AZORES CREATES LARGEST MARINE PROTECTED AREA IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC
AZORES 
CREATES LARGEST
MARINE PROTECTED AREA
Cruising the Azores Just Got Better
The Azores, an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a sailorโs paradise. Comprised of nine volcanic islands, underwater mountain ranges, and rich biodiversity on land and in the surrounding sea this autonomous region of Portuguese territory offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and ideal sailing conditions. For yachts and sailboats, cruising the Azores provides an opportunity to explore unspoiled nature, vibrant communities, and a wide array of maritime experiences.ย The islands are about 900 nautical miles west of mainland Portugal, making them accessible from both Europe and North America. Navigation in the Azores is generally straightforward, thanks to well-marked channels and reliable nautical charts. However, sailors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and the occasional challenge posed by the archipelagoโs volcanic topography.ย The nine islands are divided into three groups: the Eastern Group (Sรฃo Miguel and Santa Maria), the Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, Sรฃo Jorge, Pico, and Faial), and the Western Group (Flores and Corvo). Each group offers distinct attractions and cruising experiences.
Last year a global pact was adopted by the United Nations to protect 30% of the Earth's land and sea by 2030.ย This month, the a regional assembly of Portugal's Azures Islands took the leading step towards this goal by designating expansive marine protection which now represents the largest Marine Protected Area in the North Atlantic.ย The protection creates two areas: a fully protected area of sea marking it as a safe haven for biodiversity and natural resources, and a highly protected area of sea surrounding the islands.ย The distinction being that in the latter selective and light fishing is permitted.
World leaders are gathered this week in Columbia for the UN Biodiversity Conference COP16 and this recent announcement by the Azures will hopefully be an inspiration to other nations to make strides to protect their 30% of the earth's land and sea that they can to preserve the world's biodiversity.ย According to Oceanographic Magazine, "Marine Protected Areas are widely recognized as the most effective tool in the global effort to reverse biodiversity loss and build ocean resilience against climate change. The Azores leadership has been earmarked by commentators as โparticularly inspiringโ given that only 2.8% of the worldโs oceans are currently fully or highly protected.
A report issued by Greenpeace International earlier this week warns that at the current rate of development in ocean protection, theย United Nations stands to miss its critical 2030 target by a full eight decades. This means the ambitions of the 30ร30 target โ at the current pace of success โ wonโt be realized until 2107."
Josรฉ Manuel Bolieiro, president of the Regional Government of the Azores said, โThe Azores has long been known for its unique ocean nature, and with this decision, we are driving the way forward to a productive, vibrant ocean.ย The sea is an integral part of our collective identity, being vital socially, culturally, and economically. We are committed to protect and recover our ocean to support a healthy blue economy. Our decision through a science-based and participatory process leading to the protection of 30% of our seas serves as an example that other regions must follow now to ensure the future health of the planet.โ
The process by which the Regional Government of Azores achieved this protection may also be an example to other nations.ย This decision was not made by an authoritarian ruler at the expense of livelihoods and local sustainability.ย Rather the decision to create the largest marine protection area in North America was reached through "an extensive participatory process".ย ย This process included over 40 meetings with representatives from various sectors, including those within fishing, maritime transport, maritime tourism, and environmental non-governmental organizations.
โThe result was the collaborative design of a network of marine protected areas that benefits people, nature, and the economy, based on the best available science in the region,โ said representatives of the Azores.
Cruising the Azores with the new Marine Protected Area offers an unparalleled yachting and sailing adventure. The archipelagoโs diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and excellent sailing conditions make it a premier destination for sailors. Whether exploring the historical streets of Angra do Heroรญsmo, hiking the volcanic trails of Pico, or enjoying the serene beauty of Graciosa, the Azores provide a wealth of experiences for every sailor. Navigating these enchanting islands requires preparation and respect for the natural environment, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The Azoresโ unique blend of maritime tradition, natural beauty, and welcoming communities ensure that every cruise is a memorable journey.
POSSE PERK: FREE PRINTABLE REFERENCE CHARTS
POSSE PERK: ๐บ๏ธ FREE PRINTABLE REFERENCE CHARTS
*Emergency Backup To Your Electronics*
Paper charts are an excellent navigational aid ESPECIALLY if electronics fail.ย An Ocean Posse Perk gives members access to printable charts along the main routes of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Printable Charts are also available in the Atlantic and many European countries.
IN THE OCEAN POSSE YOU CAN SAIL YOUR OWN SCHEDULE
WITH HARD COPY CHARTS
AVAILABLE FOR PRINT TO ALL MEMBERS
PASSAGE REPORT: SAMOA TO WALLIS ISLAND
SV VIVA SHARES PASSAGE REPORT:
SAMOA TO WALLIS ISLAND
VESSELS ARE GETTING A JUMPSTART ON CRUISING SEASON ON THE PACIFIC COAST
VESSELS ARE GETTING A JUMPSTART
ON CRUISING SEASON IN MEXICO, COSTA RICA, & PANAMA
SY PERCEPTION ๐บ๐ธ Jim & Melinda & Grace - Lagoon 42'
SV ZORBA 
Tomer & Limor โ Tayana 48โ
FAIR WINDS
SOUTH PACIFIC TROPICAL CYCLONE SEASON OUTLOOK
SOUTH PACIFIC TROPICAL CYCLONE SEASON
NOVEMBER 1-APRIL 30
NEW OUTLOOK RELEASED
Tropical cyclones, like hurricanes, are known for their powerful winds, heavy rains, and potential to cause significant destruction.ย Tropical cyclones frequently affect the southern Pacific and can pose serious threats to both public health and infrastructure.ย All vessels are advised to have a plan of action for the cyclone season.
