MY HOKIPA Lucky Chucky & Lisa  – Selene 43′

 CORSICA WEST COAST 🇫🇷 FRANCE  

SY SAMLL WORLD III 🇻🇮 Karen & Daren – Bristol 47.7

Corsica’s west coast is wild, rugged, and very scenic, offering granite cliffs, remote anchorages, and small harbors rich in character. It stretches roughly from Calvi in the north to Propriano in the south, and is renowned for its UNESCO-listed natural wonders, traditional Corsican villages, and excellent summer cruising conditions.
⚓ Key Ports & Anchorages  
• Calvi (42°34.396′ N 008°45.800′ E)
◦ A historic Genoese citadel town.
◦ Well-sheltered marina and anchorage.
◦ Good provisioning and restaurants ashore.
• Girolata (42°19.147′ N 008°36.529′ E)
◦ Only accessible by sea or hiking trail.
◦ Located inside the Scandola Nature Reserve.
◦ Mooring buoys only; anchoring is restricted to protect the seabed.
• Cargèse (42°07.286′ N 008°35.203′ E)
◦ Quaint village with both Greek and Latin churches.
◦ Small marina, limited berths.
◦ Excellent local food and wine.
• Ajaccio (41°55.000′ N 008°44.000′ E)
◦ The capital of Corsica.
◦ Full-service port with fuel, repairs, and supermarkets.
◦ Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, museums, and vibrant local life.
• Propriano (41°40.800′ N 008°54.200′ E)
◦ Charming marina town with sandy beaches nearby.
◦ Ideal for provisioning before heading south or across to Sardinia.

🌊 Sailing Conditions
• Prevailing Winds: Expect westerlies and occasional Mistral blasts, especially in the northern section.
• Sea State: Can build quickly; the coastline is steep-to, but offers few protected all-weather anchorages.
• Best Cruising Season: May to September, with peak beauty in June and September.

🌄 Highlights for the Ocean Posse 
• Scandola Reserve: UNESCO-protected area with no anchoring; consider visiting with a RIB or day mooring.
• Red Cliffs of Piana: Sail past these dramatic cliffs near Capo Rosso at golden hour – truly unforgettable.
• Corsican Wine & Charcuterie: Sample figatellu, wild boar saucisson, and local niellucciu wines.

MED. COASTAL ROUTE 🇬🇮 GIBRALTAR 🇪🇸 SPAIN 🇫🇷 FRANCE 🇲🇨 MONACO 🇮🇹 ITALY / SICILY – 90 DAYS – 1800 NM

BARK AT THE MOON 🌕

Last night’s full moon was called the Sturgeon Moon. It was the full moon of August. The name comes from the large sturgeon fish that were traditionally caught.

Last sunset in the good ole USA for a while. Headed to Nova Scotia tomorrow

MY PAUSE Larry & Beth – Nordhavn’ 55

SCMC sponsors the Ocean Posse with the following discounts:

10% off all marine store items, excluding outboard motors

10% daily and monthly dockage and moorings fees

5% off diesel and fuel purchases

ST. CROIX MARINE CENTER SAFE APPROACH

NEARBY

⚓ 1. Christiansted National Historic Site
• What it is: A well-preserved colonial Danish fort and administrative complex dating back to the 18th century.
• Why go: Walk the cobblestone paths of Fort Christiansværn, the Danish Customs House, and the Scale House. It’s a vivid time capsule of Danish rule in the Caribbean.
• Tip: Visit at golden hour — the warm light on the yellow Danish buildings is unforgettable.

⚓ 2. Estate Whim Plantation Museum
• What it is: The oldest sugar plantation museum in the Virgin Islands.
• Why go: Explore a restored great house, sugar mill ruins, and period tools. Gain insight into the colonial and enslaved peoples’ experience.
• Tip: Combine this with a visit to other nearby plantation ruins like Rust Op Twist.

⚓ 3. Frederiksted Historic District
• What it is: A charming port town rebuilt after the Fireburn labor revolt of 1878.
• Why go: Stroll among Victorian gingerbread architecture, visit local art galleries, and enjoy a laid-back town vibe steeped in history.
• Tip: Visit the Eliza James-McBean Clock Tower and the Fort Frederik Museum.

