FLEET UPDATE 2023-12-31

Panama Posse
 An extremely attractive 1745 map of the Mexican harbor of Zihuatanejo Bay by George Anson.

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

DECEMBER 31, 2023

May 2024 take you, your crew and your ship to places you’ve never been before. 
Cheers to great friendships, unforgettable voyages with Neptune's blessings.

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7:  Registration Is Open  248 Yachts from 23 Ensigns Signed Up !
  • Season 7  Posse Seminars and Events Past and Future
  • Award Nominations: Pictures and Biggest Fish Caught 🇵🇦
  • SY ZEPHYR crosses the Panama Canal 🇵🇦
  • Humpback Whale Season in Banderas Bay 🇲🇽 
  • Smithsonian Tropical Research Station in Panama 🇵🇦
  • Fort George Cay Turks and Caicos
  • Good Nautical: Coco Bandera San Blas, Panama 🇵🇦
  • Bahia Tenacatita, So much to do 🇲🇽 
  • Meet the Fleet: SY TIAMAT
  • Safety Seminar: Fire Safety and Storage of Lithium Battery Powered Craft and Items
  • Lamanai, Belize 🇧🇿
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

248 Yachts are signed up from 23 ensigns

  JOIN THE POSSE 

vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Dock party moved on to SY Carinthia w/ Celt, Maison de Sante, Second Wind & Galatea

SY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸
Maxi, Suzanne, Friends of Laurin, Sarah, Gerry, Laurin, Dietmar Dirends
of Laurin, Nicole, Keenan, Angela, Elsie, Juno & Mark onboard - Lagoon 44′

Dietmar CARINTHIA suzanne CARINTHIA Maxi

Sunset over Tenacatita, 🇲🇽 

SY LOST PEARL 🇨🇦 Onno - Hardin 45′

ONNO
image

Great hammock spot off Isla Contadora in las Perlas, Panama 🇵🇦 

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan -  Cal 46'

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

2) ALL CAPTAINS AND CREW ARE INVITED 

FREE RUM + FOOD + FUN 

FIESTA NAUTICA CLUB DE PESCA 🇨🇴 CARTAGENA  

PANAMA POSSE JANUARY 20th 2024

SAILORS AND CRUISERS NETWORKING PARTY  

Panama Posse

SCHEDULE

14:00 – SEMINARS PANAMA POSSE & SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 

17:58 – INVOCATION OF THE FLEET

18:00 –  FOOD TASTING AND RUM BAR

18:45 – GALLEY GOD AWARD

20:00  – CUMBIA SALSA LATIN DANCE & THE PP PLAYLIST

LOCATION

CLUB DE PESCA @ the historic Fuerte de San Sebastián del Pastelillo >>

WHAT TO MAKE & BRING:

HERE IS THE LIST OF CULINARY DELIGHTS  

BRING ONE OF THESE ITEMS ON THE LIST 6-10 SERVINGS with Serving Spoons

YOU SHOULD MAKE ONE OF THESE DISHES & BRING WITH >>

NO CANNED FOOD –  NO POPCORN – NO CHIPS !

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

FREE RUM TO SHARE UNTIL WE RUN OUT

GRAN ARROZ WITH PORK, SAUSAGE OR CHICKEN GREAT TIMES FOR EVERYONE COURTESY OF CLUB DE PESCA 

MUSIC – THE PANAMA POSSE LATIN PLAYLIST !

   PLEASE RSVP AND FILL OUT THIS FORM  BELOW FOR YOUR ALL ACCESS WRISTBAND

RSVP NOW FOR THE CARTAGENA EVENT

Sailors will gather for a sure to be memorable event in Cartegena  🇨🇴  

3) 'TIS THE SEASON TO CELEBRATE

🎆 MORE IN PICTURES

CHRISTMAS TREE

A Sailing Family's Christmas tree in Mexico, 🇲🇽 

SY DO THE THING 🇨🇦 Marjolaine & Francois - Dufour 43'

AHOY DO THE THING Francois AHOY DO THE THING - Marjolaine
buenadventura in lights

Buenadventura Marina lit up for the holidays in Panama,  🇵🇦  

SY SECOND WIND 🇺🇸 Laurin - Tayana 37′

SECOND WIND Laurin

A Sandman sending cheer to all the snowmen up north!

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

JUBEL KyleJUBEL Leah

4) SEASON 7 AWARDS:

FIRST: PICTURE OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

Full moon rise over Tangolunda Bay, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 🇲🇽

SY BISOU 🇦🇺 Robin and Tad - Fountaine Pajot 44′

BISOU Robin BISOU Tad

Sunrise after crossing the Panama Canal...a new chapter begins

SY CHALLENGE 🇺🇸 Olivia & Jake - Sparksman & Stephens 64′

( please email your missing head shots to registration@panamaposse.com

SECOND : BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT NOMINATION

Leah's first fish....not bad, eh?

We're gonna need a bigger table.

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

JUBEL KyleJUBEL Leah
Flor de Caña Centenario 18 Year Old

ANNUAL AWARDS 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
  • GALLEY GOD(ESS) (on winner has been announced already )
  • GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
  • BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
  • COURAGE AWARD

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

SUBMIT ENTRIES ON THE LINE AP OR EMAIL TO EDITOR@PANAMAPOSSE.COM

Share the adventure

Share the joy

ARE YOU TRACKING ? 

one
of the many perks of the Panama Posse  is free tracking with
predict wind - please be sure to add your vessel to the free fleet
tracker >>
https://panamaposse.com/add-to-tracking

https://panamaposse.com/tracking

 
5) SEASON 7 
PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

wave
wave

(1) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 20 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For
those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in
full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and
culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

(2) OCEAN POSSE PARTY PANAMA + SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 

FLEET MEET UP

SAT. FEB 3 '24
SHELTER BAY MARINA 
🇵🇦  PANAMA

SAT Feb 3, 2024 Sheleter BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

IMPORTANT:
This event is in the middle of high season.  The Shelter Bay
Marina will be near capacity  so make reservations early.
Additionally, we are also going to organize a shuttle bus to get
folks to this event from alternate locations.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: 

Juanjo Boschetti

Juanjo Boschetti - GM juanjo@shelterbaymarina.com
Tel (+507) 433-3581

RSVP FOR CARI
Shelter Bay

(3) PANAMA POSSE AWARDSFUN ACTIVITIES, GOLF, POOL, DJ LOUNGE, + MARINE EXPO 

SAT. MAY 11 '24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

SAT May 10-12, 2024 BUENAVENTURA MARINA 🇵🇦 PANAMA YACHT FEST

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama.
The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City
and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast
of Panama.

Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

Cesar Ramos

Cesar  - Marina Manager
cesar@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  

RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
Buenaventura

SAVE THE DATE 
 PANAMA POSSE BELIZE YACHT FEST 
APRIL 6 2024

Placencia Yacht Club

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 
@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

Placencia Yacht Club

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

>> RSVP HERE <<

Placencia Yacht Club

CONTACT

 Beat,  Caroline, dogs & Heyson Garcia - 
YES PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB IS UBER DOG FRIENDLY 

Beat & Caroline>

We,
Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich are running this place since January
2021. We moved from Switzerland to Belize in 2019 and found this
treasure while looking for a dock for our yacht.

Simplicity on a high level is our aim and to make our guests happy.

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

📍 SAFE APPROACH 

SAFE APPROACH

SAVE APPROACH   @ 16° 29.9333′ N 088° 20.9266' W

Placencia Yacht Club

The dock, dock bar and bay are waiting for you !

BELIZE

6) PANAMA POSSE VESSEL SY ZEPHYR

CROSSES JOYOUSLY THROUGH THE 🌉 PANAMA CANAL

PANAMA POSSE ZEPHYE CANAL CROSSING

SY ZEPHYR and friends from SY EYRA crossed the Panama Canal in December

canal line handlers

Hired Line Handlers for the 12 hour day...they were amazing!

big ship in canal

Sharing the locks with the BIG boats!

All in time for Christmas on the Pacific Side of Panama.

SV ZEPHYR 🇺🇸 Laura & Chris - Lagoon 45′

ZEPHYR Chris ZEPHYR Laura

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures on the water SY ZEPHYR!

 SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES  
is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, your
breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group
communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email
Maurisa at
editor@panamaposse.com
to share in the upcoming newsletter.  Maurisa is a sailor among
us.  She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse.
 

SY FIN 🇺🇸 Michael & Susan- Lagoon 450F 45′

FINFIN

7) HUMPBACK SEASON IN BANDERAS BAY 🇲🇽 MEXICO 
  

Plenty of humpback whales in the Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta

SY QUICK 🇨🇴 Mark & Dawn - Jeanneau 54′

QUICK QUICK

Humpback
whales migrate to Banderas bay and Mexican mainland coastal bays to the
north and south during the northern hemisphere's winter months.  

They come from the cold waters off Alaska and Canada to the warmer waters 

off Mexico to breed and give birth.  

During
this time whales can be seen giving breaching, tail slapping, and fin
waving lessons to their newborns or putting on BIG splashy shows for
their friends or foes.  Humpback whales are singers and their song
can be heard up to 7 nm away.  Listen closely and you may even hear
their song through the hull of your boat.  

Thank you for sharing their grace with us SY QUICK! 

BOAT KIDS ON BOARD ?

🦸 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👦🏾 👦🏻  👧🏾 🧝 👧🏻 🧒👧🏽 👧 👦🏼🙎

Speaking of kids:  QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

How many Panama Posse boats are KID BOATS this season?  

send your reply to editor@panamaposse.com

8) FLAMENCO MARINA PANAMA 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

08° 54.8466′ N 079°31.2383′ W

marina

Captains and Skippers of the Panama and South Pacific Posse 

We
are going to offer you a discount on our rate for temporary stays. Each
participant must identify themselves in our office as part of their
team.

Stays must be reserved and are subject to dock availability.

window

CONTACT

Caridad Icaza / Gerente de Servicio al Cliente

Tel. 314-1980 / Cel. 6379-2780 / Isla Flamenco, Calzada de Amador

cicaza@fuerteamador.com

FLAMENCO MARINA

9) Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution 🇵🇦  
PANAMA CITY 

image

Located
alongside La Playita Marina and the Causeway in Panama City visitors
will find the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution.  There are
Sloths on the loose there...none moving too quickly of course.

A short daysail from Panama City and SY PATHFINDER is back on the hook beneath rainbows and among friends in the Perlas Islands.

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

PATHFINDER Jean-PhilippePATHFINDER Nicole

10) FORT GEORGE CAY 🇹🇨 TURKS AND CAICOS

21° 53.3083' N  072° 05.7233' W

Cannons 💣 in the water mark the site where Fort Saint George once stood.

Fort
George Cay (originally known as Fort St. George Cay) is a tiny scenic
island found between Parrot Cay and Dellis Cay. The island is
uninhabited and is popular with locals and visitors alike as a boat
cruise destination from Providenciales.

Fort
St. George Cay, located in the Turks and Caicos Islands, holds
significant appeal. This historical site served as a strategic outpost
during the 18th century, safeguarding maritime trade routes for the
British Empire. Today, it continues to attract sailors and adventure
seekers for several reasons:

The
well-preserved ruins of Fort St. George offer a glimpse into the
island's rich maritime history, making it a captivating destination for
history enthusiasts.

The
cay boasts stunning coastal views and pristine beaches, making it an
ideal stopover for sailors  in a serene environment.

The former site of Fort Saint George.

Spectacular
beaches are found on both sides of the island. On the western coast
near Pine Cay, a sand spit and sandbars have accreted, creating an
incredibly beautiful setting. On the eastern side and adjacent to Dellis
Cay, a less extensive yet equally beautiful beach can be found,
complete with casuarina trees for shade.

Fort George Cay is a protected historical site and a national park and it is illegal to take or damage any artifacts.

In
1795, a gun battery was constructed on the north end of the island by
Loyalist planters to defend against pirates, privateers, the French, and
Haitian revolutionaries. After a few years, the British took over the
fort. Today canons from these defenses could be seen in the shallow
water right off the beach. Archeological digs and studies that have
taken place on Fort George Cay have revealed some fascinating facts
about the fort and the cay. It appears that the island has suffered from
serious erosion, losing an estimated 150 feet (46 m) over the last two
hundred years, and that fortifications actually used to stand where the
canons are found today in the ocean.

During
the American Revolutionary War, not all of the colonists fought against
Britain, and those who supported the King were called Loyalists, or
Tories. After the war and their expulsion from the United States, some
Loyalists were granted land in other British territories and colonies as
compensation for their losses in the Thirteen Colonies. Wade Stubbs, a
landowner in America, was one of them. 

