida, itโs 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 Gentlemanโs 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 youโll 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 Streamโs 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 donโt use his services (though theyโre 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 Bahamaโs southwest corner, itโs 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
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NAVILY SPONSORS ๐ THE OCEAN POSSE
NAVILY HAS 1,000,000 uSERS
NAVILY / NAVILY APP Key Features:
Navilyโs three pillarsโCommunity, Social, and Marinasโshape a global platform that connects boaters and marinas, inspiring a spirit of solidarity thatโs 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 destinationโs page. On this page youโll find all relevant information added by users along the years through pictures and reviews.
Feature 2: Contribute to Navily
Canโt find the anchorage where youโre comfortably anchored on the map? No problemโjust 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.
Website : https://navily.com
TRAVERSING FRENCH POLYNESIA ๐ต๐ซ MARQUESAS
TRAVERSING FRENCH POLYNESIA WITHOUT A LONG STAY VISA
MARQUESAS – TUAMOTUS – SOCIETY ISLANDS
AHOY !
... join the Ocean Posse to gain access toย THIS AND OTHER information >>
JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE _FOR ACCESS TO THIS AND OTHER INFORMATION -ย SIGN UP HEREย >>
ALREADY SIGNED UP ?ย FOLLOW THIS LINK TO LOGIN >>
The Ocean Posse offers manyย saving benefits in addition to validate information by fellow yacht owners >>
BENEFITS OF of joining the Ocean Posse
SAVE TIME - SAVE MONEY - and get the best and most up to date INFORMATION !
| BENEFITS FOR YOU, YOUR YACHT & YOUR CREW | ย | ย
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| PRE SEASON | IN SEASON | |
| โ๏ธ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts | โ๏ธ | โ๏ธ |
| ๐ Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐ฐ Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts * | โ๏ธ ( Juneย ) | โ๏ธ |
| ๐ฐ๏ธ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐ฉ Free Burgee | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐ฐ Save with service providers and chandleries | โ๏ธ ( June ish ) | โ๏ธ |
| ๐ต๏ธ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing inย agents | โ๏ธ | โ๏ธ |
| ๐บ๏ธ Free aid to navigation 150 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android) | โ๏ธ immediately | โ๏ธ |
| ๐ฐ ย Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐ฐ Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐บ๏ธ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics | โ๏ธ immediately | โ๏ธ |
| ๐น Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there | โ๏ธ immediately | โ๏ธ |
| ๐ฉ๏ธ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker | โ๏ธ | |
| โต Community of voyagers all are welcome, kids, single-handers, pets | โ๏ธ | โ๏ธ |
| โ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐ย Fleet Updates via email โ free | โ๏ธย Prior Fleet immediately | โ๏ธ |
| ๐ Fun Award Categories | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐ Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorageย reports | โimmediately | โ๏ธ |
| โ๏ธ Free Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐ฌ Free 24/7 LINE group channel | โ๏ธend of June | โ๏ธ |
| ๐ Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐ญ Be part of a fleet of sensor for those who come behind you or meet | โ๏ธ | |
| ๐ท Always priority traffic โ for participants by participants | โ๏ธ |
- ย (* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and of course subject to a marinaโs availability the longer you stay the more discount the marina may give you )
If this is agreeable you can sign up now >>
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FLEET UPDATE 2025-01-12
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Phoenix Islands
PROTECTED AREA
Exploring the Phoenix Islands: Kiribatiโs 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 discoveryโremote, 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:
- 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.
- Rawaki Island: Also known as Phoenix Island, this is a small, low-lying island known for its bird populations.
- Manra Island: A former copra plantation site, this island features a brackish lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Orona Island: Known for its coconut palms and central lagoon, Orona is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Nikumaroro Island: Famous for its association with the Amelia Earhart mystery, this island is a compelling stop for history buffs.
- Birnie Island: A small, uninhabited island offering nesting grounds for seabirds.
- McKean Island: A haven for seabirds and known for its large population of hermit crabs.
- 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.
- Timing: Plan visits during the dry season (May to October) for calmer seas and favorable winds.
- Gear: Equip your vessel with high-quality charts, a reliable dinghy, and snorkeling or diving gear.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Engage respectfully with local inhabitants on Kanton Island. Learning a few phrases in Gilbertese can go a long way.
- 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 oceanโvast, mysterious, and profoundly beautiful. Answer the call of these remote shores and embark on a journey that few have undertaken, but many will envy.