OCEANPOSSE

FLEET UPDATE 2020-04-26

in this weeks fleet update

  • Pictures of the Week
  • Nicaragua to Mexico Notes on Arrival
  • Country Updates
  • Vessel Locations
  • Severe Weather Alert 
  • a non-Panama Posse vessel's actions in Costa Rica during the lock down
  • Official Dinghy Dock Petition in Zihuatanejo, MX
  • A BIG thank you to our Sponsors
  • Sign up for next Panama Posse season
  • Send in your fleet updates
  • Opt-Out

Much as our ancestors did ages ago, we thrust forward into the unknown.

Pioneers set forth on an uneasy course, just as we are now facing history and
certain adversity while we aim to thrive.

1) Pictures of the Week

The shark ate my tuna...

Sharks ate my fish
Sharks 2 Bonzai 0 for tuna dinner while under passage.

Don

BONZAI

Bob & Margie

BLESSED LIFE

Pool under construction at Chiapas Marina

Bill & Lisanne

ROCINANTE

Catch of the week !

 

Jeffrey & Paula

SEA LARKS

Brian & Tracy

WOODWIND 1

Finding one part on board tearing it all apart aka boat yoga

 

Nick, Gema & crew

MOIRA

Admiral's dress code under stay in place orders

Suzanne & Dietmar

Carinthia

2) Nicaragua to Mexico - Arrival

We just wanted to update you, that Happy Dance arrived in Chiapas Mexico at 0700 April 26. We had an easy 3 day passage from Puesta del Sol, and we're very happy to report that we'll be going to check into Mexico in the morning!!
One funny note, (at least it's funny now), is that an email from the US Embassy was sent to my inbox two hours after we left the dock in Nicaragua, advising us that the Nicaraguan government had agreed to let us stay! Timing is everything..ha!
I should also note that in all the confusion while we were figuring out the situation in Nicaragua, the people at Puesta del Sol couldn't have been nicer. Robert, the owner, was making calls on our behalf, Juanita was keeping us informed, the Navy was friendly, and of course all our fellow cruisers were offering plenty of moral support. Special thanks to Vicki on Taliesin Rose for getting us groceries!
We plan to stay here for the month of May while we fix the prop seal, and wait to see what happens next in Mexico.
Happy Dance

All the best,

Sue & Marty

HAPPY DANCE

3) Country Updates

Mexico 13,8421,305†
implemented temperature-screening measures at some of its airports.
Passengers with abnormal temperatures and travel to high-risk areas might be subject to additional health screening.
Several ports have restrictions on movement - clearing in and out of Chiapas and Ensenda is still possible
Guatemala 473 13†
full lock down - no entry permitted - Curfew extended
El Salvador 298 8†
full lock down - no entry permitted

Honduras 627 59†
full lock down - no entry permitted

Nicaragua 13 3†
closed as of this week - no entry permitted
On Wed Apr 22 unofficially
(and not publicly) closed its borders to entry of recreational boats.
From this moment Marina Puesta del Sol will not be able to receive boats.

Costa Rica 695 6†
full lock down - no entry permitted
existing tourist visas have been extended curfew to may 15 th

Panama 5,538 159†
Panama - 14 day quarantine has been obtained by some in internal movements

The Civil Aeronautical Authority (AAC) of Panama extended the suspension of international flights to the country until May 23.
The airports have been closed since the early hours of Monday, March 23, as a sanitary measure due to the advance of the corona-virus. The measure was originally adopted for a month, but this Monday, April 20, the AAC announced that the ban will be extended for an additional month.
The resolution was published in the Official Gazette, and bears the signature of the AAC director, Gustavo Pérez. These actions are based on information provided by the Ministry of Health, regarding the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic in other countries.
Read here AAC Resolution No. 53 of April 14, 2020.
https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29006/78214.pdf