The Story of Wade Stubbs

Originally
from Cheshire County in England, Wade Stubbs emigrated to Florida, near
St. Augustine. After the conclusion of the war and after the 1783
Treaty of Versailles was ratified, he and about 70 other loyalists were
granted tracts of land in the Turks and Caicos Islands by the
then-reigning monarch of Britain, King George III. Nearly all of these
grants were on the two largest islands in the archipelago, the centrally
located North Caicos and Middle Caicos.

In
the early 1800s, the cotton industry in the Turks and Caicos, which
once held so much financial promise, saw a rapid decline. This was due
to an overwhelming combination of pests and diseases (including the boll
weevil), soil erosion, and hurricane damage. The great houses,
infrastructure, and extensive fields, once symbols of relative success,
fell into disrepair and abandonment.

During
the 1800s era, the Turks and Caicos remained a British territory, yet
the islands were administrated through the Bahamas from 1799. In 1874,
due to the failure of the local Presidency, the Turks and Caicos was
annexed to Jamaica. In 1962, Jamaica went independent, and the Turks and
Caicos became its own Crown Colony, and local elections were held.

The
history of the Turks and Caicos is closely tied to African slaves, and
the majority of the current population can trace ancestry to either
slaves brought to the islands for the salt and cotton industries, or
those freed by the British from slave ships.

In
the early 1800s, Britain began to put a stop to slavery. It was a long,
drawn-out process that started in the late 1700s, yet the first
official act was the abolition of slavery in Britain in 1807, which did
not unfortunately apply to the British territories overseas and in the
Caribbean. The 1833 Slavery Abolition Act emancipated slaves in most
territories other than regions controlled by the East India Company, and
Ceylon and Saint Helena.

A
very simplified view of the origins and movements of the African
peoples in the Turks and Caicos is that core groups of African slaves
initially moved to the islands as with the Bermudians to Salt Cay and
Grand Turk for the salt industry starting sometime in the mid to later
1600s, and with the Loyalist Americans to the Caicos Islands starting in
the later 1700s. Due to the collapse of the cotton plantations in the
early to mid-1800s, the majority of the slaves in the Caicos Islands
migrated to the salt-producing islands or abroad to the Bahamas. A heavy
influence on the African populations of the Caicos Islands was slaves
freed by the British from Spanish and Portuguese slave ships that were
either captured or wrecked in the islands. The best-known wrecks were
the Trouvadore, the Esperanza, and perhaps a vessel referenced as the
Gambia.

11) GOOD NAUTICAL: 

COCO BANDERA, SAN BLAS, PANAMA  🇵🇦 

GOOD NAUTICAL

Panama
offers incredible cruising on both sides of the canal.  North east
of the canal entrance are the San Blas Islands. There are over 350
islands and cays 49 of which are inhabited.  Currently there is a
posse of Panama Posse boats relishing the beauty or so many blues found
out there.

https://goodnautical.com/panama/anchorage/coco-bandero-bay

Coco Bandera from above

Closing in on the Christmas fleet

Not much of a commute for a cold one.

Does it get any better than this?!

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

SY SALACIA 🇺🇸 Peter and Donna – Santa Cruz 50’

SY X FACTOR 🇺🇸 Mike & Leah - Xquisite

SY WANDERER 🇺🇸 Andrew & Ingrid - Beneteau 41.1′

SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  
Revelaggio Islands

12) BAHIA TENACATITA, MEXICO 🇲🇽:

SOOO MUCH TO DO...

1) ANCHOR:

This
is by far one of our favorite anchorages since we left San Francisco
four months ago!  There is so much to love here: Paraiso just
north, and Barra de Navidad just south of here; this is an amazing area!
We have met three sailing couples that bought a home and never
left.  

(SY COURAGE)

2) EAT WITH YOUR FEET IN THE SAND:

This is Onno from Lost Pearl, Eric and Anna from Dances With Winds (Barra residents enjoying Christmas at Tenacatita), and John & Kristine from Courage all
enjoying lunch at La Vena. Highly recommend shrimp empanadas and the
pescatarian version of a turducken: fish stuffed with shrimp and wrapped
in bacon covered with almond cream sauce. Yum!

3) TAKE A DINGHY TOUR UP THE ESTUARY

A tunnel through the mangroves

Following the birds

4) DAILY BOCCE BALL ON THE BEACH

Same time, same place.

5) AND MUCH MUCH MORE....

  • SURF
  • BOOGIE BOARD
  • SAND CASTLES
  • BEACH FIRES
  • DINGHY RAFT UPS
  • SNORKEL
  • HIKE
  • SAILING RACES.... and on and on...

SY LOST PEARL 🇨🇦 Onno - Hardin 45′

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

COURAGECOURAGE

13) FANTASY ISLAND MARINA ROATAN 🇭🇳 HONDURAS WELCOMES THE PANAMA POSSE

16° 21.4383′ N  086°26.3066′ W

image

At FANTASY ISLAND MARINA, FRENCH HARBOR, ROATAN,
we are able to accommodate about 30/40 vessels and would usually have
unoccupied side tie or Med mooring slips on 5 different docks (dinghy
assisted docking for the Med mooring).

Boats docked at the marina have:

  • Full Access to the privately owned FANTASY ISLAND RESORT !
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Scuba dive facilities
  • Dive courses on site
  • Excellent reef snorkeling just off the beach,
  • Internet in the hotel,
  • Tiki palapa bar with
  • Gas and charcoal BBQ facilities in the marina
  • Weekly bus to ELDONS SUPERMARKET & ACE HARDWARE STORE
  • Laundry pick up service
  • Diesel delivered by truck to your boat,
  • Propane top up in the marina,
  • Daily cruisers net on Channel 71 (which is also the hailing channel for arriving boats)
  • many other services.

https://panamaposse.com/fantasy-island-marina

FAMTASY ISLAND EAST TO WEST

Boats
docked at the marina will be offered a 20% discount on meals at the
hotel and also on dive courses and/or dives or exciting night dives.

The
FANTASY ISLAND RESORT is a privately owned island resort and would be a
good place to get family & friends to meet up with the “Posse”
participants as the resort offers fully inclusive packages with all
that’s required for a wonderful holiday and the marina is part of the
hotel.

Vessels
using the French Harbor anchorage (but not our dock) are welcome to use
the marina facilities and Tiki bar but are not permitted onto the beach
or into the hotel.

