WHY STAY HURRICANE SEASON IN PORT WHEN YOU CAN GO NORTH, CREW FOR A FRIEND, & CRUISE THE SAN JUANS?
WHY STAY HURRICANE SEASON IN PORT
WHEN YOU CAN GO NORTH,
CREW FOR A FRIEND,
& CRUISE THE WASHINGTON'S SAN JUANS TO
CANADA'S INSIDE PASSAGE?
Seeking a fun reprive from the humidity in Costa Rica MV MARTINI crew is currently in the San Juan Islands in Washington State helping a friend move their boat.
MV MARTINI crew reports:
It is a definite change of weather and scenery. We love the amount of inlets you can duck in and out of. The currents, and whirlpools are truly epic! Local knowledge is a must have. We’ve seen eagles, humpback whales, grizzly bears, and seals so far. Still keeping our eyes peeled for the orcas! We’ve caught chinook salmon- both red and white as well as pink salmon so we’ve been eating really well! Such a fun trip creating lots of memories! ☺️
MEET THE FLEET: KEKADA II Don & Anja
MEET THE FLEET: KEKADA II
Don & Anja
We are Anja and Don on mv Kekada II, a Leopard 53 power catamaran. Don started sailing over 50 years ago and convinced Anja to undertake a circumnavigation with our children from 1998 - 2003. We have been cruising off and on since then. This is our third pacific crossing, albeit, our first in a power boat. We took delivery in Cape Town in 2022 and decided to take the "short" way home to Australia crossing the south atlantic the same year before joining the Panama Posse in 2023/24 for our cruise up to Mexico. Currently enjoying the unspoilt island of Wallis in the south pacific before continuing our voyage to Fiji and beyond.
(We published in a) recent leopard blog (and) discussed our current voyage in more detail. https://blog.leopardcatamarans.com/circumnavigating-in-a-power-catamaran?utm_campaign=Leopard%20Catamarans%20Blog%20Subscription%20Notification&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-94z0hvSgiS7IqZp090TKR40FV8x6UlS9IaSWl0g_ypaqf68Ed31wSZXI-vMZ8lR9kFcOsKfgpZ3QvexqFMEpB1pUxvKQ&_hsmi=316495289&utm_content=316495289&utm_source=hs_email
Recent Article from Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network Reveals Harsh Realities Plastic
Traveling the world by the ocean, plastic waste cannot be overlooked as a global problem. It is in the end of it's 'use' when the global problem plastic pollution becomes most obvious. As ocean voyagers we see Plastic bottles, wrappers, lines, containers, and shoes filling current lines, passing through an anchorage or an estuary with the tide, littering the high tide line from the beach into the trees, and burning in thick black smoke from trash fires all over the world. It is most contemptible and disastrously true that many stunning beaches are spoiled by plastic waste that comes from near and far. Ideally, all plastic is or could be recycled and neither the air quality or the environment are harmed in the process. However, in reality less than 10% of plastic produced is recycled worldwide and plastic waste is becoming a greater and greater threat to human health and the environment. We all need to know more in order to do better by ourselves, the environment and future generations.
"Humans have produced more than 11 billion metric tons of virgin plastic since 1950, when plastic first came into widespread use, according to Roland Geyer, lead author of one of the first scientific studies quantifying the global plastic habit. According to his research, only 2 billion metric tons are still in use today, meaning the rest—some 8.7 billion tons—is waste. According to the U.N. Environment Programme, the world produces 430 million metric tons of plastic annually, two-thirds of which are short-lived products destined for disposal."
Quote from: Inside Fiji’s Fiery Battle Against Plastics By Aryn Baker/Lautoka, Fiji
Thankfully, there are initiatives all over the world working to understand and address this global problem. A recent article quoted above from the Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network tracks the complicated and convoluted plastic problem that the island nation of Fiji is facing. Fiji produces plastic (Fiji Water is their biggest tax payer and employer), distributes plastic worldwide, uses plastic, receives plastic by way of ocean currents in excess of national use by 72%, dumps, buries, and burns plastic. Plastic at the end of it's use is Fiji's most problematic pollutant.