⚓ 4. St. George Village Botanical Garden
• What it is: A lush 16-acre garden built on the ruins of a 19th-century sugar estate.
• Why go: Discover native and imported plants, historic ruins, and Arawak petroglyphs. It’s peaceful and culturally layered.
• Tip: Great place to escape the midday sun and enjoy a picnic.

⚓ 5. Crucian Food Tours (Christiansted)
• What it is: A guided culinary walking tour that hits local favorites.
• Why go: Sample kallaloo, pates, johnnycakes, local rum, and more while learning about island history and culture.
• Tip: Book early — these sell out fast.

⚓ 6. Lawaetz Family Museum
• What it is: A preserved Danish West Indies farmhouse, home to one of the island’s prominent families.
• Why go: Tour the grounds and learn about Danish agricultural heritage and Crucian family traditions.
• Tip: Best visited by appointment — call ahead.

⚓ 7. Sunday Brunch at The Palms or Savant
• What it is: Two iconic dining spots known for ambiance and cuisine.
• Why go: Experience elevated Crucian flavors in beautiful historic settings.
• Tip: Try the local bush tea and anything with fresh tamarind or passionfruit.

⚓ 8. Chaney Hunting in the Streets of Christiansted
• What it is: “Chaney” is broken china from colonial times, found embedded in sidewalks and gardens.
• Why go: It’s like urban beachcombing — find a fragment of colonial porcelain, and you’ve found a bit of history.
• Tip: There’s a Chaney shop near the boardwalk where you can learn more or have your finds made into jewelry.

⚓ 9. Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) Walking Tours
• What it is: Locally guided walking tours of Christiansted and Frederiksted.
• Why go: Learn the real stories — of resistance, rebellion, and Crucian resilience — from those who live the legacy.
• Tip: Ask for a tour focused on the Fireburn or Alexander Hamilton’s time on the island.

⚓ 10. Local Bush Rum Tasting & Distillery Visits
• What it is: Sample the island’s historic spirits and modern-day takes.
• Why go: From spiced bush rums to the world-famous Cruzan Rum Distillery, it’s a flavorful journey through Crucian spirit culture.
• Tip: The Cruzan Distillery still offers in-person tours, while Mutiny Island Vodka at Sion Farm uses breadfruit — worth the stop.

It’s That Time Again – The Ocean Posse Annual Survey Has Dropped ⚓️

Ahoy Captains and Crew,There’s nothing quite like a good maritime survey to get your day started – a little honesty, a little embarrassment, and a whole lot of truth. We’re excited (yes, really excited) to hear what you really think.

This is your chance to weigh in – anonymously – and help shape the course of the Ocean Posse fleet. No names, no judgments, just your salty insights.Grab a coffee, drop anchor, and take a few minutes to fill it out.
👉

Take the Survey Now 

We’re counting on you – and there might just be a $250 prize at the end of your honesty.Stay informed,
The Ocean Posse Team

COSTALEGRE MEXICO PACIFIC 🇲🇽
THE 200 NM HAPPY COAST TO CRUISE IN WINTER  

Why Costalegre Shines in Nov–Mar

Calmer Weather Windows – By November, the Eastern Pacific hurricane season is essentially over. The prevailing NW winds along the coast are lighter than they’ll be in late winter, making passages between anchorages (Barra, Tenacatita, Careyes, Chamela) smoother.

Warmer Water & Air – SST often 82–86°F (28–30°C) and air temps in the low 80s F. You can swim comfortably without wetsuits, and evening cockpit time doesn’t require a sweater.

Dry, Clear Conditions – Post-rainy season skies, green hillsides, and clean beaches make for more photogenic anchorages and better shore excursions.

Short Hops Between Sheltered Anchorages – You can move in 20–40 nm increments without committing to long days or overnights.

Less Northerly Surge – Surf landings for dinghies are generally more manageable than they are in mid-winter when stronger NW swell wraps into open bays.

NOTE: Why the Sea of Cortez Is Trickier Nov–Mar

Northers Begin in Earnest:  Strong, dry NW winds can blow for days at 20–30 knots, especially in the mid and northern gulf. Anchorages become exposed and rolly, and passages can be wet and uncomfortable.

Cooler Water & Air: SST drops to the low-to-mid 70s°F by December, and nights can dip into the 50s°F, making swims brisk and evenings chilly.

Longer Hops, Fewer Shelters – In the central/northern Sea, there are greater distances between all-weather anchorages, making timing critical to avoid getting pinned.

