PANAMA POSSE

FLEET UPDATE

May 14, 2023

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
“Wow! What a Ride!”

― Hunter S. Thompson

TOP NEWS

• Panama Posse Awards Entries
• 🏆 Come Join The Panama Posse 🇵🇦 Awards Party
• 💨 More Award Entries
• 🛰️ Predict Wind : Ais Sat Data
• 🌊🏝️ Submerged Island Re Discovered
• Manzanillo Marina Club Cartagena
• Los Gatos, Baja Del Sur 🇲🇽 Mexico
• Canal Wait In 🇨🇴 Cartegena
• Passing The Barrel Of Hope
• Volcano, Waterfall And Hotsprings 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
• Meet Jack
• ⚠️ Security Update Las Perlas / El Niño
• Sumidero Canyon Chiapas 🇲🇽 Mexico
• Panama Posse Next Season Benefits Schedule

1) Season 6
AWARD ENTRIES
🪝

BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT

current lead ? Kyle on SY JUBEL or Nicole on Maison de Sante ?

Current lead ?

GALLEY GODDESS

WINNER SELECTED BY THE SECRET FOOD JUDGES

THE COUSCOUS SALAD

SY HULA KAI 🇺🇸 Richard & Kathleen –Tayana DS 48′

YODA OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE

14 new safe tracks through the Belize reef system shared in Good Nautical

SY ISLAND BOUND 🇺🇸 Bill & Melissa Kelly - Peterson 44′

SPEEDY AWARD NOMINATIONS

Ensenada MX to Annapolis

SY DA MMAD CAT 🇺🇸 Andrea & Danny - Lagoon ’42

Canada BC to North Carolina

SY PELERIN 🇨🇦 Michael & Shirley - Alubat 43′

NOMINATIONS FOR THE
CAPTAIN RON AWARD

SY LADY SLIPPER 🇺🇸 John & Kathryn – Dufour 41′

SY SALPARE 🇺🇸 Jeff & Fran – Fountaine Pajot Orana 44′

SY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸 Dietmar - Lagoon 440'

NOMINATIONS FOR
MOST
UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Keenan & Nicole – Cal 46′

MY SEEKER 🇺🇸 John & Tammy– Selene 62′

SY TITS PIERRE 🇺🇸 Ken and Tina – Bayliner 45′

SY PACIFIC BLUE 🇳🇱 Hans & Irene Breehorn 44′

SY SHEARWATER 🇺🇸 Eric & Pati – Formosa 50′

2) COME JOIN THE
PANAMA POSSE 🇵🇦 AWARDS PARTY

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023 16:00 – 22:00

VISTA MAR MARINA

AWARD CATEGORIES

• BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
• PICTURE OF THE YEAR
• YODA OF THE YEAR
• SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
• THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
• MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
• HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
• SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
• 2 X GALLEY GOD(ESS) ✔
• GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
• BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
• COURAGE AWARD

*no bill-fish entries ✔winner announced already

Vista Mar Marina  🇵🇦 PANAMA

3) MORE AWARD ENTRIES
💨

HIGHEST WIND RECORDED

SY AIR BENDER 🇺🇸 Mike & Colleen – Lagoon 42′

SY STRAYCAT 2 🇨🇦 Derick & Barb – Lagoon 38′

MY NAVIGATOR 🇨🇷 Dave – Nordhavn 46′

SY PACIFIC BLUE Hans & Irene – Breehorn 44′

SPIRIT OF 🧭
EXPLORATION
AWARD NOMINATION S

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′

SY DIVERGENT 🇺🇸 Gary & Ena

GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR

For altering course responding to Carinthia's Pan Pan / subsequent assistance in providing emergency bildge pumps and subsequent monitoring of Carinthia on a 50 nm track to the boatyard.

SY ENJOY 🇺🇸 Don & Nina - Lagoon 42′

BOAT YOGA 🧘
POSES OF THE SEASON

SY YO-D-YO 🇺🇸 David & Mary – Hunter 45′

SY ENJOY 🇺🇸 Don & Nina –Lagoon 42′

SY DA MMAD CAT 🇺🇸 Andrea & Danny – Lagoon 42′

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

SY AIR BENDER 🇺🇸 Mike & Colleen – Lagoon 42′

MY SEEKER 🇺🇸 John & Tammy – Selene 62′

double entry fo

SY C-YA 🇺🇸 Glenn & Ashleigh – Island Packet 38.8′

SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri – Seawind 41′

SY LA VIDA GYPSEA 🇺🇸 Kurt, Linda & Rigby – Catana 47′

SY TIDEWALKER 🇨🇦 Alan – Nordhavn 57′

SY WILDFLOWER 🇺🇸 Steve, Roan & Karrie – Beneteau 54′

SY TULUM5 – Chad, Michelle & Teagan – Chung Hua 51′

✊ COURAGE AWARD ✊

SY CONSTELLATION 🇺🇸 Cory & Chris & Stella - Freedom 45′

SY WILD 🇺🇸 Margalena & Joe & crew – Beneteau 42′

PICTURE OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

SY WHIRLWIND 🇺🇸 - Mike, Maurisa & Crew - Alajuela 48'

SY CY-A 🇺🇸 Glenn & Ashleigh – Island Packet 38.8′

SY ROCHAMBEAU 🇺🇸 Rolf & Beverly – Lagoon 39′

SY NO REGRETS ( pre CERCA TROVA ) 🇺🇸 Bruce & Lynette – Fast Passage 39′

4) PREDICT WIND : AIS SAT DATA
🛰️

NOW SEE ANY VESSEL FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

PredictWind, the leading provider of weather forecasting and routing services for sailors, has announced the launch of a new feature that will revolutionize the way sailors and yacht enthusiasts monitor ship and yacht movements around the world. The company's new real-time satellite and terrestrial AIS display offers users the ability to view vessel positions and movements anywhere in the world over any satellite connection.

The AIS data is available on the PredictWind website, PredictWind App, and Offshore App, and provides a wealth of information for sailors, yacht enthusiasts, and maritime professionals. The Offshore App is the world's first app to provide AIS data via satellite, allowing users to download vessel positions within a 300 Nm radius.

With the new feature update, users can search for vessels by name or MMSI number and add them to their favorites list, allowing for easy tracking of friends or vessels of interest. The real-time satellite AIS feature allows users to view any vessel anywhere in the world, while the terrestrial AIS provides land-based AIS position feeds.

The system identifies all vessel types and allows users to filter by vessel type, providing greater control over what types of vessels are displayed on the map. Additionally, users can view speed, direction, draught, destination, and ETA information for any vessel on the map.

PredictWind's CEO, Jon Bilger, said, "We're excited to launch this new feature, which will provide mariners with a comprehensive and accurate view of ship and yacht movements around the world. With real-time satellite AIS and terrestrial AIS, our users can access a wealth of information that will help them make more informed decisions about their sailing or boating plans and adjust accordingly wherever they are."