Fiji is a small island nation of 332 islands; they maintain one sanitary landfill and two municipal dumps. While these waste facilities make an effort to manage their own national waste they are unable to manage the added plastic pollution in the ocean landing on their shores. While interviewing a local woman that sorts and cleans plastic bottles for cash returns, the reports follows her as she process all 'other' plastic.
So, where does excess plastic waste go when it cannot be properly recycled or disposed of?
- In Fiji, there is a limited amount of plastic bottles that are bought back by Coca Cola and Fiji Water and many Fijians are a part of this 'economy'. This 'economy' involves, collecting, sorting, washing, bagging, weighing and delivering select Coca-Cola and/or Fiji bottles.
- 'Other' plastic waste is either burned,
- buried, or
- dumped into the environment.
While the report focuses on Fiji, the story of people, burdened by heaps of plastic, burning, burying, or dumping excess plastic is replicated dozens of times daily in communities around the world, and across the Fijian archipelago, creating a toxic burden on human and environmental health that is only starting to be quantified. The article goes on to tease apart the impact of these different methods on the environment and human health while highlighting local efforts in Fiji to address plastic pollution on a local and global level.
It is a wake up call. Plastic pollution is a detriment to our environment and human health. The toxic effects are being found in human blood to breastmilk and scientists are beginning to study the linkage to rising cancers and developmental delays and diseases.
To read more about the problem and possible global solutions, click this link:
https://time.com/6991350/plastic-microplastics-fiji-water-recycling/
Further reading that may be of interest to boat owners comes from a British study revealing "Disturbing levels" of Fiberglass in Oysters and Mussels. The ocean knows no borders, these are global issues:
https://boattest.com/article/british-study-reveals-disturbing-level-fiberglass-oysters-and-mussels
IN THE NEWS ALONG THE ROUTE: PANAMA CANAL TO EXPAND WATER RESERVOIR TO MANAGE TRANSITS RELIABLY
IN THE NEWS ALONG THE ROUTE: PANAMA CANAL TO EXPAND
WATER RESERVOIR TO MANAGE TRANSITS RELIABLY INTO THE FUTURE
Over the years the Panama Canal has had to restrict transits in times of drought and struggled to maintain steady flow of commercial and recreational traffic across the isthmus. While 2023 did not see a decrease in revenue, This decrease in overall daily transits is particularly worrisome for the prospect of maintaining the canal's vital role in global trade and Panama's economy. The stinking point is all about fresh water. The lochs depend upon freshwater and in times of draught as the amount of water available to flush through the lochs decreases, so too must the number of boats moving though decrease. Recently, however, Panamanian authorities approved a watershed expansion project that experts say will "Solve its Water Woes". The expansion project has been under consideration for over two decades. While it is massive in scale, capitol requirements, and repercussions Panamanian authorities believe it is the best path forward.
THE PLAN:
- Dam the Indio River and add a new reservoir that will divert freshwater to Lake Gatun and provide freshwater for human consumption.
THE TIMEFRAME:
- Current assessment: 6 years
THE CAPITAL INVESTMET
- $1.2-$2 billion including $400million relocation and in investments in neighboring communities
THE GOAL:
- According to canal administrator, Ricaurte Vasquez, the project "would provide a little more certainty to maintain 36 transits per day, a higher level of reliability for the route."
Read more about the recent watershed expansion approval here
EL VALLE DE ANTON 🇵🇦 PANAMA
EL VALLE DE ANTON 🇵🇦 PANAMA
The isthmus we know of as Panama is said to have formed over millions of years with the collision of two tectonic plates in the deep ocean creating a chain of volcanoes that later emerged above the sea surface. El Valle de Anton is a village in the crater of one such ancient volcano surrounded by mountains and clouds just north of Vista Mar Marina and Buenadventura Marina. For many Panamanians that live and work in Panama City, El Valle is the 'country' where they visit their family, grow and harvest fruits and vegetables, and/or spend time on the weekends in nature.