Wildlife Still Good but Less Tropical: You’ll see whales, dolphins, and seabirds, but the lush tropical backdrop of the Pacific coast isn’t there — the desert is stark and beautiful, but not “lush” this time of year.

Primary Named Winds 🌬  PACIFIC COAST OF THE AMERICAS 

The Fraser Outflow Winds: Nature’s Icy Breath Through the Salish Sea

The Fraser Outflow Winds, sometimes referred to as Fraser Outflows or Arctic Outflows, are a defining winter wind pattern that funnels out of mainland British Columbia and into the coastal waters of the Salish Sea, including Boundary Bay, Georgia Strait, and waters around Tsawwassen, Point Roberts, and the Gulf Islands. These winds originate from intense high-pressure systems over the interior and forcefully exit through the Fraser River Valley, where they can reach gale or storm-force levels.
For mariners transiting the Strait of Georgia or entering from the Pacific via the Juan de Fuca Strait, understanding the Fraser Outflow is essential, not only for safety, but also for planning seasonal movements and anchorage choices.

Geographic and Meteorological Overview
The Fraser River Valley acts as a natural wind tunnel. It originates in the Canadian Rockies and carves its way through British Columbia to empty into the Strait of Georgia near Vancouver. In winter, Arctic air masses pool in the Interior Plateau, often generating very strong barometric gradients between the cold high-pressure interior and the comparatively mild, moist marine low-pressure areas off the BC coast.
This pressure difference becomes the driving force behind Fraser Outflows. As the cold, dense air seeks equilibrium, it descends and accelerates westward along the path of least resistance—the Fraser River Valley.
What results is a chilling, powerful wind that can exceed 50 knots in gusts, capable of bringing freezing spray, sub-zero temperatures, and near-whiteout sea smoke conditions along the coast. These winds commonly affect:
• Tsawwassen and Point Roberts
• Boundary Bay
• Howe Sound and English Bay
• The Southern Gulf Islands
• East Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo and Ladysmith

Wind Characteristics
• Seasonality: Fraser Outflows typically occur between November and March, with January and February being peak months.
• Duration: Outflows can last for several days, with rapid onset and slow dissipation depending on how long the inland high pressure holds.
• Temperature Effects: These winds are cold and dry, often lowering the air temperature drastically, particularly at night. Wind chills may plunge well below freezing, even when ambient temperatures hover above zero.
• Wind Strength: Sustained winds in affected areas can reach 25 to 40 knots, with gale- or storm-force gusts. Funnel effects at constricted geographic points like Active Pass or Porlier Pass can increase velocity and turbulence.
• Sea State: Despite originating over land, these winds can create steep, choppy waves in exposed areas of the Strait of Georgia, especially where the outflow meets onshore marine winds.
• Visibility: On cold mornings, these winds can generate sea smoke, a dense fog-like vapor caused when cold air flows over warmer water. Visibility may drop to near zero.

Forecasting Fraser Outflows
Fraser Outflows are well-studied and often predicted by Environment Canada, which issues specific outflow wind warnings in marine forecasts. Indicators include:

• A strong ridge of Arctic high pressure over the BC Interior.
• A deepening Pacific low off the coast or over Vancouver Island.
• A pressure gradient greater than 5 to 10 hPa between Hope, BC (Interior) and Vancouver or Victoria (Coast).
• Rapid cooling inland and high-clear-sky nights.

Modern forecasting tools like Windy, Navionics weather overlay, and GRIB models from OpenCPN with GFS/NAM data will often highlight these conditions days in advance. However, local knowledge remains critical, as the onset can be abrupt and the real-time intensity often surpasses model predictions in narrow valleys and coastal funnels.

Maritime Impact and Navigation Tips
For sailors, yacht captains, and ferry operators in BC’s inner waterways, Fraser Outflows are not just weather events—they are operational hazards.

1. Anchoring and Mooring
• Fraser Outflows are especially hazardous for vessels at anchor in exposed southern reaches of the Gulf Islands and eastern Vancouver Island.
• Anchor holding should be robust, with additional scope and chafe gear, particularly in places like Montague Harbour, Silva Bay, or Ladysmith.
• Marinas on the southeast side of Vancouver Island may offer better shelter than open anchorages.