PredictWind has also taken the integration of the DataHub with the AIS network even further. The DataHub collects AIS data from all surrounding vessels and transmits it back to the PredictWind servers via the existing satellite/cellular connection, improving the quality and safety of the global AIS network.

The AIS data feed can also be shared via wifi to compatible devices or apps on board, such as the Navionics Boating App, and recorded to the DataHub's SD card. This creates an accurate log of all nearby vessel positions, which is crucial for an insurance claim in the event of a collision.

PredictWind's CEO, Jon Bilger, said, "The integration of the DataHub into the AIS network will enhance the entire AIS network making the seas safer for all. The ability to share the data feed via wifi and record it to the DataHub's SD card will also help sailors and maritime professionals in the event of an insurance claim."

The new features are available now on the PredictWind App, PredictWind website, Offshore App. DataHub features require a DataHub. Users can sign up for a free version or purchase a subscription to access the full range of AIS features. For more information, please visit www.predictwind.com.

5) SUBMERGED ISLAND RE-DISCOVERED
🌊🏝️

OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA

Devon Fogarty, a University of Miami graduate student, examining the headstone of John Greer, which was found underwater during a survey at Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida in August 2022.

Credit...C. Sproul/National Park Service, via Associated Press

About 200 years ago there were 11 islands in the Dry tortugas, now there are 6. Flying over them in 2016 marine archaeologist Joshua Marano noticed a strange pattern beneath the surface of the water. Time and investigation have led to the discovery of a submerged island. The side is about 70 miles west of Key West off the coast of Florida thought to have once been part of Civil War Era Fort Jefferson in the Dry tortugas. This discovery has been a great inspiration for maritime archaeologists prompting much investigation and hypotheses.

This image provided by the National Park Service shows an unsigned watercolor painting depicting a hospital and cemetery on an island in the Dry Tortugas.

One theory is that the island was like the watercolor above with a hospital and a cemetery.

An image provided by the National Park Service shows the headstone of John Greer, which was found underwater by archaeologists during a survey at Dry Tortugas National Park in August 2022, in Florida.

Credit...C. Sproul/National Park Service, via Associated Press

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE >> https://www.nytimes.com/article...

Note: 5 minutes of research and we know where this site is >>

6) MEET THE NEWEST PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSOR

Manzanillo Marina Club Cartagena 🇨🇴
Colombia Sponsors the Panama Posse

10° 23.350′ N 075° 31.525′ W

Dear Panama Posse

Thank you for choosing to visit our marina, Manzanillo Marina Club.

We would like to offer a special discount to all members of your company's Panama Posse program. We are providing a

15% discount on mooring fees for up to two months
10% discount on travel lift maneuvers
15% discount on land parking for up to two weeks.
10% discount on in-water hull cleaning.

We pride ourselves on providing top-notch facilities and service to our guests. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and hope that you will consider us for future visits.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Maurice Lemaitre de la Espriella

7) GOOD ANCHORAGE
⚓
IN GOOD NAUTICAL

LOS GATOS, BAJA DEL SUR, 🇲🇽 MEXICO

Los Gatos, Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽 Mexico

Gorgeous scenery at Los Gatos anchorage in the SOC. Love the colors. Like melting strawberry swirl ice cream.

Red Rocks in the Sea of Cortez

SV SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

8) WAITING TO TRANSIT THE CANAL?
🇨🇴

VISIT CARTEGENA.

Above and below: Colorful streets of Cartegena, 🇪🇨 Columbia

Old fort overlooking the modern downtown.

Above and below: Visiting Cartagena makes waiting for canal transit easy.

MY SEEKER 🇺🇸 John & Tammy– Selene 62′

1763 Vanni Map or Plan of Cartagena, Colombia

9) PASSING THE BARREL OF HOPE

AT MARINA PAPAGAYO 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA

Andaz has great mixology cocktails (walking distance from papagayo marina) with ocean and marina views.

And with that, the Barrel is passed on from Maison de Santé to Queso Grande. Thank you both for all your help with the Barrel of Hope.

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Keenan & Nicole
AND
SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri

10) LAND TRIP IN 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA

VOLCANO, WATERFALL AND HOTSPRINGS

Tenorio Volcano Waterfall 🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Notice the color of the water due to the minerals.

When two non-colored waterbodies Rio Buenavista (Buenavista River) and Quebrada Agria (Sour Creek) meet and mix the colors are incredible..

SY ROCHAMBEAU AND SY SALACHIA went on a land trip in northern Costa Rica.

It was really cool to wake up each morning and hear monsoon-like rain. We also went on hikes and saw tiny frogs, volcanoes, lush trees with symbiotic relationships of other things growing on them, without killing the trees, and a variety of tropical flowers.

SY 🇺🇸 ROCHAMBEAU 🇺🇸 Bev & Rolf – Lagoon 39′
AND
SY SALACIA 🇺🇸 Peter & Donna - Santa Cruz 53'

11) ADVENTURE MEDIA PARTNER
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES

Subscribe Now to the Lats & Atts Online Magazine!

For those who want digital kewlness only here’s some love for ya:

Access all 4 Digital Issues for only $14.99/year! (That’s only $3.75/issue!)

12) MEET JACK

Jack strutting his stuff in his new Summer kicks.

Summer season is upon us…. If the ground/sand is hot for our feet then it’s probably hot for our pets too! Also, dog shoes make great conversation starters with the locals.

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Keenan, Nicole, and Jack – Cal 46′

13) PANAMA POSSE SWAG

ORDER PANAMA POSSE SWAG ON LINE NOW

14) ⚠️ SECURITY UPDATE

The Panama Posse is continuing to meet and discuss the importance of safety for foreign flagged vessels in Panama following the attacks this year in the Las Perlas Islands and in Portobello, Panama. These security forums are being held on a regular basis on several levels from the local level to higher governmental officials within Panama.

Unfortunately, while many people are involved and concerned, the recent attacks in Panama are still not resolved meaning the attackers are still out there.

Senan has increased their patrols and rotations.

The current safety recommendation is that the Perlas Islands are 'CLOSED'.

If you do decide to go
1) stay in anchorages with other vessels
2) stand night watch
3) only anchor in areas which have VHF coverage and
4) cell # coverage ( dial 108 from a panama cell #)
5) take pictures of all fishing vessels in the area

The goal is the open these islands up again once the attackers have been found and are in custody. Only then vessels are safe to cruise in the Las Perlas. Recently, we were very encouraged to extend our discussions, most notably, with the US Coast Guard.

Thanks to a member of the Panama Posse with operational and professional ties to the US Coast Guard, the USCG has taken a keen interest in the threat to US flagged vessels in Pacific Panama.