According to New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and Metservice, the South Pacific may see either fewer or a normal number of tropical cyclones this season.ย The cyclone season in the South Pacific starts November 1 and runs until the April 30, with the typical 'peak' of the season being January - March.ย ย The outlook that has recently been released, "Southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook - October 2024" describes a slower start to the Cyclone season, potentially less cyclone risk overall in the eastern region while potentially elevated risk in the western region.ย According to the NIWA Outlook, "As of early October 2024, sea surface temperatures across the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean are below average and close to La Niรฑa thresholds."ย Forecasters are observing more La Niรฑa-like characteristics that tend to reduce risk in the east and elevate risk in the west where warmer water may 'stack up' later in the season.ย As with many weather outlooks of late there continues to be caution that while there may be less risk in the frequency of tropical storms this season, there is still a risk that those that come may intensify more rapidly or simply be very intense.
For cruisers in French Polynesia South Pacific Posse member Scott on Tartaruga shares:
What is critical to following storms in FP is the location of the MJO. Madden Julien Oscillation. You can research that but when that is over French Poly that is when the highest probability of big storms occur. Per some local Tahiti sailors they almost never have any cyclonic storms outside of MJO events. This last season Fiji announced the MJO forecast and when it would be over FP and boom the storms came. Also note that Fiji is the official metrological organization for these storms. Another important data point is they name their storms very early, mean the wind scale starts at a much lower number....NOAA tracks (the MJO) closely as well. I would educate yourself on how to read the graph. It is a bit strange.
Fiji Meteorological Service Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Nadi-Tropical Cyclone Centre also just released a forecast on the upcoming tropical Cyclone season.ย Their predictions are similar.
Stay alert on great weather sites including:
- https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=tcoutlook
- https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/southwest-pacific-tropical-cyclone-outlook/southwest-pacific-tropical-cyclone-outlook-october-2024
FLEET UPDATE 2024-10-15
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![Hurricane Beryl (/หbษr.ษl/) was a deadly and destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that impacted parts of the Caribbean, the Yucatรกn Peninsula, and the Gulf Coast of the United States in late June and early July 2024. It was the earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record and the second such storm in the month of July, the other being 2005's Hurricane Emily. Beryl was also the strongest hurricane to develop within the Main Development Region (MDR) of the Atlantic before the month of July. The second named storm, first hurricane, and first major hurricane[nb 1] of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Beryl broke many meteorological records for the months of June and July, primarily for its unusual location, intensity, and longevity.](https://oceanposse.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/15/content_036.jpg)
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MEXICO ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS
MEXICO ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS
FOR FOREIGN FLAGGED VESSELS
- Paperwork and fees for the people (and animals) onboard the vessel.
- This involves getting tourist visas through Immigration and going through customs.ย Visitors need to provide their passport, crew list, and vessel documentation.
- Paperwork and fees for the Vessel to obtain a TIP.
- TIPโs are temporary Import Permits that boat owners apply for and pay for upon entry into Mexico. Captains present vessel and ownership documentation for permit.ย The TIP is on the vessel and the ownership of the vessel is unimportant. The fee is less than $100 and yet the paperwork associated with it is the vesselโs Golden ticket into Mexico.ย TIPโs for foreign flagged vessels are valid for ten years in Mexican waters. Foreign vessels are meant to cancel their TIP upon exiting Mexican waters.
When a vessel leaves Mexico without cancelling their TIP and this same vessel tries to enter Mexico complications arise.ย In recent years, one of the biggest challenges cruisers entering Mexico have faced is discovering that their vessel has an uncanceled TIP.ย If a vessel is found in Mexico without their โGolden Ticketโ. The vessel can be impounded immediately.ย Only fees, paperwork and stress build in this scenario.
POSSE PERK: WEEKLY LIVE CALLS WITH LOCAL WEATHER REPORTS
POSSE PERK: WEEKLY LIVE CALLS WITH LOCAL WEATHER REPORTS
โ๏ธ Free Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group
The Ocean Posse has weekly, live, in-season calls dedicated to five different regions where posse members are cruising:
- The Pacific Americas Route (Beginning October 28 through June)
- The Caribbean Route (Beginning October 28 through June)
- The Atlantic Route (Beginning October 28 through June)
- The Mediterranean Route (Beginning October 28 through June)
- The South Pacific Route (In process now ending November 4th)
During the Weekly calls members join in to:
- Share any emergency or emergency relay needed
- update one another on location, any issues they may be having, or fun stuff they are doing
- Receive weather report from Captain Dietmar
- Questions people have for one another.
This weekly communication is a a little bit like a net and fulfills all the same functions.
FLEET UDPATE 2024-10-06
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![Hurricane Beryl (/หbษr.ษl/) was a deadly and destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that impacted parts of the Caribbean, the Yucatรกn Peninsula, and the Gulf Coast of the United States in late June and early July 2024. It was the earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record and the second such storm in the month of July, the other being 2005's Hurricane Emily. Beryl was also the strongest hurricane to develop within the Main Development Region (MDR) of the Atlantic before the month of July. The second named storm, first hurricane, and first major hurricane[nb 1] of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Beryl broke many meteorological records for the months of June and July, primarily for its unusual location, intensity, and longevity.](https://oceanposse.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/06/content_058.jpg)
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SAILING NOTES FROM THE SOUTH PACIFIC FOR OCEAN VOYAGERS
Sailing Notes from the South Pacific for Ocean Voyagers
SY WHIRLWIND ๐บ๐ธ Maurisa, Mike, Russell & Josea โ Alajuela 48โ