The town is located in the flat wide caldera of the 6 km wide El Valle volcano that is inactive; there is evidence that it erupted as recently as about 300,000 years ago. Because of its elevation (600 m), it is cooler than the Panamanian lowlands. This cooler climate is a welcome respite from the heat at lower elevations.
Natural attractions near El Valle include the Chorro El Macho waterfall, Las Mozas waterfall, the “square” trees behind Hotel Campestre, and a group of small natural thermal pools. There are many developed hiking trails to walk on. Birding is phenomenal. The area around the town is also known for being one of the last habitats of the critically endangered Panamanian golden frog. Some of the forests around the town are protected areas.
The valley is very fertile and produce grows in abundance. There are many people living in and around El valle that sell fresh produce at an open air market in the center of town. In July we found a very wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Some I had never even seen before like this red spikey fruit sold on a branch or by the bushel.
There are two museums in El Valle de Anton as well. Both highlight the history, culture, biodiversity, and uniqueness of this special place in and of itself, and as it relates to Panama at large. One museum is older, one is quite new; while both tell the same general story, they tell it in very different ways.
A visit to El Valle de Anton is well worth the trip.
Beneteau First 42S7 FOR SALE
1996 Beneteau First 42s7
DESCRIPTION
After the success of the First 45F5 and First35F5, Bruce Farr looked to take things a step further in terms of quality, performance and comfort. The result, the Beneteau First 42s7, is a performance-oriented sailboat known for its blend of speed, comfort, and seaworthiness. The 42s7 is a fast sailboat, thanks to its Farr-designed hull and large sail area. It can easily handle a wide range of wind conditions and is known for its excellent upwind performance. This two cabin layout features a salon perfect for entertaining, with the galley that is out of the way, yet secure on passage. Nothing says pride of ownership like a pair of electric Lewmar 54ST, making sailing and getting the dinghy up a lot easier! Sail fast and in style in Alacran, this boat is dialed in for cruising with top quality gear! Load her with food and start your adventure! Stop dreaming, start sailing!
DETAILS
Visit this link for Alacrans details: https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1996-beneteau-first-42s7-9197183/
Northbound: Along the Pacific Coast with SV Aeeshah
Northbound:
Along the Pacific Costa Rican Coast
with SV AEESHAH
SV AEESHAH entered Costa Rica from the south and checked in at Golfito, Costa Ricas southernmost port of entry. While awaiting parts they explored the area by dinghy and by car. Their photos and descriptions below capture their experience and the natural beauty in abundance in Costa Rica.
We went across to the peninsular opposite Banana Bay had a look around the bay with its amazingly, green, foliage, from the mangroves at the shoreline to the mammoth trees covering the hillsides.
To break the week up and relieve the boredom: we again rented a car.
The first destination:
Wilson Botanical Gardens
The Robert and Catherine Wilson Botanical Garden has a rich, internationally recognized collection of tropical plants from around the world. Over 1,000 genera in more than 200 plant families form the unique collection that is an integral part of the Las Cruces Research Station. There are hundreds of bromeliads and orchids; dozens of philodendrons and other aroids of all sizes; scores of heliconias; plus ferns, gingers, marantas, giant bamboo and close 500 species of palms well represented on the 12-hectare (30-acre) site.
The Wilson Botanical Garden is part of “La Amistad Biosphere Reserve” that encompasses 472,000 hectares of park land and buffer zones centered in the southern Talamanca mountain range in Costa Rica’s South Pacific.”
To continue reading about this road trip inland or other adventures with SV AEESHAH visit: https://www.aeeshah.com/2024/06/golfito-area-wilson-botanical-gardens-piedras-blancas-national-park-where-are-you/
Want a photo tour instead? Visit: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMJkD0xR29D02xiu5efL4CyJpGvLZbkdGiRHmTNx8-HDRcI-nHYPP9Iibrw1X6zHQ?key=V3VRRWpoaTJRUkpYVjQ5Zm1rcVoyR0hUNjVzTVNB
SV AEESHAH 
Jen & John – Gulfstart Hirsh
THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR ADVENTURE!