EL NIÑO

There is a 60% chance for a transition from ENSO-neutral to El Niño during May-July 2023, and this will increase to about 70% in June-August and 80% between July and September, according to the Update, which is based on input from WMO Global Producing Centres of Long-Range Forecasts and expert assessment

During El Niño years, the Atlantic Ocean tends to be cooler than normal, which can create a more stable atmosphere and increase wind shear, making it more difficult for hurricanes to form and intensify. Therefore, El Niño years tend to have fewer and weaker hurricanes in the Atlantic basin.

During an El Niño year, the sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific tend to be warmer than normal, which creates a more unstable atmosphere and decrease wind shear, making it easier for hurricanes to form and intensify.

As a result, El Niño years tend to have more and stronger hurricanes in the eastern Pacific basin.

15) SUMIDERO CANYON
CHIAPAS 🇲🇽 MEXICO

Sumidero Canyon Cañón del Sumidero is a deep natural canyon located just north of the city of Chiapa de Corzo in the state of Chiapas, in southern Mexico. The canyon’s creation began around the same time as the Grand Canyon in the U.S. state of Arizona, by a crack in the area’s crust and subsequent erosion by the Grijalva River, which still runs through it.

Sumidero Canyon from the rim.

The canyon is surrounded by the Sumidero Canyon National Park, a federally protected natural area of Mexico which extends 53.000 acres.

At the north end of the canyon is the Chicoasén Dam opened in 1980.

It's artificial reservoir is one of several on the Grijalva River, which is important for water storage and the generation of hydroelectric power in the region.

SUMIDERO CANYON
PANAMA POSSE MUST SEE >>

https://panamaposse.com/must-see

17) 70+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle - Ventura, USA

🇲🇽 Cruise Port Village - Ensenada - Mexico

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico

🇲🇽 PANAMA POSSE HQ – Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico

🇲🇽 La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – Mexico

🇬🇹 Marina Pez Vela – Guatemala

🇸🇻 Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador

🇸🇻 La Palma Moorings – Bahia del Sol - El Salvador

🇳🇮 Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua

🇨🇷 Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica

🇨🇷 Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Vista Mar Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 La Playita Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Solarte Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia

🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – Colombia

🇯🇲 Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Jamaica

🇯🇲 Errol Flynn Marina – Jamaica

🇯🇲 Montego Bay Yacht Club –Jamaica

🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina –Cayman Islands

🇭🇳 Barefoot Cay Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Fantasy Island Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan – Honduras

🇬🇹 Marina Nana Juana Resort & Boatyard – Guatemala

🇧🇿 Thunderbirds Marine – Placencia – Belize

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina El Cid – Cancún – Riviera Maya – Mexico

🇨🇺 Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo – Cuba

🇹🇨 South Bank Marina & Boatyard – Turks and Caicos

🇧🇸 Romora Bay Resort and Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Elizabeth on the Bay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys

🇺🇸 Pier 66 Hotel & Marina – Ft. Lauderdale, USA

🇺🇸 IGY Marina at Ortega Landing – Jacksonville, FL , USA

🇺🇸 Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor Marina – FL , USA

🇺🇸 Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. Simons Isl. – Georgia, USA

🇺🇸 Windmill Harbour Marina – Hilton Head South Carolina , USA

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah Georgia , USA

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA

🇺🇸 Holden Beach – Town Dock, North Carolina , USA

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina – Portsmouth, USA

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, USA

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, Virginia USA

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA

MARINA V&V - QUINTANA ROO 🇲🇽 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

18) PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS

• PREDICT WIND
• SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
• HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
• HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
• YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS
• FLOR DE CAÑA
• SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
• WESTMARINE PRO
• SAILMAIL
• CHRIS PARKER - MARINE WEATHER CENTER
• SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
• DOWNWIND MARINE
• BELIZE TOURISM
• PANAMA YACHT BROKER
• LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
• DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
• SHELTER ISLAND INFLATABLES

19) PANAMA CANAL AGENT
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

20) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION

Vicente’s Moorings – Acapulco – Mexico

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

Pacific Posse

Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

LAST IMAGE

ocean posse llc | panama posse communications
@ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117 USA

© 2022 Ocean Posse LLC

PANAMA POSSE

FLEET UPDATE

May 6th, 2023

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

TOP NEWS

• PICTURES OF THE WEEK
  
• PANAMA POSSE AWARDS PARTY 🎆
• PANAMA POSSE TRANSITION: FROM SEASON 6 TO SEASON
  
• SEASON 6 REFLECTIONS FROM SY FREEDOM
  
• BOAT YOGA AND BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT ENTRIES
  
• EMMY KATE GOES THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL 🇵🇦
• TURTLE CAY MARINA 🇵🇦 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE
  
• GOOD NAUTICAL ANCHORAGE ISLAS SECAS 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA
• OPENCPN RELEASES UPDATED VERSION
  
• GOING UP! FROM SEA LEVEL TO 4000M; BREATHTAKING CULTURE FOUND IN QUITO 🇪🇨 ECUADOR
  
• LAND TRIP TO THE FLOR DE CAÑA DISTILLERY EL VIEJO 🇳🇮 NICRAGUA
• MAY DEALS FROM MARINEU
  
• MEET BOAT DOG SOPHIE
  
• MUST SEE: LA RUTA DEL CAFÉ CHIAPAS, 🇲🇽 MEXICO
  

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

"Land Ho" 🇨🇷 Costa Rica

SY SALACIA 🇺🇸 Peter and Donna - Santa Cruz 53'

Flor de Caña distillery tour in Chichigalpa, 🇳🇮 Nicaragua

SY FIREFLY 🇺🇸 Brenda & Ted - Catalina 47′

Pathfinder officially cleared into Port in Puerto Amistad, 🇪🇨 Ecuador

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′

PUERTO AMISTAD MARINA🇪🇨 ECUADOR
SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Cleared out of Chiapas, heading to Costa Rica.

It is Bittersweet leaving the community of cruisers in Chiapas, 🇲🇽 Mexico

SY 🇺🇸 ROCHAMBEAU – Bev and Rolf – Lagoon 39′

Traded Palms for Pines! Hilton Head SC.🇺🇸 USA

SY DA MMAD CAT 🇺🇸 Andrea & Danny - Lagoon 42'

2) SAVE THE DATE

PANAMA POSSE 🇵🇦 AWARDS PARTY

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023 16:00 – 22:00

VISTA MAR MARINA

End of season award celebrations will be held at Vista Mar Marina

@ Panama Posse Pacific Headquarters

Sunday May 21st 16:00 – 22:00

AWARD CATEGORIES

• BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
• PICTURE OF THE YEAR
• YODA OF THE YEAR
• SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
• THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
• MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
• HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
• SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
• 2 X GALLEY GOD(ESS) ✔
• GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
• BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
• COURAGE AWARD

*no bill-fish entries ✔winner announced already

Vista Mar Marina, 🇵🇦 PANAMA

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK:

MAY: THE RAINY SEASON BEGINS

First rain for Navigator since November. Now in 🇵🇦 Panama

MV NAVIGATOR 🇺🇸 Dave - Nordhavn 46′

Rain in Santa Marta 🇨🇴 Columbia. Barley see the Cruise Ship that is in Port today.