Any
sailors needing to go to the Port Captain and Immigration Dept in Coxen
Hole would be able to use our friendly, English speaking taxi service,
who will take you to each office and stay with you for the whole
process. We have several contacts with air conditioned mini tour buses
who will tailor make your ideal tour.

Our docking fees are

Daily US$0-90c per foot per day Plus 15% tax

Weekly US$0-55c per foot per day Plus 15% tax

Monthly US$8-00 per foot per month Plus 15% tax (1st November to 31st May)

Low Season US$6-00 per foot per month Plus 15% tax (1st June to 31st October)

We would gladly welcome all the sailors and their families !

14) POSSE SPONSOR

PANAMA YACHT BROKER: CHARLES BADOIAN

Thrilled
to announce that Panama Yacht Broker has teamed up with the one and
only Panama Posse! As a leading cruising resource, Panama Posse brings a
world of sailing knowledge and resources to the table. From route
planning and local intel to connecting with other cruisers, Panama Posse
has it all. We are honored to join that list of resources thanks to our
partnership.

Our
clients have exclusive access to complementary yacht brokerage
expertise, and discounts on listing agreements. Whether you’re a
seasoned sailor or just setting sail for the first time, Panama Yacht
Broker has a boat for everyone and can also help you sell your boat when
the time is right.

CONTACT

Charles Badoian

Cell/WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal:

PA +507 6378-8345

US  +1 305-735-1661

Skype: badoian

E: charles@panamayachtbroker.com

https://www.panamayachtbroker.com/yacht_listing-image/51ft-2007-bavaria-50-vision-2/

15) MEET THE FLEET  

SY TIAMAT

Owen, Archer, Olivia and Stephanie on SV Tiamat

We’re
the Anderson family sailing on Tiamat, a Fountaine Pajot Orana 44.
Almost ten years ago we decided we wanted our kids experience some kind
of grand adventure growing up, and somehow hit on the idea of sailing.
After taking some lessons and giving it a go, we found we liked it, and
soon enough were buying our very own Tiamat in San Diego in 2018. After
sailing her around San Francisco Bay for several years and refitting her
extensively, we sailed under the Golden Gate in August 2022, coming
down to Mexico with the 2022 Baja HaHa. 

Since
that time we’ve done a pretty thorough circuit of Pacific Mexico, both
the Sea of Cortez and the mainland coast, and are now turning our sights
towards a Pacific crossing in Spring 2024. But since we were pretty
tired of hanging around Banderas Bay after passing hurricane season
there, we’ve made the uncommon decision to spend the intervening months
sailing down to Panama, and then making the crossing from there. We’ll
see what happens after that!"

Crew raising the burgees

SY TIAMAT 🇺🇸 Stephanie & Owen – Fountaine Pajot 44’

TIAMAT - Owen

16) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

17)  SAFETY ALERT: FIRE SAFETY AND STORAGE OF 

SMALL ELECTRIC POWERED CRAFT AND DEVICES ON YACHTS

Small Lithium batteries swollen

The
Government of the UK earlier this year issued a guidance to all yachts
about the increased presence of Lithium battery powered watercraft and
tenders on yachts.

“There
has been an increase in the use of small electrically powered craft and
other vehicles such as electric tenders, electric jet skis, electric
foils (e-foils) and other personal watercraft powered by Li-ion
batteries. However, there has not been a thorough consideration of
whether the fire prevention, detection and suppression measures
previously in-place on large yachts for previous generation
petrol-fuelled craft, are appropriate for the newer-battery powered
craft.”

This
warning comes in response to a rise in Yacht fires.  Not all fires
have been from lithium battery sources however they are on the rise and
becoming more and more commonplace on yachts without a ton of
preliminary research on their suitability in a marine environment.
For example, we have USB charging fans that we charge and move air
with constantly.  We have different brands.  Some brands we
have found that the battery pack can begin to work inconsistently and/or
bulge.  The bulging was alarming and called for immediate exile off the boat.

Take
this guidance as an opportunity to inspect your lithium battery powered
items onboard to ascertain that they are or are not in good working
order.

18)  MUST SEE: 

LAMANAI 🇧🇿 BELIZE

LAMANAI “SUBMERGED CROCODILE” IN YUCATEC MAY IS A 

MESOAMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Museo Nacional de Antropología Mexico City

Lamanai
was  a major city of the Maya civilization. The site is
pre-Columbian, recorded by early Spanish missionaries, and documented
over a millennium earlier in Maya inscriptions as Lam’an’ain.

 Correlation with Panama Posse Route

Lamanai
is renowned for its exceptionally long occupation spanning three
millennia, beginning in the Early Pre-classic Maya period and continuing
through the Spanish and British Colonial periods, into the 20th
century.

The calendar

Unlike most Classic-period sites in the southern Maya lowlands, Lamanai was not abandoned at the end of the 10th century

Lamanai
was occupied as early as the 16th century BC. The site became a
prominent center in the Pre-Classic Period, from the 4th century BC
through the 1st century CE. In 625 CE.

https://panamaposse.com/museo-nacional-de-antropologia-mexico-city

 

19)  75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS 

Marinas

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle -  Ventura, USA

🇲🇽 Cruise Port Village - 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 

🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ 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 

https://panamaposse.com/coffee-bluff-marina

20)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

  • BELIZE TOURISM
  • CHRIS PARKER - MARINE WEATHER CENTER
  • DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
  • DOWNWIND MARINE
  • FLOR DE CAÑA
  • HERTZ RENTAL CARS  MEXICO
  • HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
  • LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES  
  • PANAMA YACHT BROKER
  • PREDICT WIND
  • SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER  
  • SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
     
https://panamaposse.com/yacht-agents-galapagos

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

Erick
Panama Canal Map

22) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

“Our
vision is to provide a top tier service to our customers while covering
every potential need they may have when approaching shore. 

Small
yachts (up to 38.1 meters LOA) are expected to experience substantial
delays, and in the meantime, we will be able and willing to help you
mitigate this impact and serve you.

 Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus

Marcus Santana
General Manager
Marcus.Santana@waypointyacht.com

International Business Park Building 3855, office 201 Panama Pacifico / Panama

Phone: +507-310 9891 ext.206
AOH: +507-310 9892 (24/7)
Mob: +507 6427-8099

Revillagigedo Islands

23) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SSCA

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

https://safe-xplore.com/welcome
SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

24) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

atlantic posse

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Cannery Islands

Garajonay National Park  La Gomera 🇮🇨  Cannery Islands  

🇲🇦 Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin), Morocco

🇲🇦 Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin), Morocco 

https://www.svpolaris.com/post/preparing-to-cross-the-atlantic-ocean
Atlantic Posse 24

Atlantic Posse '24

Sign up now

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Anchorages in the Eastern Caribbean
south pacific posse

25) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 
https://xk5ki.mjt.lu/img2/xk5ki/9e6870ed-6b35-413d-89e5-05ea53144c4a/content

EARLY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN 

37 YACHTS ARE SIGNED UP ALREADY !

SPP

SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4
  🗿
SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE
 
At ease
South Pacific Posse BUrgees

South Pacific Posse burgees available after January 15  

Port VIla

Port Vila Vanuatu

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

HAPPY 2024

 An extremely attractive 2023 AI generated image of Zihuatanejo Bay .

HAPPY 2024 !!!

oceanposse.com
OP

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC
9811 W Charleston Blvd Suite 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA

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9811 w Charleston Blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA


FLEET UPDATE 2023-12-24

Panama Posse

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

DECEMBER 24, 2023

 “Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” 

– Kahlil Gibran 

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7:  Registration Is Open  243 Yachts from 21 Ensigns Signed Up !
  • Posse pictures
  • Award Nominations
  • Save the date: Events
  • Caleta de Campos: Anchoring with Friends 🇲🇽
  • Sharing Intel…and Treasure Maps 🇨🇷
  • Crocodiles: They are out there
  • Hotsprings Near Huatulco 🇲🇽
  • Good Nautical: Huatulco, Mexico. 🇲🇽
  • A New Rail line in Mexico: the Maya Train 🇲🇽
  • Meet the Fleet: MV CELT
  • Safety alert: Shark Attacks
  • Must See: Tulum, Mexico 🇲🇽
  • Panama New Years Celebration: The burning of Muñecos
  • 🇲🇽 🇧🇿  🇨🇷  🇳🇮 🇨🇴  🇨🇺  🇪🇨  🇸🇻 🇵🇦
PANAMA POSSE Season 7
SIGN UP NOW
vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Sailing from Papagayo to Florida this season.

SY CHALLENGE 🇺🇸 Olivia & Jake - Sparksman & Stephens 64′

Joining the Season 7 Posse, Lost Pearl sails into Tenacatita, 🇲🇽 

SY LOST PEARL 🇨🇦 Onno - Hardin 45

image

Landed 2 mahi before lunch: Great way to start the day off of Acapulco 🇲🇽   

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK

Souvenir from Costa Rica 🇨🇷 as we headed to Panamá 🇵🇦! 

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

YO-D-YO David YO-D-YO Mary

2) SAVE THE DATE : 

FIESTA NAUTICA CLUB DE PESCA CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 

PANAMA POSSE JANUARY 20th 2024

SAILORS AND CRUISERS NETWORKING PARTY  

Panama Posse

SCHEDULE

14:00 – SEMINARS

17:58 – INVOCATION OF THE FLEET

18:00 FOOD TASTING AND RUM BAR

18:45 GALLEY GOD AWARD

20:00  – CUMBIA / SALSA LATIN DANCE

LOCATION

CLUB DE PESCA @ the historic Fuerte de San Sebastián del Pastelillo >>

WHAT TO MAKE & BRING:

HERE IS THE LIST OF CULINARY DELIGHTS  

BRING ONE OF THESE ITEMS ON THE LIST 6-10 SERVINGS with Serving Spoons

YOU SHOULD MAKE ONE OF THESE DISHES & BRING WITH >>

NO CANNED FOOD –  NO POPCORN – NO CHIPS !

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

FREE RUM TO SHARE UNTIL WE RUN OUT

GRAN ARROZ WITH PORK, SAUSAGE OR CHICKEN GREAT TIMES FOR EVERYONE

MUSIC – THE PANAMA POSSE LATIN PLAYLIST !

   TO ATTEND AND GET YOUR ALL ACCESS WRISTBANDS  
PLEASE FILL OUT THE RSVP

RSVP NOW FOR THE CARTAGENA EVENT

Sailors will gather for a sure to be memorable event in Cartegena  🇨🇴  

CLUB DE PESCA CARTAGENA

Viceroy
Sebastián de Eslava ordered the construction of this Fuerte de San
Sebastián del Pastelillo. Construction began in 1741 and was completed
in 1744 under the leadership of the military engineer Juan Bautista
Mac-Evan. The fort is nick-named "Pastelillo" because the structure
resembles a cake.  The fort was designed to protect the city
from attacks by pirate ships as well as to prevent smuggling of goods.
Q.E.D. - nothing has changed 

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK:

POSSE IS ON THE MOVE

Panama Posse & Belize

CELT transitted the Canal this week to the Pacific Side of Panama 🇵🇦.

MV CELT 🇺🇸 Gerry & Angela - Nordhavn 43′

CELT CELT
summerbreeze and cheistry

From the Sea of Cortez to Copper Canyon by train, visiting Topolobampo, 🇲🇽 

SY PERCEPTION 🇺🇸 Jim & Melinda & Grace - Lagoon 42'

 

PATHFINDER has returned to Panama.  Cheers to your safe passage and return!

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

PATHFINDER Jean-PhilippePATHFINDER Nicole

4) SEASON 7 AWARDS:

NOMINATION FOR PICTURE OF THE YEAR

ENTRY 1:

Sunset with Jumping Ray

ENTRY 2:

Night shot of Summerbreeze beside the Moonlight

MY TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy - DeFever 52′

tidings of joy Tidings of Joy
Flor de Caña Centenario 18 Year Old

SPECIAL ENTRY 
CAPTAIN RON AWARD

I
would like to nominate myself, Walt Childson of SV Knot Right, for the
Captain Ron award. In preparation to transit the canal, we headed into
La Playita Marina Panama  to put our boat’s stern into a downwind
slip. The wind was very strong blowing the boat on our beam into the
dock while traveling down the fairway. The view on my stern was
obstructed because of my dingy. The view forward was obstructed because
the 25 knot wind during the day ripped the stitching from my bimini and
it was hanging down in our faces. So the main helm was blind. But that
is where my bow thruster controls are located. For some reason, my very
powerful bow thrusters were only one fifth of their normal output. Hence
I lost complete control of the boat and rammed (and I do mean rammed)
into the corner of another slip on the dock. I hope you read this note
before you looked at the picture, as it is very demeaning and
embarrassing. No other boats were subject to my stupidity.