4) Vessel Locations

  NAME LOCATION STAY IN PLACE MOVE ON TO  LOGISTICAL ISSUES
1 BAJA FOG Barra de Navidad, MX      
John & Monique
3 TALIESIN ROSE puesta del Sol, Nicaragua      
Victoria & Rowan
4 THISLDU Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua      
Garrett & Audrey
5 LUNA barra de Navidad, MX      
Bob & Kris
9 CARINTHIA barra de Navidad, MX      
Dietmar & Suzanne
10 SEAGLUB san jose del cabo      
Chris
12 JEAN ANNE Chiapas, MX      
Steve & Chelsea
13 SINGULARITY Vista Mar, Panama      undefined future
Robert & Carol
16 © ENJOY in bocas del toro - hanging well      getting a lot of work 
Don & Nina
19  ©  KNOT RIGHT Vista Mar Marina, Panama     separation - nothing 
Walt & Jeariene
20 ©  COMPROMISE Marina Chiapas, Leave boat on the hard      no issues leave 
Ronald & Karen
23 TOP CIDER Chiapas, MX      
Chuck & Sharon
25 HALF MOON Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua      
Brain & Elizabeth
26 MADELEINE vessel in el salvador      
Huibert & Maaike
27 ANGELIQUE Florida      
Dan & Angela
29 DELTA SWIZZLER Tenecatita - 9 vessels      
Mark & Cindy
30 FIREFLY las hadas       
Brenda & Ted
34 ONE LIFE barra de Navidad, MX      
Doug & Mary
37 WISHLIST las hadas - life copy       
Chris Brenda
40 AVANT Shelter Bay, Panama - vessel is in panama - we are in rainy Canada     linton bay marina - are abel to accept vessels and able to update to - 
Rob & Debra
48 © DENOVO Boat is Puerto Pensaco. MX - we are in canada      
Andre, Naomi & crew
50 ANDURIL Chiapas, MX      
Alice & Greg
51 GREEN FLASH California - vista mar in boat       
Bob & Joan
52 BONZAI key west florida - cases are climing in mx - all marinas are closed - anchoring out in key west
After 1.5 years from leaving California we have now arrived in Key West Florida. 
As Mexico is escalating into a level three for the virus we recognized things in the
US were on the back side of the bell curve and found a weather window. 
Bonzai utilized an agent that is on staff at Puerto Isla Mujeres Marina and it was
worth every penny for efficiency. 
450 miles later in 60 hours we are here.

     processed thorugh staff - cbp roam app - ke west maintain social distancing 
Don
54 STAND DOWN vista Mar Marina, Panama      
Richard & Nancy
58 KATHLEEN barra de Navidad, MX      
Robert & Karen
59 RAVEN barra de Navidad, MX      
Neil, Tammy, & Jan
61  © WILDEST DREAMS chiapas, MX      
Grant & Michelle
64 SECRET WATER la paz, mx      
Annie & Chris & Crew
 
 
 
65 WOODWIND 1 paradise village - boat projects - rest down - yacht club does take out - run       
Brian & Tracy
67 CHIMERA costa rica      
Dennis & Margaret
69 ALIZANN still at red frog marina  remain in place   full lock down - week to week decision - keeping the boat top operational 
Martin & Suzanne
70 FLOATING STONES bahamas      
Bryan & Cheryl
74 MAISON DE SANTE barra de Navidad, MX      
Keenan & Nicole
85 FOLLOW YOU FOLLOW ME San Diego      
Allan & Rina
88  © SEA LARKS Chiapas - fleet start moving - en route to       
Jeffrey & Paula
95 WAVE DANCER costa rica      
Vladimir & Galinda
96 MALOLO in manzanillo - las hadas from ixtapa       
Matt & Britt
99 HO’OKIPA Barra de Navidad, MX     until further notice all good 
Lisa & Lucky
100 VOLARE Barra de Navidad, MX      
Jessica & Adam
109 JOY Barra de Navidad, MX      
Jeff & Roxanne
117 PILIALOHA maina chahue with a care taker - we are in hawai       
Rick & Maria
121 ANKYRIOS barra de Navidad, MX      
Dennis, Brandy & Crew
124  © INDEPENDENCE  raotan  barefoot key marina went way for the hotel - west end - smoky -     serious - sneaking in - still on lock-down - people are hanging low 
Larry & Jamie
125 LILY ROWAN marina chahue      
Jim & Zyanya
129 © NESHUMA on the hard at mazatlan marina      
Carl & Cynthia
131 MAR Y SOL Marina Vallarta, MX      
Bob & Marisol
138 BLESSED LIFE doing great at marina pez vela - weather rain - contract end of fall      tip with the boat bond - 
Bob and Margie
143 ©  SEA GLASS panama      
Chris
149 © MOIRA in bahia ballena - weeks and weeks - plan is weathe r- may to hawai       
Nick, Gema & crew
152 © SUSIMI Barra de Navidad, MX      
Paul & Hazel
157 SOL GOOD boat is in vitsta mar - cornado panama      all 
Jeff
161 ©  SPREZZATURA Curfew expanded to the end of may  sat and Sunday closed down       
Eric
171 GenM in marina la paz - maintence - all on lock down      canal not go out after 10 PM - 
Marvin and Laurie
176 REEF DANCER staying put for the foreseable      duffy is very quiet …
Jerry & Debra
 
