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
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
5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS
(1) CLUB DE PESCA YACHT FEST SAT, JAN 20 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO
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.
(2) OCEAN POSSE PARTY PANAMA + SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE
FLEET MEET UP
SAT. FEB 3 '24 SHELTER BAY MARINA 🇵🇦 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.
(3) PANAMA POSSE AWARDSFUN ACTIVITIES, GOLF, POOL, DJ LOUNGE, + MARINE EXPO
SAT. MAY 11 '24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA 🇵🇦 PANAMA
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.
Beat, Caroline, dogs & Heyson Garcia - YES PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB IS UBER DOG FRIENDLY
>
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
SY ZEPHYR and friends from SY EYRA crossed the Panama Canal in December
Hired Line Handlers for the 12 hour day...they were amazing!
Sharing the locks with the BIG boats!
All in time for Christmas on the Pacific Side of Panama.
SV ZEPHYR 🇺🇸 Laura & Chris - Lagoon 45′
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.
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?
9) Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution 🇵🇦 PANAMA CITY
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'
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.
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.
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
13) FANTASY ISLAND MARINA ROATAN 🇭🇳 HONDURAS WELCOMES THE PANAMA POSSE
16° 21.4383′ N 086°26.3066′ W
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
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
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’
SMALL ELECTRIC POWERED CRAFT AND DEVICES ON YACHTS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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) 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.
"It
is better to meet danger than to wait for it. He that is on a lee
shore, and foresees a hurricane, stands out to sea and encounters a
storm to avoid a shipwreck."
- Charles Caleb Colton
TOP NEWS
Season 7: Registration Is Open And 148 Yachts Have Already Signed Up !
Pictures of the Week
Sunday, September 24, 2023: New Vessels On-boarding Zoom
3 West Coast Mexican 🇲🇽 destinationssouth from the west coast of the USA
Tablet And Pad Navigation Zoom Seminar Monday, September 4th
Meet The Fleet: MV KOSMOS
6 Panama Posse Events For Season 7
Season 7 Perks
Boat Preparations for leaving home waters and entering new countries
What and Where is the Barrel of Hope?
Ensenada Cruiseport Village Marina 🇲🇽 Sponsors the Panama Posse
3) THREE WEST COAST DESTINATIONS JUST SOUTH FROM THE WEST COAST OF THE USA
EN ROUTE TO SEASON 7 KICK OFF PARTY IN BARRA
Clearing into Mexico in Ensenada MX, raising our courtesy flag, and sailing south
The
Panama Posse highly recommends checking into Mexico in Ensenada as
opposed to Isla Cedros. Mainly, if you are looking for a more
efficient check-in, Ensenada has localized, reliable office hours and
staffing in comparison to Isla Cedros. Either way, once your
vessel and crew are cleared in you are free to begin voyaging the
Mexican coast at your leisure. While making your way to the Season
7 Kick Off Party in Barra De Navidad, Mexico there are many incredible
destinations along the way. 3 destinations are highlighted below:
Islas San Benito del Oeste, Man of War Cove (or Puerto Magdalena in
Bahia Magdalena), and Isla Isabela.
Each incredible. Each unique. Each only accessible by boat.
DESTINATION 1: Islas San Benito del Oeste, 🇲🇽 Mexico
Latitude: 28°18.11N Longitude: 115° 34.66
View of Isla San Benito del Oeste, MX from the southern anchorage
The
Islas San Benito is a group of three small islets that lie in the
Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the Baja Peninsula, about 225nm SE
of Ensenada and 55nm NW of Bahia Turtugas. The islands are
surrounded by rocks and patches of algae so careful watch is required.
Many Birds and marine mammals are on, along, and surrounding these
shores. There is a small community on the island; the 2001 census
recorded a population of two people in Benito del Oeste The other
islands are not inhabited. There is a coopertive abalone aquafarm
there. If you are lucky enough to have the weather window to drop
your hook, do not miss the chance.