SY TOKETEE 🇺🇸 Dar, Diane, & Kimberly - Skookum 53′

4) PANAMA POSSE TRANSITION

🚩

FROM SEASON 6 TO SEASON 7

Lucky number 7 is nearly upon us as the Posse nears the transition from Season 6 to Season 7. June is our official overlap month when all systems (chats, tracking, etc…) and benefits (marina discounts, good nautical access, etc…) are available to all members that have been a part of Season 6 and new members signing on with the Posse for Season 7.

Season 7 registration fee is $299 for new participants. There is a $50 discount for all prior participants who renew in June for $ 249.

As of July 5th Season 7 begins. Be sure to renew by July 4th 2023. Current Posse members that renew in June will enjoy the greatest discount and find their access to exclusive Posse systems and benefits uninterrupted. We are continuing to expand our relationships with sponsors, vendors, and service providers along the route and in the boating world to make the Panama Posse membership valuable to those who explore this amazing route.

or to join the Panama Posse for the '23-24 season....

5) REFLECTIONS ON SEASON 6
FROM SY FREEDOM:

The Panama Posse began as a resource…Having never “Cruised”, we set out to move our boat from Southern CA to Southern FL, with 4.5 months to prepare. The Panama Posse website was and continues to be an amazing source of information. From logistics planning, understanding country procedures, access to additional resources for anchorages, marinas, and tours; the website is the most comprehensive tool we have found when planning our trip. The San Diego Launch party was the first of many opportunities to meet fellow cruisers, that are now lifelong friends. As we left southern CA, the information and contacts made through the line app was incredibly valuable. With boats in front and behind us sharing information, we always seemed to have information delivered to us with impeccable timing. Although much of this was available on the website, it was efficiently delivered as we approached our next location through the shared real-time experiences of other members.

What the Posse has become for us is an incredible group of people that have shared experiences, meals, cocktails and much more together. When members needed help, information or services, the group was incredibly responsive with providing options. Boaters in general have a Corinthian spirit. This group takes that to a whole new level. With each member planning their trip/adventure according to their specific needs/schedule, it allows a much larger group to be involved with broader perspectives and value. You can participate in as much or little as you desire. Although, the interactions online and meeting other Posse members was one of our favorite memories of the season resulting in. So so many new friends, with similar interests and experiences. We are still not fulltime cruisers, but plan to spend time exploring the Bahamas, Florida Keys and East Coast over the next few years.

We hope to continue building relationships and knowledge through the Panama Posse!

SY FREEDOM 🇺🇸 Dave & Sheri - Beneteau 55′

6) PANAMA POSSE TWO ENTRIES INTO BOAT YOGA AWARDS

How did you get here?

SY YO-D-YO 🇺🇸 David & Mary - Hunter 45'

Not your standard inverted yoga pose, but clearly working the balance.

SY ENJOY 🇺🇸 Don & Nina -Lagoon 42′

7) ENTRY INTO BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT

When one really DOESN’T want a contender for biggest fish caught!

This catch bent our gaff! This was a catch and release (alive).

SV SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn - Antares 44'

8) EMMY KATE GOES THROUGH THE 🇵🇦 PANAMA CANAL

Standing by in one of the locks

Stress Free Transit

Mario, one of our professional line handlers, actually caught a fish IN the Lock!

SY EMMY KATE 🇺🇸 Eric and Sharon - Lagoon 40'

9) TURTLE CAY MARINA 🇵🇦 PANAMA

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Turtle Cay Marina, closest to the San Blas Islands in 🇵🇦 Panama

Turtle Cay Marina is in an eco friendly, private coconut finca,

secured by a guarded gate.

The marina has 70 fully functional slips up to 120 feet with 100 amp pedestals for yachts, sailboats and catamarans, with view to the beautiful virgin beaches of the Panama caribbean, only 30 miles away from San Blas! This first phase has been developed with a 10-feet short canal access and is surrounded by coral reefs, mountains and tropical flora and fauna.

• fresh water
• free Wi-Fi
• fuel dock
• haul out area
• yacht club
• beach bar
• restaurant
• laundry room
• bathrooms
• white sandy beaches
• crystal clear ocean water
• taxi service
• 24-hour security & much more.

Ten reasons for choosing Turtle Cay Marina 🇵🇦 Panama

1. 15 % discounts on slips; or stay 4 nights, pay for 3
2. Long term discounts of at least 15 %, depending on length of stay
3. 15 % discount on metered electric service
4. Free delivery service to your yacht from Panama City
5. Unlimited use of our large shower- change- bathrooms and full coin operated laundry
6. Unlimited use of our covered social area and B-B-Q
7. Free unlimited use of our beaches, beach huts and bath rooms
8. Free unlimited use of our fresh water swimming pools except Saturdays or Sundays (Unless you're a hotel guest)
9. 15 % discount on food and drinks at our restaurants
10. 15 % discount at our hotelPLUS personnel transfer service to or from Panama City or airport for $50. (Max. 3 persons)

10) GOOD ANCHORAGE
GOOD NAUTICAL

ISLA SECAS 🇵🇦 PANAMA

Isla Secas is a small archipelago located in Western Pacific - the Gulf of Chiriqui in Panama. The two largest and named islands in this group are Isla Cavada and Isla Pargo. There are several small unnamed islands that are easily explored from the anchorages off both named islands. These islands are remote, tropical, and exceptionally beautiful above and below the waterline.

Isla Seca Anchorage at nightfall, Pacific 🇵🇦 Panama

SY DIVERGENT 🇺🇸 Gary - Lagoon 420F’

11) OPENCPN RELEASES UPDATED VERSION 5.8.2

• Supports Multiple Chart Formats
• including MBTiles, BSB, S57, S63 chartsets.
• AIS input with full target-tracking and collision alerting.
• AIS support for SART with selectable MMSI for automatic MOB handling.
• AIS support for DSC and GPSGate buddies.
• Routes
• Route planning with tidal support.
• Built-in great-circle routing.
• Integrated weather routing plugin.
• 20+ languages supported.
• Performance
• OpenGL support for enhanced performance on modern hardware.
• GPS Tracking
• Route navigation with ship tracking functions.
• Waypoint navigation.
• Autopilot output support.
• Alarms
• Anchor watch/alarm functions.
• MOB Alarm with tracking.
• GRIB and GRIB2 file input and display for weather forecasting.
• NMEA Data
• Dashboard for configurable on-screen display of ship's NMEA data
• NMEA 0183 GPS interface at selectable baud rate
• Advance NMEA message handling structure with built-in multiplexer.
• Signal K network interface.
• Data Transfer
• GPX waypoints, Track and Route input and output file support.
• GPX Layers for annotation of charts.

Concise and robust Chart Plotter Navigation software

Designed to be used at the helm station of your boat while underway.