 
178 Happy Dance Chiapas, MX      
         

5) Severe Weather Alert
...EARLY TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC...

NHC is issuing advisories on newly formed Tropical Depression One-E, centered as of 8 a.m. PDT over the open waters of the eastern North Pacific Ocean about 730 miles (1175 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.

This marks the earliest formation of a tropical cyclone in the eastern North Pacific basin since the satellite era began in 1966.

The depression is moving toward the northwest near 7 mph (11 km/h). This general motion is expected for the next day or so, followed by a turn toward the west on Sunday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is anticipated today. The system is forecast to become a remnant low by late Sunday. It is not a threat to land.

The next advisory will be issued by NHC at 2 p.m. PDT - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#One-E

 

Rob & Debra
AVANT

6) a non-Panama Posse vessel's actions in Costa Rica during the lock down

... based on your recent lock down update we spotted a boat named Malolo and his owner /captain Rick Appel. (not Panama-Posse)

...this boat showed up here right before Samana Santa (Easter) directly from Panama.
Borders closed and he landed on our fuel dock. No zarpe no nothing totally illegal in every way.
The agencies and Peninsula management went nuts because Panama is considered a Covid 19 hot spot and the border is closed to prevent these arrivals.
He basically showed up and said I don't care what you have to do,
I am out of fuel and on my way to California. If you have to arrest me then go ahead and arrest me.
.... to say this was a complete fiasco is an understatement. It took our lawyers and all of the agencies working
overtime to workout a solution for this idiot. In the end Immigration, the health ministry, the Port Captain and
Aduana all agreed the best solution was to sell him the fuel and send him away.
We had to suit up one of our guys in haz mat gear to pump the fuel.
... still dealing with the fall-out from this as we still could be fined for allowing the boat into the marina.
This has placed our concession at risk because this was ultimately considered a Health Ministry violation and they have a lot of power in Costa Rica.
The issue is, we didn't allow him to come in. No radio call no nothing he just charged in and dropped lines before my guys could get to the
end of the fuel dock placing the marina, our staff and fellow mariners at risk.

Marina Papagayo

7) Official Dinghy Dock Petition in Zihuatanejo, MX

In 2019 we officially petitioned Zihuatanejo to put in a dinghy dock - this was 14 months ago.

While cruising is severely impacted by the C19 virus our petition still stands.