CAPTAIN RON AWARD

SY KNOT RIGHT 🇺🇸  Walt & Jeariene -  Beneteau 47′

KNOT RIGHT WALTKnot Right Jeariene

ANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:

  • 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
  • GALLEY GOD(ESS)
  • GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
  • BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
  • COURAGE AWARD

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

SUBMIT ENTRIES ON THE LINE AP OR EMAIL TO EDITOR@PANAMAPOSSE.COM

Share the adventure

Share the joy

Sunsets at sea and at anchor

 
5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

events

The Bay of Cartagena, located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is renowned among sailors for several key reasons 

Historical Significance Cartagena's
history is deeply interwoven with its maritime legacy. It was a major
port during the Spanish colonial era, and its well-preserved
architecture and fortifications, such as the iconic Castillo de San
Felipe de Barajas, offer a glimpse into the past. 

Beauty and Scenery
The bay is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including beaches,
tropical islands, and clear blue waters. This scenic beauty is a visual
feast for sailors who often seek out destinations that offer natural
allure.

Protected Waters
The bay's natural geography provides a sheltered harbor, making it an
city anchorage for yachts and boats. This protection from the open sea
is crucial for safety and comfort, especially for those on long voyages
seeking a tranquil haven.

Cultural Vibrancy  Cartagena
is known for its vibrant culture, including music, dance, and cuisine.
The blend of African, Spanish, and Indigenous influences creates a
lively atmosphere that sailors can immerse themselves in once they step
off their vessels.

Strategic Location
Its location makes it a popular stop for sailors navigating the
Caribbean or undertaking longer transatlantic journeys. The bay serves
as a crucial resting and resupply point.

Local Maritime Community The
presence of a robust local maritime community, including experienced
sailors, guides, and marine services, provides a sense of camaraderie
and support that is highly valued in the sailing world.

The average cost of living in COLOMBIA

25% less expensive than in Mexico   

46% less expensive than Panama 

72% less expensive than USA

the bay
wave
Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

(2) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 13 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For
those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in
full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and
culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

(3) OCEAN POSSE PARTY PANAMA + SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 

FLEET MEET UP

SAT. FEB 3 '24
SHELTER BAY MARINA 
🇵🇦  PANAMA

SAT Feb 3, 2024 Sheleter BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

IMPORTANT:
This event is in the middle of high season.  The Shelter Bay
Marina will be near capacity  so make reservations early.
Additionally, we are also going to organize a shuttle bus to get
folks to this event from alternate locations.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: 

Juanjo Boschetti

Juanjo Boschetti - GM juanjo@shelterbaymarina.com
Tel (+507) 433-3581

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT
Shelter Bay

(4) PANAMA POSSE AWARDSFUN ACTIVITIES, GOLF, POOL, DJ LOUNGE, + MARINE EXPO 

SAT. MAY 11 '24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

SAT May 10-12, 2024 BUENAVENTURA MARINA 🇵🇦 PANAMA YACHT FEST

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama.
The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City
and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast
of Panama.

Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

CESAR Buenaventura Marina

Cesar  - Marina Manager
cesar@bv-marina.com 
Whatsapp: +507-6411-5597

RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
Buenaventura

SAVE THE DATE 
 PANAMA POSSE BELIZE YACHT FEST 
APRIL 6 2024

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 
@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

Placencia Yacht Club

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

>> RSVP HERE <<

Snorkel the blue hole

Some of the best snorkeling in Belize the healthy and second largest reef complex in the world

CONTACT

 Beat,  Caroline, dogs & Heyson Garcia - 
YES PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB IS UBER DOG FRIENDLY 

Beat & Caroline>

We,
Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich are running this place since January
2021. We moved from Switzerland to Belize in 2019 and found this
treasure while looking for a dock for our yacht.

Simplicity on a high level is our aim and to make our guests happy.

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

SAFE APPROACH 

SAFE APPROACH

SAVE APPROACH   @ 16° 29.9333′ N 088° 20.9266' W

Placencia Yacht Club
 

BELIZE

6) CALETA DE CAMPOS 🇲🇽 MX

ANCHORAGE WITH ROOM FOR FRIENDS

PANAMA POSSE AMAZON SIDETRIP

View of Shore from the hook.

caleta de campos

Another view of shore from the hook.

caleta de campos

Three Posse boats in Caleta De Campos.  Making their way south in Mexico 🇲🇽 

MY TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy - DeFever 52′

SY TIAMAT 🇺🇸  Stephanie & Owen – Fountaine Pajot 44’

MV SUMMERBREEZE 🇺🇸 Kurtis - Bestway 46'

tidings of joy Tidings of Joy
TIAMAT - Owen
SUMMERBREEZE - Kurtis

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures on the water!

CALETA DE CAMPOS

 SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES and YOUR SUNSETS  
is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, your
breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group
communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email
Maurisa at
editor@panamaposse.com
to share in the upcoming newsletter.  Maurisa is a sailor among
us.  She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse.
 

SY LOST PEARL 🇨🇦 Onno - Hardin 45′

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

How many Panama Posse boats 
are KID BOATS this season?  

pls send your reply to editor@panamaposse.com

Kids on boats

7) POSSE PERK: SHARING INTEL

A TREASURE MAP FOR

GOLFITO CHECKIN AND CHECKOUT
  

On this Treasure Map three stars mark the SPOTS

Golfito,
Costa Rica is the southernmost port of entry and exit for the country.
As such, vessels in transit will want to know where three very
important buildings are:

  1. IMMIGRATION
  2. CUSTOMS
  3. PORT CAPTAIN

Visited in the order above, a vessel's captain can easily navigate the Check in and Check out procedure on their own. 

In Golfito (and all ports of entry and exit) make sure to have 3 copies of each:

  • zarpe from the last port
  • passport/s
  • crew list signed by the captain
  • TIP (temporary import permit)
  • boat documentation

 Both Marinas in town also offer the service of processing Boat and Crew paperwork for vessels in transit.  

8)PUERTO AMISTAD MARINA, ECUADOR 🇪🇨 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

marina

I
would like to personally welcome you to our beautiful city. Puerto
Amistad is located walking distance from shopping, hardware stores,
medical facilities,and eating and drinking establishments.