Neighboring Isla Cedros at Sunrise
DESTINATION 2: Man of War Cove (or Puerto Magdalena in Bahia Magdalena) 🇲🇽
Latitude: 24°38.918'N Longitude: 112°08.013W
Honestly, Man of War Cove (or Puerto Magdalena) is just the beginning of the wonder that is Bahia Magdalena.
Big boats safely anchored in the background as we dinghy tour up the estuary
Shaking off our sea legs on the sand dunes into the estuary in Magdalena Bay
Bahia
Magdalena is all but cut off from the ocean by a varied stretch of
long, narrow, tall barrier islands. Inside the 325 square mile bay
there are expansive estuaries, sand dunes, and mangroves that a wide
variety of wildlife call home. Grey Whales migrate here annually
from January to April to breed and have their calves. Bahia
Magdalena is their sanctuary and it is a truly special place to enter
into. In the small village of Puerto Magdalena one may find a
small tienda with light provisions.
DESTINATION 3: Isla Isabel 🇲🇽 Mexico
Latitude: 28° 18.11N Longitude: 115° 34.66
Blue footed boobies court, mate and nest on Isla Isabella.
Crossing
ESE from the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Isla Isabella is a
small island found 15nm off mainland Mexico south of Mazatlan.
This island is a bird sanctuary that some people refer to as the
Galapagos of Mexico. The island is teaming with blue footed
boobies, frigate birds, and iguanas. The near shore waters are
frequented by humpback whales and dolphins and home to a myriad of small
fish. The island can be explored on foot on multiple trails, in
the water with a snorkel mask, or along the tide line at low tide.
There are three main anchorages each providing protection from a
different wind and sea states and yet the island is a small isolated
offshore island so getting a weather window to stop and enjoy Isla
Isabella is an opportunity to be thankful for. It is definitely
unforgettable.
Frigate birds overlooking tide pools and the southern anchorage on Isla Isabella
Based on Panbo's recent Mobile navigation app of 12+ navigational apps the Panama Posse has set up a seminar on how to best integrate digital yacht's devices with your
existing yacht systems - who better than Nick Heyes from Digital
Yacht Ltd to share best practices . Mark your calendar.
Our goal is to see what the options and solutions are to send data to pads from your onboard systems to create additional aids to navigation
AIS display on mobile devices via WIFI & Digital yachts
5) MEET THE FLEET
MV KOSMOS
Family of 3 currently in San Diego preparing for southbound departure Current Position San Diego, California 32°37'19.7"N 117°06'03.3"W
Aboard MV Kosmos are Eric, Christi, and their son Keith.
We
bought Kosmos (Nordhavn 43) new in 2006, circumnavigated from
2007-2009, did a few shorter trips around the West Coast, and have about
42,000nm under her keel as of 2023. Keith was born in 2012, and ever
since the vision was to take him cruising full-time. We are finally in a
position to make it happen, and our first step was doing the Sea of
Cortez for 8 months in 2022-2023. We had a wonderful time. We are
getting the boat ready to go cruising again for this next season. The
Panama Posse routes looks like exactly where we want to go! Cruising
with other kid boats is a priority for us. We are glad to be a part of
the Panama Posse.
MV Kosmos anchored in the Sea of Cortez
SY KOSMOS 🇺🇸 Eric, Christi, & Keith - Nordhavn 43'
We look forward to meeting you at these events - we do not sail on a set schedule to
make your journey more relaxed and take into account ever changing
weather conditions. Move only when the conditions are right and
you feel good!
The events in Barra de Navidad / Shelter Bay / Club De Pesca and Buenaventura will have POT LUCK culinary competition so follow these rules to win the coveted
Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master Vessels
Must be registered with the Panama Posse prior to Oct 31st
to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.
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.
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.
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.
Here are a few reasons why yacht owners participate in the Panama Posse
Adventure and Exploration ⦾ The Panama
Posse offers a one-of-a-kind, epic adventure for yacht owners looking
to embark on a challenging and memorable journey. Traveling through the
Caribbean and the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean all the way to San
Diego or in reverse to Annapolis provides an exciting and diverse
experience.