Chart a course and track your position right from your laptop.

https://opencpn.org/OpenCPN/info/downloads.html

12) GOING UP!

FROM SEA LEVEL TO 4000M

BREATHTAKING CULTURE FOUND IN QUITO 🇪🇨 ECUADOR

Anchorage in Puerto Amistad, Ecuador

Official arrival calls for celebration

The bus to the political and cultural center of Ecuador: Quito

We are grateful for every nautical mile that brought us here.

From 0 altitude to 4000 meters in a day has some special effects and wild views.

Some favorite adventures include:

Riding the Teleferico, or cable car, to the top of the city.

Swinging over the city at the top of the teleferico.

Reflection pool

Quito is known for well preserved historical landmarks

0º latitude Museum has fun experiments

The UNESCO Historical Center has beautiful buildings

Standing on the steps to a grand cathedral

Incredible and ornate Architecture

If you like art, the Guayasamin Foundation, is absolutely outstanding.

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′

13) LAND TRIP TO THE

FLOR DE CAÑA DISTILLERY

Another great day trip with our guide and now friend Luis at #Pinoleratoursnicaragua.

SY Firefly is currently touring various sites near marina Puesta del Sol in Nicaragua. Last week they visited the Flor de Caña distillery in nearby El Viejo. This award winning distiller has been in continuous operation since 1890. Their spirits are sugar free, gluten free, and kosher.

The Flor de Cana distillery offers private tours at $100 per person or group tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. The private tour go'ers also get a tasting of the 30 year aged rum.

Although we were in a group tour Flor de Caña provided an english speaking guide to accompany us. And, what a treat to meet Bryanna whose impeccable English and newfound knowledge of Flor de Caña as a new employee was a nice surprise. She is the recent recipient of a US scholarship for online study of English. You could tell she is a very excellent student by her near perfect English. I wish I could say my Spanish was half as good.

They reconstitute bourbon barrels from Kentucky which is my hometown, and also American whiskey distilleries. In this case she mentioned using Jack Daniels barrels.

Flor de Caña is a privately held family company currently in its 5th generation. The company provides heath care and education benefits to the families who work at with them. They are one of the most well regarded companies in Nicaragua.

SY FIREFLY 🇺🇸 Brenda & Ted - Catalina 47′

14) MAY DEALS FROM
🇵🇦

MARINEU.COM

Below is a bi-weekly special offer for Panama Posse Members

Online Store:

https://cuanto.app/marineg

Westland Mall Store:

#46, Door No.1, Arraiján

11am to 7pm daily

MarineU.com

Marineg, Westland Mall Local PA-M2, Arraiján, Panamá Oeste, Panama

office@contraincendio.co

15) MEET BOAT DOG SOPHIE
🇨🇷

ON HER PASSAGE TO COSTA RICA

Sophie on patrol between Mexico and Costa Rica

Cacao fruit treats on passage look like scooby snacks.

Resting during a ruff day on passage to Costa Rica

Costa Rican shores are calling....Yeehaw!

Once the anchor is down Sophie gets her exercise in the water

SY ROCHAMBEAU 🇺🇸 Bev and Rolf – Lagoon 39′

16) PANAMA POSSE SWAG

PANAMA POSSE CAPTAINS HAT BLACK WITH ROYAL NAVY VISOR

CLASSIC CAPTAIN FLAT BRIM

PANAMA POSSE SWAG

17) ⚠️ SECURITY UPDATE

IN COLOMBIA 🇨🇴 FOR MARITIME EMERGENCIES DIAL

146

IN CASE OF ANY MARITIME EMERGENCY IN COLOMBIAN WATERS
GET IN TOUCH WITH ANY OF THESE OFFICES VIA EMAIL

jefcp05@dimar.ml.co CARTAGENA
jefcp04@dimar.ml.co SANTA MARTA
jefcp03@dimar.ml.co BARRANQUILLA
jefcp07@dimar.ml.co SAN ANDRES

ofiregistro@dimar.mil.co

or dial 146

18) LA RUTA DEL CAFE,

TAPACHULA, CHIAPAS, 🇲🇽 MEXICO

TO HEAD OUT ON THIS DAY TRIP LEAVE EARLY FROM MARINA CHIAPAS WITH MIGUEL ANGEL OF DISCOVERY TOURS+52 962 133 6820 TOURSDISCOVERCHIAPAS@HOTMAIL.COM

The highlands where the coffee grows are stunning.

The coffee production in Mexico is the world’s 8th largest and is mainly concentrated to the south central to southern regions of the country. The coffee is mainly Arabica, and lately Robusta which grows particularly well in the coastal region of Soconusco, Chiapas, near the border of Guatemala.

ONCE A COFFEE PLANT IS MATURE, IT WILL PRODUCE FLOWERS;

THIS NORMALLY HAPPENS SHORTLY AFTER HEAVY RAINFALL.

...AND THEN, AFTER THE FLOWERS, COMES THE CHERRIES.

Only the ripe cherries are harvested and they are picked individually by hand. Pickers rotate among the trees every eight to ten days, choosing only the cherries which are at the peak of ripeness. It usually takes two to four years after planting for a coffee plant to produce coffee beans that are ripe enough to harvest. The plant eventually grows small white blossoms that drop and are replaced by green berries. These green berries will become a deep red color as they ripen. It takes about 9 months for the green cherries to reach their deepest red color. Because this kind of harvest is labor-intensive, and thus more costly, it is used primarily to harvest the finer arabica beans.

After harvest, Coffee cherries are laid out in the sun to dry before being roasted or.....

.....beans are put in a 100 year old coffee bean drying machine.

This machine is belt driven and uses water as the source of energy to run.

Last week a tour of 15 cruisers visited la Ruta del Cafe.

La Ruta del Cafe includes tours of Fincas that grow, harvest, roast, and sell coffee.

https://panamaposse.com/la-ruta-del-cafe

19) 70+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇲🇽 Marina Coral, Ensenada – Mexico

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico

🇲🇽 PANAMA POSSE HQ – Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico

🇲🇽 La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – Mexico

🇬🇹 Marina Pez Vela – Guatemala

🇸🇻 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

🇨🇷 Marina Bahia Golfito – Costa Rica

🇨🇷 Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – Colombia

🇯🇲 Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Jamaica

🇯🇲 Errol Flynn Marina – Jamaica

🇯🇲 Montego Bay Yacht Club –Jamaica

🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina –Cayman Islands

🇭🇳 Barefoot Cay Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Fantasy Island Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan – Honduras

🇬🇹 Marina Nana Juana Resort & Boatyard – Guatemala

🇧🇿 Thunderbirds Marine – Placencia – Belize

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina El Cid – Cancún – Riviera Maya – Mexico

🇨🇺 Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo – Cuba

🇹🇨 South Bank Marina & Boatyard – Turks and Caicos

🇧🇸 Romora Bay Resort and Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Elizabeth on the Bay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys

🇺🇸 Pier 66 Hotel & Marina – Ft. Lauderdale, USA

🇺🇸 IGY Marina at Ortega Landing – Jacksonville, FL , USA

🇺🇸 Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor Marina – FL , USA

🇺🇸 Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. Simons Isl. – Georgia, USA

🇺🇸 Windmill Harbour Marina – Hilton Head South Carolina , USA

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah Georgia , USA

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA

🇺🇸 Holden Beach – Town Dock, North Carolina , USA

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina – Portsmouth, USA

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, USA

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, Virginia USA

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA

MONTEGO BAY YACHT CLUB 🇯🇲 JAMAICA
SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

20) PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS

• PREDICT WIND
• SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
• HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
• HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
• YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS
• FLOR DE CAÑA
• SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
• WESTMARINE PRO
• SAILMAIL
• CHRIS PARKER - MARINE WEATHER CENTER
• SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
• DOWNWIND MARINE
• BELIZE TOURISM
• PANAMA YACHT BROKER
• LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
• DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
• SHELTER ISLAND INFLATABLES

21) PANAMA CANAL AGENT
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

22) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION

Vicente’s Moorings – Acapulco – Mexico

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

Pacific Posse

Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

23) LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Most curious phenomenon we encountered off the coast of La Paz, 🇲🇽 Mexico.

This turtle sought refuge among floating debris and line. At first we thought it was entangled. We then saw a school of sharks circling underneath, and some scar marks on its hind quarters. It was trying to escape them! When we came close, it swam towards us! Hopefully, we scared the sharks away!

SV SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn - Antares 44'

close to 70 longline encounters this season

ocean posse llc | panama posse communications
@ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117 USA

© 2022 Ocean Posse LLC

PANAMA POSSE

FLEET UPDATE

APRIL 29, 2023

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

- Albert Einstein

TOP NEWS

• PICTURES OF THE WEEK
• MEET THE FLEET: SY QUESO GRANDE
• PANAMA POSSE AWARDS PARTY
• EMERGENCY NUMBERS & GREEN ZONES IN PANAMA
• NICARAGUA, COLUMBIA, HONDURAS: PIRATE ALLEY
• AWARD ENTRIES: COURAGE AWARD AND MOST UNINVITED VISITORS
• SOLO SEA TRIAL TO CUBA
• TRANSITIONING FROM SEASON 6 TO SEASON 7
• BLUE MARLIN COVE RESORT & MARINA 🇧🇸 BAHAMAS
• BAHIA SANTA ELENA 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA
• FOOD FESTIVALS IN 🇧🇿 BELIZE LOBSTERFEST &CACAOFEST
• THE BARREL OF HOPE
• LAND TRIP: PUERTO MADERO THREE PART TOUR IN CHIAPAS 🇲🇽 MEXICO
• CINCO DE MAYO: HISTORY, SIGNIFICANCE & CELEBRATION
• SY PATHFINDER CROSSES THE EQUATOR
• MUST SEE: FORT JEFFERSON AND THE DRY TORTUGAS

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Bahia del Sol Pool Party, 🇸🇻 El Salvador

Panama Posse and more: Bill and Jean, Britt and Matt (boat sitting), Kate and George from Isidore, Robin and Tad from Bisou, Steve from Oz, Larry and Sandra from Lady Kate, Francois, Marjolaine, Victor, Paul and Shihiro from Do The Thing. MIA Pamela and Henry from Rapscullion

Isla Taboga north anchorage, 🇵🇦 PANAMA

SY DIVERGENT - Gary 🇺🇸 Lagoon 420F’

Sharing a sip of Champagne with King Neptune at the Equator

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′

Happy campers in Bahia Honda with their new fishing gear, and candy.

MY SEEKER 🇺🇸 John & Tammy– Selene 62′

2)MEET THE FLEET
⛵

SY QUESO GRANDE

Surfing into El Salvador

Toasting their Arrival in Bahia Del Sol, 🇸🇻 El Salvador

Lance:

I grew up in Florida operating the family’s fishing boats in both coastal and off shore environments since the early 1980’s. This valuable Florida coastal and off-shore experience is where I grew the roots of my nautical expertise and passion for the sea. I gained additional fishing boat ownership and experience in the upper mid-west on the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, ICW, and Gulf of Mexico as well as other navigable waterways while living in Minnesota for several years before moving to Seattle and the Puget Sound.

Sherri:

I have a passion for nature and the water and started sailing in a large lake in Texas on J-boats with tillers when the ocean called. I then advanced to crewing for 14 days on a Sunsail 41 in Croatia and then again in Corsica. Since 2017, I have sailed extensively in the Pacific Northwest while recently circumnavigating Vancouver Island with over 2000NM logged since talking ownership of Queso Grande II.

SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri - Seawind 41′

3) SAVE THE DATE
PANAMA POSSE 🇵🇦 AWARDS PARTY

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023 16:00 - 22:00

VISTA MAR MARINA

End of season award celebrations will be held at Vista Mar Marina

@ Panama Posse Pacific Headquarters

Sunday May 21st 16:00 - 22:00

AWARDS GO TO:

• BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
• PICTURE OF THE YEAR
• YODA OF THE YEAR
• SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
• THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
• MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
• HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
• SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
• 2 X GALLEY GOD(ESS) ✔
• GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
• BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
• COURAGE AWARD
• *no bill-fish entries ✔winner announced already

Vista Mar Marina, 🇵🇦 PANAMA

4) EMERGENCY NUMBERS 🇵🇦 IN PANAMA

Thanks to Erick Galvez Canal Agent extraordinaire and longterm sponsor of the Panama Posse for being at every meeting with the Panamanian authorities. If you have an emergency in Panama onboard your vessel he is a great resource.

FROM A NON PANAMANIAN PHONE / SIM CARD / VOIP

DIAL +507 520 6017 to SPEAK WITH AERONAVAL

FROM A PANAMANIAN PHONE / SIM CARD 🇵🇦
DIAL 108 to SPEAK WITH AERONAVAL

The US Government back in September 2021 donated a Boston Whaler patrol and search boat to SENAN, to support the fight against crime.

Our Goal with the PANAMA SECURITY FORUM is to define the location of SAFE AREAS FOR YACHTS IN PANAMA LAS PERLAS. Safe areas are areas which can receive immediate support by local authorities using the number above and receive support within a short period of time.

5) NICARAGUA 🇳🇮 COLOMBIA 🇨🇴 HONDURAS 🇭🇳
🏴‍☠️
PIRATE ALLEY

Northeast Coast of Nicaragua and Honduras

In the recent decade criminal elements have boarded, held at gunpoint and ransacked vessels passing through this region. The chart above is a composite of incidents between 2014 and 2020 for the area from the Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN), linked here at https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/. Red pins represent attacks, and yellow pins represent attempted attacks.