If you know of any other locations you wish to have a dinghy dock please let us know

DINGHY DOCK

- Well maintained stable floating dock to adjust to tides and water levels protected from waves
- Handrails from shore to the Dinghy Dock with non skid surface on the plank - Small strong galvanized marlin cleats with ability to run chain through
- Long Painters on Each Dinghy & Dipping the Eye Use only one line. Do not tie bow and stern.
- Ability to lock dinghy to dock with a long chain and padlock
- Do not lock out other dinghies - Throw-able Life ring with floating line - No fishing allowed / No Swimming / No fish cleaning - Well lighted area with 24/7 video surveillance - Guarded or in “shouting” range of authorities - In cellphone and VHF rage of the main anchorage
- Nearby road to hail taxis, buses or uber and walking distance to town - Ability to load and unload packages and provisions
- Establish a No Wake Zone
- Potable water spigot to take on fresh water / wash dingy
- Trashcan
- Message Board for relevant announcements
- Do not lift engine up to avoid damage to other dinghies

8) A BIG thank you to our Sponsors

Official Panama Posse  Sponsors, Partners and Ambassadors

  • Marina Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico 
  • Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Barra de Navidad – Mexico 
  • Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico 
  • La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico 
  • Marina Chiapas – Mexico 
  • Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador 
  • La Palma Moorings – Bahia del Sol, El Salvador 
  • Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua 
  • Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica 
  • Marina Pez Vela – Costa Rica 
  • Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica 
  • Vista Mar Marina – Panama 
  • Shelter Bay Marina – Panama 
  • Red Frog Marina – Panama 
  • Bocas Marina – Panama 

Official Panama Canal Agent

Official Panama Posse Ambassadors

Panama Posse Partners

9) The 2020-2021 Panama Posse is forming
and 38 vessels have signed up already.

This season will end on June 1st - Line group will stay open - but not monitored
and we may continue the Saturday extraordinary calls for another few months.

Our goal is to expand the Panama Posse route in 2021 with a northbound
leg from Panama to the Keys in the Caribbean a.m.o. stay tuned for details.

To sign up for next Panama Posse season - please reply with - "sign me up".

9) Please reply to this email with any
updates and we'll include it in the next Fleet Updates

SuzanneDietmar

Dietmar & Suzanne
SV Carinthia

10) opt-out from the Fleet Updates simply reply with "REMOVE"

by OCEANPOSSE

FLEET UPDATE 2020-04-19

  • A special thank you to our sponsors 
  • Add comments while you are sheltering in place and bored
  • Country Updates 
  • Vessel Locations and plans
  • Lighting Mitigation 
  • Pictures of the Week
  • Exiting Panama - en route to Nicaragua
  • Long term plans - heading to Chile
  • PANAMA - Burning a “stuffed man” in effigy - the traditions is that of the Muñecos
  • Reply to this email
  • One season ends but 38 vessels have already signed up for next Panama Posse
  • Opt-out

1) A special thank you to our sponsors

  • Marina Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico 
  • Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Barra de Navidad – Mexico 
  • Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico 
  • La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico 
  • Marina Chiapas – Mexico 
  • Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador 
  • La Palma Moorings – Bahia del Sol, El Salvador 
  • Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua 
  • Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica 
  • Marina Pez Vela – Costa Rica 
  • Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica 
  • Vista Mar Marina – Panama 
  • Shelter Bay Marina – Panama 
  • Red Frog Marina – Panama 
  • Bocas Marina – Panama 

Official Panama Canal Agent

Official Panama Posse Ambassadors

Panama Posse Partners

2) Things you can do while sheltering in place ... Add you comments  !!!

Log into Good Nautical and make your relevant comments in any of the places you have been goodnautical_make_comments

Please make your reports - simply ADD A NEW COMMENT in Good Nautical for each spot

Posse

2)  Country Updates 


Mexico   7,497  650†
- border closings between USA and Mexico but commercial entry permitted - outbound and inbound vessels still possible 
- certain ports are closed or locking down and exit zarpes are issued electronically for a fee via agents if required this
includes Puerto Vallarta and Areas of the Sea of Cortes      

Mexico has implemented temperature-screening measures at all airports and many road checks.  Reduced flights and Capacity.
Passengers with abnormal temperatures and travel to high-risk areas might be subject to additional health screening.

The Mexican government declared a national health emergency on March 30 and imposed restrictions on non-essential activities in the public, private, and social sectors until April 30.  On April 16, the Mexican government extended the health emergency and the accompanying restrictions in most municipalities until May 30.  Essential activities include medical services and supplies, grocery delivery services and stores, restaurants (for delivery and carry out only), public safety, fundamental economic functions, government social programs, and critical infrastructure.