Camaraderie and Community ⦾
Participants join a community of like-minded yacht owners who share a
passion for boating and exploration. The rally fosters a sense of
camaraderie, providing opportunities to make new friends and share
experiences.
Support and Resources ⦾ The
Panama Posse provides valuable logistical support, including
pre-departure seminars, route planning assistance, and information on
local customs and regulations. This support helps ease the planning
process and ensures a smoother journey.
Cultural Immersion⦾ Yacht
owners get the chance to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and
destinations along the route. Exploring local communities, historical
sites, and natural wonders adds a rich cultural experience to the
adventure.
Improved Safety and Security ⦾
Traveling as part of a group enhances safety and security during the
journey, especially for yacht owners who may be less experienced in
long-distance cruising or unfamiliar with the waters and regions they'll
traverse.
Opportunities for Exploration ⦾
The rally opens up opportunities for yacht owners to discover hidden
gems and less-traveled routes, adding a sense of exploration and
discovery to the experience. Western Caribbean and Pacific waters
including Belize, Bay of Islands, Jamaica, San Blas, Bocas del
Toro, Las Perlas, Costa Rica, Sea of Cortes a.m.o.
Remarkable Memories ⦾
Participating in the Panama Posse creates amazing and lasting memories
that yacht owners can cherish for a lifetime. The combination of
adventure, camaraderie, and cultural experiences, 40+ UNESCO World
heritage sites makes this journey a unique and unforgettable journey.
8) PANAMA POSSE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND WIN AN AWARD
Sharing adventures is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse experience.
Please share pictures of your adventures 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 provides fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse.
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
JUST ONE OF THE BEST REWARDS: Flor de Caña 12 Year old Rum
Thunderheads tell stories, so can you.
"I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your tales of adventure."
SY WHIRLWIND Maurisa, Mike, Russell, & Josea
9) BOAT PREPARATIONS FOR LEAVING HOME WATERS
AND ENTERING NEW COUNTRIES
Leaving Port is exciting especially under a rainbow
Leaving
ones home waters and entering a new country is certainly a big change
and there are many essential details not to forget. Checklists are
handy tools for preparing for big changes. Beyond the obvious
boat essentials like checking your systems, having safety equipment
onboard, topping your fluids, and changing your zincs, please see the
checklist below for details not to be forgotten when setting out on a
long distance voyage with the Panama Posse.
If
an EPIRB is onboard, register it with the NOAA. Before leaving
confirm that all information is current. This includes vessel
name, your primary phone number, emergency contact name/s and address/es
A Ship Stations License is required by the FCC for travelling in international territories
Make sure the MMSI number of your vessel is registered in your name.
Have your boat documentation or registration up to date and in order.
If
the boat is documented or registered in the name of someone not present
or the name of a business or organization a letter notarized by the
owner authorizing the captain and crew to be operating the vessel is
required to enter other countries.
Depending
on the country you enter you will buy a Temporary Import Permit.
This is an important document to keep with the vessel the entire
time in the country of entry.
Current passport for everyone onboard ideally good for the duration of your stay abroad
Many
countries require a Crew List upon entry which states everyone onboard,
their Date of Birth, their rank on the vessel and their passport
number.
If navigating into Mexico, Mexican Liability Insurance is required to Navigate in Mexican waters.
If
navigating into Mexico, upon exit the captain is required to show a
boaters education card, ASA certification, or a captains license.
Wherever you go along the route, be prepared for entry and exit requirements and seasonal changes.
10) ENSENADA CRUISEPORT VILLAGE MARINA 🇲🇽 MEXICO SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE
31° 51.2766′ N 116° 37.2433′ W
We are pleased to welcome the Participants of the Panama Posse to
Ensenada, BC 🇲🇽 Mexico
As a special welcome rate we offer 2 nights and one free !