INFORMATION FROM SY MILAGRO for YACHTS TRANSITING NICARAGUA - HONDURAS-COLOMBIAN caribbean coast

Official Colombian Border according to Cancilleria.gov.co (International relations Ministrey of Colombia)

Following the incident on April 20th 2023, where 2 sailing vessels transiting north from Providencia Island were apparently harassed by a fishing boat this information might be of help of Sailing Vessels transiting the area.

Keep in mind the incident happened in Honduran Waters just north of the Nicaraguan/Colombian/Honduran Border. Suspected to be perpetuated by Nicaraguan fishing vessel.

The incident has been reported to the Colombian authorities. So IF you have any issues in the area you MUST report it officially and extended (Full Version) to the Colombian Navy. ANY incident makes a difference in the court case that is currently ongoing between Colombia and Nicaragua and helps with the security of not just yachters but that of legitimate fisherman who are being harassed sometimes as well. Its all important that ANY incident is reported as it helps the Colombian government show that the criminality is not looked after by the Nicaraguan

Authorities and Colombia wants proper control of the sea again.

Although the “attacks” are not Territorial or Politically based, its is good to share the following information. Colombia and Nicaragua at the moment (April 2023) are having some political disputes that go back to the year 2001. It is an ongoing case in international court in The Netherlands, there has been a dispute over the sovereignty of the archipelago and the territorial waters of Nicaragua and Colombia. A first court decision has been ruled in favor of Colombia, officially remaining with control over all the “land” in the archipelago including the sand banks but the territorial sea of Colombian has been reduced considerably.

Although the first decision has been ruled, Colombia has presented an appeal on the court’s decision and considered the case still not final so Colombian Government still considers the border to be the meridian 82 that extends over the Nicaraguan Border. Therefore; the area has constant surveillance by the Colombian Navy

PINK:
New Nicaraguan Platform according to “Int. Court’s decision”

DARK BLUE:
Common Waters Jamaica, Colombia.

LIGHT BLUE:
Colombian Territorial Waters

GREEN LINE:
Previous Colombian Territorial Waters

Serrenilla Bank 🇨🇴 Colombia is in Good Nautical (SW CORNER)

There is a Colombian Army station in Serrenilla, 15 48.39N 79 51.17W but its not an actual port, has soldiers stationed there. There is a Frigate that is constantly patrolling the area. This Frigate has a helicopter onboard as well as fast boats. Any boat being harassed should contact the Operations Center of the Colombian Army in San Andres. As soon as you are close or in their jurisdiction, they will actually dispatch the helicopter if necessary. Its suggested to stay East of the Seranilla Bank as this way you remain in Colombian waters and the Colombian Navy (Armada Nacional de Colombia) can assist.

If you are leaving Providencia, or making landfall from the North into Providencia, its advised by the Colombian Navy that we report to them your intentions and cruising plan. (see contacts below) There is a report system established for the Colombian fisherman in the area, this allows the Colombian Navy to have the Map of the boats in the area, their locations and intentions. Reporting usually happens at 0600 and 1700. Contact the operations center and tell them you want to be added to the reporting Roster. If you are in need for shelter or anchor in Serranilla, it is possible. You cannot go inland, but you are welcome to anchor for a night or two to rest before continuing your journey. If you get close enough, they will contact you on your VHF 16, or, respectfully call them first and ask for authorization to anchor. Let you know your intentions.

They will give you further instructions.

Also, it may not appeal to all, but they suggest to keep our AIS on so marine control can track us while transiting the area.

Phone numbers/ Email to Note

P7 is the Control tower of the Area in San Andres Archipelago and are capable of dispatch resources to assist

+57 310 476 3697 if you only have email communication or text based comms while underway, ( inReach or other) its suggested when you call them to advise, and ask to be put on the reporting schedule, to get a current and relevant email address or a text available number. We were given this email in April 2023 ectmcp07@dimar.mil.co

COSAI is the Ops center of the San Andres Archipelago Armada
available 24/7/365

+57 321 648 6791 gcosai@armada.mil.co

CP12 is Providencia Port Control

+57 311 5310011 jefcp12@dimar.mil.co

In April 2023 a cruiser was told to send an email to the following email address to advise of their route and sail plan including their AIS/MMSI number for tracking

Ectmcp07@dimar.mil.co

Cntvm.egsai@armada.mil.co

gcsai@armada.mi.co

Please check the Caribbean Safety and Security Net prior to departure and report any unusual activity website at https://safetyandsecuritynet

A link to one of the boats blog from the April 2023 encounter

https://dterry1108.wixsite.com/sailingjosephine/post/attempted-piracy-off-the-nicaraguan-coast

Hopefully this information is helpful to all and that we soon can transit safely again. SV MILAGRO

6) AWARD ENTRIES

ENTRY INT0 THE 2022- 2023 Panama posse

COURAGE AWARD

SY CONSTELLATION for dealing with an armed assault and robbery in the Las Perlas and providing local authorities with evidence and working with law enforcement of Panama to find the culprits and help make Panama safer for all cruisers -

FOR YOUR PERSEVERANCE AND STRENGTH

SY CONSTELLATION 🇺🇸 Cory & Chris& Stella – Freedom 45′

7) ENTRY INT0 THE 2022- 2023 PANAMA POSSE
🐊

MOST UNINVITED VISITORS

The Winlass was a little constricted with this uninvited visitor on the scene.

MY SEEKER 🇺🇸 John & Tammy– Selene 62′

8) SEA TRIAL 🇨🇺 CUBA

After receiving authorization as required for American citizens and vessels, we arrived at Marina Hemingway on April 14th. The approach to the marina is quite easy. I recommend the Addison Chan Cuba Waterway guide which was spot on for navigation and also provides information regarding obtaining authorization from US officials.

Unfortunately “tourism” is not an accepted reason to come but “for the benefit of the Cuban people” is. Be sure to give sufficient time after you apply for US officials to reply. Our reply took about 3 weeks.

Upon arrival at Marina Hemingway, one pulls up to the immigration dock to begin a 90 min + check in process. Everyone was very friendly and, while time consuming, the process was painless. We have a small dog which required nothing more than current vaccination certificates and a quick exam by the vet who comes to the boat.

The marina consists of 4 long channels about 100'. Our boat is 60’ long and when we left we had to turn around mid channel as there is no turning basin at the end. Everyone side ties but must be careful of rocks jutting out 3’ from the side wall perhaps 5’ below the water line especially if you have stabilizer fins like our big Nordhavn! There are modern electrical pedestals with very good power. Water (which is potable) on the other hand came on for perhaps only an hour daily. There are some shops within the marina but they were all closed during our stay so plan to bring what you need. Although we didn’t purchase any, fuel was available at around $4.00/gal (despite the shortage for the locals who get it at subsidized prices).