Mexico Visa Extensions

Cruisers with visas expiring in April were able to renew for 180 days in La Paz Mexico yesterday.
Those with visas expiring in May were told they would have to wait until next month

Mexico Port Closings
This is direct from Antonio at Marina Fonatur San Blas as of 4/14/2020.
The marina is not letting any new boats in. Boats currently inside are allowed to depart.
The port captain is not allowing anchoring in the estuary in front of the marina. Anchoring in Bahia de Matanchen is just fine.
The fuel dock at Marina Fonatur San Blas is open, and they will sell you fuel (diesel and unleaded are available). No one is allowed off the boat though, and you must immediately leave after fueling up. If it helps, at low tide the shallowest we saw was about 7' deep when entering the river.”
Jalisco, Mexico new requirements

The Governor of Jalisco announced today that beginning tomorrow, wearing a mask will be required whenever you leave your home. He also stated that parks, etc. are all closed to recreational activities. Whereas up to now the preventative measures have been voluntary, now they are obligatory and people can be fined for being out for anything but essential business.

mexico corona virus masks

*People may leave their homes only for essential business. *A mask must be worn any time one leaves the home. *The use of public spaces for sport or recreational purposes is prohibited.
The following groups are not permitted to leave the home at all:
- over age 60 - pregnant - high blood pressure - diabetes - chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease - liver or kidney dysfunction - suppressed immune system

Guatemala 257 7†

- full lock down - no entry permitted  - Curfew extended to April 28th
It also banned cruise ships from docking.  All nationals, residents and diplomats are required to be quarantined upon arrival.
President Alejandro Giammattei also banned travel between the different departments inside of the Central American country before and during Easter.



El Salvador    201      7† 
-  full lock down - no entry permitted †

El Salvador’s Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that  the government
cannot arrest people accused of having failed to comply with a mandatory household quarantine nor confiscate vehicles or property.
But El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said on Wednesday he would not accept several Supreme Court rulings
meant to stop him from enforcing some measures to curb the spread

  
Honduras    472    46†
Honduras - full lock down - no entry permitted - all borders closed except for cargo.
    
Nicaragua -  10   2†
Check in with Marina Puesta del Sol ahead of time - they will coordinate to send a health inspector out - after which customs, immigration will clear you in 

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said Wednesday that the country “has not stopped working” and that it will maintain its vision of responding to the emergency without social confinement.


Costa Rica    660  4†
- full lock down - no entry permitted - Curfew expected to be extended

 
Panama   4,273  120†Panama -  no entry permitted   14 day quarantine has been obtained by some in internal movements 

- curfew w/ 1 hour movement x certain day for with 30 minutes based on ID number and day and gender - no alcohol sales -
Fines for curfew violations

4) Vessel Locations and plans from the Saturday 18th Extraordinary 6th Line call ( these calls will continue every Saturday at 16 UTC until further notice
line.me app weekly call