In
the minimum stay of 2 nights, you get 1 extra night for free + special
DAILY rate for the participants with boats with a length up to 65 ft:
$2.00 USD per foot of the vessel + tax + free assistance to clear in and
out of Mexico, immigration and to get the Temporary Importation Permit
as long as they present all the documents as required by the port
authorities.
SERVICES
189 slips from 36’ to 68’ and 6 end ties from 83’ to 135’
350’ mega yacht area
Dock box with water supply and electricity capacity (30, 50 and 100 amp end tie)
Double breakwater protection, insuring the calmest marina in Ensenada area
A steep climb to the top of this knob yields views of the valley and town below.
El
Valle de Anton is a small town in Western Panama nestled in the crater
of an ancient and extinct volcano. This is the second largest
inhabited volcano crater in the world. The mountains encircling
the town are steep dense jungle. The microclimate here, next to
the cloud forest create amazing and abundant varieties of flora and
fauna.
View from the rim of an ancient volcano down into El Valle, 🇵🇦 Panama
View to the Ocean from The top.
We particularly enjoyed seeing many tropical birds and butterflies.
This Camouflage is so attractive!
El
Valle is a popular weekend getaway for city dwelling Panamanians and
adventure travelers. There are many natural wonders and
attractions including history museums, butterfly research station,
hiking, swimming, horseback riding, bird watching, zip lining, and more.
On the southern side of town there are thermal underwater rivers
that peek out and are plumbed into swimming pools.
This pool was a delightful place to rest and refresh morning, noon, and night!
Land
trips are a great way to see more than meets the eye from the coast.
El Valle de Anton is less than an hour drive from Vista Mar
Marina. Thank you SY Whirlwind for sharing your stories and your
photos.
SY WHIRLWIND 🇺🇸 Maurisa, Mike, Russell & Josea – Alajuela 48’
12) INTRODUCING THE NEW COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM
CHAT.PANAMAPOSSE.COM
Communicating with fellow boats along the route is a BIG BENEFITof the Panama Posse. However, last seasons communications platform got overloaded with over 275,000 words from hundreds of yachts. With so many knowledgeable and fact finding participants communicating daily via our LINE chat,
the sheer amount and stream of questions, comments, insight, location
pins, BOLO notices, et cetera pushed the seasonal knowledge transfer to
the limit. Our quest is for a little bit more organized way to
discuss and share information so we can get the most out of our
communications. As a result, we are forging ahead with a new
communications platform .
It is called ZULIP. We are in control of the server and the open source platform. It runs on mac, pc, ios, android, etc. Zulip is a chatroom on steroids, topics are more organized,and we think (and hope) it will be a huge improvement to our communications among the fleet.
FINALLY A WELL ORGANIZED & THREADED CHAT !
To sign up in the initial phase please email registration@panamaposse.com to get your invitation -GESTALT PROTOCOL APPLIES
THIS COMM TOOL HAS core concepts **STREAMS** and **TOPICS**
STREAMS are knowledge and information streams you are interested in
TOPICS are
just that within each STREAM ( think of a subject in an email ) you can
create a topic or use an existing topic when composing a message
The
culture of Belize is a mix of influences and people from Kriol, Maya,
East Indian, Garinagu aka Garifuna , Mestizo and Mennonites
who are of German descent, with many other cultures from Chinese to
Lebanese. It is a unique blend that emerged through the country's long
and complex history.
🇧🇿 CULINARY STAPLES
Rice and beans: A staple, often served with stewed chicken, pork, or beef.
Coconut Milk: Used frequently in Belizean cuisine, particularly in dishes like "Seré," a Garifuna fish soup.
Corn: Used in a variety of forms, from tortillas to tamales.
Seafood:
Given Belize’s proximity to the Caribbean Sea, seafood is abundant and
features prominently, including conch, lobster, and various types of
fish.
SIGNATURE DISHES
Rice and Beans with Stew Chicken: Considered the national dish,
it is commonly served with coleslaw or a side salad.
