AND THE WINNER IS....
The Ocean Posse sends a HUGE thank you out to all people who participated in our survey earlier this month. Our goal is to improve our posse and our benefits and it is happening! As promised one lucky survey responder has won a $250 gift card.
AND THE WINNER IS...
HEATHER JOHNSON
Heather has graciously accepted her $250 gift card that she plans to use to transfer boats parts from her Amazon wishlist to her cart. Describing herself she writes:
GOOD NAUTICAL: Makogai Island Dalice Village, FIJI
GOOD NAUTICAL:
Makogai Island Dalice Village, FIJI
17° 26.4200' S, 178° 57.9100' E
Makogai is located in the heart of the Lomaiviti Group in Fji. Makogai is not only abundant with biodiversity and beauty, but brimming with South Pacific history. Like many Islands in the South Pacific, approaching the island and navigating to the anchorage requires careful study, preparation, and planning. Ideally, once the anchor is set gently in the sand paradise it found.
Recently, Pacific Posse member asked the group whether anyone had a track for entering Makogai. Chris on SeaGlub quickly responded:
Haven't been myself but this is a shot from trusted friends:
*NOTE: these tracks are shared friend to friend...a POSSE PERK...verification and a sharp lookout still required.
To read more about Makogai click on this link:
https://www.fijimarinas.com/anchorage-at-makogai-a-significant-south-pacific-treasure/
Makogai Island, located in Fiji's Lomaiviti Group, offers a unique experience for sailors, blending natural beauty with rich historical significance. The island is best known for its past as a leprosy colony from 1911 to 1969, and today, remnants of this history can still be explored, including the old leper colony ruins and a graveyard. The island now serves as a mariculture center focused on the conservation and breeding of giant clams, an effort crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity (Two At Sea) (Levuka Town).
For sailors, anchoring at Makogai Island, particularly in Dalice Bay, presents a serene and picturesque spot. The anchorage is protected by surrounding reefs and small islets, offering a calm and enclosed environment. The approach to Dalice Bay can be navigated through two main passes, with the north entrance often preferred for its ease. Once anchored, sailors can engage with the island's caretaker, who also acts as an informal chief, by participating in a traditional sevusevu ceremony, where kava is presented as a gift. In return, the caretaker provides a tour of the island, including the leper colony ruins and the giant clam farm (Two At Sea) (Wikipedia).
Makogai Island is also home to a significant marine research station, focusing on the conservation of giant clams and trochus clams. This initiative began in the 1980s and has since played a vital role in repopulating Fiji's reefs with these important species. The island's ecosystem, featuring verdant hills, palm-covered flatlands, and clear teal waters, adds to the allure for visiting sailors (Wikipedia) (Diver Bliss).
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!