NUMBER NAME LOCATION STAY IN PLACE MOVE ON TO  LOGISTICAL ISSUES
1 BAJA FOG Barra de Navidad, MX      
John & Monique
4 THISLDU Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua      
Garrett & Audrey
10 SEAGLUB San Jose del Cabo       
Chris
12 JEAN ANNE Chiapas, MX      
Steve & Chelsea
13 SINGULARITY Vista Mar, Panama  because so many people violating     
Robert & Carol
14 SLOW DANCER bocas marina  no lifting of restrictions     
Dale & Kenneth
19  ©  KNOT RIGHT Vista Mar Marina, Panama all good -     
Walt & Jeariene
20 ©  COMPROMISE chiappas, mx - co      
Ronald & Karen
23 TOP CIDER isla ixtapa will sail further  good snorkeling    
Chuck & Sharon
29 DELTA SWIZZLER tenecatitia,  making water  alge   
Mark & Cindy
30 FIREFLY las hadas  everything the ame  3 boats beaches are empty patrol boat comes around   
Brenda & Ted
40 AVANT Shelter Bay, Panama  in canada - 3 western states are coordianting openings - boats are free to move    
Rob & Debra
43 RHAPSODY vista mar marina, Panama      
Sarah & Bob
50 ANDURIL Chiapas, MX      
Alice & Greg
51 GREEN FLASH san clemente , wet and well and cold  away - to get to panama     
Bob & Joan
67 CHIMERA Costa Rica - have not seen enough - really don’t have we will wait it out  -       
Dennis & Margaret
88  © SEA LARKS en route to nicaragua - puesta del sol  may go to chiapas     
Jeffrey & Paula
95 WAVE DANCER florida in costa rica      
Vladimir & Galinda
96 MALOLO isla grande - been here - quiet - propane  dingy ashore -  leaving to     
Matt & Britt
99 HO’OKIPA Barra de Navidad, MX      
Lisa & Lucky
100 VOLARE Chiapas, MX      
Jessica & Adam
101  ©  KIANGA in la cruz marina - everything very quiet waiting       
Beat & Daniela
117 PILIALOHA we are in hawai'i vessel is in marina chahue  longing     
Rick & Maria
124  © INDEPENDENCE barefoot cay honduras boat maintenance - boat in perfect shape - varnished -    
Larry & Jamie
129 © NESHUMA on the hard at mazatlan marina      
Carl & Cynthia
131 MAR Y SOL Marina Vallarta, MX      
Bob & Marisol
138 BLESSED LIFE   how is the vessel clearing in from  weather in costa rica   
Bob and Margie
144  © ELSKA vista mar marina  - shut down  4 boys - bring the boat     
Ben & Mary Jane
147  GRASSHOPPER Chiappas,  remain here - few months - comfortable - but restaurat baos is closed     
Jeffrey & Cheri
152 © SUSIMI tenecatita  10 - 15 boats - since Thursday  hoping to head north     
Paul & Hazel
173 © BISOU bocas del toro       
Robin and Tad
 
 
 
 
176 REEF DANCER barra de navidad, MX      
Jerry & Debra
 
 
178  HAPPY DANCE  playa samara  have a leak on the prop shaft - limping to puesta del sol  thunder storm  

5) Lighting Mitigation
lighting mitigation for vessels in central america

Lightning mitigation and preparation: what we did on Avant.

When in lightning prone areas, we buy jumper cables at an auto parts store and connect them to the upper shrouds and drop the loose end (in the water) or connect to jack stands (when on the hard). This increased the grounding of the vessel and may help make you less of a target or mitigate a strike.

Open flat areas are worse than areas with prominent tall geographic features.

Being next to a larger boat with a taller mast, or a catamaran or other lightning friendly target is also a good strategy if you can arrange it.

Rob & Debra
AVANT

Carinthia (Cat) spend the summer of 2018 in Vista Mar Marina in Panama and we deployed the following lighting mitigation

- top of mast has a lighting rod - taller and thicker than the VHF antenna
- base of the mast ( deck stepped) has a attachment point and a thick electric cable is lowered into the water below the keels
- we dropped our anchor in the marina in our slip and wrapped a short chain around the base of the mast and connected this chain to the deployed anchor chain
- at the shroud deck-plates just below the turnbuckles we attached truck battery charging cables and dropped them into the water below the keels
- disconnected most electronics from power and all network connections
- 2 catamarans did get hit that season with a lighting strike  - Wine'n'Down ( lateral hit ) & Samara Explorer (direct hit 800 K damage )
- 1 catamaran Sugar Shack got hit in the Southern Costa Rica the following season (direct hit)
- check your insurance policy