Pupusas: Thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or meat.
Johnny Cakes: A type of biscuit often filled with ham, chicken, or cheese.
Tamales: Corn dough pockets filled with meat, beans, or vegetables, usually steamed in a banana leaf.
Fry Jacks: Deep-fried dough pieces, often served with breakfast.
BELIZE BEVERAGES
Belikin Beer: The national beer of Belize.
Seaweed Shakes: A traditional drink made with seaweed, condensed milk, nutmeg, and other spices.
Cashew and Sorrel Wine: Locally produced fruit wines.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Hudut: A Garifuna fish stew made with plantains and coconut milk, often served during cultural festivals.
Dukunu: A sweet corn dish that is wrapped and steamed in corn husks, traditionally made for holidays and special occasions.
FOLKLORE
In Belizean folklore, we find the legends of La Llorona, Cadejo, the Tata Duende,
and X'tabai. The idea of the mystical healing and Obeah is prominent in
Belizean legend, and there is still talk of evil shaman practices like
putting "Obeah" on certain houses. This is known to be done by burying a
bottle with the 'evil' under a tree close by the house.
MUSIC AND ART
Punta is
by the far most popular genre of Garifuna music and has become the most
popular genre in all of Belize. It is distinctly Afro-Caribbean, and is
sometimes said to be ready for international popularization like
similarly-descended styles (reggae, calypso, merengue, etc.).
Established stars include Andy Palacio, Herman "Chico" Ramos, "Mohobub"
Flores, Adrian "The Doc" Martinez, and Lindsford "Supa G" Martinez. A
slower, more melodic variant, known as Paranda, has been catching on
recently behind the talents of Honduras' Aurelio Martinez and Paul Nabor
of Punta Gorda; Nabor's signature track "Naguya Nei" is considered the
informal popular anthem of the Garifuna nation.
Brukdown is
a very popular modern style of Belizean music related to Calypso. It
evolved out of the music and dance of loggers, especially a form called
buru. Its greatest proponents include Wilfred Peters and Gerald "Lord"
Rhaburn of Belize City and Leela Vernon of Punta Gorda.
Reggae, Dancehall, and Soca
imported from Jamaica and the rest of the West Indies, and Rap,
Hip-Hop, heavy metal and rock music from the United States, are also
popular among the youth of Belize. Belize's recording industry turns out
a few CDs each year; the majority of musical exposure occurs at monthly
concerts featuring Belizean and international artists sharing the same
card, or else DJ's mixing music at local nightclubs.
The rock structures surrounding Isla Isabel National Park are jagged and dramatic
Isla
Isabel National Park is a national park and protected area located off
the coast of Nayarit. This isolated island was one Jacques Cousteau’s
favorite places and Cousteau himself made the recommendation to the
Mexican government to designate this island as a National Park. He spent
a great deal of time here and has aired many specials on this fabulous
gem. The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau aired in 1975.
The
island is uninhabited by humans, though there is a seabird reproductive
research program run by UNAM and tourists visit to camp, fish and bird
watch. After having depleted a huge colony of Sooty Terns, which in 1978
had over 150,000 pairs, cats were finally eradicated from the island in
1995 and the Terns are slowly recovering. The biodiversity and
migratory populations of animals that live and return here year after
year is a stunning MUST SEE.
The male frigate bird shows off his red pouch when looking to impress the ladies.
The male blue footed boobie dance for the female who lays her eggs directly on the sand.
Approaching Isla Isabel at sunrise can be quite serene.
Along the Panama Posse CENTRAL AMERICAN route are 40+ UNESCO and OTHER SIGNIFICANT WORLD HERITAGE SITES
16) PANAMA POSSE BOAT FOR SALE
FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE
SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽 Mexico
*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*
Arrow
is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water
maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system
with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of
sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor,
safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee
cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain
awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.
Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or
offshore.
Ready
for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy,
live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting
history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be
an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.
As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her
off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.