At
Puerto Amistad we have a full service Restaurant and bar, Cruisers
area, Wifi to the Buoys, Hot Showers, Laundry service, and a spacious
dinghy dock. You will find excellent mechanics and services here. Hope
to see you soon

With pleasure we are happy to announce the Sponsorship of the Pacific Posse

This season the Pacific Posse will have:

10% discount over our lowest rates

Gene Tautum

Sincerely,

         Gene Tatum 

window

IMPORTANT FACT ⚡

We don’t have lightening !

CONTACT:

Tel: +593 99 348 8519

Land Line: +593-5-269-3112

Whatsapp: +593-099-348-8519

Email: dockmaster@puertoamistad.com

AMENITIES

  • Clearing In
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Fuel
  • Water
  • Internet
  • Provisioning
  • General Store
  • Showers
Bahia Caraquez

Bahia de Caraquez 🇪🇨  Ecuador 

9) CROCODILES 
🐊

THEY ARE OUT THERE....

WHERE WOULD YOU RATHER SEE THEM?

image

SY BOUNDLESS 🇺🇸 Daniel & Naiby - Shannon 43'

In
the southeastern part of Bahia Tenacatita there is the community of
Manzanilla.  Manzanilla is a lovely town to visit.  There is a
vibrant Friday market, plenty of tiendas to provision ones boat, a
lovely book store, cute coffee shops, palapas on the beach...AND...a
crocodile reserve.  

 SY BOUNDLESS recently visited the crocodile reserve:

We
found the croc reserve in Manzanilla an interesting excursion.
400 or so that are free to head to the beach to feed in the
mornings and evenings! 

A little further south along the coast of Mexico SY VOYAGER captured this image:

Croc
freaked us out as we have been swimming here the last week 😵‍💫
Was leaving the bay to pump out holding tanks and thought we saw a
log. The crocodile was at least 10' long.

SY VOYAGER 🇺🇸 Ed & Liz - Hylas 54'

VOYAGER Ed VOYAGER Liz

THE QUESTION: 

WHERE WOULD YOU RATHER SEE CROCODILES?

THE VERDICT: 

FROM A DISTANCE

10) LAND TRIP:

HOTSPRINGS NEAR HUATULCO 🇲🇽 MEXICO

Springs along the river

There are many great land excursions along the route.  SY JUBEL  shares a trip to some hotsprings about 1.5 hour drive from Huatulco, Mexico

The
river is warm - like 36 degrees warm. And there are 7 or 8 hot pools of
varying temperatures, all on a stunning river lookout

Warm springs

 Hottest pool was around 40

walled off warm springs

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

JUBEL KyleJUBEL Leah

11) GOOD NAUTICAL: 

HUATULCO 🇲🇽 MEXICO

MANY ANCHORAGES TO CHOOSE FROM

GOOD NAUTICAL

Huatulco
Mexico is along the coast of the state of Oaxaco in southern Mexico.
It is a stretch of coast boasting many anchorages, more beaches,
and amazing marine life.

RISCALILLO

MV SPLINTERS 🇺🇸 Eric & Kim - American Marine Grand Banks 42′

SPLINTERS Kim SPLINTERS Eric

SY SERENITY anchored in Chachacual

SY SERENITY  🇺🇸  Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK
HUATULCO BAYS
SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

12) MARINA IGY MARINA SANTA MARTA 🇨🇴 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

image

Hello PANAMA POSSE;

According
to what was discussed today, Marina Santa Marta we are excited to be a
Panama Posse Sponsors and being included as a destination within the
Rally

We will offer participants a 35% discount on the rate that we normally handle.

Let us know if you would need additional information from us.

Cordially

Juan Ernesto Gomez

CONTACT:

comercial@marinasantamarta.com.co

msm@igymarinas.com

Tel: +57 5-436-3601

VHF: VHF Channel 16 & 72

Carrera 1 Calle 23 Esquina Santa Marta Magdalena

Santa Marta Colombia

Mon. – Fri. 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sat. & Sun. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

  https://panamaposse.com/colombia-marina-igy-marina-santa-marta

Santa MArta

13) MAYA TRAIN 

The rails run through virgen forest.

Current
Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, often called AMLO, has
undertaken many impactful projects in his presidency.  The Maya
Train Project is among his flagship projects that he is aiming to
complete before the end of his term in September 2024.  The Maya
Train is to be a new rail 950mile line that is supposed to “revitalize”
the Yucatan Peninsula in the south-east of Mexico by circulating tourism
and commerce into and around the region, creating hundreds of thousands
of jobs, raising property values, and moving cargo to compete with the
Panama Canal.  

Tren Maya

The route of the Maya Train

In
spite of all the possible social and economic benefits many concerns
persist over the project due to the lack of environmental review or
planning, the social and environmental impact of the train in regions
sensitive to such invasive ‘progress’, and the militarization by which
the project has bulldozed forward.  Much of the rail lines are
running over fragile ground that geologists describe as ‘swiss cheese’.
The ground is full of holes, caverns, and underground caves
systems that ground water moves through.  These unground corridors
not only move fresh water throughout the region, many also hold
artifacts from some of the oldest inhabitants in the region: the Mayan
and the Olmec.  

President AMLO with regional representatives in front of earth movers required to make way for the tracks

President AMLO with regional representatives in front of earth movers required to make way for the tracks.

There
is controversy over the train and yet, the project barrels onward.
Originally, the project was budgeted at $8 billion, three years in
and the project is now looking like it will cost closer to $29 billion
dollars.  This is an impressive investment into the region which
international investors see as a good thing.  Last Friday the first
295  mile stretch of the rail line opened with one track and some
delay.  Nonetheless, the train is fast tracking ahead of
schedule. 

To read more about the train, the proponents and some of the controversy:

14) MEET THE FLEET  
🚢

MV CELT

We
are Angela and Gerry onboard Celt a Nordhavn 43.  We are Irish but
have lived in the US for more than half our lives.  We are married
40 years and just retired two years ago.  We have traveled the
east coast of the US and the Caribbean down to Grenada and Bonaire,
onward through the Canal.  Presently, we are in Buenadventura on
the Pacific Side of Panama.  We are excited to be part of this
group as we make our way to the South Pacific and Beyond.

MV CELT 🇺🇸 Gerry & Angela - Nordhavn 43′

CELT CELT

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16)  SAFETY ALERT: 

MARINE ANIMAL ATTACKS

December
has seen two alarming marine animal attacks within 500nm of one another
on the Pacific coast of mainland Mexico.  Early in December a 26
year old Mexican national was died in Melaque, Mexico, and last week a
Belgiun tourist died in Zihuatenejo Bay.  Both incidents involved
swimmers getting bitten and bleeding to death before life saving
measures could be attempted.  Immediately the marine animal
involved was determined to be one of two top tier predators in the areas
capable of such killings: Crocodile and Shark.  