Dietmar & Suzanne

CARINTHIA

6) Pictures of the Week
BLESSED LIFE SAMARA

Samara, CR

BLESSED LIFE DOG

Samara, CR
BLESSED LIFE Samara

Bob & Margie

BLESSED LIFE

Still life - Two fish, cutting board and knife
Thisldu

thisldu
Garrett & Audrey

THISLDU

7) Exiting Panama - en route to Nicaragua

An update from Happy Dance traveling with Candine.  We left Punta Balsa yesterday planning on a three day run to Nica. When we reached the Gulf of Nicoya we started seeing squalls. This soon turned into major thunderstorms that wrapped around us even as we tried to change course. Long story short we eventually escaped by heading toward shore. We tried anchoring in Domicelito but the swells were running straight in. We then went to the southern Manuel Antonio anchorage and planned to wait out the afternoon storms. Unfortunately we ended up with the wind blowing onshore and big thunderstorms over us. That's also when the GuardaCostas arrived! They politely asked for our passports and papers and went off to look them over. In the meantime the anchorage was deteriorating rapidly. The GC then came back and said to raise anchor and follow them. We didn't know why, but since they had our passports we thought it might be a good idea to go. 🤣 Getting out of the anchorage was a challenge now that it was a dangerous lee shore with large rollers coming in, blinding rain and a headwind. Not fun. They led us to the northern Antonio anchorage where we are now. Much safer and tranquillo.
The GC guys were very friendly and asked many questions about our health, where we'd been, etc. After a good hour of them talking on the phone they finally brought our passports and paperwork back and told us we were not allowed to go to shore. We'd already tried to explain that we had no intention of going to shore, that we only stopped due to weather. Since the weather was pretty bad right then, I think they got it! All this to say that they were helpful and polite and gave us their phone number in case we needed it. We're leaving in the morning to continue towards Nicaragua. Hopefully the rest of the GC are as easy going if/when we stop again. Just wanted to share our experience in case others are planning to travel through Costa Rica while their borders are closed. Cheers!⛵

Nora decided to go on today and is heading to Chiapas. We're going to be stopping at night the rest of the way...

drive shaft happy dance

Update on the drip! The grease helped slow down the flow substantially! We sailed most of the day so that helped too. The weather is great, slight onshore breeze, thunderclouds over the mountains. Mucho mejor !!!

We're staying at anchor for now and have the leak wrapped up and slowed down substantially. We're setting up the boat to be ready for a major fail 😬 but will hopefully get to Puesta and then to Chiapas. We're waiting for Wildest Dreams to get here so we'll also have a buddy boat if needed. Fingers crossed!!!🥴⛵️

Marty & Sue

HAPPY DANCE

8) Long term plans - heading to Chile

SV Sänna plan to head down the Pacific coast to Ushuaia Chile beginning around October-ish for the southern hemisphere spring and summer. They’re teaming up with Jimmy Cornell to route-plan. Sänna are happy to forward their route planning to any Pacific-side boat who might be interested in making this passage. You can contact Dave at dave@sanna-uk.com.
Good Nautical CHILE
Chile

Dave & Marie

SANNA

9) PANAMA - Burning a “stuffed man” in effigy - the traditions is that of the Muñecos
These life sized effigies are an old Panamanian tradition Muñecos or Judas Dolls

Judas Dolls

They are stuffed with firecrackers and are lit and beaten at the stroke of midnight on new years eve.
According to folklore, by beating and setting the effigies aflame, the sins and evil spirits of the old year are destroyed. 
Making way for good fortune in the new year. The fire crackers are said to help drive the evil forces away, since ghosts are afraid of light and noise.
The Muñecos are usually made to look like well-known politicians or movie stars from the outgoing year....

Posse

10) Please reply to this email with

– your updates - self quarantine info
– contenders for picture of the week –
– relevant blog posts – and of course your valuable suggestions

and we’ll include it in the next FLEET UPDATE – Keep em ‘coming

DietmarSuzanne

Dietmar & Suzanne
Sheltering in place in Barra de Navidad
SV Carinthia

11) This 2019-2020 Panama  - officially ends on May 31st
but you can already sign up for next season  and 
here is the list of valiant entrants, explorers and adventurers

https://panamaposse.com/2020-2021-vessels

12) Opt-out from Fleet Updates simply reply with “REMOVE“

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