Arrow
was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead
sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead
ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and
offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement
ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a
kind motion in a seaway.
We are happy to announce that also this year we will be partnering with
SHELTER ISLAND INFLATABLES SAN DIEGO
Premier Luxury Tender & Outboard Motor Dealership
Shelter
Island Inflatables is a full service dealership featuring authorized
parts, sales, and service for Mercury, Suzuki Marine, Novurania, Inmar
Inflatable Boats, Williams Jet Tenders, & Highfield.
Shelter Island Inflatables has moved its location to 2727 Shelter Island Dr. “Under the Brigantine restaurant”
Showroom: 619-222-1200 Service Yard: 619-269-5702
19) GUNKHOLE * FROM SAN DIEGO TO BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX
* to make a series of short pleasure trips by boat, as from bay to bay
⓪ San Diego Police Dock 32° 42.537' N 117° 14.10543' W - ⛽💧
① Ensenada Cruiseport Village Marina 31° 51.2766′ N 116° 37.2433′ W 60 nm ⛽💧
② Punta Santo Tomas 31° 33.1589 N 116° 40.6879 W 18 nm
③ Bahia Colonet Bight 30° 57.9028 N 116° 17.0747 W 40 nm
④ Isla San Martin North Bay 30° 29.178 N 116° 6.1356 W 30 nm
⑤ Bahia San Quintin 30° 22.5924' N 115° 59.0887' W 9 nm
⑥ Isla San Gernomio 29° 47.3276' N 115° 47.4296' W 37 nm
⑦ Fondadero San Carlos 29° 37.3596' N 115° 28.565' W 19 nm
⑧ Isla Cedros N 28° 20.212' N 115° 11.434' W 79 nm
⑨ Turtle Bay / Bahia Tortugas 27° 41.2544' N 114° 53.2545' W 42 nm⛽💧
⑩ Bahia Asuncion 27° 08.1355' N 114° 17.4206' W 46 nm⛽ 💧
⑪ Bahia San Hipolito 26° 59.3362' N 113° 57.6966' W 20 nm
⑫ Bahia Ballenas 26° 46.0426' N 113° 30.0266' W 28 nm
⑬ San Juanico / Scorpion Bay 26° 14.7986' N 112° 28.333' W 64 nm
⑭ Bahia Santa Maria 24° 46.133' N 112° 15.441' W 90 nm
⑮ Cabo San Lucas East 22° 53.304' N 109° 53.844' W *172 nm ⛽💧
⑯ Los Frailes 23° 22.836' N 109° 25.297' W 40 nm
⑰ Isla de Pajaros 23° 15.2645' N 106° 28.3305' W *163 nm ⛽💧
⑱ Isla Isabella Anchorage South 21° 50.5266' N 105° 52.907' W 91 nm
⑲ San Blas Outer Anchorage 21° 31.043' N 105° 14.566' W 41 nm ⛽💧
⑳ Punta de Mita 20° 45.764' N 105° 31.15' W 48 nm ⛽💧
㉑ Punta Ipala 20° 14.2306' N 105° 34.4255' W 32 nm
㉒ Chamela - N 19° 35.0404' N 105° 7.8663' W 47 nm
㉓ Isla Paraiso - E 19° 28.6194' N 105° 3.7637' W 8 nm
㉔ Tenacatita - Inner Bay 19° 17.9207' N 104° 50.1528' W 17 nm
㉕ Marina Puerto Navidad 19° 11.7294' N 104° 40.8748' W 11 nm ⛽💧
*overnight
20) 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
The Samoan Fire Knife Dance
is a breathtaking performance. There is a lot more to this ritual than
just a spectacular dance as it comes from centuries of tradition and is
infused with lots of old-time lore and even personalization by
performers.
WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW
YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Aqua hammock is calling from paradise San Blas 🇵🇦 Panama
ocean posse llc @ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117 USA This e-mail has been sent to dietmar@dietmar.com, Click here to UNSUBSCRIBE
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