2. Timing of Transits
• Avoid transiting areas like Boundary Pass or Porlier Pass during the peak of outflow winds. These narrows can experience violent turbulence, wind-over-current stacking, and poor visibility from sea smoke.
• Favor morning departures before the daily peak heating causes wind acceleration.
3. Freezing Spray Risk
• For smaller vessels, especially those with forward-facing windows or exposed decks, freezing spray can rapidly build ice, adding dangerous top-weight.
• Anti-icing measures and delaying departure are often safer than risking hull icing in moderate seas.

4. Crossing to the US
• Vessels headed to Point Roberts, Bellingham, or the San Juans may face direct headwinds and choppy conditions in Boundary Bay and the southern Gulf Islands. Mariners crossing the border should ensure they have alternate ports in mind.
5. Fuel and Engine Notes
• The dry, dense air increases engine efficiency, but may exacerbate problems with fuel waxing if diesel is untreated.
• Consider antigel additives and monitor your fuel temperature, especially for vessels that carry summer-blend diesel into a BC winter.

Real-World Incidents and Cases
Over the years, Fraser Outflows have contributed to:
• Dragging anchor events in Silva Bay and Newcastle Island.
• Sinking of smaller boats in gust fronts near Point Grey.
• Ice accretion on vessels transiting toward the Sunshine Coast.
• Ferry service disruptions, notably at Tsawwassen terminal, due to rough docking conditions.
Many a sailor has learned the hard way not to underestimate the wind’s strength at the mouth of the Fraser. One local captain put it plainly: “If you see snow-capped peaks inland and clear skies to the west, double-check your halyards—it might blow harder than you expect.”

Posse Perspective: Strategic Notes for Cruisers
From an Ocean Posse navigation standpoint, knowledge of the Fraser Outflow is particularly useful for:
• Vessels staging northbound or southbound through the Salish Sea.
• Foreign-flagged yachts overwintering in BC or Puget Sound who may not be accustomed to local microclimates.
• Insurance compliance: Understanding these wind events can reduce unnecessary risk exposure during haul-outs, maintenance transits, or off-season delivery passages.
• Fleet coordination: When moving together or during meetups in the Gulf Islands, outflows should be a determining factor in anchorage selection.

Conclusion
The Fraser Outflow Winds are a spectacular but hazardous display of winter’s influence on maritime weather in coastal British Columbia. Born of icy high-pressure systems and funneled through the Fraser River Valley, these winds transform tranquil anchorages into wind tunnels and add a layer of complexity to cruising during the off-season.
For the savvy sailor, however, they are neither mysterious nor unmanageable. With proper forecasting, prudent seamanship, and the fellowship of the fleet, you can navigate Fraser Outflows as part of the grand adventure that is Pacific Northwest sailing.
Fair winds, except when they scream from the east

When the Lagoon Won:
Waiting Out the Roaring Thirties in Maupihaa 🇵🇫

After seventeen idyllic days in the tropical lagoon of Maupihaa it felt like it was time to leave. Our provisions were running low and we still had 1,000 miles of ocean before there was a chance of resupply.

Some of our fellow cruisers had been eking out their rations by adeptly hunting giant coconut crabs, dispatching them with a deft blow from a machete and then devouring them with a coconut sauce. The more expert foragers had been hunting the lobsters on the reef and cooking them up on a shoreside BBQ with the help of the 4 residents who subsist on this beautiful atoll.

The crew of S/V Shimshal are, however, quite squeamish about these things and much less skilled. Even the act of preparing a coconut nearly resulted in lacerated fingers and some very chewy bits of husk. Instead, we continue to count our onions and wish we had paid more attention to all those desert island survival tips.

A few of the boats incarcerated with us saw a weather window to escape west and planned to leave on day seventeen. The crux would be the 60’ wide pass that leads out of the lagoon and has a permanent swift flowing current squirting boats into the open ocean to meet their fate. Once in the pass there would be no turning back and vessel would not be able control their speed to dodge a breaker. We knew the surf would be up but, we argued, the swells were coming from the SW and our exit was to the NW. We might just be lucky!

On the 17th day five boats stowed their dinghies, prepared for an ocean passage and raised their anchors. First to lead off was a Californian catamaran sailed by a couple of young surfers – who better to assess surf conditions? Shimshal lingered a little longer to fix a blocked bilge pump in the sail locker and while we procrastinated, I noticed the ever-present roar of the surf now sounded more like a taxiing jumbo jet at close quarters. Eventually the bilge pump was fixed, and Shimshal joined the fleet of the nervous as they headed towards the pass 2 miles away.

As Shimshal departed the anchorage the catamaran paused to reflect on the wisdom of continuing. The next boat in the line was crewed by an avid diving couple who would look at the waves from a different perspective. Shimshal, the most nervous of them all, remained in last position. Always happy to see how others fared!
Two more boats arrived at the decision point, hesitated and then steered away. Then it was our turn to glimpse the gap between the white posts that marked the narrow pass that led to the open ocean. A large wall of blue water rose up where the pass should be and, a moment later, the crest broke, and our planned route was engulfed in foaming white water.

I like to think that it was age-related wisdom that informed our decision to defer our passage, return to our anchorage, re-count our provisions and tighten our belts. The truth is that watching too many YouTubes of yachts crossing angry bars has led to a tendency to catastrophise. Or maybe age has just brought with it a healthy aversion to risk?

The scientists and meteorologists are telling us that the weather patterns in the South Pacific are changing at an unprecedented pace and us cruisers are going to have to learn to adapt, change our timings and, above all, wait for conditions to moderate. We are all aware of the changes brought on by a hotter world and here, on Maupihaa, the evidence of those changes is all too present. The coral is bleached by the over-warm sea, rising sea levels threatened to engulf what little land there is just as last week’s tsunami threatened the same. What’s new is the shifting winds and seasons. In July the band of perennially windy weather at 40 degrees south, known as the Roaring Forties, moved, for the first time north to become the Roaring Thirties.

The new Roaring Thirties are driving the big seas and killing the trade winds. The passage west from French Polynesia to Tonga has long been known as the ‘Difficult Middle’ but what was just ‘difficult’ has now stalled us amateur cruisers for weeks on end.

The time-honoured seasons are also changing. Our New Zealand based weather router has been guiding boats through the Difficult Middle for 20 years and, during that time he has noticed a 6 week change in weather patterns. Thankfully, this delay is being recognised by insurance companies who now accept that crossing to New Zealand in November might now be better than the conventional wisdom that asserts that October is the best month. It’s a good thing when hard-nosed financial services industry professionals recognise the reality of climate change and react favourably.

Beyond our cosy atoll climate change is raging and continues to be stoked by a flagrant disregard for science. Facts are dismissed and lobbyists buy their influence whilst cyclones become more powerful and spread their devastation over larger areas. Squalls now have the power to sink monster yachts as happened last year in the Adriatic. Our friends traversing the North West Passage this season have found an Arctic playground devoid of icy obstruction with 70 boats free to roam wherever they wish. One bold lady in her twenties now stands a real chance of becoming the first solo sailor to traverse both the North West and North East Passages in one season. A feat that would have been laughed at just 10 years ago.

As we motored back to the calm of our anchorage a WhatsApp pinged in from Mark, our Scottish neighbor. He sent a video of a friend’s boat on our mooring pitching violently as 90 knot winds struck the Scottish Hebrides. The boat survived but when will the petrol-heads wake up and realize that 90 knot winds in August are not normal? We have to stop this climate denial madness!

Meanwhile, as the world burns, we sit in our tiny anchorage and wait for the seas to settle as another deep low to our south passes. No doubt our pass will open soon, and the trade winds will, one day, waft us on our way towards Niue and Tonga before we starve or get forced ashore to kill crabs, wrestle with coconuts and hunt lobsters. Our risk aversion has, once again, kept us safe. We are also pleased that our adrenaline loving, surf dude neighbors, thirty years our junior, made the right call when they first glimpsed the pass this morning – that decision allowed us to climb down gracefully!

reported by Simon Currin from medicalexpeditions.org.uk

CHART 6176 MAUPIHAA

YouTube video of the narrow entrance

SOUTH PACIFIC – MEET THE CRUISING FLEET – SAT AUG 30 – NAWI ISLAND MARINA
Brought to you by the yacht sales co.

• 15:00  YACHT MARKET OVERVIEW FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS PRESENTED BY
  THE YACHT SALES CO

• 15:30  THE PASSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND – PRESENTED BY OCEAN TACTICS

• 16:00 MEET AND MINGLE AND FREE RUM

• 17:00 LET THE FEAST BEGIN …

• 19:00 KAVA AND RUM AFTER HOURS 

OFFICIAL OCEAN POSSE EVENTS

Sat October 2025

OCEAN POSSE MARINE INSURANCE SEMINAR

ZOOM, ONLINE

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Wed - Sun December 2025

OCEAN POSSE KICK OFF 🇲🇽 BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO December 3-7 2025

MARINA PUERTO DE LA NAVIDAD, BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Sun January 2026

FIESTA NAUTICA CLUB DE PESCA CARTAGENA 🇨🇴

CLUB DE PESCA, CARTAGENA COLOMBIA

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Sat January 2026

OCEAN POSSE AT SHELTER BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

SHELTER BAY MARINA, FORT SHERMAN, PANAMA

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Thu September 2026

OCEAN POSSE & BEN TAYLOR STREET PARTY @ CANNES 🇫🇷 YACHTING FESTIVAL

TAQUERIA LUPITA, 72 Rue Meynadier, Cannes

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Thu September 2026

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Wed - Sat October 2026

OCEAN POSSE 🇺🇸 SAN DIEGO BAY 4 DAY CRUISING SEMINARS SERIES @ SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY

SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY EVENT CENTER, CHULA VISTA, SAN DIEGO, CA

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Fri September 2027

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Sun September 2028

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Mon September 2029

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Tue September 2030

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

Wed September 2031

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

View Detail

No event found!

Load More

FLOR DE CAÑA RUM SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE EVENTS 

 Legionnaires’ Disease 🦠 Risks, Causes, and Prevention

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila, a bacterium found naturally in freshwater environments but capable of thriving in man-made water systems. On yachts, where freshwater tanks, plumbing lines, and climate control systems create enclosed and in warm water environments, Legionella can multiply and pose a health hazard to crew, guests, and owners.

What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
• Cause: Infection occurs when a person inhales aerosolized water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. This can happen via showers, taps, whirlpools, water misting systems, or ac cooling towers.
• Symptoms: Typically develop 2, 10 days after exposure and include cough, fever, muscle aches, headaches, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal upset. In severe cases, respiratory failure can occur.
• Vulnerability: While anyone can be infected, people over 50, smokers, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.

Why Yachts Are at Risk
Yachts create a unique set of conditions that can encourage the growth of Legionella:
1 Freshwater Storage Tanks , Water often sits for extended periods, particularly when the yacht is idle, allowing bacteria to multiply.
2 Warm Engine Rooms , Ambient heat can keep water temperatures in the bacterial growth range (20, 45°C / 68, 113°F).
3 Complex Plumbing Systems , Multiple decks, cabins, and fixtures increase the length and complexity of piping, creating “dead legs” where water stagnates.
4 Onboard Watermakers , While desalination kills most bacteria, contamination can occur in storage tanks or distribution lines afterward.
5 Air Conditioning Systems , Large yachts with chilled-water air conditioning can harbor Legionella in cooling towers or condensate pans if not properly treated.
6 Intermittent Use , Seasonal operation means yachts may sit in warm climates for weeks or months with stagnant water in the system.

How Legionella Grows
The bacterium thrives under specific conditions:
• Temperature: 20, 45°C (68, 113°F) is optimal; growth is rapid between 32, 42°C (90, 108°F).
• Stagnation: Water that sits still allows bacterial colonies to develop and biofilm to form on pipe walls.
• Nutrient Sources: Scale, sediment, rust, and organic matter provide food for bacteria.
• Protective Biofilms: Once established, biofilms are resistant to standard cleaning and can shield bacteria from disinfectants.

Common Sources of Exposure on Yachts
• Showers and taps , Aerosols from hot water outlets are a primary infection route.
• Jacuzzis and spa pools , Warm water, high surface area, and aeration make them prime breeding grounds.
• Water misting systems , Used for cooling decks or guests, these can spray contaminated droplets into the air.
• Humidifiers , If filled with contaminated water.
• AC condensate drift , In poorly maintained cooling towers or chiller plants.

Health and Legal Implications
For yacht owners, the consequences of an onboard Legionnaires’ incident can be serious:
• Health impact: High mortality rate (5, 30% depending on vulnerability and treatment speed).
• Operational disruption: Vessel quarantines, voyage cancellations, and extended downtime for decontamination.
• Reputation & Liability if guests are on board

Prevention Strategies    
The cornerstone of Legionella control is preventing bacterial growth through water hygiene management. Best practices include:

1. Water System Design and Maintenance
• Avoid dead legs or unused pipe runs where water can stagnate.
• Use smooth-bore pipe materials less prone to biofilm buildup.
• Install drain points to allow flushing of all lines.

2. Temperature Control
• Keep hot water storage at ≥60°C (140°F) and distribute at ≥50°C (122°F) to outlets.
• Keep cold water below 20°C (68°F).
• Regularly monitor and log water temperatures at key points.

3. Regular Flushing
• Flush rarely used outlets weekly, running both hot and cold water for several minutes.
• After lay-up or extended inactivity, flush and sanitize the entire system before guests or crew return.

4. Disinfection
• Thermal disinfection: Raise hot water temperature to 70°C (158°F) and flush through outlets for several minutes (careful of scalding risk).
• Chemical disinfection: Use chlorine, chlorine dioxide, or silver-copper ionization in storage tanks and lines.
• Watermakers and filters should be sanitized according to manufacturer instructions.

5. Filtration
• Fit point-of-use filters for high-risk outlets if contamination is suspected or proven. On large yachts Jacuzzi  are a mayor point of infections

6. AC System Hygiene
• Clean and disinfect cooling systems, condensate pans, and humidifiers per a planned schedule.
• Use biocides approved for marine ac systems.

Testing for Legionella
Testing provides assurance that systems are safe, especially after refit, extended lay-up, or a suspected case:
• Sampling points: Tanks, distal outlets (furthest taps), and high-risk systems like jacuzzis.
• Frequency: Annually at minimum; more often for high-traffic charter yachts or those carrying vulnerable guests.
• Accredited labs: Use certified laboratories for culture-based detection.

What to Do If a Case Is Suspected Onboard
1 Seek medical attention immediately , Legionnaires’ is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.
2 Isolate potential sources , Shut down suspect water systems (showers, jacuzzis, misters).
3 Notify authorities , Depending on jurisdiction, maritime health agencies may require reporting.
4 Conduct emergency testing and disinfection , Engage specialists to flush and treat systems.
5 Communicate clearly , With crew, guests, and stakeholders, avoiding speculation while confirming safety measures.

Special Considerations for Yacht Operations
• Charter vessels , Charter guests expect a safe environment; pre-charter water hygiene checks are good practice.
• Refit yards , Yachts in yard for months may have stagnant systems; recommission with full sanitation.
• World cruising , Tropical climates accelerate bacterial growth; adjust maintenance schedules accordingly.
• Private yachts , Even if guest turnover is low, owner families may include vulnerable individuals.

PANAMA POSSE CANAL AGENTS

To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact our dedicated Panama Canal agents and sponsors of the Panama Posse and the Pacific Posse

CENTENARIO CONSULTING

Erick Gálvez
info@centenarioconsulting.com
www.centenarioconsulting.com
Cellphone +507 6676-1376
WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

OCEAN POSSE MERCHANDISE | SHOP

Tidbits

Autoridad Miritimo de Panama (AMP)

If you are issued a fine by an official from the Autoridad Miritimo de Panama (AMP), you should receive a written citation of the infraction and any fine is to be paid only to the cashier at an AMP office, which is located next to the ferry dock on Isla Colon, Calle 3a.
This was confirmed yesterday by Ing. Jorge Chin, Bocas del Toro Provincial Coordinator of AMP. He added that if any staff member from this institution requests the payment in the field, report them to the Port Administrator.
This came after some community chatter regarding irregular inspections at the dock of the 3R Mall where boat captains were apparently told they could pay a fine to an agent at the moment of the citation.
Stay informed ❗️There is a new WhatsApp group dedicated to the boating community and incidents that have to do with maritime safety and reglamentation.

Extraordinary Cruising °°° Join the Fleet

• Access vetted local knowledge, safety resources, and prior experiences to make your passage safer and more enjoyable.
• Unlock a Life of Adventure
  Explore hidden destinations, experience new cultures, and discover the freedom of life at sea or near shore – on your terms.
• Get VIP Perks & Discounts at marinas, chandleries and boatyards
  Get exclusive discounts, priority access, and personalized support at partner marinas across the globe.
• Observe the actions of Experienced Captains
  Tap into a wealth of tips, tools, and real-world know-how from seasoned mariners to grow your skills and gain confidence.
• Make Every Nautical Mile Memorable
  Join events, meetups, and shared journeys that turn you voyages into unforgettable stories and lasting memories.
• Cruise with a Conscience
  Gain insights into sustainable practices and join a movement that protects the waters you love to explore.