There is another Marina as well: Marina Gaviota. Unfortunately, Americans are only to use it to check in/out and for fuel. Americans are not permitted to stay at this marina. For people of other nationalities the facilities look nice. Canadians are welcome. Marina Gaviota was built in 2018 by a European company apparently in anticipation of the embargo being lifted or at least eased under Obama (who was here with The Rolling Stones in 2019). The marina is huge and will accommodate up to 1000 boats mostly in a med moor configuration. Each slip has a top of the line pedestal for power and water and floating buoy to moor to. Because the use of the marina is restricted, the marina is mostly empty except for perhaps a dozen (if that) transient boats mostly Canadian.

Taxies into Havana (old town and the area by the National Hotel) are almost always available. If not, the marina can find someone for about $20.00 for the 30 min ride. Once you have a driver, he will become your “best friend” while there. Keep his name and number.

Hemingway’s favorite bars for Mojitos, La Bodeguita and Daiquiris, El Floridita!

Local currency (Cuban Pesos) can be changed “officially” at the rate of 120/$1 USD but most taxi drivers will exchange “unofficially” at $170-175 /$1 USD. Be careful on the street as this is not strictly legal.

Your marina bill, however, can only be paid at the official rate in dollars on a credit card (no cash) and US credit cards do not work in Cuba. Upon checkout, the marina will “find” a credit card belonging to someone to whom you pay USD cash who puts the bill on their card probably earning a small commission in the process. This was all done through marina officials and paid receipts provided. When in Rome!

When in Havana, dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Exchange perhaps $100 to have a bit of local currency and more if you need to later. Also come stocked with groceries as finding groceries is very difficult.

While we were inspected by agriculture, they did not take anything so long as we promised to keep all fresh food/eggs on board. A small “tip” was perhaps instrumental in this regard. Note that everyone (officials included) appreciated “tips” so bring some “extra” $5s and $10s.

Also, if possible, stop at a dollar store in the US and bring plenty of small items for the locals. Toothpaste, deodorant, soap, Tylenol type pills, coloring books and crayons, and any similar items are much appreciated as these items are simply not available.

David Solo is with Toni Solo in Vinales Valley. Pinar Del Rio Provence

Havana is a very safe city. Obviously use common sense and wandering late at night down dark alleys is not recommended. Nevertheless, there is minimal crime based on my own observations and what we were told by locals. There are some amazing restaurants in Havana.

La Guarida in an old building on the rooftop was amazing. Google TripAdvisor or Yelp for many others. There are a lot of embassies you will drive past on the ride from the marina into the city which probably support these places along with the tourists who fly in daily from Florida for 24 hour tours.

Seeing the sights both with and with out a guide was easy and well worth the small hassles of getting here. Note that there is a fuel shortage so do not try to rent a car. There are long lines for gas lasting up to 48 hours and a 40 ltr limit! We hired an amazing guide who was recommended in Florida. His name is Ornelio; his contact is +53 5 2732440. Ornelio speaks fluent English and I highly recommend him. He will arrange a restored 1950s Chevy with driver for a reasonable fee and provide plenty of interesting information about the people and country. You can contact him in advance on WhatsApp.

We spent 1/2 day touring Havana and a full day to the Vinalas tobacco region about 3 hours outside of Havana.

Vinales Valley. Pinar Del Rio Provence

Wandering Havana was also a highlight. Be sure not to miss Ernest Hemingway’s two favorite bars, La Bodeguita for Mojitos and El Floridita for Daiquiris. After knocking back 4 or 5 Mojitos at La Bodeguita I don’t exactly recall El Floridita (but my wife tells me it was fun)!

Plan on an entire day (or two) wandering Old Town Havana and be sure to check out the National Hotel which feels like stepping back into the 1950s. Go downstairs to the cigar bar for some good deals on tobacco products.

I can’t say enough about the Cuban people. The officials to the taxi drivers are uniformly friendly and will go out of their way to help you if they can. They are, through no fault of their own, living a very difficult life and doing their best. Cuba is described to us by almost everyone here a “complicated” and based on my limited time here I agree. Nevertheless, it is well worth the visit so long as you come without unrealistic expectations.

Cuba is described to us by almost everyone here a “complicated” and based on my limited time here I agree.

Nevertheless, it is well worth the visit so long as you come without unrealistic expectations.

SY SEA TRIAL 🇺🇸 David, Toni & Crew - Nordhavn 55′

9) PANAMA POSSE TRANSITION
🚩

FROM SEASON 6 TO SEASON 7

Lucky number 7 is nearly upon us as the Posse nears the transition from Season 6 to Season 7. June is our official overlap month when all systems (chats, tracking, etc...) and benefits (marina discounts, good nautical access, etc...) are available to all members that have been a part of Season 6 and new members signing on with the Posse for Season 7.

Season 7 registration fee is $299 for new participants. There is a $50 discount for all prior participants who renew in June for $ 249.

As of July 5th Season 7 begins. Be sure to renew by July 4th 2023. Current Posse members that renew in June will enjoy the greatest discount and find their access to exclusive Posse systems and benefits uninterrupted. We are continuing to expand our relationships with sponsors, vendors, and service providers along the route and in the boating world to make the Panama Posse membership valuable to those who explore this amazing route.

PANAMA POSSE PERKS

✔️ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts

📊 Focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice

💰 Save real money at 75 Marinas with discounts

🛰️ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind

🚩 Free Burgee - while supplies last

💰 Save with service many providers and chandleries

🕵️ dedicated, experienced and discounted yacht agents

🗺️ Free aid to navigation 150 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android)

💰 Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount

💰 Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount

🗺️ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics

📹 Free Video Seminars on destinations and routes

🌩️ Top weather routing discount by Marine Weather Center

⛵ Community of voyagers all are welcome, kids, single-handers, pets

⚓ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures

🛈 Fleet Updates via email

🏆 Fun Award Categories

📍 Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL 550 + Anchorages

☎️ Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group

💬 24/7 LINE group channel

🌊 Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants

🔭 Be part of a fleet of sensor for those who come behind you or meet

🚷 Always priority traffic – for participants by participants

a.m.o. >>

Season 7 Burgess will be available in October

10) BLUE MARLIN COVE RESORT & MARINA 🇧🇸 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

26° 39.1516′ N 078° 56.5416′ W

Blue Marlin Cove Resort and Marina offers a great discount to visiting Panama Posse boats:$1.00 per ft of our normal rate of $2.99 per ft. for the Panama Posse.

CONTACT

Kenneth W. Carter

Blue Marlin Cove & Resort & Marina

General Manager/ Owner Representative

M +1 251 767 9989

Frt. Desk: 1-242-349-4101

A 1 Bootle Bay, West End,, Bootle Bay West End, Bahamas

E general@bluemarlincove.com

AMENITIES

• 45 Slips
• Draft : 5 ft
• LOA : 80
• WiFi : Free
• AMP : 30/50
• Fuel On-site : Fuel/Diesel 7500 gallons Brand New Tanks 2018
• Ice
• Diving
• Tackle Bait
• Fitness Center
• Car, Cart & Bike Rentals
• Restaurant
• Bar
• BBQ Picnic Area