Since
the incident in Melaque, marine biologists have determined that this
was a shark attack.  The incident in Zihuatenejo is thought to be a
crocodile, but the verdict is not totally decided.

Obviously,
both animals live in the waters where many people swim and recreate.
Furthermore, whichever animal was involved, the reality
strikes us to provide further information on being safe and aware in the
water.

According
to an American Lifeguard Association expert and marine biologists,
neither sharks nor crocodiles are targeting humans.  Having said
that they are not necessarily fluke accidents either.  In fact
there are some things that people can do to be more safe in their salty
territory.

Taylor
Cunningham, a marine biologist and shark conservationist says, "People
need to understand that the ocean is home to an abundance of wildlife,
not just sharks. By entering the ocean, we are taking on the
responsibility of entering their home. So, it is also our responsibility
to be aware of our effects on the ocean and how that wildlife or
conditions can affect us."

In this article: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/how-to-stay-safe-from-sharks-while-swimming there are may good recommendations for staying safe in the water.  Headlines include:

  • Research local shark and crocodile patterns.
    Certain species will feed in particular areas, during particular
    times of day, or they may breed during certain times of year in a
    specific location.  It is always good to get to know an area from
    locals.
  • The more clear the water, the better for seeing the animals you are swimming with.  Locals
    up and down the pacific coast from Mexico to Panama have always
    cautioned us from swimming in murky waters near the mouth of estuaries.
  • Bring a mask and fins on long swims.  These tools allow humans to be stronger underwater than without them.
  • Leave the white bikini at home.
    Sharks have monochromatic vision and some experts advise that
    bright colors that stand out from the ocean blues attract attention like
    fish on a reef.
  • Don't
    worry if you have a cut — sharks don't react to human blood.
    However, sharks are said to have very sensitive nerves throughout
    their heads and can sense fear...so it is important to stay cool
    underwater.
     
  • Act like a predator by constantly checking your surroundings.
    Sharks are known to attack their prey from the blind spot of the
    prey.  Continually checking your surroundings underwater eliminates
    your blindspot.  When swimming in pairs, watching one another and
    your surroundings together can eliminate blind spots as well.
  • Make eye contact if you see a shark.
    Show the shark that you are aware of them by making eye contact.
    Continue to look around.  Stay calm and back away.  Do
    not turn your back on a shark.  
  • Create space between you and the shark.  
  • Slowly back away after you've made eye contact, but avoid splashing and making noise.  Both sharks and crocodiles are attracted
  • Note the shark's body language.
  • Remember that sharks swim by and ignore people all the time.
  • Above all, don't panic.

Another helpful resource for understanding more about sharks can be found here:

https://www.sharkproject.org/education/begegnung-mit-haien/

17)  MUST SEE: 
TULUM 🇲🇽 MEXICO 

Museo Nacional de Antropología Mexico City

Tulum
is the site of a Mayan walled city which served as a major port for
Coba, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. These magificent ruins are
situated on 40 foot tall cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatán
Peninsula. The site might have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn,
because it faces the sunrise.

Tulum
was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya at its
height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about
70 years after the Spanish began occupying what is now Mexico .

 Correlation with Panama Posse Route

It
is one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum and you can see
it from your own vessel and anchor just south or to the north of it if
you are brave enough to enter the path though the reef with good light (
noon non cloudy not too windy )

and
draw less than 6 foot on a calm day – give yourself the flexibility to
visit during the off-peak hours of the early morning or late afternoon
and save your track. The Sand is compacted so only recommended as a day
anchorage.

The calendar

Tulum’s
massive wall was thick and 1,300 ft long parallel to the sea and would
have taken an enormous amount of energy and time, which shows how
important defense was. On the southwest and northwest corners there are
watch towers demonstrating a well defended city.

Tulum is considered by archeological experts one of the most well-known fortified sites of the Mayan Civilization.

There are three major structures of interest

  • El Castillo
  • Temple of the Frescoes
  • Temple of the Descending God
https://panamaposse.com/museo-nacional-de-antropologia-mexico-city
https://oceanposse.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_6231.jpg

In
2020, an underwater archaeological expedition led by Jerónimo Avilés
again excavated the cave and revealed the skeleton of a female about 30
years of age that lived at least 9,900 years ago.

The Site is close to 2 marinas https://panamaposse.com/marina-vv-cancun and https://panamaposse.com/marina-el-cid

 

18)  CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR IN PANAMA  🇵🇦 

THE TRADITION OF BURNING OF MUÑECOS

Many Panamanians are superstitious and have certain rituals they believe

must be done as we cross from one year to the next.  Panamanians

traditionally spend New Years eve with friends and family.

MUÑECOS AS EFFIGY:

Throughout
Panama at this time of year, you’ll see effigies, or life-sized dolls.
The effigy, also called a Judas doll,  represents someone or
something they dislike. These large replicas have various names,
including muñecos de año viejo (old

year dolls), muñecos judas (judas dolls), or simply muñecos (dolls). The

dolls are a  way to ring in the new year in the area. Muñecos are

typically made with a wood or metal frame, old clothes, and stuffed with

leaves and firecrackers. They are then thrown into a bonfire on the

strike of midnight on New Years’.

BURN BABY BURN 

Some of the dolls are stuffed with firecrackers. At the stroke of midnight,

they are lit on fire and beaten. According to folklore, by beating and

setting the effigies on fire, 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 spirits away.

 

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21) PANAMA CANAL AGENT 
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To
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and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

Erick
Panama Canal Map

22) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

Waypoint Yacht Services

“Our
vision is to provide a top tier service to our customers while covering
every potential need they may have when approaching shore. 

Small
yachts (up to 38.1 meters LOA) are expected to experience substantial
delays, and in the meantime, we will be able and willing to help you
mitigate this impact and serve you.

 Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus

Marcus Santana
General Manager
Marcus.Santana@waypointyacht.com

International Business Park Building 3855, office 201 Panama Pacifico / Panama

Phone: +507-310 9891 ext.206
AOH: +507-310 9892 (24/7)
Mob: +507 6427-8099

Panama

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24) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

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25) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

EARLY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN 

At ease
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Merry Xmas

MERRY XMAS FROM THE OCEAN POSSE CREW

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