Good Nautical: Puerto Refugio in the Northern Sea of Cortez, Mexico
Good Nautical: Puerto Refugio
in the Northern Sea of Cortez, Mexico
29° 32.3883' N 113° 33.5799' W
Many say that in the Sea of Cortez you can be where the desert meets the sea. This is truly the case in Puerto Refugio.
Puerto Refugio is a small cove within the wide bay at the northern tip of Isla Angel de la Guarda. Isla Granito, the 1km long skinny island lying at the entrance to the bay, blocks some of the northerly swell but the anchorage is still very rolly when a norther is blowing. The western cove is very well protected from all other directions. In the summer months this bay is a calm place to anchor and spend time exploring. There is a sea lion rookery and a pelican rookery in different parts of the bay. Many people will visit this bay as their last stop on the way to Puerto Penasco.
Anchorage
Rocks extend from the western point towards the boney finger of rock that juts out from the south side of the cove. Anchor in the northwest corner of the bay in 4.5m on a sandy bottom. The southern part of the bay is scattered with rocks and islets and a lookout on the bow is recommended if trying to enter this part of the cove. Dinghy ashore to the beach and be careful when landing if waves are breaking.
Photos taken in July and contributed by SV ARROW and crew
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ANCHORAGE
YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE POSSE?
Send photos and description to Maurisa at editor@oceanposse.com
SEASON 8 Award Entry: BOAT YOGA
SY SERENITY 🇺🇸Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′
The 1st Season 8 BOAT YOGA AWARD Entry is in:
Mark doing yoga planks while cleaning the area behind the stove, all while checking to see if he overcharged our fridge! What a multi tasked he is! 🤣🤣
SV DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸 Laney & Mark – Outbound 46’
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Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat SUBMIT PHOTO ENTRIES ON THE LINE AP OR EMAIL TO EDITOR@PANAMAPOSSE.COMANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:
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The winner is each category above is awarded 1 bottle of 12 year Flor de Caña at the end of the season.
Share the adventure
SAFETY ALERT: RAINY SEASON IS DENGUE SEASON
About Dengue:
Mosquitoes Spread Dengue. Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses (dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4). The same type of mosquitoes can also spread chikungunya, Zika, and other viruses. If a person is infected with different dengue viruses during their life, it increases the chance of severe disease. Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Mosquitoes come out to feed around sunrise and sunset, but people can be bitten by an infected mosquito at any time. Aedes mosquitoes often like to rest in closets or other indoor locations near humans. Aedes mosquitoes typically lay eggs in containers with standing water, like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flowerpots, and vases. During the rainy season mosquitoes have many many places to lay eggs and reproduce which is why Rainy season often sees a higher incidence of Dengue. Presently, all members in locations experiencing the rainy season are wise to be aware and cautious. Avoid mosquito bites by whatever means works for you.
Avoiding Dengue:
- Wear repellent to reduce mosquito bites. Repellents with DEET or picaridin give the longest protection, but there are many less toxic and non toxic effective options available.
- Mosquitos are most active in the morning and in the afternoon/early evening when the sun is on the horizon. Be more vigilant during these hours.
- Remove standing water where mosquitos may lay eggs, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Check indoors items that hold water, such as vases or flowerpot saucers.
- Close windows and doors or install screens. Consider using an indoor insecticide if you have mosquitoes in your home.
Dengue Symptoms and Warning Signs
- Infection with dengue virus can result in no symptoms, mild, or severe illness. Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and requires care at a hospital although this is very rare.
- The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following: nausea, vomiting, rash, aches, and pains (including muscle, joint, or bone pain or eye pain, typically behind the eyes). There is no specific medicine to treat dengue virus infection.
- About one in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue. Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death. If you have had dengue in the past, you are more likely to develop severe dengue when re-infected with a different serotype, though severe disease can also occur on the first infection. Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe dengue.
- Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24-48 hours after your fever has gone away. Immediately seek medical evaluation if you have any of the following symptoms: belly pain or tenderness, vomiting (at least three times in 24 hours), bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, blood in your stool, or feeling tired, restless, or irritable. Do not delay seeking medical attention.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE THIS LINK:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue