FLEET UPDATES

https://oceanposse.com/aruba/#emergencies

24/7 monitoring of VHF channel 74 24/7
Fueldock during the day (upon request via VHF).
Fire prevention system on docks and piers.
Docks equipped with columns for the supply of drinking water
Electricity 220-380 volts up to 125 A.
Mooring bollards and mooring cleats on fixed docks and floating piers
Mooring at the bow is available with
Mooring assistance during the day.
Underwater services with diver.
Surveillance and access control 24/7

Toilets complete with shower.
27 storage lockers on land available to boats for temporary storage of equipment, sails, etc.
Separate waste collection and disposal with 2 dedicated ecological islands.
Bicycle, scooter and car rental.
Free Wi-Fi.
In the Marina: Bar Restaurant, Minimarket, supplier of nautical equipment, equipped beach, sailing schools.
Within 500 m from the port: 5-star Hotel with Spa and Swimming Pools.

NEARBY

Marina di Policoro is a coastal area in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, known for its rich history and cultural significance. Here are five culturally significant sites near Marina di Policoro:

National Archaeological Museum of Siritide
This museum houses artifacts from the ancient Greek city of Heraclea and other local archaeological sites. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring pottery, sculptures, and tools that provide insights into the region’s historical significance.

Archaeological site of Heraclea Lyncestis - Bitola

Archaeological Park of Heraclea
Adjacent to the museum, this park contains the ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea, including remnants of temples dedicated to Demeter and Dionysus. Walking through the site offers a glimpse into the area’s ancient Greek heritage.

WWF Oasis of Policoro Herakleia
A nature reserve that combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering forest walks, beach horseback riding, and educational programs about local wildlife.

Policoro Castle
A medieval fortress reflecting the town’s historical significance, offering insights into the region’s past.

SAILING AND CRUISING IN CALABRIA 🇮🇹 ITALY
JUST GOT A LOT EASIER & MORE AFFORDABLE

16) EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
🛰️🚨📞☎️

by Rob Murray on SV AVANT

Squalls and ThunderstormsCruisers spend big dollars on emergency communications, and in most cases never use them. What are some of the options, their pros and cons, and use cases aboard?

EPIRB

EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon(s)) are the gold standard in reliability and durability. Designed by an international consortium of search and rescue agencies in the 1980s, these use the SARSAT (Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking) system of satellites (a combination of government operated LEOSAR, GEOSAR, and MEOSAR satellites) combined with a network of 29 MCCs (Mission Control Centers) which communicate with national RCCs (Rescue Coordination Centers).

When you activate your EPIRB, a SARSAT satellite will pick up the signal within minutes and relay it to the MCC nearest the satellite via their Local User Terminal. The MCC will relay the transmission to the national authority’s RCC you have registered your EPIRB with (typically your flag country). Then ‘your’ RCC will relay the information to the RCC responsible for the area you are in and reach out to the emergency contacts registered with your beacon, and the RCC local to your location will begin a rescue operation. This is typically done in less than an hour.

COSPAS-SARSAT System Overview

The downside of EPIRBs is they are one-way communicators – they simply relay your call for help, and do not indicate if it’s a fire, sinking, or medical emergency.

Once purchased, EPIRBs are free to operate (no subscription fee), and the only ongoing cost is periodic replacement of the batteries (depends on unit specifications). Most units are water activated, so they should be stored where rain or spray won’t set them off inadvertently. They are specified to operate for a minimum of 48 hours, but typically will operate for much longer.

EPIRBs must have the battery replaced after use, they are good for a single activation per battery.

PLB

PLBs (Personal Locator Beacon(s)) are basically EPIRBs in short pants. Smaller and lighter than EPIRBs, they are typically less expensive as well. The broadcast at the same power as EPIRBs (5.0 watts) but have half the battery life (24 hours minimum vs 48 hours with an EPIRB). As with EPIRBs, they will typically operate much longer than the minimum specified.

Similar to EPIRBs, they must be registered with a national authority and have no operating cost beyond periodic battery replacement.

PLBs, like EPIRBs must have the battery replaced after use, they are good for a single activation per battery.

SEND

SENDs (Satellite Emergency Notification Device(s)) are devices like the InReach, InReach Mini, Garmin InReach Messenger, Zoleo, Spot, Spot X, Yellowbrick, ACR Bivy Stick, Motorola Defy Satellite Link and so on.

These use various commercial satellites or commercial satellite constellations and allow emergency ‘send help’ communications, typically with a dedicated SOS button. They also typically allow two-way communications, like a text or SMS on your phone (some allow this in a self-contained method, some require tethering with a smartphone or tablet). Most operate on the Iridium Satellite Network, which is generally considered to be of the highest quality and offers global coverage. Some use other networks like Globalstar, which does not offer global coverage. They typically operate at about 1.5 watts of transmit power.

Most use the IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Center) as their emergency response partner ( WWW.IERCC.COM ). Spot uses Overwatch Rescue ( WWW.OVERWATCHXRESCUE.COM ).

When you press ‘SOS’ on the device, it sends a message via the satellite or satellite constellation to the emergency response partner and they act in a way like the EPIRB response mechanism above, but they call/text you back (if your device allows) as well as calling your emergency contacts.

If the device allows you to send and receive messages you can also initiate a two-way conversation with a shoreside contact for a serious but not life-threatening situation, such as an engine or medical problem.

Most SENDs also support the sending of ‘breadcrumb’ trails while cruising. This is useful to allow shoreside contacts to follow you and leaves a record of your journey should you ‘go dark’ in an emergency that incapacitates you and your crew such that you are unable to activate any of your devices, giving search and rescue teams a starting place to look for you.

Each of these devices, being commercial, requires a subscription. Costs vary.

SENDs are rechargeable and can be used again and again. Battery life varies between units.

There is a good comparative review of many units at ( https://www.treelinereview.com/gearreviews/best-personal-locator-beacons )

DSC Distress Calls

Marine radios (VHF and MF/SSB) can send a DSC (Digital Selective Calling) alert, usually by pressing a red button on the radio. The button usually must be held down for more than 3 seconds to activate it (this to limit the chance of false alerts). This sends a GPS position if your radio contains or is connected to a GPS, plus your MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identity).

VHF is monitored for these alerts worldwide (withing coverage limits), but coverage via MF/SSB is spotty. (There are propagation issues, and some rescue authorities no longer monitor the frequency. The USCG stopped monitoring the 2182Hz rescue frequency in 2013.)

VHF DSC alerts will be picked up by other vessels within radio range.

This is cost-free.

How do you contact Search and Rescue directly wherever you are?

Each country has SEARCH AND RESCUE NUMBERS. These can be found on the Ocean Posse website for each area we operate in:

https://oceanposse.com/azores/#emergencies

https://oceanposse.com/bahamas/#emergencies

etc

Ocean Posse members can substitute the country you are in to get to the right emergency numbers

What about Cell Phone Satellite Communications?

Some newer cell phones from Apple or Google/Pixel have limited SOS satellite connectivity, and Samsung has announced forthcoming satellite capability. Somewhat klugey, they require manual alignment of the device and use the GlobalStar network. Not all devices have the feature, and some are limited by the carrier. The geographic coverage is quite limited. These should be considered back-ups until the technology becomes more mature. T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink are collaborating to provide satellite-based mobile network connectivity, particularly in areas where traditional cell towers are unavailable. iPhones (specifically models 14 and later) are compatible with this service

What should you do to get ready for an emergency?

Select and install your chosen devices and set them up appropriately.

For EPIRBs and PLBs, that means registering them with the appropriate national authorities and mounting their storage brackets in suitable locations. Each device has a testing schedule and protocol, so add reminders to your calendar to ensure you keep up with the schedule.

For SEND devices, ensure you have the appropriate subscription in place and the emergency contacts are registered, and the appropriate contacts are in the device’s address book or contact list. If the device tethers with a smart phone or other device, ensure the appropriate software is installed and up to date, and the tethering connection(s) have been tested. Having the tethering connection enabled on multiple devices adds redundancy. Most send devices get firmware updates from the manufacturer, so find out how your device updates and schedule a check every 90 days or so to ensure you’re up to date. Ensure you have a charging/battery replacement protocol in place so that the device is always charged up or, if it has replaceable batteries, you have spares on hand.

For DSC Alerts, make sure your radio(s) have your MMSI programmed in and have access to a reliable GPS signal, and that the radio(s) have a first-class antenna connection (testing with an SWR meter is the best way to ensure this).

Once the hardware and software are established, train your crew in the use of these devices and make sure they know how and when to use them. Preparing a ‘Cheat Sheet’ of simple instructions that can be posted in a handy spot ensures they are not falling back on memory in an emergency.

You have an emergency, what should you do?

If you are faced with a life-threatening situation or there is an imminent threat of danger such as loss of life, potential loss of life, loss of the vessel, potential loss of the vessel, sinking, fire, loss of the rig, or other serious emergency you should activate all of your emergency communications all at once. If you have all three, use the EPIRB, SEND and DSC alert all at the same time.

The EPIRB will get SAR resources mobilized rapidly on a nation-to-nation basis. It is hands down the most reliable distress signaling mechanism.
The SEND will typically allow two-way communication on the nature of the emergency and what aid is required.
The VHF DSC Alert will summon any nearby vessels to your aid.

If you are faced with a potential life-threatening situation or there is the potential for an imminent threat of danger to develop, you should initiate a two-way communication with a shoreside contact to seek advice and/or advise them of the situation (ideally with one of the emergency contacts for your EPIRB or SEND). This could be via any means available, Cell Phone, Starlink (email, teleconference, etc.), SEND, or whatever works. Nearby vessels should be alerted via a normal VHF radio call. This allows them to be aware of what’s going on and be ready to scale up response appropriately as the situation demands.

Posse Perk

Ocean Posse members have access to additional help from other Posse members who may be nearby and from Posse HQ. Members can send a message on the Posse line Ap to reach out for nearby vessels. The Posse Team has assisted in rescue coordination and has connections in many regions with search and rescue and other resources to assist if required. Contact Capain Dietmar at to set the team in motion!

17) CROSSING THE EQUATOR 🌐

16:35 HORIZON - Stephanie Pollywogs no more! At sunrise after a good nights sleep with no squalls, Horizon and crew crossed the equator with pancakes and 🍾🥂 16:35 HORIZON - Stephanie Photos

Pollywogs no more! At sunrise after a good nights sleep with no squalls, Horizon and crew crossed the equator with pancakes and 🍾🥂

Equator Breakfast of Champions

Horizon and crew Conor and Stephanie arrived in Nuku Hiva last night and dropped anchor for the first time in 22 days 😍🌊⛵️ we had dolphins escort us out of California 3 weeks ago and dolphins escort us into FP 🐬 we are shellshocked and ecstatic!

SY HORIZON 🇺🇸 Stephanie & Conor - Tayana 55'

18) SAVE THE DATE

MEET UP WITH THE SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISING FLEET

SAT AUG 30 ’25 🇫🇯 FIJI

OCEAN Posse Weather Package Discounts 10- 35 % off

Nawi Island Marina @ Savusavu 🇫🇯 Fiji

19) YACHTS FOR SALE 🇲🇽 MEXICO PACIFIC

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1986-custom-pinta-exception-53-9638175/

20) GOOD NAUTICAL

BAHIA BALLENA 🇨🇷 PLAYA MUERTOS
COSTA RICA

⚓ 12° 30.5100' N 070° 02.0100' W

If you are in Costa Rica don’t miss this stop. This is in Bahia Ballena called Playa Muertos it’s a great flat anchorage with a 10/10 beach and a resort with a restaurant and bar. We used the beach facilities and ordered lunch.

They have great washrooms and even showers you can rinse off after swimming.

They have great washrooms and even showers you can rinse off after swimming. Food is a bit pricey as it is everywhere in Costa Rica but the experience was amazing.

It was super slow here when we were here April 7 2025 and the resort could use some support so they will be glad to welcome you for breakfast lunch or dinner.

Food tasted great and staff was super friendly and spoke English.

21) CHRIS PARKER MARINE WEATHER 🔱
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

https://oceanposse.com/chris-parker-marine-weather-center/

https://oceanposse.com/chris-parker-marine-weather-center/ ▶

22) OSA PENISNSULA 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA
EXPLORING CORCOVADO 🦜 NATIONAL PARK

We had a wonderful visit to Corcovado NP yesterday.

Thanks to @SV Sancerre, Philip for the reco. of booking a tour with Osa Wild.
A pair of Scarlet macaws.

Definitely a highlight of Costa Rica for us! TEN Scarlet macaws !

Howler monkey's - getting ready to .. .howl

The variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides)

Every branch moves with life, and the forest breathes with life

Corcovado National Park, nestled on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, is one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. Covering nearly 425 square kilometers, it protects the largest remaining stretch of Pacific lowland rainforest in Central America. Accessible only by foot, boat, or small plane, Corcovado offers a true wilderness experience where the jungle meets the sea.

This remote sanctuary harbors endangered species like jaguars, Baird’s tapirs, and the scarlet macaw, alongside four species of monkeys and hundreds of bird species. Pumas and harpy eagles roam these dense forests, while the coastline shelters nesting sea turtles and crocodiles. The park's trails—such as those from La Leona or Sirena Ranger Stations—wind through humid forest, across rivers, and onto deserted beaches.

Strict regulations protect its delicate ecosystems, and visitor numbers are capped. Corcovado remains a rare place where humans are visitors, and nature is in full command.

SY FELICITA 🇺🇸 Gretchen & Tim - Catalina 42'

23) HAULOUT AND HURRICANE
STORAGE FACILITIES ALONG
OCEAN POSSE ROUTES

CABRALES BOATYARD 🇲🇽 Sonora MEXICO
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
with a 15 % discount

https://oceanposse.com/cabrales-boatyard/

Cabrales Boatyard is a full service facility that offers Marine Travelift haul outs up to 150 tons and a large capacity dry marina. Puerto Peñasco has historically been the safest harbor from hurricanes in the Sea of Cortez. Enjoy proximity to major hubs like San Diego, California, which is located to the Northwest 230 miles away or a quick drive to Phoenix, Arizona is 170 miles due North.

24) THE HAMMERHEAD SHARK
iconic maritime adaptation

There are nine recognized species of hammerhead sharks:

Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran)
Largest of the family, reaching up to 6 meters (20 feet) in length. Solitary and apex predator
Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini)
Highly social, often seen in large schools. Distributed worldwide in warm-temperate and tropical waters
Smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena)
Similar in appearance to the scalloped hammerhead but with a smoother cephalofoil.
Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo)
The smallest, averaging 1–1.5 meters (3–5 feet). Notably, it is the only shark known to be partially omnivorous.
Smalleye hammerhead (Sphyrna tudes)
Named for its small eyes, and endemic to the western Atlantic. Vulnerable due to restricted range.
Scoophead (Sphyrna media)
A lesser-known, smaller species native to the eastern Pacific
Winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii)
Possesses the widest cephalofoil relative to body length — almost half its total body width.
Whitefin hammerhead (Sphyrna couardi)
Rare and poorly studied; sightings are scarce
Carolina hammerhead (Sphyrna gilberti)
Recently identified as distinct from the scalloped hammerhead in 2013. Found in the western Atlantic.

Few sea creatures inspire as much fascination and intrigue as the hammerhead shark. With its unmistakable "cephalofoil" — the wide, flattened structure of its head — the hammerhead stands as one of the most distinctive and evolutionary curious predators in the ocean. Known for its acute senses, schooling behavior, and elusive hunting style, the hammerhead is not just a spectacle of form but a marvel of function.

There are nine known species of hammerhead sharks, all belonging to the family Sphyrnidae, within the order Carcharhiniformes. From the smaller bonnethead to the impressive great hammerhead, these sharks vary in size, range, and habitat, yet all share the iconic head shape that defines their lineage.

This overview explores their anatomy, sensory adaptations, social structure, ecological role, and the growing concern around their conservation in today’s changing oceans.

🐋 Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) More likely spotted in deeper offshore waters. Central America's continental shelf drops off fast, so sightings can occur relatively close to land. Travel in matrilineal groups, known for deep, long dives to hunt squid.

Evolutionary Origins

The evolutionary history of the hammerhead shark dates back approximately 20 to 25 million years, based on fossil records and genetic studies. Some evolutionary biologists believe the cephalofoil may have developed gradually, beginning as a slight widening of the head to improve maneuverability and electrosensory detection. Over millennia, natural selection refined this into the broad hammer-like head seen in modern species.

The cephalofoil likely represents a key evolutionary innovation. By spreading out the shark’s sensory organs, it may have enhanced its ability to detect prey hidden beneath the sand or buried in coral rubble — a vital trait for a bottom-hunting predator.

The Cephalofoil Form and Function

The hammerhead’s most defining feature is its wide, flattened head — the cephalofoil. While at first glance this may appear awkward or overly specialized, it serves multiple crucial functions:

Electroreception

Like all sharks, hammerheads use the ampullae of Lorenzini to detect the electrical fields produced by living organisms. The wide spacing of these sensory organs across the cephalofoil grants the shark a stereoscopic sensory advantage, enabling it to pinpoint prey with exceptional accuracy.

Enhanced Vision
The eyes of hammerheads are located on the far ends of the cephalofoil, granting them a wider visual field — up to 360 degrees vertically. Some studies suggest that while they may sacrifice some binocular overlap, they gain panoramic awareness, aiding in both predator detection and hunting.

Improved Maneuverability
The flattened head works similarly to an airplane wing, allowing for superior lift and tighter turning radii. This is especially useful in shallow reef environments or while pursuing agile prey like stingrays.

Olfaction
Nostrils located at the ends of the cephalofoil also provide wider sampling of scent plumes in the water, giving hammerheads better directional scent-tracking capabilities.

Hammerhead sharks are distributed across warm and temperate seas worldwide. They tend to favor continental shelves, seamounts, coral reefs, and coastal environments, although larger individuals, especially great hammerheads, are known to make pelagic migrations across ocean basins.

Some populations, such as scalloped hammerheads, are famous for aggregating in specific locations like Cocos Island (Costa Rica), Malpelo (Colombia), and the Galápagos, forming massive schools that may include hundreds of individuals.

These aggregations are still not fully understood. Theories suggest they serve purposes related to reproduction, predator avoidance, or social learning. Intriguingly, only female hammerheads have been documented in certain aggregations, suggesting a gender-segregated social structure

Human Interaction

Hammerheads are generally non-aggressive toward humans. Despite their imposing size and strange appearance, unprovoked attacks are extremely rare. According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), only a handful of incidents involving hammerheads have ever been documented.

Still, divers must treat them with respect. Large species like the great hammerhead can exceed 500 kg (1100 lbs), and like all wild predators, their behavior can be unpredictable when provoked.

In ecotourism, hammerhead sharks are popular attractions in places like the Bahamas, the Galápagos, and Malpelo. Their dramatic silhouettes and synchronized schooling offer one of the most spectacular sights in the underwater world.

25) THE BIG ISLAND
KONA 🌋🌺🍍 HAWAI'I

Sorry Fleet , we have missed a lot of calls! We spent the last month near Kona, Hawaii helping our friends at the coffee plantation, enjoying diving, hiking and Kilauea volcano eruptions (The last time fountains were as high were 65 years ago!).

We are now heading to Marseilles for a family cruise to celebrate my dad 80' birthday and will spend some time in South of France. We will be back in the Sea of Cortez mid May and plan to spend the summer there. Fair winds to all!

Coffee as it grows in Hawaii

SY JOURNEY 🇺🇸Anne & Remi - Manta 42'

26) PANAMA CANAL 🇵🇦 UPDATES

U.S.-Panama Military Agreement
A new agreement permits the deployment of U.S. troops near the Panama Canal for training and joint exercises. This move is part of a broader strategy to counteract China's growing influence in the region.

Priority Passage for U.S. Warships
The U.S. and Panama have agreed to grant U.S. warships toll-free, priority passage through the canal. This arrangement aims to strengthen defense ties and ensure strategic access for the U.S. Navy.

Opposition and Public Response in Panama
Panama's opposition parties have criticized the increased U.S. military presence, labeling it a "camouflaged invasion" and citing violations of the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Public protests are anticipated, reflecting concerns over national sovereignty and historical memories of past U.S. interventions.

Economic and Environmental Considerations
The Panama Canal Authority has initiated the Rio Indio Lake Project to enhance national water security, addressing concerns over water availability for canal operations. Additionally, the canal recently accommodated the transit of the Hoegh Aurora, the world's largest car carrier, underscoring its ongoing significance in global trade

Panama Canal Welcomes Hoegh Aurora, the World’s Largest Car Carrier

RORO Hoegh Aurora measures 199.9 meters in length and 37.5 meters in beam, with a cargo capacity of 9,100 CEU (Car Equivalent Units). Built in 2024 and registered under the Norwegian flag.

OCEAN POSSE CANAL AGENT

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

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

Erick Gálvez

27) OCEAN POSSE FLEET 🛰️ TRACKING

Tracking the Ocean Posse ... SEE WHERE THEY ARE ▶

Please be on the lookout for John Jones, single handing on Quiet, a Tayana 37, lost his mast about January 27 after departing El Salvador. He has fashioned a jury rig and is making for Nuku Hiva, FP. His AIS is non functional, but his tracking link works at: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Quiet/
To conserve power he does not run his tracker 24/7.

Boat Speed 3.5 kts COG 265° t
Sat 12/Apr 2025, 18:59 GMT
16º 28.544' S 142º 50.837' W

John Jones' Slow Odyssey

https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Quiet/?useGoogle

28) MEDIA PARTNERS

OCEAN POSSE HAS A SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE
FOLLOW THIS LINK ▶

29) SPONSORSHIP MARINAS
WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle, Ventura CA, USA
🇺🇸 Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA, USA
🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay - Chula Vista, CA, USA
🇲🇽 ECV Marina - Ensenada Mexico
🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina el Cid - Mazatlan - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Puerto de La Navidad - Barra de 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
🇨🇷 Flamingo Marina - Costa Rica
🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad, Ecuador
🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 La Playita Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Bocas Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Solarte Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 IGY Red Frog Marina - Panama
🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena - Colombia
🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena - Colombia
🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero - Colombia
🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta - Colombia
🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club - 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 - Guatemala
🇧🇿 Hummngbird Marina - Placencia - Belize
🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club - Belize
🇧🇿 Hakim Marina & Boatyard - Belize
🇲🇽 Marina Makax - Isla Mujeres - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Aventuras - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina V&V - Quintana Roo - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina El Cid - Cancún - 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
🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina - Bahamas
🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina - Bahamas
🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia - Dominican Republic
🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina - Dominican Republic
🇻🇮 ST. Croix Yacht Club - USVI
🇻🇮 Green Cay Marina - USVI
🇻🇬 Virgin Goda Yacht Harbour- BVI
🇵🇷 Marina Pescadaria - Puerto Rico
🇸🇽 IGY Simpson Bay Marina- Sint Maaarten
🇩🇲 Dominica Marina Cente - Dominica
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🇺🇸 Pier 66 Hotel & Marina - Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
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🇺🇸 Port 32 Marinas - 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 , US
🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine - Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA
🇺🇸 Holden Beach - Town Dock, North Carolina , USA
🇺🇸 Portside Marina - Morehead City, North Carolina USA
🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA USA
🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA USA
🇺🇸 York River Yacht Haven - Virginia , USA
🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing - VA USA
🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina - Deltaville, VA USA
🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina - Topping, VA US
🇧🇲 Pier 41 Marina - Bermuda - Bermuda
🇧🇲 Caroline Bay Marina - Bermuda
🇵🇹 Marina De Cascais - Portugal
🇵🇹 Marina Funchal - PORTUGAL
🇪🇸 Alcaidesa Marina - Spain
🇪🇸 Marina Del Odiel - Spain
🇪🇸 IGY Málaga Marina - Spain
🇮🇹 Marina dei Presidi - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Balestrate- Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Brindisi- Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Chiavari - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Forio - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Teulada - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Policoro - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Vieste - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina de Procida - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina de Villasimius- Italy
🇮🇹 Marina Molo Vecchio - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina Salina - Italy
🇹🇳 Marina Bizerte - Tunisia
🇪🇸 Puerto Sotogrande - Spain
🇪🇸 Yacht Port Cartagena - Spain
🇬🇮 Ocean Village Marina - Gibraltar
🇨🇻 Marina Mindelo - Cape Verde
🇨🇱 Roaring Forties Marina - Chile
🇳🇺 Niue Yacht Club - Niue
🇫🇯 Copra Shed Marina - Fiji
🇫🇯 Nawi Island Marina - Fiji
🇫🇯 Denarau Marina - Fiji
🇫🇯 Musket Cove - Fiji
🇫🇯 Royal Suva Yacht Club - Fiji
🇫🇯 Sau Bay Moorings - Fiji
🇫🇯 Vuda Point Marina - Fiji
🇳🇿 Gulf Harbour Marina - New Zealand
🇳🇿 Marsden Cove Marina - New Zealand
🇹🇴 Vava'u Boatyard - Tonga
🇻🇺 Yachting World - Vanuatu
🇦🇺 Rivergate Marina - Australia

Check this map for 120+ Ocean Posse friendly marinas near you

30) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

ABERNATHY - PANAMA
BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
BOAT HOW TO
CABRALES BOAT YARD
CENTENARIO CONSULTING - PANAMA CANAL
CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
DIGITAL YACHT
DOWNWIND MARINE
EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
FLOR DE CAÑA
HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
MARINA PAPAGAYO

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
PANAMA YACHT BROKER
PREDICT WIND
SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
SHAFT SHARK
SUN POWERED YACHTS
WIKUS MARINE AUTO
WESTMARINE PRO
YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

31) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Marquesas 🇵🇫 FP

Where the Charts Fade °°° We Begin

Connect with Global Seafarers
Join a worldwide network of yacht owners and sailors—build friendships, share experiences, and journey well informed.
Cruise and Explore with Confidence
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.

Join the Ocean Posse and become part of a friendly forwarded looking fleet of Yacht Owners.
We enjoy each others company and share peer validated info ▶

FLEET UPDATE 2025-04-06

CRUISING FLEET UPDATE & NEWS
2025-04-06

Ocean Posse Wallis and Futuna - 🇼🇫

13°11.13' S 176°11.9136' W Nukula'ela'e, the land of sands Wallis 🇼🇫 WALLIS and FUTUNA

"Now is no time to think of what you do not have.
Think of what you can do with that there is."

— Ernest Hemingway: The Old Man and the Sea

THIS WEEK

Pictures 📷 Of The Week
Passage To The Galapagos 🐢
Predict Wind 💨 New Features Seminar
Meet The Fleet Sy Potential 🇺🇸
Festival De Diablos y Congos Portobelo 🇵🇦
Viñales Valley🇨🇺 Cuba
Coconut Updates From ⛵ Sy Jubel
Safe Harbor Marathon Keys 🇺🇸 Florida
Good Samaritan Award Nomination
Biggest Fish Caught 🐟 Award Nomination
Ocean Posse Meetup 🇫🇷 Cannes Yachting Festival
Marina Di Balestrate 🇮🇹 Sicily
The Cape Index 🔢
Lightning Strike ⚡ Report
Meet 🤝 South Pacific Cruising Fleet
Yachts For Sale In 🇵🇦 Panama
Destination Report From 🇦🇼 Aruba
Reading 🌊 🌊 🌊 Waves
Good Nautical Oranjestad ⚓ Surf Side Beach
Talos Lightning Detection
Haulout And Storage Facilities
Whale Migration Routes 🐋
Going Through The Panama Canal 🚀

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

PREDICT WIND SEMINAR

PREDICT WIND
NEW FEATURES
SEMINAR

PREDICT WIND SEMINAR
New Features and use case scenarios

WED MAY 14TH
17:00 PDT | 14:00 EDT ▶

SAVE THE DATE

MEET THE FLEET
PARTY IN 🇫🇯 FIJI

Sail to FIJI ! Come mingle and meet the South Pacific Cruising Fleet @ NAWI ISLAND Aug 30 '25 ▶

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Jubel & Kyle Gulfstar 44'

SY DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸 Aney & Laney - Outbound 46'

2) PASSAGE TO THE GALAPAGOS 🐢

First light and first sight of land on the Galapagos !

Last stop to clean the bottom before landfall in Galapagos tomorrow !

Checked into the Galapagos ...

... with a very large group of inspectors who gave us the OK to stay!

Went to shore and saw

the sea lions, our boat, happy hour and sunset.

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 J.P. & NICOLE - Lagoon 39'

Pathfinder's excellent journey

Follow SY Pathfinder's excellent journey ▶

3) SAVE THE DATE

PREDICT WIND NEW FEATURES SEMINAR

WED MAY 14TH @
12:00 UTC | 14:00 EDT | 17:00 PDT

https://oceanposse.com/events/predict-wind-seminar/ ▶

4) MEET THE FLEET
SY POTENTIAL 🇺🇸

Derek and Grace Rupe (with Cato and Alice)

Derek, Grace, Cato and Alice

We are SV Potential. We are a Beneteau First 51, with two electric saildrives. We are excited about all the places this boat may take us and the potential for adventures for our growing family. Right now we are in Panama, but we came from New London, CT, USA. We've been living aboard since around 2018. We sailed for a few years from New England to Florida/Bahamas and back when we were based in CT. Then we added two kids (currently 3 and 1), and now we're on our way "moving" our home to California for a new business for Derek. We have loved cruising the Bahamas!

This is a shared adventure for us as a family, but also has become our way of life since Derek now knows how to fix everything aboard and started a business with electric propulsion. The way we see the world now is experiencing the power of the weather and the ocean that makes us feel small and not in control, which to me points to God's power and our need to rely on him. What we learned while living and traveling on SY POTENTIAL is that we thought you can't own much while living on a boat, but you can pack away a surprising amount into a small space! It's still easy to have too much.

It's great to get to experience different ways of life. So far we've made great connections with other cruisers but I also look forward to getting to know locals and spending more time in places to build relationships. - What's left on our bucket list ? Potentially circumnavigating, so everywhere outside of the Caribbean and US where we've already been.

Our Beneteau First 51 is converted from a Perkins to dual ServoProp 15s with a hybrid power supply. The whole vessel power systems was adapted to the 48vdc power with climate control, water maker, and windlass also powered from 48vdc. All systems are optimized for efficiency, within reason, allowing the vessel to cruise self-sufficiently with hydro-regen and solar or using the generator we carry all the comforts of dock life and same indefinite motoring speed as in the before times with the Perkins. With the kids on board we are in hybrid mode, motor sailing on calmer passages more then taking on the conditions that allow for enough hydro-regen to support our energy needs. But the generator is efficient and quiet and when we need to motor for hours on end a slightly slower speed mean the generator is only running a few hours a day as long as we are okay with a 5 knot minimum speed.

SY POTENTIAL 🇺🇸 Derek & Grace - Beneteau 51'

SUBMIT YOUR OWN
MEET THE FLEET REPORT

5) FESTIVAL DE DIABLOS Y CONGOS

PORTOBELO 🇵🇦 MAY 1-3, 2025

May 1- 2- 3 the port city of Portobelo, Colon, Panama holds the “Festival de Diablos y Congos.” This annual festival is one of celebration and rebellion. It is a unique local take on the widespread Carnival tradition, a five-day party with no shortage of loudspeakers, dancing — and devils wielding whips.

The Casa de la Cultura Congo is an open public space that hosts workshops and the creation of arts and crafts. Focusing on Congo art, the mission of the Casa de la Cultura Congo is to exalt and express the importance of the colonial Latin and African legacy in Portobelo, by bringing those traditions to life through different creative expressions.

Visitors can experience various forms of the Congo art and understand the importance of the colonial Latin and African historical legacy of Portobelo.

Bringing the people together through different artistic and creative expressions, distinguishing the role of the Portobelo Community and allowing visitors to experience the numerous sensations, traditions and customs this town has to offer is the main objective of Casa de La Cultura Congo.

Enjoy and tie up to the dingy dock @ 09°33.2533' N 079°39'.4166' W

6) MUST-SEE
VIÑALES VALLEY 🇨🇺 CUBA

Nestled in the western Cuban province of Pinar del Río, the Viñales Valley is a lush, captivating landscape that feels like stepping into another time. With its verdant tobacco fields, dramatic limestone formations called mogotes, and a rhythm of life untouched by modern haste, Viñales is more than just a valley — it’s a vibrant cultural, geological, and agricultural jewel. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the valley is both a national treasure and a quiet refuge that embodies Cuba’s rural heritage and natural beauty.

The Viñales Valley lies within the Sierra de los Órganos mountain range, part of the larger Cordillera de Guaniguanico. It spans approximately 132 square kilometers and is framed by tall limestone hills known as mogotes, which rise sharply from the valley floor and create a dramatic contrast with the flat, cultivated land below.

The Viñales Valley experiences a tropical climate with a wet season (May to October) and a dry season (November to April). This relatively stable climate has fostered a unique ecosystem. The valley is home to endemic species of flora and fauna, many of which can only be found in this part of Cuba. Birds like the Cuban trogon (the national bird) and the bee hummingbird (the world’s smallest bird) add a musical backdrop to the rustling leaves of royal palms and wild orchids.

These mogotes are a geologist’s dream. Formed during the Jurassic period, they are remnants of ancient marine limestone that has eroded over millennia. The result is a karst landscape with caves, underground rivers, and rich red soil — ideal for growing one of Cuba’s most famous crops: tobacco.

The valley is home to endemic species of flora and fauna, many of which can only be found in this part of Cuba. Birds like the Cuban trogon (the national bird) and the bee hummingbird (the world’s smallest bird) add a musical backdrop to the rustling leaves of royal palms and wild orchids.

Indigenous Roots

Before the Spanish arrived, the Viñales Valley was inhabited by indigenous peoples, most likely the Taíno. These early inhabitants lived off the land through fishing, hunting, and basic farming. Many of the area’s caves contain petroglyphs and archaeological remains from this time, offering a glimpse into pre-Columbian life.

Colonial Era

With Spanish colonization came dramatic changes. The fertile valley quickly became a key site for agriculture, particularly tobacco. African slaves were brought to work the plantations, and the area evolved into a mosaic of cultures. Today, this layered heritage — Taíno, African, Spanish — is palpable in the music, food, and traditions of Viñales.

The town of Viñales itself was officially founded in 1878, though settlers had lived in the region since the 18th century. It grew around tobacco farming and remained relatively isolated due to its mountainous terrain.

7) COCONUT UPDATES FROM ⛵ SY JUBEL

Bountiful Coconut Water Harvesting

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

8) SAFE HARBOR MARATHON KEYS 🇺🇸 FLORIDA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

24°42.25′ N 081°06.7116′ W

SAFE HARBOR MARATHON FLORIDA KEYS 🇺🇸 SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE 24°42.25′ N 081°06.7116′ W

We are pleased to support the Ocean Posse participants with a 20 % discount at our marina between May 1 – Nov 1

+1 305 743 6575
email marathon@shmarinas.com
VHF 16

+1 305 743 6575 email marathon@shmarinas.com VHF 16

AMENITIES

Length 25′ – 122′
Max Height Unrestricted
Fuel Dock 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Max Beam 24′
Max Draft 7′
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Shore Power Hookups
Fresh Water Hookups
Pump-out
Slip-Side Parking
Haul out max width 18.5’, max depth 6.5
Lodging
Waterside Restaurant
Ships Store
Parking
Fire Pit
Fitness Center
Gated Vessel Access

LOCAL SERVICES

Marathon, Florida, offers a variety of amenities and provisioning services to cater to both residents and visitors. Here’s an overview of what you can find in the town:

Grocery Stores and Markets

Major Supermarkets
Marathon hosts several supermarkets, providing a wide selection of products for your provisioning needs.

Local Markets
For fresh produce and local specialties, consider visiting the local markets in Marathon.

Marine Supply Stores

For boating essentials and equipment, Marathon offers several marine supply stores catering to the needs of mariners.

Dining and Entertainment

Restaurants and Cafés
Marathon boasts a diverse culinary scene, ranging from casual seafood shacks to fine dining establishments.

Bars and Nightlife
For evening entertainment, there are various bars and lounges offering live music and local brews.

Healthcare Facilities

Fishermen’s Community Hospital
Located in Marathon, this hospital provides emergency services and general healthcare.

Parks and Nature Centers

Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
A 63-acre tropical oasis offering nature trails, a museum, and the historic George Adderley House.

Curry Hammock State Park
Ideal for kayaking, fishing, and beachgoing, this state park showcases the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

Beaches:
Marathon offers several public beaches perfect for relaxation and water activities.

9) JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

PERKS, DISCOUNTS AND BOATLOADS OF FUN

309 YACHTS ARE PART OF THE OCEAN POSSE

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BENEFITS OF JOINING

SAVE TIME – SAVE MONEY – and get the best and most up to date INFORMATION !


✔️ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts		✔️

📊 Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice		✔️

💰 Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts *		✔️

🛰️ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind		✔️

🚩 Free Burgee		✔️

💰 Save with service providers and chandleries		✔️

🕵️ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in agents		✔️

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

💰 Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount		✔️

💰 Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount		✔️

🗺️ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics		✔️

📹 Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there		✔️

🌩️ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker		✔️

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

⚓ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures		✔️

🛈 Fleet Updates via email – free		✔️

🏆 Fun Award Categories		✔️

📍 Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage reports		✔️

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

💬 Free 24/7 LINE group channel		✔️

🌊 Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants		✔️

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

🚷 Always priority traffic – for participants by participants		✔️

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

10) OCEAN POSSE AWARD ENTRIES

GOOD SAMARITAN AWARD NOMINATION

Cokema

Responded to PAN PAN from sailing boat TEMBO

Fri Apr 04 2025 06:27:00 GMT-0500 (GMT-05:00)

"Last night we were contacted by Tahiti JRCC letting us know that a vessel near us had issued a PAN PAN. The boat name is TEMBO and they are participating in the World ARC - they are way behind the fleet.

We contacted them by VHF and turned around and motored towards them because it was getting dark. They had no functioning main engine and they had no gasoline left for their emergency generator. The batteries were almost dead and they were going dark.

We provided them with 20 litres of gas and they said they were OK. Two older people on board - not very mobile. They dropped the transfer line twice so we dropped our dinghy to bring the fuel to them.

We are currently at 10.29 south 125.30 west. We left them about 12 hours ago and they were sailing at about 5 knots. Unfortunately I made a mistake writing down their contact info so I was wondering if you thought it may be useful for following boats that see them to check with them if they are in VHF range.

We will probably meet them in Hiva Oa to retell the story from each side."

SY COKEMA 🇺🇸 Fred & Ita - Lagoon 42

11) BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT🐟 AWARD NOMINATION

SY ZEDNA 🇸🇪 Trevor & Lena - Robertson and Caine 38'

12) OCEAN POSSE
🏆
AWARD CATEGORIES

FLOR DE CAÑA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

Rum Old Fashioned con Flor de Caña

13) OCEAN POSSE
MEETUP 🇫🇷 CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER IN THE COTE D'AZUR

OCEAN POSSE

SPECIAL EVENT OCEAN POSSE & BEN TAYLOR

Networking Rum and Fun

🇫🇷 Cannes Yachting Festival

Captains & Yacht owners

have fun at the most casual Marine Industry Networking event

@ LUPITAS on THU SEP 11th ’25 18:00 – 21:30

LEGENDARY FREE Flor de Caña Rum Cocktails

and Special Tacos courtesy of Ocean Posse & Taylor Media

RSVP FOR THE
CANNES OCEAN POSSE EVENT

CANNES

FLY IN OR SAIL IN BUT BE THERE !

14) INTRODUCING A NEW
PARTNERSHIP MARINA

MARINA DI BALESTRATE 🇮🇹 SICILY
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

38°03.365′ N 13°00.1883′ E

We are pleased to support the Ocean Posse

CONTACT

MARINA DI BALESTRATE

Tel. (+39) 3278245021 – (+39) 3898972164

info@marinadibalestrate.com

VHF 10

https://www.lightningmaps.org/ ▶

MARINA DI BALESTRATE 🇮🇹 SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE 38°03.365′ N 13°00.1883′ E

Moorings with water and electricity (220
380 v, 63A)
Mooring men (24 hours a day)
Divers
Firefighting services
Dock lighting
Bilge suction
Waste collection service
Security
Video surveillance
Water and electricity on the dock
Bunker dispenser with CAMLOK hookup

ATM
Mini market Bar, Wine shop, Ice cream shop, Newsstand and Tobacconist
Self-service laundry
Ship chandler / Taxi
Car rental / Scooter rental / Bike rental
Dinghy rental / Diving / Excursions
Catering on board
complete technical assistance
liquid gas refill
laundry with dockside delivery
Interior/exterior boat cleaning
Maintenance of nautical electrical systems.

SIGNIFICANT SITES NEARBY

Torre di Capo Rama: A 15th-century watchtower located within the Capo Rama Nature Reserve, offering insights into the region’s historical coastal defenses.

Torre di Capo Rama
A 15th-century watchtower located within the Capo Rama Nature Reserve, offering insights into the region’s historical coastal defenses.

Palazzo Aumale
Constructed in the 19th century as a winery by Henri d’Orléans, this building now houses the Museo Civico, which includes sections on ethnography, archaeology, and natural history.

Situated near Agrigento, about 130 kilometers southeast of Balestrate, this archaeological site features well-preserved ancient Greek temples and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)
Constructed in the 19th century as a winery by Henri d’Orléans, this building now houses the Museo Civico, which includes sections on ethnography, archaeology, and natural history.

SAILING AND CRUISING IN SICILY 🇮🇹 ITALY
JUST GOT A LOT EASIER & MORE AFFORDABLE

CHART 7292

15) THE CAPE INDEX:

WATCHING THE NUMBERS

AS LIGHTENING SEASON APPROACHES

Squalls and Thunderstorms on display

PREDICT WIND CAPE

CAPE stands for Convective Available Potential Energy and is the amount of fuel available to a developing thunderstorm.

More specifically, it describes the instability of the atmosphere and provides an approximation of updraft strength within a thunderstorm. CAPE is used by weather officials to understand what the potential might be for thunderstorms and how powerful those storms might become if they do materialize.

The standard measurement of energy is represented as Joules Per Kilogram. A high CAPE value might also be expressed by weather experts by using the term “high instability”. When we talk about a highly unstable atmosphere, CAPE values are usually in excess of 2500 J/kg’s which would supply ample energy for strong updrafts and violent thunderstorms, should they develop.

How to Interpret CAPE values using a table and relative text forecast terms.

Severe thunderstorms require high CAPE values and the higher the CAPE value, the more energy available to promote thunderstorm growth. However, the CAPE variable is not a “magic number” that will predict the certainty of a thunderstorm. But if a thunderstorm does develop, and the CAPE value is high, then there is a good chance for an “explosive storm”. Below is a typical CAPE Map in the Caribbean. The Yellow/Orange areas show high CAPE values.

Example Scrolling over the colors: Yellow Cape Index

1,793 = Moderate Risk of Lightning

CAPE Value (J/kg) Storm Potential

0 – 100 Stable atmosphere; no significant convection

100 – 1000 Weak instability; small cumulus clouds, showers

1000 – 2500 Moderate instability; possible thunderstorms

2500 – 3500 Strong instability; strong thunderstorms likely

3500+ Extreme instability; severe storms and supercells

Vessel struck by lightning

Higher CAPE = More fuel for storms.
CAPE doesn't guarantee storms will happen
—it just shows the potential energy available.
It works best when paired with other indices,
Lifted Index, Shear, or CIN (Convective Inhibition).

16) LIGHTNING STRIKE ⚡ REPORT

Date 22 July, 2024 Time: 15:00

Location Bahia Ballena, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica @ 09° 43.82' N 084°59.89' W

Weather Conditions: Rainy season, sunny mornings and afternoons, clouds developing during the afternoon, resulting in thunderstorms in the area, moderate to heavy rainfall, and strong winds.

Event Description

On the afternoon of 22 July, we moved Fortitude X across the bay closer to the cell phone towers in the village as we watched the clouds developing. Steffi and I were sitting below deck and made sure not to touch any metal. The thunderstorm drew closer, and within minutes it looked like night time. We experienced a sudden flash with no delay between the lightning and thunder and we knew immediately that we were hit. Additional crackling sounds from the electrical cabinet and sparks from the oven, where we kept our handhelds, IPads, and cell phones, indicated a strike. Seconds later, another lightning bolt, followed by immediate thunder resulting in a second hit. Again, the electrical equipment we stored in the oven lit up through the shake but stayed functional as we later discovered. Two hits while at anchor, let’s review the damage: one strike impacted the VHF antenna on top of the mast, the second strike put a hole in the solar panel and the bimini, causing electrical- and potential structural damages.

Immediate Effects

Crew Safety
No injuries were reported among crew members.

Fire Risk
No immediate fire observed, but potential overheating of electrical components.

Electrical Systems Damage
Navigation and communication systems ceased functioning. Solar, Battery, and wiring damage observed.

Structural Impact
First inspection revealed no mast- and hull damages.

Initial Response

1. Crew assessed vessel for safety hazards.

2. Emergency power systems were checked.

3. Inspection for visible structural and electrical damage.

4. Distress call was not necessary.

5. Documentation of incident with photographs and logs.

Insurance Reporting Process

1. Notification to Insurer broker:

Contacted insurance broker via email.
Provided policy number and preliminary details of the incident

2. The broker reported the incident to the Underwriter and they appointed an adjuster.

The entire communication from that point on was through the adjuster.

3. We reported all the damaged systems and requested to move the vessel to Golfito,
a 175nm trip for further review and repair of the alternator and regulator.

4. There are no trained marine technicians in Golfito, and the supply of equipment would be lengthy and costly. We requested to take Fortitude X to Panama City. Another 375nm of hand steering since the autopilot was part of the damaged equipment.

5. Submission of Required Documentation

Incident report detailing time, location, and damages
Photographic evidence of damage
Statements from crew or witnesses
Copy of maintenance records and recent surveys

Inspection and Assessment

The adjuster scheduled a surveyor immediately after our arrival in Panama City with Marine24, a renowned company, who performed a thorough review including mast and rig. They confirmed all of our reported damages and added some more.

• Our insurance requested that we engage our own independent marine surveyor to verify the findings of the initial survey and to provide an evaluation of the damage.

• Once the reports were reviewed, we submitted our budget to the adjuster. Their insurance surveyor had a few comments which could be addressed easily from our side. Once the budget aligned; we received the go ahead to start the repairs based on policy coverage.

For lightning strikes the deductible doubled as per policy terms (in our case CAN$5,000 times two.)

Repair and Reimbursement

• Repairs carried out by GPSMarine and Narval Marine in Panama City (2.5 months)

• We discussed and received an interim payment from the insurance company

• Final invoices submitted to insurer: February 5, 2025

• Reimbursement processed per claim agreement. Funds received March 18, 2025, this was delayed by our broker not the insurance.

Resolution and Outcome

Total Damage Cost: US$ 70,900

Insurance Coverage: US$ 63,900

Out-of-Pocket Expenses: US$ 12,000

Repair Completion Date: February 19, 2025, nearly 6 months after the incident.

Boat Status: Fully operational with minor calibration of new equipment still needed.

Lessons Learned

• Enhanced insurance coverage, review to ensure adequate protection, i.e. before the incident we had no lighting cover for Panama, kind of lucky the incident happened in Costa Rica.

• Keep good and timely communication with the adjuster, and request confirmation in advance, not after the fact.

• Stay involved with the design and repair at any time, especially if major network repair and installation is required. In our case, we merged two networks to one NMEA2000.

• If possible, order long delivery items prior to the insurance approval, if the equipment is needed it does not matter who pays for it.

• We claimed 35 hours at 80% of the contractor rate for minor items installed by us to speed up the process. This was communicated prior to the work commenced by ourselves.

Conclusion

This report outlines the factual sequence of events following the lightning strike on Fortitude X. The insurance process was followed as per policy guidelines, and necessary repairs were completed. Global Yacht Cover is an A+ rated insurance company and we can honestly say that our dealings with them were all but professional. As we don’t wish anyone to go through the pain of dealing with repairs and paperwork, having good partners, like the Ocean Posse community, along the way makes the entire ordeal a bit less painful.

Feel free to reach out directly for any further questions or details.

Godspeed!

Alternator regulator burned out

Battery Monitor Vaulty reading 12 Volt system

Fume detector faulty reading

Inverter Faulty reading

resetting Water maker

Solar Panel hit by lightning

VHF Antenna socket

SY FORTIUDE X 🇨🇦 Stefanie & Torsten - Beneteau 43'

17) SAVE THE DATE

MEET THE SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISING FLEET

SAT AUG 30 ’25 🇫🇯 FIJI

Tayana Custom 55 1984 $ 125,000 ▶

Nawi Island Marina

Nawi Island Marina @ Savusavu 🇫🇯 Fiji

18) YACHTS FOR SALE IN 🇵🇦 PANAMA

Custom Watson 72 2002 75ft $ 1,686,806 ▶

Hunter Legend 35.5 1994 35.4ft $ 51,500 ▶

19) REPORT FROM 🇦🇼 ARUBA

ARUBA

Aruba is a small 20nm island located in the southern Caribbean just north of the Venezuelan coast. White sand beaches are one of the island’s primary draws. Over 300 cruise ships visit Aruba every year. It is known for its turquoise waters, constant and often elevated trade winds.

Marinas and Anchorages

1. Renaissance Marina

2. Varadero Aruba Marina and Boatyard

3. Aruba Nautical Club

4. Anchorage at Spanish Lagoon

aruba

Clearance Procedure

Aruba has different procedure for clearing in and out as other islands in the Caribbean: At arrival, all vessels are required to go to an official port of entry first! The vessel will have to be cleared both by Immigration and by Customs.

For your convenience you can print and fill in the necessary clearance forms (three copies for Immigration, two copies for Customs).

Skippers and crew can initially stay 30 days. For yacht crew this can be extended to two times 90 days. 180 days per year maximum. Yachts can stay on the island up to 180 days. After this they will need to be imported. Exception: Yachts in dry storage at Varadero Aruba. While in storage the 180-day count is stopped.

Aruba

Visa Requirements

None for citizens of the USA, Canada or the EU. Other nationalities please download: http://www.aruba.com/sigma/Entry_Req-Eng.pdf ▶

Visas must be specifically for Aruba. Visas for the Netherlands Antilles or the Netherlands are not valid for Aruba.

Visitors can stay up to a total of 180 days per year in Aruba but might get limited in to how long for each stay depending on the nationality. A vessel can stay 180 days in Aruba.

MV MARTINI 🇺🇸 Bryan and Mary - Nordhavn 63'

20) READING THE (SET OF) WAVES
🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊 (🌊 🌊 🌊) 🌊

Making a safe dinghy landing or exit ( easier ) —especially in surf or exposed beaches with large southern ocean swells where mistiming can flip the boat, damage or submerge gear and negines, or hurt people. Here's how to read and time a landing when facing elevated, crashing waves:

🌊 1. Observe Before You Act

Spend at least 10–15 minutes watching the wave sets from a safe distance before attempting your landing.
Waves come in sets: Typically, 3–7 large waves followed by a lull with smaller waves.
Count the waves in a set: Note how many large ones roll in before the lull.
Time the interval between sets: Use a watch or count slowly
("one one-thousand…") to estimate how long the lull lasts.
Look for patterns: Sometimes there's a rhythm—e.g., every 5 minutes a bigger set comes in.

⏱ 2. Time Your Approach During the Lull

The safest moment to land is usually just after the last big wave of a set.
Once a big set has passed and smaller waves follow, that's your landing window.
You want to be riding behind or on the back of a small wave, not in front of a crashing one.
Row / Throttle assertively during the lull—hesitating mid-break zone is dangerous.

🧠 3. Understand Wave Mechanics

Waves slow and steepen as they approach shallow water.
The moment when they start to peak and curl is when they’ll break.
Steep beach = more abrupt breaks, often dumping waves.
Gentle beach slope = spilling breakers, which are easier to land through.

🚤 4. Position the Dinghy Correctly

Bow pointed directly at shore: Don’t come in at an angle, or you risk broaching (sideways spin and capsize).
Balance weight evenly, keep people low.
Rowing in? Best to back in during bigger surf (stern-first) so you can see the waves.
With an outboard? Cut the engine just before hitting the shallows to prevent prop damage.

🏃‍♂️ 5. Prepare for a Quick Exit

Assign roles ahead of time: one person hops out to grab and pull the dinghy up as soon as you touch.
Unload passengers just beyond the break zone if safe—then bring the dinghy in light and alone.
Lift or tilt the outboard before you’re in ankle-deep water.

⚠️ 6. If You Mistime It... If you’re caught in a breaker:

Face the wave head-on with the bow.
Lean back slightly to keep the bow high.
Hold on and bail fast once through.

Pacific Coast Mexico can become treacherous with beach landings turning hazardous if big swells arrive

21) GOOD NAUTICAL

Oranjestad 🇦🇼 Surf Side Beach ARUBA

⚓ 12° 30.5100' N 070° 2.0100' W

Anchoring is possible in 3 to 10 meters, with a mix of sand, seagrass, and hard ground—check the bottom carefully to ensure good holding. A few sandy patches hold well. Generally exposed to wind, which helps air out the boat, though some swell is generated by constant water cab and jet-ski traffic, especially between the marina and Renaissance Island. The anchorage is well sheltered from swell otherwise.

The spot is close to the airport—very convenient for picking up guests, though plane noise can be a bit much during the day. Dinghies can be moored either in the harbor or at the Pinchos Bar restaurant (stern anchor required there, per restaurant policy).

It's a noisy area overall, with bars and traffic, but offers easy access to town, a few supermarkets within walking distance, and expensive but decent restaurants (especially in the evenings). It made us want to explore the city more, though we only stayed a night under the yellow flag on our way to Panama.

22) TALOS LIGHTNING DETECTION 🔱
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

Real-World Test

Capt. Steve, BoatTEST’s director of testing and resident tech-head, evaluates the SFD-1000 using SiriusXM weather and a popular weather app for aviation as backup. With a storm approaching, the SFD-1000 indeed began flashing green with the first lightning strike 25 miles away. A little while later, the flashing changed to blue with the audible beeps indicating the approaching front was 16 miles away. If we had been out on the water, it would have been time to head to shore. As a storm closes in, it often picks up speed and it wasn’t long before we heard three beeps and the SFD-1000 flashed red.

https://oceanposse.com/talos-lightning-detection/

Observations

Thunder can only be heard from 10 miles away, but lighting can actually strike when a storm is as far away as 25 miles. That’s why the Talos Lightning Strike Detector is worthwhile, especially for the cost of $139. Lightning ranks second as a cause of weather-related injuries and fatalities. The SFD-1000 was nominated for an Innovation Award at the 2021 Storm Expo.

There are numerous benefits to the SFD-1000 for boaters, especially fishermen and long-range cruisers. It works in the background and stays on. It needs no attention to keep a user apprised with real-time data. Comparatively, an app or a chartplotter needs to be changed to the proper mode to provide the information. For the cost of a dinner date at a good restaurant, a boatowner can enhance his/her family’s safety. “

23)
HAULOUT AND STORAGE FACILITIES ALONG
OCEAN POSSE ROUTES

Hakim Marina & Boat Yard 🇧🇿 BELIZE
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
with a 15 % discount

17° 32.8416′ N 088°15′.525′ W

200 gross metric tons | 30 feet wide Travel lift

22) WHALE MIGRATION ROUTES 🐋
ALONG THE EASTERN PACIFIC

whale migration

Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)

They migrate from North and South America to breed and give birth in Central American waters.

Hotspots:

Costa Rica: Marino Ballena National Park, Golfo Dulce.
Panama: Coiba National Park, Gulf of Chiriquí.
Nicaragua & El Salvador: Sightings are increasing as ecotourism grows.

Best time to see them:

Northern Hemisphere humpbacks: Dec–Apr.
Southern Hemisphere humpbacks: Jul–Oct.
Yes, there’s overlap—this coast gets both migrations.

Bryde’s Whales (Balaenoptera edeni)

Resident species – meaning they’re around year-round.
Shy and fast-moving, often mistaken for dolphins.
Feed on small schooling fish and plankton near the surface.

Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus)

Occasional visitors, mostly off the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama.
The Eastern Tropical Pacific is a lesser-known blue whale foraging area.
Usually seen farther offshore.

False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens)

Not a true whale, but part of the dolphin family.
Highly social and sometimes seen in mixed pods with dolphins.
Known to interact with fishing boats and even surf boat wakes.

Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)

More likely spotted in deeper offshore waters.
Central America's continental shelf drops off fast, so sightings can occur relatively close to land.
Travel in matrilineal groups, known for deep, long dives to hunt squid.

25) THE THINGS YOU SEE 🚀
GOING THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL

A barge carrying a huge fuel tank used by a NASA space shuttle transited the Panama Canal back in 2016.

Assisted by a tugboat, the barge carrying the Endeavour's enormous external propulsion unit is headed for Los Angeles, California. It entered the Gatun Locks on the Atlantic Ocean just before noon yesterday and passed through the Miraflores Locks today.

Hundreds of tourists at the Miraflores Visitor Center took advantage of the unusual vessel's presence to take pictures with their cell phones.

The tank is reportedly as large as a 15-story building and weighs approximately 66,000 pounds.

Upon arrival in Los Angeles, its road trip to the museum will require an 18-hour road closure due to its enormous size. Furthermore, it is the last surviving external propellant tank, built for the Endeavour shuttle missions.

26) OCEAN POSSE CANAL AGENT

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

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

Erick Gálvez

27) OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS 🛰️ TRACKING

Tracking Ocean Posse

Predict Wind sponsors the Ocean Posse

Boat Speed 2.9 kts

13 58.798s 137 28.315w

Last Updated5 Apr 2025, 16:11 (GMT)

John Jones' Slow Odyssey

28) MEDIA PARTNERS

OCEAN POSSE HAS A SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE
FOLLOW THIS LINK ▶

Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine

29) SPONSORSHIP MARINAS
WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

Marina with Ocean Posse Discounts

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle, Ventura CA, USA
🇺🇸 Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA, USA
🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay - Chula Vista, CA, USA
🇲🇽 ECV Marina - Ensenada Mexico
🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina el Cid - Mazatlan - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Puerto de La Navidad - Barra de Navidad - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa - Mexico
🇲🇽 La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco - Mexico
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🇲🇽 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
🇨🇷 Flamingo Marina - Costa Rica
🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad, Ecuador
🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 La Playita Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Bocas Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Solarte Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 IGY Red Frog Marina - Panama
🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena - Colombia
🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena - Colombia
🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero - Colombia
🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta - Colombia
🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club - 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 - Guatemala
🇧🇿 Hummngbird Marina - Placencia - Belize
🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club - Belize
🇧🇿 Hakim Marina & Boatyard - Belize
🇲🇽 Marina Makax - Isla Mujeres - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Aventuras - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina V&V - Quintana Roo - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina El Cid - Cancún - 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
🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina - Bahamas
🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina - Bahamas
🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia - Dominican Republic
🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina - Dominican Republic
🇻🇮 ST. Croix Yacht Club - USVI
🇻🇮 Green Cay Marina - USVI
🇻🇬 Virgin Goda Yacht Harbour- BVI
🇵🇷 Marina Pescadaria - Puerto Rico
🇸🇽 IGY Simpson Bay Marina- Sint Maaarten
🇩🇲 Dominica Marina Cente - Dominica
🇰🇳 Port Zante Marina - St Kitts & Nevis
🇬🇩 Clarke's Court Boatyard & Marina - Grenada
🇺🇸 Safe Harbor - Marathon, FL, USA
🇺🇸 Pier 66 Hotel & Marina - Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
🇺🇸 Titusville Marina - FL, USA
🇺🇸 Port 32 Marinas - 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 , US
🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine - Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA
🇺🇸 Holden Beach - Town Dock, North Carolina , USA
🇺🇸 Portside Marina - Morehead City, North Carolina USA
🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA USA
🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA USA
🇺🇸 York River Yacht Haven - Virginia , USA
🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing - VA USA
🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina - Deltaville, VA USA
🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina - Topping, VA US
🇧🇲 Pier 41 Marina - Bermuda - Bermuda
🇧🇲 Caroline Bay Marina - Bermuda
🇵🇹 Marina De Cascais - Portugal
🇵🇹 Marina Funchal - PORTUGAL
🇪🇸 Alcaidesa Marina - Spain
🇪🇸 Marina Del Odiel - Spain
🇪🇸 IGY Málaga Marina - Spain
🇮🇹 Marina dei Presidi - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Balestrate- Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Brindisi- Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Chiavari - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Forio - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Teulada - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Policoro - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Vieste - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina de Procida - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina de Villasimius- Italy
🇮🇹 Marina Molo Vecchio - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina Salina - Italy
🇹🇳 Marina Bizerte - Tunisia
🇪🇸 Puerto Sotogrande - Spain
🇪🇸 Yacht Port Cartagena - Spain
🇬🇮 Ocean Village Marina - Gibraltar
🇨🇻 Marina Mindelo - Cape Verde
🇨🇱 Roaring Forties Marina - Chile
🇳🇺 Niue Yacht Club - Niue
🇫🇯 Copra Shed Marina - Fiji
🇫🇯 Nawi Island Marina - Fiji
🇫🇯 Denarau Marina - Fiji
🇫🇯 Musket Cove - Fiji
🇫🇯 Royal Suva Yacht Club - Fiji
🇫🇯 Sau Bay Moorings - Fiji
🇫🇯 Vuda Point Marina - Fiji
🇳🇿 Gulf Harbour Marina - New Zealand
🇳🇿 Marsden Cove Marina - New Zealand
🇹🇴 Vava'u Boatyard - Tonga
🇻🇺 Yachting World - Vanuatu
🇦🇺 Rivergate Marina - Australia

Check this map for 120+ Ocean Posse friendly marinas near you

MARINAS

30) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

ABERNATHY - PANAMA
BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
BOAT HOW TO
CABRALES BOAT YARD
CENTENARIO CONSULTING - PANAMA CANAL
CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
DIGITAL YACHT
DOWNWIND MARINE
EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
FLOR DE CAÑA
HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
MARINA PAPAGAYO

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
PANAMA YACHT BROKER
PREDICT WIND
SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
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SUN POWERED YACHTS
WIKUS MARINE AUTO
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YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

EL JOBO COSTA RICA

31) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

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OCEAN POSSE

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FLEET UPDATE 2025-03-30

CRUISING FLEET UPDATE & NEWS
2025-03-30

AQUA VERDE ⚓ 25° 31'.3666' N 111° 04'.4283' W just a lil ' south of Loretto, BC MEXICO 🇲🇽
MV DELTA SWIZZLER 🇺🇸 Mark & Cindy - Vantare 58'

"The ocean is everything I want to be.
Beautiful, mysterious, wild, and free."

— Unknown

THIS WEEK

Pictures Of The Week 📷
Meet The Fleet SY Morning Stars 🇨🇦
Must-see Turkey 🇹🇷 Göreme
Update ⛵ SY Jubel
xJoin The Ocean Posse for Perks, Discounts, Info a.m.o.
Ocean Posse Captain Ron Award Entry
Why Go To Cannes' 🇫🇷 Yachting Festival
Marina Salina 🇮🇹 Italy
Aeolian Islands Il Postino & Pablo Neruda
Cruising The Tuamotus 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
Yacht Insurance Seminar
Attempted Piracy ☠️ Honduras
Ongoing Outboard Theft🥷🏻 Incidents In Panama
Meet The South Pacific Cruising Fleet
Yachts For Sale In Pacific Mexico
Montego Bay Yacht Club 🇯🇲 Jamaica |
Floating The Anchor Chain ⛓️ To Protect 🪸 Coral
Good Nautical Isla El Tigre 🇭🇳 Honduras
Delta Mike ⚙️
Long Line🪝 Locations
Meet The Sea Turtles 🐢
The Smallest Vessel Ever 🚣to Cross The Panama Canal

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

Join the Ocean Posse and become part of a positive forwarded looking fleet of actual Yacht Owners. We enjoy each others company and share peer validated info ▶

YACHT INSURANCE SEMINAR

APRIL 5th 2025
YACHT INSURANCE
ZOOM SEMINAR

Brought to you by NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE @
14:00 EDT 11:00 PDT ▶

MEET THE FLEET
PARTY IN 🇫🇯 FIJI

Sail to FIJI ! Come mingle and meet the South Pacific Cruising Fleet @ NAWI ISLAND Aug 30 '25 ▶

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

RAINBOW

we have set sail for Nuku Hiva! Following the rainbow 🌈

SY HORIZON 🇺🇸 Stephanie Tayana 55'

Carosy crossed the equator today!!! 4 more shellbacks on the ocean! :)

just crossed the equator today!!! 4 more shellbacks on the ocean! :)

SY CAROSY 🇰🇾 Hugh & Carole - Robertson and Caine 45'

ITCZ

No wind to speak of, overcast, confused sea state, lots of rain and some lightning.

I expected to get a period with absolutely no wind and sea like glass, but that never happened

ITCZ

I am sure that it is slightly different every time. Please share your experience when you get there.

The sky is blue again and the wind is back. Zedna is enjoying the tradewinds after 2 days in the doldrums.

Morning Stars

SY ZEDNA 🇸🇪 Trevor & Lena - Robertson and Caine 38'

PATHFINDER

Pathfinder is thrilled to announce that I finally have my French Long Stay Visa in my hand!! We plan to sail out of Marina Buenaventura today around 15:00 at high tide towards the Galapagos for our first stop then onto French Polynesia.

Hoping to slingshot out of Panama after Punta Mala late this evening/early tomorrow morning 🙌

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 J.P. & NICOLE - Lagoon 39'

2) MEET THE FLEET
SY MORNING STARS 🇨🇦

Morning Stars

🇨🇦 Jason, Amanda and Dylan - Bristol 45'

We are on Morning Stars, but not the boat we started our adventure on. We purchased her at Shelter Bay Marina last August. Check out our blog svstarship1.ca for the whole story.

Morning Stars

We are currently on the Pacific side of Panama preparing for our crossing over to French Polynesia. San Blas islands and Exumas have been our favorite spots

enjoy life

Sailing has been in my blood since I was born. I have sailed all my life and knew that one day I would cross an ocean. Not if but when. I met my wife at our yacht club back home and we have cruised Lake Winnipeg every year the past 30 years. This jump has truly been a culmination of 30 years of hard work and taking a chance to step out of the ordinary.

MORNING STAR

Sailing is definitely a shared adventure. I would have crossed oceans myself on others boats but it is so much better on my own vessel with my family. The joy of accomplishment in putting miles under the keel and coming out the other side is exhilarating. Sharing that experience with my family is priceless.

meet the fleet

"The unexpected lesson learned on board ?"

Just how hard this lifestyle really is. Land life is easy in comparison.

raising the courtesy flag

Our best way to interact with the cultures and local communities is to just start walking. We are always surprised and humbled when we have people stopping to see if we are ok. Stop worrying about budget and eat out locally, not the resorts. Best of all say Hi to everyone. The most amazing experience we had was with a taxi driver in Nassau. Every trip with her was a history less of her island and family. It was wonderful

Morning Stars

Small things are now left on our bucket list - like diving Great Barrier Reef.

As we like to say "Death is once in a lifetime, life is every day so go live it."

SY MORNING STARS 🇨🇦 Jason, Amanda and Dylan - Bristol 45'

MORNING STARS

SUBMIT YOUR OWN
MEET THE FLEET REPORT

3) MORE PICTURES 📷 OF THE WEEK

GALATEA

Here are eight Ocean Posse members at Ibin’s restaurant on Banedup in the Holandes Cays in San Blas. We had Rob and Debra on Avant, Karl and Natalie on Remedy, Colleen and Jeff on Rawhiti, and Mark and Sarah from Galatea.

SY GALATEA Sarah& Mark - Morgan 46'

FELICITA

SY FELICITA 🇺🇸 Gretchen & Tim - Catalina 42

Donwshifting

Downshifting is at Kauehi, Tuamotus

MY DOWNSHIFTING 🇺🇸 Carine - Nordhavn 47'

CARINE

rED FROG BEACH

MY TIDINGS OF JOY and SY CARINTHIA @ Red Frog Marina and Resort

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

4) MUST-SEE
TURKEY 🇹🇷 LANDTRIP GÖREME

TURKEY

The Rock Sites of Cappadocia is a vast area packed full of stunning sights. There are over 200 underground cities, hundreds of churches, chapels, and hermitages, and countless valleys of strangle twisting shapes and towers.

TURKEY

Karen & Darren @ Göreme National Park

TAKE A BALOON

A cluster of hills and plateaus formed by Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan, a pair of nearby volcanoes that covered the landscape with ash that hardened into volcanic tuff. Volcanic tuff is a soft stone, easily eroded by wind and rain. Over the course of millennia, the hills of tuff were carved by the elements into towers, cones, and stunning walls of white powder resembling great drifts of windswept snow.

rock fomations

SY SMALL WORLD III 🇻🇮 Karen & Darren - Bristol 47.7'

MAPS

5) LAND FALL AND UPDATE FROM SY JUBEL

Serentti

Anchor down in Tahanea Tuamotus

Jubel

Rainy and stormy, but still beautiful

At th beach

Anchorage 16°50.9483' S 144°41.6133' W

16° 51.0752' S 144° 41.4880' W

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

6) JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE
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SAVE MONEY AND HAVE FUN CRUISING

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The bay in Nuku Hiva

7) OCEAN POSSE
CAPTAIN RON AWARD ENTRY

captain ron

San Bank in Bocas ⚠️ 09° 19.8323' N 082° 14.9134' W

This is a Captain Ron learning experience. Jeariene and I got to Bocas del Toro South Anchorage. I wanted to use the automatically adjusting anchor marker buoy that I purchased. So I tied the strap to the anchor before setting it. That was our first mistake. This area is a panga super highway. In broad daylight, I fortunately waved off a panga that was going to run right into it. Even though it is big (14 inches diameter, 7 inches above the water line), white with reflective tape. He missed it by inches. When it gets dark, it would be a definite goner. So we hung a flashing Luci light on it, which helped it survive until the next day. The next day, we hauled up the anchor, untied the buoy and set the anchor back in 12 feet with a 5 to 1 scope, backing down so I knew it was set.

That night and the next morning heavy rains and winds caused our anchor to drag. I contacted the boat that we had moved closer to, and he indicated that the winds were dying down and I don’t need to worry about anymore dragging. BUT, a change in direction of the winds was devastating.

So Sunday mid-morning, a nice couple on s/v Rise, anchored near us, got in their dinghy and came over to say hi and to ask a question. “Are you aground?” I finally looked around and saw that my boat wasn’t facing the way everyone else’s boat was, and the wind was on my beam and not my bow. Yes, after dragging, we had swung into a shallow area and the tide was going out, so matters got worse by the minute. Our boat was stuck on a sand bar!! This great couple tried to help by pulling a very long line from the top of my mast, to heel us over. They didn’t have the power in their dinghy, so we were unsuccessful.

By the time low tide had hit (around 1:15 PM), we were heeled over about 15 degrees. The next high tide was 7:30 PM and it was going to be no higher than when we first ran aground. So we (actually I) thought that we wait through the next low tide (which wasn’t going to be as low) until the real high tide at 6:38 on Monday morning. We wern’t looking forward to sleeping like that.

Fortunately Jeariene had contacted our Ocean Posse friends, Kevin and Karen, on their catamaran “Feel N Froggy”, who were on their way back to Red Frog Marina, and only minutes away from sailing right by us. They were awesome! They anchored and came over to us in their dinghy. They circled us, checking the depth and re-positioned our anchor so we could pull Knot Right into deeper waters. Then they took that long line out from our mast top to tip us over. We unfurled the main so the wind on the beam could also help to tip us over enough so we could rock the keel off of the sandy bottom. All the while, I would be using the windless to take up slack in the anchor chain to kedge us off. Unfortunately, their dinghy wasn’t powerful enough. Then two gentlemen on a power boat came over to offer help. They had two outboards of 150 HP each. They huffed and puffed, put my rail into the water, I took in the anchor chain slack, and voila... we slid off the sand bar and popped up straight in 20 feet of water. There was an audience of people watching this fiasco from one of the floating bars 300 yards away, and you could hear the cheers! Apparently, the two gentlemen came from that floating bar, so everyone there was watching our Captain Ron experience. We celebrated by having dinner with Kevin and Karen at the other Floating Bar.

The moral of the story is: Just like when you ask the question of yourself, “should I reef”, that is when you should reef. “Should I re-anchor”, Hell Yes and NOW!”

SY KNOT RIGHT 🇺🇸 Walt & Jearine - Beneteau 47'

8) OCEAN POSSE
AWARD CATEGORIES

FLOR DE CANA

FLOR DE CAÑA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

9) WHY GO TO CANNES' 🇫🇷
YACHTING FESTIVAL THIS SEPTEMBER

Cannes

The Cannes Yachting Festival (Sept 10-15, 2024) is one of the world’s premier boat shows, and Ocean Posse participants and cruisers might find it worth attending for several reasons:

Over 700 Yachts on display with Cutting-Edge Yacht Tech & Equipment

See the latest in bluewater cruising yachts Catamarans, Monohulls and Powerboats and expedition boats. in 2 marinas connected via aquaferry. Explore new gear, anchoring solutions, and energy-efficient systems (solar, lithium, hydro-gen tech).

Awesome Networking with Cruisers & Industry Experts

Connect and meet up with other long-distance cruisers, yacht owners, and industry pros.

Share your knowledge and tips about global cruising routes, including the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific crossings.

The Location – It’s Cannes!

One of the most glamorous settings for a yacht show, with fantastic food, scenery, and a chance to unwind. Ideal stopover if you’re currently cruising in the Med before heading westward.

SPECIAL OCEAN POSSE EVENT IN CANNES

OCEAN POSSE

SPECIAL EVENT OCEAN POSSE & BEN TAYLOR

Networking and Fun

@ 🇫🇷 Cannes Yachting Festival

Captains & Yacht owners

have fun at the most casual Marine Industry Networking event

@ LUPITAS on THU SEP 11th ’25 18:00 – 21:30

LEGENDARY FREE Flor de Caña Rum Cocktails

and Special Tacos courtesy of Ocean Posse & Taylor Media

RSVP FOR THE
CANNES OCEAN POSSE EVENT

10) INTRODUCING A NEW
PARTNERSHIP MARINA
IN THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

MARINA SALINA 🇮🇹 ITALY
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

38° 33.34′ N 014°52.029′ E

We are pleased to support the Ocean Posse participants with a 10 % discount at our marina.

CONTACT

Mobile (+39) 090 3692561

VHF CH 11

HOURS VHF: 08:30 20:00

BOOK A SLIP NOW !

Berths with water and electricity (220
380 v, 63A)
Mooring attendants from 8:00 to 21:00
Fire services
Dock lighting
Video surveillance
Water and electricity on the dock
Hauling with a max. 8 m slide
Launching with a max. 8 m slide

Fueldock and Bunkerng nearby
ATM 200 m away
Mini market
Bar
Wine shop
Ice cream shop
Laundry on request
Taxi / Car rental / Scooter rental / Bikes
Dinghy rental / Diving / Excursions
Catering on board

NEARBY:
Pollara Bay & Cliffs

One of Salina’s most breathtaking locations, Pollara Bay is set in a massive volcanic crater that has eroded into the sea. The cliffs, rock formations, and crystal-clear water make it an iconic spot, especially at sunset. It’s also famous as a filming location for Il Postino.

SAILING AND CRUISING IN THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS
JUST GOT A LOT EASIER & AFFORDABLE

11) EOLIAN INSPIRATION
📜
IL POSTINO | PABLO NERUDA

Watch the full movie for free here ▶

l Postino (The Postman, 1994) is a poetic Italian film set in the 1950s on a small Mediterranean island. It tells the story of Mario Ruoppolo, a shy and uneducated fisherman’s son who takes a job as a postman, delivering mail to the island’s only notable resident—exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.

At first, Mario is intimidated by Neruda’s fame and literary prowess, but as he delivers letters to the poet, he becomes fascinated by poetry and its power to express emotions. With Neruda’s guidance, Mario learns to use metaphors and poetic language, which helps him win the love of Beatrice, a beautiful barmaid.

As Mario grows in confidence and finds his own poetic voice, the film subtly weaves in themes of love, longing, political change, and the power of words. However, as Neruda eventually leaves the island and political tensions rise, Mario’s fate takes a poignant turn, leaving a lasting impression of his deep connection to poetry and its ability to transform a simple life into something profound.

Oda al mar

The real Nobel prize winning Pablo Neruda wrote many poems about the sea.One of his most famous sea-themed poems is "El mar" (The Sea)

El Mar

Necesito del mar porque me enseña:
no sé si aprendo música o conciencia:
no sé si es ola sola o ser profundo
o sólo ronca voz o deslumbrante
suposición de peces y navios.
El hecho es que hasta cuando estoy dormido
de algún modo magnético circulo
en la universidad del oleaje.

No son sólo las conchas trituradas
como si algún planeta tembloroso
participara paulatina muerte,
no, del fragmento reconstruyo el día,
de una racha de sal la estalactita
y de una cucharada el dios inmenso.

Lo que antes me enseñó lo guardo! Es aire,
incesante viento, agua y arena.

Parece poco para el hombre joven
que aquí llegó a vivir con sus incendios,
y sin embargo el pulso que subía
y bajaba a su abismo,
el frío del azul que crepitaba,
el desmoronamiento de la estrella,
el tierno desplegarse de la ola
despilfarrando nieve con la espuma,
el poder quieto, allí, determinado
como un trono de piedra en lo profundo,
substituyó el recinto en que crecían
tristeza terca, amontonando olvido,
y cambió bruscamente mi existencia:
di mi adhesión al puro movimiento.

The Sea

I need the sea because it teaches me:
I don’t know if I learn music or consciousness:
I don’t know if it’s a single wave or deep depth
or a hoarse voice or a shining
suggestion of ships and fish.
The fact is that even when I’m asleep
in some magnetic mode I move
in the university of waves.

It’s not only the crushed shells
like some shivering planet
participating in a gradual death,
no, from the fragment I reconstruct the day,
from one grain of salt the stalactite
and from one spoon the immense god.

What it taught me before I keep! It’s air,
incessant wind, water and sand.

It seems insignificant to a young man
that came here to live with his own fire
yet the pulse that rose
then fell into its abyss,
the sputtering blue cold,
the gradual fading of a star,
the gentle unfolding of the wave
wasting snow with its foam,
the still power, out there, resolute
like a stone shrine in the depths,
replaced my territory in which was growing
hardening sorrow, mounds of oblivion
and my life changed suddenly:
I gave my commitment to pure movement.

https://fernandogros.com/el-mar/ ▶

12) CRUISING THE TUAMOTUS 🇵🇫 FRENCH POLYNESIA

TUAMOTUS

Beautiful Kauehi, Tuamotus

TUAMOTUS

The lagoon is rich in marine life, making it a great spot for diving and snorkeling.

TUAMOTUS

The atoll is not as developed as Fakarava, making it a peaceful, untouched paradise.

ROUTE

Polynesian traditions remain strong, with Tahitian and Tuamotuan cultures influencing daily life.

Anchoraged

Kauehi is an atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia, known for its pristine lagoon, pearl farming, and remote charm.

TRAVERSING FRENCH POLYNESIA WITHOUT A LONG STAY VISA ▶

For those without long stay visas you can follow this trade wind optimized route to maximize your exploration of the Tuamotus FP

TIDE STATIONS NEARBY

Rahiroa (Rangiroa) Island
Hao (Bow or La Harpe)
Mangareva Island

MY DOWNSHIFTING 🇺🇸 Carine - Nordhavn 47'

13) OCEAN POSSE
YACHT INSURANCE SEMINAR

OCEAN POSSE YACHT INSURANCE SEMINAR

brought to you by NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE >>
JOIN THE POSSE FOR SEMINAR ACCESS

SATURDAY APRIL 5th @ 1400 EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME

14) ATTEMPTED PIRACY ☠️ HONDURAS

Attempted Piracy - not successful

Date: 2025-03-20 - 14:00

Location: Honduras - Offshore10

Lat/Long: 15° 25.566' N 081° 11.814' W

Details: A catamaran with 3 persons onboard departed Isla San Andres, Colombia for the Rio Dulce, Guatemala. At 1400HRS and position 15-25.6N 081-11.8W, approximately 125nmile off The Honduran coast and about 25nmiles south of the Thunder Knoll fishing shoals the crew observed 4 fishing boats approaching rapidly. The yacht altered course, putting on all sail/speed. The crew was monitoring VHF and there were no communications.

The crew had discussed their plan before departure and gathered and then displayed multiple flare guns, a paint ball type weapon, a spear gun and a large fishing gaff. Three of the pursuing vessels were smaller, unable to keep up and fell away, coming no closer than about a ½ mile. The largest (4th) panga had 2 men wearing orange life jackets standing prominently near the bow and continued to pursue the yacht and approached to 200-300FT before they were able to see the crew’s very visible and ready preparation before they chose to end the pursuit.

The yacht continued their passage without further incident and arrived safely in Guatemala. A report was made to the Honduran Navy by phone.

https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/

15) ONGOING
OUTBOARD THEFT🥷🏻 INCIDENTS IN PANAMA
GOVT INCREASES PENALTIES

Details: A catamaran anchored overnight in the Chagres river and was boarded at about 0300HRS. The yacht's security video captured the masked and gloved thief, armed with a knife as he rummaged the cockpit area. Nothing was taken, but when the dinghy davit lines were cut the loud noise scared the thief off. The dinghy was chain locked to the yacht.

Secured: Locked Weapons: Knife

16) SAVE THE DATE

MEET THE SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISING FLEET

SAT AUG 30 ’25 🇫🇯 FIJI

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1985-defever-44-trawler-9694624/

Nawi Island Marina - Savusavu 🇫🇯 Fiji

17) YACHTS FOR SALE IN PACIFIC MEXICO

1985 DeFever 44 Trawler | 44ft Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

1986 Custom Pinta Exception 53 | 53ft Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1986-custom-pinta-exception-53-9638175/

2006 Saga 43 | 43ft Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2006-saga-43-9715637/

16) MONTEGO BAY YACHT CLUB 🇯🇲 JAMAICA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

38° 55.6433′ N 008° 43.1933′ E

We offer a 10 % discount for the active Participants in the Ocean Posse

Montego Bay Yacht Club

Montego Freeport,

P.O.Box 1133, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Office Tel: +1 (876) 979-8038

WATER
FUEL
GASOLINE
RESTAURANT
BAR
LAUNDRY
WEATHER
T.V. in the Clubhouse
PROVISIONING
TAXIS AND GROUND TRANSPORTATION

If you are in Montego Bay, there is no shortage of dive sites either. The name Widowmaker's Cave may not be the most appealing, it's definitely an exciting site for all levels of divers.

17) FLOATING THE
ANCHOR CHAIN TO PROTECT 🪸 CORAL

Where and why we float the chain: At anchorages with (lots of) coral heads to avoid the chain tangling on those coral heads. If the chain would tangle on the coral heads it would have a couple of adverse effects: the catenary effect of the chain is reduced (or even eliminated if tangled very close to the bow of the yacht), lifting the anchor might be difficult or even impossible without diving, the galvanization of the anchor chain chafes off faster, more coral gets destroyed. The adverse effect of floating the chain is obviously to loose the friction of the part of the chain which is floating. The way we position / deploy the buoys we end up with some 10m chain on the seabed. There is obviously a residual risk of even that chain tangling, but less likely given of the length of the chain thereafter and rather stable wind direction of the trade winds.

Which buoyance devices we use: When we arrived in the Tuamotus we started off with fenders as we did not carry anything else. The disadvantage of fenders is that they compress if they submerse, one gets growth on them, etc. Those hard plastique pearl farm buoys are much better. Some people say, they are washed ashore everywhere in the Tuamotus. Well that was not our experience. Kauehi was our first atoll and in any reasonable distance from the village the shore line was cleaned by the locals. Nevertheless, many villagers have their stash of pearl farm buoys in their gardens. So we simply walked to one obviously very friendly fellow and asked whether we could have four of them. He actually picked the four nicest he had, of the same color, including lines attached to them and did not even want to have anything in return. We put on clips/little carabines to the ends of the lines for fast attachment / detachment to/from the anchor chain and were ready to go.

What kind of clips we use: We use little stainless steel carabiners, the size is basically driven by the diameter to fit through a chain link, i.e. it needs to be sufficiently thin (we have a 10mm DIN chain, so carabiners end up being like 4-5cm in length), we use different sorts, i.e. whatever we found in our related spare part bag

Where we position the buoys: Our approach is to put the first buoy typically / normal conditions at 10m plus water depth from the anchor, then a buoy every 5m of chain, after the fourth we let out another 7-8m of chain and then hook the bridle. There are other recommendations which take a multiplier to water depth (like 1.5x or 2x water depth), but we just find that not suitable to accommodate for all ranges of water depths. The 10m basically decides how much chain ends up on the seabed, one could do less if the sandy patch is really small or more if there is a larger sandy patch to anchor (in case one sees that at all).

With this approach we end up with a few meters more chain out than based on our non-floating chain length rule under normal conditions (we apply waterdepth plus 30m) – in bad conditions we obviously deploy more in both cases (non-floating and floating).

How we deploy the buoys: First we explore to find the spot we want to anchor as usual. If possible we would look for a sandy patch for the anchor itself, but despite the clear water, when anchoring in deeper water we are not able to see for good and/or be able to drop the anchor that accurately. We put out as much chain as we feel comfortable to “drive in” the anchor. Then we pull up the chain again to the first spot for the first buoy (the 10m + water depth), then put out 5m chain, attach a buoy, etc. (lifting the anchor is as usual, just stopping at every buoy and unclipping it, it does not really delay the process once one gets the hang of it).

How we clip on the clips: For us it is exactly the same as putting the chain hook / bridle on. So in our case we have to bend over the pull pit and downward to clip them on, but as said, that’s the same as we do with the bridle as well and “normal procedure” for us. If we had a set-up where the chain hook would come through the bow roller, the clips could go through as well as they are way smaller than our chain hook and in our case it would be easy to get a clip and line from the front through the bowroller back on deck. Difficulties I could only see arising if it was – due to bow design / set-up – tricky to get to the chain outside of the bow or the clip from the front through the bowroller back on deck or into the chain locker, but that’s set-up specific, hard to comment in general (in the worst case I would deploy by dinghy).

General experience: In general, the boat swings easier than with a non-floating chain, due to the missing friction of the chain length towards the yacht. In places where the wind is dominant anyways and is stable trade wind from the same sector all the time, that’s no issue at all. In places, where swinging is dominated rather by current or tide, one obviously has to check for the space.

In our case only the buoy closest to the yacht is floating on water level in a low wind situation, the others are submersed. We actually measured in one instance the depths of the clips on the anchor chain on an anchorage where the anchor was at 11.5m depths: the clips of the buoys were at 7m, 4m, 2m and 0m water depth respectively (starting from the anchor) at low wind.

Practical application on board using fish net floats

20) GOOD NAUTICAL ⚓

ISLA EL TIGRE 🇭🇳 HONDURAS

Isla del Tigre, located in the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras, offers a well-protected anchorage near the town of Amapala on its northern side. This anchorage is favored for its shelter and proximity to the town's amenities. However, mariners should approach during daylight hours due to the presence of rocks and shallow areas that require careful navigation

Tides: The Gulf of Fonseca experiences a moderate tidal range of 2 to 3 meters, with semi-diurnal tides. Currents can be strong, especially near the entrance to the Gulf and around the islands. Timing your arrival and departure with the tide schedule is important. There is also a Papagayo Winds Spillover effect which can trap folks in the south anchorage for a few days.

⚓ 13° 17.7542' N 087° 39.1268' W

APPROACH

Winds: During the dry season (November to April), prevailing winds are typically from the northeast and are generally mild. In the wet season (May to October), winds can shift and intensify, often coming from the south or southwest, with squalls and sudden wind shifts being common.

Isla El Tigre

If entering Honduras through the Gulf of Fonseca, you'll need to check in with customs and immigration. Checking into the country via sailboat at Amapala is straightforward, with both port captain and immigration offices located at the end of the pier, and the process is free.

SHORE

20) DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY 🔱
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

https://oceanposse.com/delta-mike/

Authorized Dealer, we offer engines, support and original products with factory warranty.

Delta Mike Marine Supply is a company founded in Jan 2020 with a management that have over 15 years experience in maritime business.

As Yanmar Authorized Dealer, we offer engines, engine services, spare parts, lube oils and all types of Marine products for you all necessities.

Our work site is in Colón, in the Atlantic side close to The Panama Canal but covering all the Country.

22) OCEAN POSSE
LONG LINE LOCATIONS

Long lines, driftnets, ghostiest, and other illegal fishing techniques are the main source of microplastics pollution in the Pacific Ocean. Further these environmentally damaging fishing systems increase the percentage of by-catch, causing many millions of tons of fish to be discarded yearly.

Panama Posse participants are advised that Longlines along the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Panama create risk for your voyage. For this reason we have created this page https://panamaposse.com/longlines to help located longlines that can disable your vessel. Most countries have jurisdiction over the waters within 200 nautical miles of their shores, called the exclusive economic zone, set by the Law of the Sea, however enforcement is very limited.

What are Long Lines?

Long lines are an efficient and well administered, yet illegal, method of over-fishing practiced by commercial fisherman all over the world. The fishing technique uses a long main fishing line that extends sometimes dozens of miles. The line contains branch lines (snoods or gangions) which clips onto the main line. These branches of lines contain hooks for randomly catching fish that are in the area. Main line with its branches can contain as many as 3,000 hooks which target swordfish, tuna, halibut, sablefish and of valuable species. Longlines attached at the surface catch Tuna or Swordfish whereas those attached at the sea floor target ground fish such as halibut or groupers or cod.

Longline fishing is a prevalent form of commercial fishing and allows for massive fish yields. Longlines can be used near the surface (pelagic longlines) to catch open-water fish such as tuna and swordfish, or near the seafloor (demersal longlines) to catch bottom-dwelling fish such as cod or halibut. Longlines consist of a very long mainline (up to 60 miles long) that is set and dragged behind a boat. The mainline has thousands of attached branchlines, each containing baited hooks used to lure and capture target fish. An unfortunate consequence of the longline design is that it attracts and easily snags non-target marine life (known as bycatch). A wide range of animals such as sea turtles, sharks, seals, seabirds, and marine mammals can get caught on hooks or entangled in fishing line (Fig. 1). Interactions with longlines can cause non-target animals, many of which are endangered, to suffer injury and even mortality.

23) SEA TURTLES 🐢
ALONG THE CENTRAL AMERICAN PACIFIC COAST

The Central American Pacific coastline, stretching from southern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, is home to some of the world's most important sea turtle nesting sites. These waters and beaches host a variety of sea turtle species that play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems. Despite their ecological significance, sea turtles face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching. Conservation efforts across the region have been working to protect and preserve these ancient mariners for future generations.

Hatchling

Several species of sea turtles frequent the Pacific waters and beaches of Central America. Among the most commonly encountered are the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Green (Chelonia mydas), and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. Each species has distinct characteristics, nesting habits, and conservation challenges.

TURTLE

Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

One of the most abundant sea turtle species, the Olive Ridley is known for its mass nesting events called "arribadas," where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay their eggs. Nicaragua's La Flor Wildlife Refuge and Ostional in Costa Rica are among the most famous arribada nesting sites. These turtles are relatively small, averaging around 70 cm in shell length, and primarily feed on jellyfish, crustaceans, and fish.merica can continue to be a vital sanctuary for these remarkable creatures.

Leatherback Turtle

Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

The largest of all sea turtles, the Leatherback can reach lengths of over 2 meters and weigh up to 900 kg. Unlike other sea turtles, the Leatherback has a unique soft, leathery shell instead of a hard carapace. These turtles migrate vast distances, often crossing entire ocean basins, and primarily feed on jellyfish. Playa Grande in Costa Rica's Las Baulas National Park is one of the key nesting sites for this critically endangered species along the Pacific coast.

green sea turtle pacific

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Named for the greenish color of their fat rather than their shell, Green Turtles are herbivorous and primarily feed on seagrasses and algae. Though more commonly associated with the Caribbean, they do nest along the Pacific coast, particularly in protected areas such as the Gulf of Fonseca and Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. Green Turtles are important for maintaining healthy seagrass beds and marine habitats.

The hawksbill turtle

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

While more prevalent in the Caribbean, some Hawksbill Turtles also nest on the Pacific shores of Central America. They are smaller in size and recognized for their beautiful, patterned shells, which unfortunately make them targets for illegal trade. Hawksbills primarily feed on sponges and play a vital role in coral reef health by preventing sponge overgrowth.

## **Nesting Habits and Life Cycle**

Sea turtles have a complex life cycle that spans decades. Females return to the beaches where they were born to lay eggs, often traveling thousands of kilometers to reach these sites. The nesting season varies by species but generally occurs between June and December. A single female can lay multiple clutches of eggs during a season, each containing around 50 to 150 eggs. After a two-month incubation period, the hatchlings emerge and make a perilous journey to the sea, facing numerous predators along the way.

The survival rate of hatchlings is exceedingly low—only about one in a thousand reaches adulthood. Those that do survive can live for decades, with some individuals surpassing 50 years of age. Once mature, they return to their natal beaches to continue the cycle.

## **Threats to Sea Turtles**

Sea turtles along the Central American Pacific coast face an array of threats, many of which are human-induced. Some of the most pressing issues include:

### **1. Habitat Destruction**

Coastal development, including tourism infrastructure and urban expansion, has led to the destruction of crucial nesting habitats. Artificial lighting disorients hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean, and human activity can compact sand, making it difficult for females to dig nests.

### **2. Climate Change**

Rising global temperatures impact sea turtles in several ways. Warmer sand temperatures can skew sex ratios, producing more females and threatening genetic diversity. Additionally, stronger storms and rising sea levels can erode nesting beaches and destroy nests.

### **3. Fisheries Bycatch**

Unintentional capture in fishing gear, known as bycatch, is a significant threat to sea turtles. Longline and gillnet fisheries often entangle turtles, leading to drowning or severe injuries. Efforts to introduce turtle-friendly fishing gear, such as TEDs (Turtle Excluder Devices), have helped mitigate this threat.

### **4. Poaching and Illegal Trade**

Despite protective laws, sea turtle eggs, meat, and shells remain valuable in illegal markets. In some coastal communities, turtle eggs are considered a delicacy, and Hawksbill shells are sought after for jewelry and ornaments. Enforcement of anti-poaching laws remains a challenge in many regions.

## **Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement**

Across Central America, numerous conservation initiatives are working to protect sea turtles through research, education, and community involvement. Some of the key conservation strategies include:

### **1. Nesting Beach Protection**

Many organizations work to safeguard nesting beaches by patrolling against poaching, relocating nests to safer locations, and reducing artificial lighting. Protected areas such as Ostional Wildlife Refuge (Costa Rica), La Flor Wildlife Refuge (Nicaragua), and Las Baulas National Park (Costa Rica) have been instrumental in preserving nesting populations.

### **2. Community-Based Conservation**

Local communities play a vital role in protecting sea turtles. Ecotourism initiatives provide alternative livelihoods to former egg poachers by involving them in turtle conservation efforts. Guided turtle-watching tours generate revenue while raising awareness about the importance of conservation.

### **3. Sustainable Fishing Practices**

Efforts to reduce bycatch include promoting the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) and educating fishers on best practices. Regional agreements and regulations, such as those under the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC), have been critical in addressing fishing-related threats.

### **4. Rehabilitation and Research**

Sea turtle rescue centers rehabilitate injured turtles, often victims of fishing gear entanglement or boat strikes. Scientific research, including satellite tracking and genetic studies, enhances understanding of turtle migration patterns and informs conservation policies.

## **The Future of Sea Turtles in Central America**

While significant progress has been made in protecting sea turtles along the Central American Pacific coast, challenges remain. Strengthening enforcement of conservation laws, addressing climate change impacts, and promoting sustainable coastal development are key to ensuring the survival of these species. Continued collaboration between governments, conservation organizations, and local communities will be essential in safeguarding sea turtles for generations to come.

Sea turtles have roamed the world's oceans for millions of years, playing an essential role in marine ecosystems. Their survival depends on the collective efforts of individuals and communities committed to their protection. By fostering conservation awareness and implementing effective strategies, Central A

TURTLE LIFE CYCLE

Nesting Habits and Life Cycle

Overall threats to Sea Turtles

Habitat Destruction

Coastal development, including tourism infrastructure and urban expansion, has led to the destruction of crucial nesting habitats.

Climate Change

Rising global temperatures impact sea turtles in several ways. Warmer sand temperatures can skew sex ratios, producing more females and threatening genetic diversity.

Fisheries Bycatch

Unintentional capture in fishing gear, known as bycatch, is a significant threat to sea turtles. Longline and gillnet fisheries often entangle turtles, leading to drowning or severe injuries

Poaching and Illegal Trade

Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement

Across Central America, numerous conservation initiatives are working to protect sea turtles through research, education, and community involvement.

Nesting Beach Protection
Community-Based Conservation
Sustainable Fishing Practices
Rehabilitation and Research

TURTLE THUMBS UP

Sea turtles have roamed the world's oceans for millions of years, playing an essential role in marine ecosystems.

24) THE SMALLEST VESSEL 🚣 EVER
TO CROSS THE PANAMA CANAL

The smallest vessel ever to transit the Panama Canal was a swimming trainer’s paddleboard—yes, a swimmer!

Swim through

In 1928, Richard Halliburton, an American adventurer and travel writer, swam the entire length of the canal in 10 days. He was officially classified as a vessel and paid a toll of just 36 cents—the lowest toll ever recorded!

The great swim

If we’re talking about actual boats, the smallest was likely a tiny canoe or kayak, though records on that are murkier. However, many small sailboats and even personal rowboats have made the journey over the years.

25) OCEAN POSSE CANAL AGENT

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

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

Erick

Erick Gálvez

PANAMA CANAL

26) OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS 🛰️ TRACKING

Underway making way for over 60 days now -
His Last known position as of
Last Update 2025 MAR 22 @ 19:08

Boat Speed: 1.9 kts

Location: 10 21.990 s 125 46.230 w

JOhn Jones

John Jones' Slow Odyssey

27) MEDIA PARTNERS

OCEAN POSSE HAS A SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE
FOLLOW THIS LINK ▶

28) SPONSORSHIP MARINAS
WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle, Ventura CA, USA
🇺🇸 Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA, USA
🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay - Chula Vista, CA, USA
🇲🇽 ECV Marina - Ensenada Mexico
🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina el Cid - Mazatlan - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina Puerto de La Navidad - Barra de 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
🇨🇷 Flamingo Marina - Costa Rica
🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad, Ecuador
🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 La Playita Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Bocas Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Solarte Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina - Panama
🇵🇦 IGY Red Frog Marina - Panama
🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena - Colombia
🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena - Colombia
🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero - Colombia
🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta - Colombia
🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club - 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 - Guatemala
🇧🇿 Hummngbird Marina - Placencia - Belize
🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club - Belize
🇧🇿 Hakim Marina & Boatyard - Belize
🇲🇽 Marina Makax - Isla Mujeres - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina V&V - Quintana Roo - Mexico
🇲🇽 Marina El Cid - Cancún - 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
🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina - Bahamas
🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina - Bahamas
🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia - Dominican Republic
🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina - Dominican Republic
🇻🇮 ST. Croix Yacht Club - USVI
🇻🇮 Geen Cay Marina - USVI
🇻🇬 Virgin Goda Yacht Harbour- BVI
🇵🇷 Marina Pescadaria - Puerto Rico
🇸🇽 IGY Simpson Bay Marina- Sint Maaarten
🇩🇲 Dominica Marina Cente - Dominica
🇰🇳 Port Zante Marina - St Kitts & Nevis
🇺🇸 Safe Harbor - Marathon, FL, USA
🇺🇸 Pier 66 Hotel & Marina - Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
🇺🇸 Titusville Marina - FL, USA
🇺🇸 Port 32 Marinas - 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 , US
🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine - Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA
🇺🇸 Holden Beach - Town Dock, North Carolina , USA
🇺🇸 Portside Marina - Morehead City, North Carolina USA
🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA USA
🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA USA
🇺🇸 York River Yacht Haven - Virginia , USA
🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing - VA USA
🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina - Deltaville, VA USA
🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina - Topping, VA US
🇧🇲 Pier 41 Marina - Bermuda - Bermuda
🇧🇲 Caroline Bay Marina - Bermuda
🇵🇹 Marina De Cascais - Portugal
🇵🇹 Marina Funchal - PORTUGAL
🇪🇸 Alcaidesa Marina - Spain
🇪🇸 Marina Del Odiel - Spain
🇪🇸 IGY Málaga Marina - Spain
🇮🇹 Marina dei Presidi - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Balestrate- Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Brindisi- Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Chiavari - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Forio - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Teulada - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Policoro - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina di Vieste - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina de Procida - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina de Villasimius- Italy
🇮🇹 Marina Molo Vecchio - Italy
🇮🇹 Marina Salina - Italy
🇹🇳 Marina Bizerte - Tunisia
🇪🇸 Puerto Sotogrande - Spain
🇪🇸 Yacht Port Cartagena - Spain
🇬🇮 Ocean Village Marina - Gibraltar
🇨🇻 Marina Mindelo - Cape Verde
🇨🇱 Roaring Forties Marina - Chile
🇳🇺 Niue Yacht Club - Niue
🇫🇯 Copra Shed Marina - Fiji
🇫🇯 Nawi Island Marina - Fiji
🇫🇯 Denarau Marina - Fiji
🇫🇯 Musket Cove - Fiji
🇫🇯 Royal Suva Yacht Club - Fiji
🇫🇯 Sau Bay Moorings - Fiji
🇫🇯 Vuda Point Marina - Fiji
🇳🇿 Gulf Harbour Marina - New Zealand
🇳🇿 Marsden Cove Marina - New Zealand
🇹🇴 Vava'u Boatyard - Tonga
🇻🇺 Yachting World - Vanuatu
🇦🇺 Rivergate Marina - Australia

Check this map for 120+ Ocean Posse friendly marinas near you

29) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

ABERNATHY - PANAMA
BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
BOAT HOW TO
CABRALES BOAT YARD
CENTENARIO CONSULTING - PANAMA CANAL
CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
DIGITAL YACHT
DOWNWIND MARINE
EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
FLOR DE CAÑA
HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
MARINA PAPAGAYO

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
PANAMA YACHT BROKER
PREDICT WIND
SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
SHAFT SHARK
SUN POWERED YACHTS
WIKUS MARINE AUTO
WESTMARINE PRO
YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

30) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

se aof cortez

Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽 MEXICO

MISSION

Foster Maritime Camaraderie: Unite yacht owners and sailors in a global community driven by the love of exploration and the sea.
Promote Safe Cruising: Share resources, local knowledge, and best practices to ensure safe and enjoyable maritime journeys.
Encourage Adventure: Inspire participants to embrace the call of the sea, explore new horizons, and discover diverse cultures.
Marina Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with marinas to offer exclusive benefits, services, and discounts to members.
Enhance Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate the exchange of tips, skills, and experiences within a supportive fleet of cruisers via facts.
Celebrate the Journey: Create lasting memories through events, meetups, and a shared passion for life on the water.
Support Sustainability: Advocate for eco-friendly cruising practices to preserve our oceans and coastal ecosystems.

Ocean Posse LLC

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CONTACT

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9811 w charleston · blvd 2262 · summerlin · lv · nv · 89117 · usa

FLEET UPDATE -2025-03-02

OCEANPOSSE

2025-03-02
OCEAN POSE 🧭 FLEET UPDATE

"Objectives can be compared to a compass bearing by which a ship navigates. A compass bearing is firm, but in actual navigation, a ship may veer off its course for many miles. Without a compass bearing, a ship would neither find its port nor be able to estimate the time required to get there."

- Peter Drucker

SY PERCEPTION @ the big blue hole 🇧🇿 BELIZE

LATEST NEWS

Pictures of The Week
Meet The Fleet MV Que Sera Sera
Experience Of Meeting The Guna Yala
Romora Bay Resort & Marina 🇧🇸
Event for the South Pacific Cruising Fleet 🇫🇯 Fiji
Must- See Las Grutas Cacahuamilpa 🇲🇽
BoatHowTo 💡sponsors The Ocean Posse
Good Nautical Ukupsuit ⚓ San Blas 🇵🇦 Panama
Yacht For Sale 🛥️ MV Gratitude
Ocean Posse Long Line 🪝🪝🪝 Location Reporting
Carnival 🎉🎭 🥳 🎈🥁 💃🏻🕺🏽 💃 🦜 🤡 Wherever - Forever
Musket Cove Marina 🇫🇯
Diving SS President Coolidge Luganville 🇻🇺 Vanuatu
Shipwreck ⚠️ Leaves Migrants And Crew Members Missing
🇩🇴 The Mona Passage 🇵🇷
Diverting to Puerto Amistad - Ecuador 🇪🇨 Mainland
Strategic Partners Safe-Explore
Critters To Meet: Rothschild's 🦔 Porcupine
Panama Canal⚠️ Incident Report

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Anchored off Banerdup in the San Blas. Provides access to Esnadup with "The Pool" where cruisers convene for a sundowner every day at 4pm. This is one of the few anchorages providing a "community" feel. Highly recommend.

Sunset in Esnadup, San Blas

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn - Antares 44'

SY QUE VENDRA and SY DAWN PATROL representing Ocean Posse at El Trapiche!

Red Frog @ Red Frog Marina & Resort

Red Frog Sunset @ Red Frog Marina & Resort

Sundown Gallego Cay, Bocas Del Toro

Last one. The moon and Venus hanging out over the sunset.

MV TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Joy & Jeff - DeFever 52'

Sunset in Panama last night- now we’re taking advantage of the weather window and heading to Cartegena.

MY MARTINI 🇺🇸 Bryan and Mary - Nordhavn 63'

SY OKISOLLO Jeanne & Dan - Island Packet 52'

Starfish at Starfish Beach, Bocas Archipelago!

Starfish Beach, Bocas Archipelago!

SY FORTIUDE X 🇨🇦 Stefanie & Torsten - Beneteau 43'

2) MEET THE FLEET
MV QUE SERA SERA
Kevin and Colleen

We are Kevin and Colleen Wald and have traveled from Southern California, down the Baja, explored the Sea of Cortez, across to Mazatlan, down the Mexican coast to Chiapas, and a few days ago we arrived in Costa Rica (damn those Papagayos!). It’s really been a wonderful adventure.

The cruising lifestyle has taught us to slow down. Also, that we don’t need so much ‘stuff’. This is a shared adventure for us.

What’s still on our bucket list?

The Panama Canal passage, then the Caymans, the Bahamas, and the east coast of the US.

MV QUE SERA SERA 🇺🇸 Kevin & Colleen - Forbes Cooper 60'

MEET THE OCEAN POSSE

293 Yachts with over 1000+ participants from 23 Flag States

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

3) OCEAN POSSE
AWARD CATEGORIES

Example of a Boat Yoga Award Entry

BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
PICTURE OF THE YEAR
YODA OF THE YEAR
SPEEDY AWARD
THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
sponsored by NOVAMAR
COURAGE AWARD
CLEAN OCEAN AWARD

MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR
HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION AWARD
sponsored by PREDICT WIND
GALLEY GOD(ESS)
GOOD SAMARITAN
BOAT YOGA POSE
SANDCASTLE OF THE YEAR

FLOR DE CAÑA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

4) EXPERIENCES OF MEETING THE GUNA YALA

It touched us deeply visiting this remarkable place.

Fishing and coconut trade have historically been the main sources of income for the Guna. However, in recent years, tourism has grown, with visitors drawn to the pristine islands and the unique cultural experiences. Despite this, the Guna have imposed strict regulations to protect their land and way of life, ensuring that large-scale development does not threaten their autonomy.

The Guna people have maintained a strong cultural identity, resisting outside influences while preserving their traditions. They govern themselves independently, following their own laws and customs. One of their most distinctive traditions is the creation of molas, intricate, hand-sewn textiles that depict geometric patterns and natural themes. Molas are not only an art form but also a significant part of Guna women's traditional clothing.

The islands of Guna Yala face challenges due to climate change, particularly rising sea levels. Some communities are already considering relocating to the mainland. However, the Guna remain resilient, continuing to live according to their traditions while adapting to modern realities.

Visiting Guna Yala offers a rare opportunity to experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 JP & N - Lagoon 39'

5) ROMORA BAY RESORT AND MARINA 🇧🇸 BAHAMAS
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

Romora Bay Resort and Marina

25° 29.5483′ N 076°38.275′ W

Ramora Bay and Resort is pleased to sponsor the Ocean Posse and welcomes the participants with $1 x foot discount during the high season and $2 x foot discount during the low season. Join us on Harbour Island for affordable luxury with a full-service marina and much more in The Bahamas.

The Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park in Guerrero, Mexico, is best known for the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa Caverns, which are one of the largest cave systems in the world.

AMENITIES

Pool
Cater private parties or just stock up on wine with our full-service concierge and yacht agency options.
Security Around the Clock
Business Center
Onsite wash-and-fold laundry services
Full-service bathroom and shower facilities
Yacht detailing and cleaning services
Fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights
Outdoor infinity pool with poolside cocktail service
Private cabanas
Tennis courts
Full-service on-site restaurants
Panama Posse Sunsets_at_Night

ROMORA BAY RESORT AND MARINA 🇧🇸 BAHAMAS SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

Sail into Romora Bay Resort and Marina. Conveniently located in the heart of Harbour Island, our world-class marina (only 223 miles east of Miami)

Dock at one of our slips and let us handle the rest. Our extensive range of on-site services delivered by a full, dedicated crew exceed the desires of owners, captains, and crew. Vessels up to 190 feet in length are welcome in our slips. Stress-Free Docking for All Vessels

Sail into the beginning of a wonderful vacation at Romora Bay Resort and Marina.

On-Site Customs and Immigration
Yacht Assistance 24/7
Yacht Provisioning
Video surveillance and onsite guards keep you and your property safe and secure
Fresh Water up to 17,000 gallons of fresh water per day.
Full Electricity Service backed up by a 550kW generator. (110V/single phase | 220V/3 phase | 30-amp and 50-amp | 408V/3 phase)
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi

ROMORA BAY RESORT AND MARINA SAFE APPROACH

6) SPECIAL EVENT
MEET THE SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISING FLEET
NAWI ISLAND – SAVUSAVU 🇫🇯 FIJI
SAT AUG 30 ’25

https://oceanposse.com/nimrsvp/ ▶

NAWI

A you make you way across the Pacific come meet the South Pacific Crossing Fleet

COME PARRTY IN FIJI

7) MUST- SEE ALONG THE ROUTE

Las Grutas Cacahuamilpa 🇲🇽 Guerrero, MEXICO 16°51.0616′ N 099°48.495′ W

Las Grutas Cacahuamilpa 🇲🇽 MX

It is also home to the Grutas of Carlos Pacheco, a smaller system, as well as two subterranean rivers which have carved out tunnels in the rock.

The park has outdoor pursuit attractions such as rappelling, and rock climbing in Limontitla Canyon as well as the two underground rivers to explore. It also has a small botanical garden, a pool and places to camp. It’s near Taxco.

It is one of the largest cave systems in the world. A “live” cave system as groundwater still filters down into it, and that the formations there are still growing.

Inside the cavern system are ninety large “salons” separated by large natural rock walls and connected to one another via a central gallery. Only about twenty of these are fully explored and open to the public. ▶

Las Grutas Cacahuamilpa 🇲🇽 Guerrero, MEXICO 16°51.0616′ N 099°48.495′ W

8) BOATHOWTO 💡
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

BOAT HOW TO

OCEAN POSSE
MEMBER DISCOUNT

WE ARE PLEASED TO SUPPORT THE OCEAN POSSE WITH A SPECIAL RATE FOR ACCESS TO OUR PROFESSIONAL ONLINE ELECTRICAL AND DIESEL SEMINARS ▶

9) GOOD NAUTICAL

UKUPSUIT ⚓ SAN BLAS 🇵🇦 PANAMA

UKUPSUIT Anchorage

Approach to the sheltered anchorage in UKUPSUIT we got the GPX track for you

⚓ 09° 35.6454' N 078° 42.4590' W

UKUPSUIT Anchorage

10) YACHT FOR SALE
M/V GRATITUDE

NORDHAVN

A stunning
2007 Nordhavn 43
in West Palm Beach, FL

The owners of M/V GRATITUDE are moving on to their next adventure and this stunning 2007 Nordhavn 43 is now available for sale.

This is an extremely well maintained and appointed version of the very popular Nordhavn 43 power yacht offering a flybridge, 12kW generator, water-maker, etc.

With a range unmatched by other trawlers of her size, she is capable of taking her next owners as far as their dreams allow.

Call Yacht Tech Sales
for more details:
+1 561-776-5848

For a full listing,
please follow this link:

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2007-nordhavn-43-9629793/

11) OCEAN POSSE
LONG LINE 🪝🪝🪝 LOCATION REPORTING

LONGLINES

LONGLINES, DRAGNETS, UNMARKED FISHING DEVICES

– HERE ARE THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE FLEET HAS ENCOUNTERED THEM

LONGLINES

12) CARNIVAL
🎉🎭 🥳 🎈🥁 💃🏻🕺🏽 💃 🦜 🤡
WHEREVER - FOREVER

What an absolutely magical week in Grenada! ✨ Carnival kicked off with the traditional Jab Jab bands emerging from the darkness of the night to parade freely through the town at 4am Monday morning. Covering themselves and anyone in their vicinity with motor oil.

The energy was electric and the celebrations kept the vibe alive all the way to Fancy Mas! This has been an unforgettable experience. 🪅

SY JUBEL 🇺🇸 Kyle & Leah - Gulfstar 44'
https://www.instagram.com/svjubel

Grenada’s Spicemas (Carnival) is held in July and August rather than the traditional pre-Lenten February/March period because of its historical evolution and cultural influences.

Most Caribbean carnivals, including those in Trinidad and Brazil, follow the pre-Lenten tradition, where celebrations happen before Ash Wednesday. However, Grenada shifted its Carnival to August in 1981 to avoid direct competition with Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival, which is one of the largest in the Caribbean.

By moving Spicemas to August, Grenada emphasized its unique African and Caribbean heritage, focusing more on traditions like J’ouvert, Monday Night Mas, and Shortknee & Jab Jab masquerades, which have roots in West African and post-slavery traditions.

THE CARNIVAL IN VENICE

Carnival in Venice (Carnevale di Venezia) dates back to at least the 12th century and became famous during the Renaissance. It was originally a period of indulgence before Lent. Venetian masks are the symbol of the carnival, ranging from simple designs to elaborate, gilded creations. Common mask styles include:

Bauta (full-face mask with a prominent chin)
Colombina (half-mask, often decorated with gold and feathers)
Medico della Peste (Plague Doctor mask with a long beak)
Moretta (small, oval, black velvet mask held by biting a button)

THE CARNIVAL IN RIO IS UNDERWAY NOW

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the biggest and most vibrant festivals in the world. The festival has roots in Portuguese and African traditions, dating back to the 18th century. It evolved from colonial masquerade balls into a massive public celebration and lasts for about five days, from Friday to Ash Wednesday, before the start of Lent. The highlight is the Sambadrome parade, where top samba schools compete with extravagant floats, dazzling costumes, and high-energy performances. Samba is the heartbeat of the carnival, with infectious drum rhythms and high-energy dancing. Other styles like Axé and Frevo are also popular.

King Momo is the symbolic ruler of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival! Every year, the festival kicks off with the mayor handing over the “Keys to the City” to King Momo, who then officially declares Carnival open. He represents joy, indulgence, and the spirit of revelry.

The tradition comes from the Greek god Momus, the god of satire and mockery, and has been a major part of Rio’s Carnival since the 1930s.

13) MUSKET COVE MARINA 🇫🇯
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

We welcome any of the South Pacific Posse to Musket Cove at any time. We’re pleased to offer a Free Berthing Day for 5 Paid Days to all of your Posse Members.

Wayne Deed

Director of Sales & Marketing

Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina

Approach

AMENITIES

At Musket Cove you’ll find the pace of life smooth and unhurried. The resort is owned and operated by Fiji’s oldest resort company, with 400 acres of palm fringed beaches and tropical gardens. You will be hosted by 150 extremely warm and dedicated staff, who will endeavour to ensure your visit is one to cherish.

Tracking the Ocean Posse ... MORE ▶

Approach

NOTE: The Annual Musket Cove Regatta will be held 12th - 16th September, 2025

14) DIVING THE WRECK OF THE
SS PRESIDENT COOLIDGE @ LUGANVILLE 🇻🇺 VANUATU
ONE OF THE TOP WRECK DIVE SITES IN THE WORLD

On October 26, 1942, the the SS President Coolidge attempted to enter the harbor of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. However, as the ship entered the largest channel, it struck an American mine. The mine was unfortunately omitted from the ship’s sailing orders for the day. The first mine struck near the engine room, and shortly after a second mine would hit near the stern.

Almost immediately, Captain Henry Nelson knew the ship was a loss. However, Captain Nelson held out hope and attempted to run the ship aground, with the idea that the ship–and its contents–could potentially be salvaged after the event.

The SS President Coolidge was built in 1931 and had started its career as a luxury ocean liner. After the start of World War II, the ship would be utilized as a troopship transporting American soldiers from Hawaii to Manila

To this day, the SS President Coolidge sits where it sank off the coast of Espiritu Santo. In 2013, a diver located the remains of Captain Euart, who was then recovered later in 2014 and given a full military funeral service.

Despite its popularity as a diving location, a few years after Vanuatu won their independence in 1980, the government declared no salvage or recovery of objects would be allowed from the SS President Coolidge. Many experienced divers have explored its resting place and witnessed the remaining helmets, guns, and even Jeeps. Divers even kiss the “Lady” – a statue of an Elizabethan lady and her horse that once sat in the first-class smoking room – for good luck

DIVING THE SS PRESIDENT COOLIDGE

Depth Range: 20m–70m+ 65 - 229 feet (deep wreck, best for advanced divers)
Size: 200m 656 ft long—lots to explore

DIVE TYPE Penetration dives possible, but some areas have collapsed—caution needed, Best dived April–October for visibility and calmer conditions. Currents possible, especially at deeper sections.Nitrox or Tech Diving recommended for full exploration due to depth.

Depth Range: 20m–70m+ (deep wreck, best for advanced divers)

Wreck Size: 200m long—lots to explore!

Moray eels, lionfish, groupers, and even flashlight fish inside the wreck.

LOCATION OF SS PRESIDENT COOLIDGE DIVE SITE AND WRECK

15) SHIPWRECK IN GUNA YALA⚠️
LEAVES MIGRANTS AND CREW MEMBERS MISSING

SHIP BOAT WITH MIGRANTS IN GUNAYALA

From Gunayala this morning a shipwreck of a panga with 19 migrants going to Armali (Puerto Obaldia) was reported. The boat "ABDON" of the property of Evencio González de Goedub, yesterday in the afternoon hours, approximately, at 2:00 pm left from Port Dibin to Armali (Port Obaldia, as part of the operation that is coordinated by the national authorities who dismissed the group of migrants going back to their respective countries. Three boats (Paola, Elhier and Abdon) set out for the same destination.

According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred around 7:00 pm and this morning a group of workers from the Mamsuggun community, located in Sector 3, encountered a group of 10 migrants on the coast. The 10 are in Mamsuggun who are being cared for by the community.

Until this time in the morning there is no information about the rest of the people who came on the boat, including the driver (Ismael Benítez) sailor (Olonaknibler Rodriguez). The migrants are all of Venezuelan origin, of whom 7 are minors and 12 adults.

The Gunayala General Congress Maritime Transport Secretariat team is following up on this unfortunate incident, where the rest of the people who were on the boat are still missing. While the rescued ones are taken care of by the population of Mamsuggun so that they can feel comfortable while the national authorities take care of them. ***SIC/AML/22/02/2025

RESPONSE FROM GUNA YALA CONGRESS
ABOUT MIGRANTS IN GUNAYALA

The General Congress of Gunayala, the administrative authority of the people of Gunayala, expresses its regret, first of all, for the events that occurred on February 21 with the migrant brothers in our territory. Our solidarity goes out to their families and people who are being forced to suffer these hardships after their aspirations to reach the United States were frustrated.

We want to inform the regional, national and international public opinion that we are a peaceful and supportive indigenous people; and on the eve of the celebrations of the 100 Years of the 1925 Dule Revolution that gave us autonomy, we have been surprised that our territory, especially the sea route, had become a migratory route for South American brothers who are returning to their countries of origin.

After seeing the flow of South Americans on foot, traveling by taxi, by Uber, through the Llano-Carti entrance, on February 18, 2025, we met with the leadership of the National Border Service (SENAFRONT) to demand answers and jointly coordinate the passage through Gunayala. At that meeting, they told us that the president of the republic and the security forces knew about this case and that they were going to coordinate with the General Congress of Gunayala in an appropriate and orderly manner.

However, that is not happening. From the beginning we were clear about the sailing times and at what time the migrants should be at the ports. Unfortunately, Gunayala is not in a position to receive and care for these human beings in adequate conditions, and we are surprised that neither the United Nations nor the government of Panama have provided resources for a shelter, boats, cars, or food to care for these people. In a supportive and humanitarian manner, we are doing everything possible so that they can travel to Colombia.

The daily flow of migrants is becoming a serious problem for Gunayala. In this regard, we call on the national government, the United States government and international organizations to suspend the massive arrival of migrants to our territory. Gunayala itself does not have the conditions to receive and address this situation, which should be the full responsibility of the State with its government.

We do not refuse to offer our support, but we will not allow policies to be imposed on us that will affect our internal security. Gunayala lacks sufficient equipment, infrastructure, or means of transportation to deal with this problem that, due to the governments, is causing human mobilization that leaves their country in search of better living conditions. ***

Gunayala, Panama, February 23, 1925

The events of February 21 refers to the loss of an inter-island panga, with some of the passengers dead and others still missing (according to the best information I’ve been able to find)

SY AVANT 🇨🇦 Rob & Debra - Beneteau 43'

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20) 🇩🇴 THE MONA PASSAGE 🇵🇷

The Hourglass Shoal

Follow the rhumb line from just offshore Cabo Samana to Mayaguez. you’ll miss the Hourglass Shoal which can so often be rough pass over when leaving Samana.

The difficulty in crossing the Mona besides headwinds, squalls, and fluky currents, is the Hourglass Shoal. Located on the western side of Canal the Hourglass Shoal extends from Cabo Engano, the easternmost extremity of Hispaniola, eastward for approximately 23 miles and lies directly on your course from Samana to Mayaguez or Boqueron.

CURRENT HOURGLASS SHOAL

Depths of 30-120 feet have been reported on the Hourglass Shoal about 7 miles east/southeast of Cabo Engano. Strong tide rips and heavy swells, caused by the meeting of contrary currents, are quite visible and mark the position of this bank well. The seas in this area are a by-product of the Equatorial Current as it falls into the deep Puerto Rican Trench. The current pushes water throughout the Canal de la Mona and the shoal, although deep enough for navigation, offers a barrier to the energy in the water. This often translates into large, rough seas in the area of the Hourglass Shoal and you don’t want to be there when it kicks up.

MOna Passage

Weather Patterns

Crossing the Mona from the Dominican Republic keep an eye out for squalls that work their way off the western coast of Puerto Rico You can wait in Boqueron and watch those heads move out in the evening, one after another, following the lay of the mountains west out to sea.

The tidal currents set north and south throughout the Canal de la Mona and are UNPREDICTABLE!

A current of about 1-knot for the northerly and southerly currents in the Mona. In summer, when the trade wind has slackened and blows more from the east and east/southeast, a strong counter-current sets east off the southern coast of Hispaniola.

21) DIVERTING TO ECUADOR 🇪🇨 MAINLAND
0° 36.4166′ S 080°25.355′ W

This is to update on entering Ecuador.

I had to enter Ecuador due to a broken part on my spinnaker pole and since I would be going downwind quite a bit, I decided to get it done in Puerto Amistad.

Please contact Gene Tatum and advise status. Normally should be given 48 to 72 hours and should be an actual emergency stop for repairs and diesel.

I got my repairs done within 49 hours and am now back in anchorage and will leave towards Gambiers from here.

I would like to state my experience in Amistad was excellent and if I had known earlier I would probably have spent my time here as opposed to Panama.

A point to note that the entrance requires a pilot and the fee is USD 35. WORTH IT!

The marina has not recovered since Covid and the implementation of the Autografo. It's jus a procedure and not difficult to do and there is a way the marina will offset for long term residents.

SY DESTINY 12 🇲🇾 Fabian - Hunter 37.5'

MARINA PUEROT DE LA AMISTAD

IMPORTANT MARINA PUERTO AMISTAD FACT

We don’t have lightening,!

CONTACT: Gene

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

https://oceanposse.com/marina-puerto-amistad/

22) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Live And Travel With Confidence

With the power of big data and analytics, along with human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) you can now access personalized crime, accidents, and health risk ratings.

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23) CRITTERS TO MEET

ROTHSCHILD'S PORCUPINE

Rothschild's Porcupine, one of the smallest species of porcupine in the world

Rothschild’s Porcupine (Coendou rothschildi)

Family: Erethizontidae (New World Porcupines)
Genus: Coendou
Species: Coendou rothschildi
Named after: Lord Rothschild, a zoologist and collector

Distribution & Habitat

Native to South America Ecuador, Panama & Colombia
Prefers tropical forests, including lowland and montane regions
Arboreal and nocturnal, spending most of its time in trees

Characteristics

Prehensile tail helps in climbing
Covered in spines and bristles for protection
Typically small to medium-sized, like other Coendou species

Diet & Behavior

Herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, and bark
Nocturnal and solitary, avoiding predators by staying in trees
Uses its tail and strong limbs for stability in the canopy
Likely affected by deforestation and habitat loss.

24) PANAMA CANAL
⚠️
INCIDENT REPORT

SV Triaena, February 26, 2025

First Mate Perspective on Incident (corroborated with input from Captain and crew)

Our objective in sharing our story is to educate and offer information that may make transiting the Canal safer for other boaters.

The night before our transit our Agent, Erick Galves, Concentenario Consulting, delivered 8 large fenders and 4 – 125 foot, 1.5 inch blue, heavy weight nylon lines. This required is by the Canal Authorities.

Our Advisor, came on board at 4:45AM. After introductions, he said that he had been an advisor for 18 years and had done the transit 1,400 times. He told us that no other boats were scheduled and that we would be making the transit alone. If we could get through Lake Gatun in time, it would be a one-day transit.

Prior to entering Miraflores Lock #1 we began to prepare. Lines were positioned and instructions were made as to how catch the line from the Canal workers, secure it to theblue line, and send it back to the Canal worker.

Once we saw the ship that we were to share the lock with (Viking Adventure, 656 foot long and 114 feet wide, car cargo ship), I expressed concern about prop wash. Our Advisor assured me that it would be no problem and that the ship was a “very light boat”.

On entering the lock, we performed as instructed. I was on the port bow line. Our three other line-handlers were in position at the starboard bow, and port and starboard stern.

The instructions were given, and we sent out our blue line. As we tightened the line, I discovered that our bow cleats (measuring 9 inches long and 1.5 inches clearance ) were too small to complete a figure eight hitch with the large blue lines. Our Advisor came to assist, and it was decided to move the line to a winch on the cabin top. It was chaotic with shouted instructions and commotion as we worked to tighten the lines, keeping the boat in the center of the lock. The canal began to fill, and each position focused on bringing the line onboard to maintain tension and the boat centered.

The ship ahead of us began to depart the lock and a wall of prop wash approached. Our boat violently healed to port and then to starboard. My port bow line began to slip and I was unable to secure it. At this time, Phillip yelled that his starboard bow line was going too.

The Advisor came forward and tried to help. It was not possible to secure the port line and the line went overboard. We were now attached with just one starboard bow line and two stern lines. The starboard line remained on board due to a kink that got caught in the bow fairlead. (We believe that this saved the boat and crew.)

With no tension on the port bow, the boat violently turned to starboard and crashed into the wall. We were now at 45 degrees to the canal wall, pinned by the extreme prop wash.

Without a port bow line the boat moved back, towards the gates. The stern lines kept us from hitting the gates. The remaining starboard bow line kept the boat from swinging to port. Without it we very likely would have turned 180 degrees along the canal wall, or head on into the steel gates.

Our 38 HP Beta Marine engine was no match for the raging prop wash and our engine alone was not able to get us off the wall.

The Canal employees made several attempts to throw us a line for the port bow before one landed on the boat. With it, we were able to pull in a blue line and start winching the boat off the wall. Now, the ship ahead of us had moved far enough away that the prop wash lessened.

Tom was bleeding badly from his hand, Phillip had a big scrape on his arm, and I had blood on my shorts but did not know where it was coming from.

We immediately proceeded into Lock #2. This time it went better. All lines were now lead to large winches (cabin top and cockpit), with two wraps, and then secured to a cleat.

When the prop wash hit, we heeled violently, but held. In Miraflores Lake, we took the time to address Tom’s wound. He had crushed the end of his little finger and lacerated a large flap of skin. We cleaned and dressed the wound and he was able to continue driving the boat.

The short break in Miraflores Lake gave us a few minutes to examine the damage to the bow. The teak base under the chainplate had split and the stainless steel chainplate had been moved about 3 inches to port. The headstay was loose and we were concerned about the stability of the mast. We rigged a halyard to a storm sail fitting on the bow to add additional support and determined it was safe to proceed.

Lock #3, again we experienced violent prop wash, but our lines held.

While in the Culebra Cut, we were told that we could either be on a side-tie to the concrete wall (versus in the center) or stay the night in Lake Gatun and proceed the next morning.

We had concerns about a side-tie against the rough concrete wall, but wanted to complete the trip and get Tom medical attention. We signed a waiver for a side-tie.

On entering the Balboa Locks, we were told we would be tossing the blue line onto the wall. On arrival, there was just one Canal employee to secure our lines. “Tossing the blue line onto the wall” required throwing about 20 pounds of line up 10 feet and out, more than 15 feet. The employee got the bow line secured while the stern line began to pull off the wall. He was able to catch it before it fell into the water. This additional stress was not welcomed after all we had experienced earlier. As the water dropped, we successfully kept the boat off the wall using fenders and by pushing hard with two boat hooks.

This was repeated two more times until we were out of the Gatun Locks.

On arrival in Shelter Bay, we were able to inspect the damage to the boat. The ½” stainless steel chainplate is severely bent and is moved several inches to port. It is lifted a half inch off the deck The teak trim is cracked, several bolts sheared, but the chainplate held. We are thankful for a 1979 hand-laid, 1” thick fiberglass hull and a keel stepped mast. We believe the strength of our gear and hull prevented us from losing the rig. We are unable to assess the damage to the fiberglass until we remove the chainplate.

What we learned:

We feel that our Advisor should have done a trial run before entering the locks to test how the blue lines were to be run and secured. The process used in Locks #2 and #3 worked. If we had done this before the crisis, we could have avoided the problems in Lock #1.

The pre-transit instructions should include the minimum cleat size and clearance for the mandated Canal line. We believed our 9” cleats were adequate, but they did not have enough clearance or length to allow a complete figure eight knot.

In our experience, the only way to adequately manage the line is to put it around a winch, double wrap, and then secured it to a cleat. There is just too much tension on the line to control it straight to a cleat.

Communications from the Advisor would have been improved if it included the the position that he was yelling about.

We were not adequately prepared for the force of the prop wash from the ship ahead of us.

We discussed this with the Advisor several hours earlier and he minimized our concern.

The Advisor should have called out that the ship ahead was beginning to move and how to prepare to hold the boat steady. We have since learned that the Advisor could have called the captain of the vessel ahead of us and requested a slower start. It is possible that this was communicated and that is why Locks #2 and #3 were more manageable.

With just one, 11.5 foot beam sailboat in lock, and the lock 110 feet wide, there is 50 feet line out at each position to keep the boat in the middle of the lock. It would have been helpful to plan in advance how we were going to manage the weight of the line in the water.

In hindsight, running the line through the bow fairlead caused more friction and made the lines harder to haul in. If we had run it directly to the cleat and used that to keep the line near the bow while it went to the cabin top winch, we believe it would have worked better.

However, it was the fairlead that held the starboard bow line and saved us from greater harm. I don’t think the Advisor understood the dynamics of a sailboat when the bow is caught in turbulence and the limited maneuverability available. His instructions to get the boat off the wall were not realistic and we relied on our skill and knowledge of the boat to do so.

It would also have been helpful to understand how we were going to get a port bow line back on board. It was only when monkey fists started hitting the water around us that I was able to see how it was going to happen.

We should not have been required to make a choice of staying the night in Lake Gatun or a side-tie simply due to a lack of Canal employees.

We should have had two Canal employees to assist in taking our lines in the Gamboa Locks. With only one employee, getting secured to the wall and getting the lines released from the top of the wall was uncertain. Our advisor had to yell out several times and call on the radio to get assistance. We had had a very stressful day, and this added to it.

Having an agent (we hired Erick Galves, Concentenario Consulting) was beneficial. He learned of Tom’s injury and arranged a cab to be waiting at Shelter Bay Marina to take him to the hospital. He has also been helpful in communicating with the Canal Authorities.

Should we have had a paid line-handler on board? This is a tough call. We evaluated it and decided not to hire one. Yes, it is possible that this would have better have prepared us for the first lock and the prop wash. The downside is that this person comes onboard the evening before, and dinner and a bed are required. As a 1979, 41-foot boat, we have just one V-berth stateroom, one head, and a small saloon with a pull-out berth that fills the entire walkway. Sharing it with an unknown person was uncomfortable. Also, if we were required to overnight in Lake Gatun, the advisor leaves, but the paid line-handler stays on board. We could accommodate a family of 3, plus ourselves, but it would have been very uncomfortable to sleep five, unrelated adults in such close quarters.

We believe that we were well-prepared and had planned our transit carefully. We believed that our boat was well-equipped as well. Our crew had been our buddy boat for over 500 miles. They too are very seasoned sailors with over 10,000 miles logged. We were confident in our ability to communicate and to act together as a team to safely transit the Canal. All of us read the written materials, watched the Centenario and Shelter Bay videos, and discussed transiting with other cruisers to learn from their experience. We are terribly disappointed that despite all our preparations, our transit was so traumatic to the crew and damaging to our boat.

We accept responsibility for our plans and actions and are not trying to pass the blame. We want to share this story in hopes that it saves someone else.

We do think that the risk of a small boat in a lock behind a very large ship is understated. In the Miraflores lock the cruiser is positioned very close (30 feet?) behind the ship and subject to the full force of the prop wash . In the Gatun Locks, the cruiser is in front of the ship and leaves the lock first. We have not heard an explanation as to why a cruiser boat is ever behind a ship.

We also caution anyone to pick their crew carefully. We had an excellent crew and still faced circumstances we could not overcome without injury and damage. Had we lost the starboard bow line, we believe we would have swung around and been pinned to the gates.

It is easy to imagine that the boat would have been lost and the crew in great peril.

SY TRIANEA 🇺🇸 Thomas and Patty - Newport 41'

PANAMA CANAL AGENT

Panama Canal

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

CENTENARIO CONSULTING

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

MISSION

Foster Maritime Camaraderie: Unite yacht owners and sailors in a global community driven by the love of exploration and the sea.
Promote Safe Cruising: Share resources, local knowledge, and best practices to ensure safe and enjoyable maritime journeys.
Encourage Adventure: Inspire participants to embrace the call of the sea, explore new horizons, and discover diverse cultures.
Marina Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with marinas to offer exclusive benefits, services, and discounts to members.
Enhance Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate the exchange of tips, skills, and experiences within a supportive fleet of cruisers via facts.
Celebrate the Journey: Create lasting memories through events, meetups, and a shared passion for life on the water.
Support Sustainability: Advocate for eco-friendly cruising practices to preserve our oceans and coastal ecosystems.

find out more ▶ | join ocean posse ▶ | forward to a mariner ▶ |

FLEET UPDATE 2025-02-23

“There was wildlife, untouched, a jungle at the border of the sea,
never seen by those who floated on the opaque roof.
Describing his early experience, in 1936, when a fellow naval officer,
Philippe Tailliez, gave him goggles to see below the Mediterranean Sea surface.”

— Jacques-Yves Cousteau

FLEET UPDATE 2025-02-16

Pictures of the week
Biggest Fish (Or Not) + Award Categories
BOLO Quiet
Passage to the Gambiers 🇵🇫
EVENT IN FIJI 🇫🇯 Meet the South Pacific Cruising Fleet
Moorings in Paradise Exhumas 🇧🇸 Bahamas
Marina Bahia Golfito 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Must See San Juan 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico
El Salvador 🇸🇻 Bar crossing update
New Anchorage ⚓ SY Knot Right
Haulout Facilities
Benefits of joining the Ocean Posse
Sun Powered Yachts ☀️⛵ Sponsors The Ocea Posse
Shakira In Barranquilla
Sailing the Mosquito Coast 🦟
Howler Monkeys
Ocean Posse fleet tracking
Port Olry 🇻🇺 Vanuatu
A most badass civilian captain

COME AS YOU ARE
Join a group of connected yachts from 25 ensigns
and set sail without rally schedules

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

finding the wind along the northern route on the Pacific Crossing

The Pacific Crossing wih the Ocean Posse

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Kyle & Leah - Gulfstar 44'

@ anchor in the Marquesas 🇵🇫 French Polynesia

MY DOWNSHIFTING 🇺🇸 Carine - Nordhavn 47'

Stern tied at Ogopsibudup, a lovely little uninhabited and bug free island in the San Blas islands. Last night was definitely “paradise lost”. The wind started howling at 4am together with the rain. Two hatches were accidentally left open, resulting in water dumping on our electronics (one keyboard down, and I cannot charge my iPad). The wind caused our webbing band tied to a tree to “sing” while shuddering so loudly it shook the boat. At one point, I was tempted to dump the stern lines. The only consolation was gathering and dispensing c. 60 gallons of water into the tanks, which are now full. It was raining so hard I could keep the siphon flow going for ages. Naturally, in order to avoid my clothes getting wet, I was "au natural." The lightning was so close I was amused by the thought of being struck, found stark naked on deck with buckets still in hand. I lived to tell this tale...

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn - Antares 44'

At the locks in the Panama Canal

SY WAYFINDER 🇺🇸 Robert & Lori &7 crew - Leopard 48

Delicious lobster dinner at Blue Dolphin Paradise Resort, Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Small eco-resort with excellent farm/sea-to-table restaurant in tranquil setting. Cruisers are very welcome. Great anchorage with good holding.

09° 13.55' N 082°15.3583' W

SY FORTIUDE X 🇨🇦 Stefanie & Torsten - Beneteau 43'

Thanks to Martini Mary we found paradise in the San Blas/Kuna Yala islands

Technically I did have happy hour with you 🍻

We saw the picture and the name of the island they are anchored

We found an overnight tour to stay on the island of Miryadup. We kayaked over to say hello and thank you.Sharing information can help make a dream come true ⛵️🏝️

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 JP & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

Sunset in the gulf of Panama! Finally arrived after 7 days on the water from Chiapas! Excited to be here!

SY DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸 Laney & Mark - Outbound 46

2) OCEAN POSSE AWARD ENTRIES

BIGGEST FISH (OR NOT) CAUGHT

Smallest catch or uninvited guest ? You decide.

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

3) OCEAN POSSE
🏆
AWARD CATEGORIES

https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Quiet/?useGoogle ▶

4) B.O.L.O.
⚠️
SY QUIET

The GASLOG HOUSTON resupplied QUIET last night. John’s immediate needs are met.

Please maintain a watch for him in your voyage.

Last known position Sat 22/Feb 2025, 16:57 GMT 0º 15.19' s 110º 29.789' W

Course: 250° true, 2.8 kts

He is in good health and making way, albeit slowly. His progress is slow due to the reduced sail area

Due to the now-extended nature of his trip, he would appreciate any assistance possible over the next part of his voyage. Pressing needs are for oil for his diesel engine (10-30 or 10-40 diesel rated), diesel fuel (any you can spare), canned tuna or chicken, crackers, any fresh produce at all. If you route north of the Galapagos, it is likely he will be more or less on your way as you pass by in a few weeks. His AIS is non functional, but his tracking link works at: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Quiet/? ▶

5) KIVAVERA
2,025 NM PASSAGE FROM
🇵🇦 PANAMA to THE GAMBIERS 🇵🇫

This our first leg in our 2025 Panama - South Pacific Ocean adventure ~> right now on crossing with landfall planed for GAMBIER ISLANDS

We left LA PLAYITA Marina this morning and set sails to GAMBIER ISLANDS in French Polynesia.

We enjoyed the boat community in Panama on both oceans 🌊😎

Looking forward to the restart of the SOUTH PACIFIC Posse calls.

SV KIVAVERA: 1205sm to GAMBIER; last 20h very rolly by waves from 90-120 degrees 🌊🌊👈

SY KIVAVERA 🇨🇭 Thomas and Gabriela - Conyplex B.V. 46'

6) SPECIAL EVENT
MEET THE SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISING FLEET

NAWI ISLAND - SAVU SAVU 🇫🇯 FIJI

SAT AUG 30 '25

WATCH THIS MOORING NIGHTMARE VIDEO ▶ Seth Hynes (The Sailing Family)

THE SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING PARTY

MEET AND MINGLE WITH THE
SOUTH PACIFIC 25′ CRUISING FLEET

MEET THE FRIENDLY FIJIANS

RSVP NOW FOR THE PARTY IN FIJI

7) CHANGES IN PARADISE
EXHUMAS 🇧🇸 BAHAMAS

New Moorings Installed in The Exumas

A major development in The Exumas the installation of mooring balls throughout the area. Unlike the moorings introduced in Elizabeth Harbour, which involved community engagement, this latest rollout occurred without prior notice.

Reported in the Loose Cannon Substack article "Without Warning—Moorings Going In", little information is available regarding the organization responsible for these installations. No official government statements have been issued to clarify their authority, yet significant resources are being invested in helical screw anchors.

Change is inevitable, and how the yachting community navigates this development remains to be seen.

Helix moorings can fail due to several factors, primarily related to excessive forces, material fatigue, and lack of maintenance. Here are the main failure points.

1. Excessive Load and Fatigue Failure

In rough seas, strong currents and wave action can generate forces exceeding the design limits of the mooring system.

Repeated cyclic loading (from waves and wind) can lead to fatigue failure, especially at connection points or welds.

2. Anchor Drag or Pullout

Helix anchors (screw anchors) rely on soil holding capacity. If the seabed erodes, or if the soil is weak, the anchor can lose grip and be dragged or pulled out.

Rapid changes in tension from waves and vessel motion can cause gradual loosening or sudden pullout.

3. Corrosion and Material Degradation

Saltwater exposure accelerates corrosion, weakening the metal components over time including underwater shackles and worn out chafed lines. Poor maintenance or undetected corrosion can lead to sudden failure under stress.

4. Snapping of Mooring Lines

In extreme conditions, high tension in the mooring lines can exceed their tensile strength, causing them to snap.

Dynamic loading from large waves and vessel movements increases the risk of line failure.

5. Hydrodynamic Forces on the Vessel

High waves and strong currents can cause excessive movement of the moored vessel, increasing strain on the mooring system and can unscrew the helix mooring.

If the vessel surges too much, it may generate shock loads that exceed the breaking strength of the mooring components.

QUESTIONS
What are the legal implications for the entity responsible for paid moorings if a mooring fails, causing damage to a vessel and other vessels in it's path? Specifically, in cases where the government authority has not publicly established the operator’s legitimacy, or certified the strength of each moorings - what recourse do boaters have if their vessel is damaged due to improper maintenance or equipment failure?
There is also a potential of sabotage of these moorings from disgruntled boaters who used to anchor in these same spots before.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR PAID MOORINGS

Private Moorings If a mooring is privately owned (e.g., by a marina or an individual), the owner is responsible for maintaining it. With ~ 60,000 yachts sailing to the Bahamas each yearthese moorings will be used and abused.

Public/Managed Moorings If operated by a harbor authority, yacht club, or government body, they typically assume responsibility, but read the fine print should something go wrong.

Mooring Owner’s Liability If a mooring fails due to poor maintenance, the owner of the mooring will be liable for damages but it falls into this grey zone of who's fault it is.

Boat Owner’s Responsibility If a boat breaks free due to improper mooring (e.g., using an undersized line attaching yous vessel to the Mooring - or chafe - or neglecting inspections), the boat owner could be responsible.

Harbor Authority Liability If they maintain the moorings and it fails below the waterline due to neglect, they might be held responsible.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Boat Insurance Many policies cover damage if a mooring fails, but only if it was in good condition.

Third-Party Liability If a mooring failure damages other boats or property, liability insurance may cover the costs. Check your policy ...

8) MARINA BAHIA GOLFITO 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

08° 38.2033' N 083° 10.255' W

Maikol Barrantes

Dock Master

Marina Bahia Golfito

info@marinabahiagolfito.com • Ofc: +506 4080-6090 • Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica.

HAUL OUT AND STORAGE FACILITIES ALONG THE OCEAN POSSE ROUTE ▶

https://oceanposse.com/marina-bahia-golfito/

Pharmacy and Doctor's Office (Soon)
Seafood Shop
Souvenir Store (Soon)
Barber + Beauty Salon (Soon)
Verano Store
Jade Jewelry Store
Gadú Coffee Shop
POPS Ice Cream Shop
Real Estate Office
Go Ride Motorbike and Scooter rentals
Front Desk
Car Rental + SANSA Airlines
Administrative Office
Grocery Store (Soon)
Origen Escapes Tour Office
CR Marine Supplies
La Playa Restaurant

9) MUST SEE
LA FORTALEZA · CASTILLO SAN CRISTÓBAL · CASTILLO SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO
SAN JUAN 🇵🇷 PUERTO RICO

La Fortaleza played a critical role in protecting San Juan and the Spanish interests in the Caribbean. Along with Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, La Fortaleza formed part of an intricate defensive network designed to repel naval assaults. Positioned strategically along the entrance to San Juan Bay, it provided a first line of defense against enemy fleets attempting to seize control of Puerto Rico.

Despite its reinforcements, La Fortaleza’s primary function shifted as other, more advanced fortifications took precedence in military defense. By the 18th century, it was primarily used as the governor’s residence and an administrative center rather than a primary military stronghold.

The Seat of Government

Since the Spanish colonial era, La Fortaleza has served as the home and office of Puerto Rico’s governors. The tradition has continued through Puerto Rico’s transition from Spanish rule to U.S. territorial governance. Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory, and La Fortaleza remained the executive mansion.

The site has witnessed key political moments, including the establishment of Puerto Rico’s local self-government in the 20th century. In 1952, when Puerto Rico adopted its own constitution as a Commonwealth of the United States, La Fortaleza continued as the official governor’s residence.

https://oceanposse.com/la-fortaleza-san-juan-puerto-rico/

10) EL SALVADOR 🇸🇻
BAR CROSSING UPDATE

Hey everyone, just wanted to update anyone wanting to come visit Bahia del Sol in El Salvador. As of the first of this year, they no longer offer the discount for the required pilot boat. They didn't bother to notify Bill & Jean, so we just figured it out today when checking out of the country.

The bar is no big deal anymore, their new policies and procedures make it very safe (no more surfing into the bay allowed) and it should be a no-skip destination for anyone on the west coast. Our time here has been grand. Now onwards to Costa Rica!

SY Pythia crossing the bar heading south east

SY PYTHIA 🇺🇸 Caleb - Beneteau 50'

11) GOOD NAUTICAL

NEW ANCHORAGE BY SY KNOT RIGHT 🇵🇦 PANAMA

KNOT RIGHT ANCHORAGE
⚓ APPROACH

⚓ 08° 48.1811' N 081° 29.7499' W

SY Knot Right anchored in this new anchorage

12) HAULOUT FACILITIES
ADD YOUR HAULOUTS - CAREENING SPOTS AND BOATYARDS TO THIS MAP

SY Serentiy shared a careening spot for catamarans which can sit on their keels in Costa Rica - yes finally a free haul out using low tide - sail-drive maintenance for pros

13) PERKS OF JOINING THE OCEAN POSSE
A STRUCTURED CHAT

ZULIP STRUCTURED CHAT APP AND KNOWLEDGE BASE

The Ocean Posse chat runs on Zulip which is an open-source structured chat application that combines real-time and asynchronous messaging, making it great for fleet collaboration. It organizes conversations using streams

Streams & Topics

Streams are like channels for broad topics.
Topics act as threads within a stream, keeping conversations organized.
Asynchronous Communication:
Messages are categorized under topics, making it easy to catch up later without missing context.

Rich Formatting & Integration

Supports Markdown, LaTeX (for math), code snippets, and image uploads.
Integrates with tools like GitHub, JIRA, and Zapier.

Powerful Search & Filtering:

Messages can be searched efficiently using keywords, user mentions, and filters

https://chat.oceanposse.com/ ▶

OCEAN POSSE PERKS

✔️ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts ✔️

📊 Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice ✔️

💰 Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts * ✔️

🛰️ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind* ✔️

🚩 Free Burgee ✔️

💰 Save with service providers and chandleries ✔️

🕵️ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in agents ✔️

🗺️ Free aid to navigation 250 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android) ✔️

💰 Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount ✔️

💰 Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount ✔️

🗺️ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics ✔️

📹 Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there ✔️

🌩️ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker ✔️

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

⚓ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures ✔️

🛈 Fleet Updates via email – free ✔️

🏆 Fun Award Categories ✔️

📍 Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage reports ✔️

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

💬 Free 24/7 LINE group channel ✔️

🌊 Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants ✔️

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

🚷 Always priority traffic – for participants by participants ✔️

(* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and subject to a marina’s availability )

https://oceanposse.com/sun-powered-yachts/ ▶

14) SUN POWERED YACHTS ☀️⛵ SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

https://oceanposse.com/sun-powered-yachts/

We are exited and pleased to sponsor the Panama Posse with a special 10% discount off SunPower solar panel bundles.

Just use promocode at checkout www.sunpoweredyachts.com/shop and start enjoying clean & quiet solar aboard your boat.

We also offer free consultations so please email or call and let us help you go solar today.

15) ARE YOU EXPERIENCED ?

SHAKIRA IN CONCERT
BARRANQUILLA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known as Shakira, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and businesswoman. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, she is one of the most successful Latin artists of all time. Known as the "Queen of Latin Music," Shakira has achieved global fame with her unique fusion of Latin, rock, and Arabic influences, as well as her signature belly dancing.

Keenan and Nicole outside one of Colombia's largest stadiums eagerly waiting to get into the concert.
The global star delivered an unforgettable performance at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, ( capacity of 47000 seats) with a show filled with emotion, culture and a very special tribute to the Barranquilla Carnival. It was her first concert back in here hometown in 18 years .

Shakira’s transition to the English-language market came with Laundry Service (2001), featuring global hits like "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes." Her unique sound and belly dancing set her apart from other pop artists.

Subsequent albums, including Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005) and Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005), produced major hits like "La Tortura" (with Alejandro Sanz) and "Hips Don’t Lie" (with Wyclef Jean), the latter becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.

In 2009, she released She Wolf, followed by Sale el Sol (2010), which featured the FIFA World Cup anthem "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," cementing her global superstar status.

LOCATION: 10° 55.605' N 074°48.0316' W
Stay at Puerto Velero Marina near Barranquilla

SY MAISON DE SANTE 🇺🇸 Keenan & Nicole Cal 46'

16) SAILING THE MOSQUITO COAST
🦟
160 NM OF CONFUSION

Sailing from the Panama Canal to Bocas del Toro in 3 day hoops was challenging

We sailed this coast before we looked for favorable wind conditions to get out of Colon Panama - with our buddy boat Knot Right in tow we left early Sunday morning from Shelter Bay marina and made the U turn around the Panama Canal Colon Breakwater entrance and headed west. Our plan was to hug the shore to find for a suitable anchorage 50 - 60 miles from the entrance before night fall.

Day one the battle was facing adverse currents vs well vs light head winds - creating less than ideal conditions - but still doable after being stuck in the marina for 2+ months

The current is against you all the way - the question is how much from 1/2 to 2 knots so prepare to go ssssloooow.

This is possible the most confused sea state with 3 elements battling for dominance

We found shelter behind the suspend mining operations breakwater and rode out the first night in 5 foot wind swells without much side swells wrapping around at the Punta Rincon Anchorage @ 09° 01.1441' N, 80° 41.8465' W ⚓ 17 feet - we pulled anchor at 5 AM and headed west.

Punta Rincon Anchorage 9° 1.1441' N, 80° 41.8465' W

As the wind picked up on day 2 with gusts up to 21 knots we crawled along the shore avg 5.3 knots till we found the Knot Right Anchorage mentioned above- the morning was full of head winds and still an uneven sea-state - we made about 55 nautical miles and settled in 23 feet without much wind and even and gentle 4 foot swells head on rolling into the anchorage 8 - 9 seconds apart. A wonderful way to go to sleep.
@ ⚓ 08° 48.1811' N 081° 29.7499' W

Entrance to Big Plantain Cay as viewed from 09° 06.0216' N 081° 44.9944' W

Knot Right en route

Once near Cayo Zapatilla we used SY Maison de Sante's path to enter Bocas de Toro from the back - we saw a minimum of 8.3 foot depth.

Admiral Maxi all smiles and happy to be back in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro

SY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸 Suzanne, Dietmar & Maxi - Lagoon 440
SY KNOT RIGHT 🇺🇸 Walt & Jearine - Beneteau 47'

17) HOWLER MONKEYS

Howler Monkey Wake-Up Call

Mexico City slickers Maria and Arturo had no idea what they were in for when they accepted an invitation from cousin Memo, the cheerful marina harbor master, to stay in his coastal jungle retreat near Chiapas. “Mi casa es su casa,” Memo had said. “Just watch out for the howlers.”

Maria had nodded politely, assuming “howlers” was some local slang for noisy neighbors or maybe an unruly parrot. Arturo, ever the city-bred skeptic, smirked. “I sleep through car alarms. What’s a little jungle noise?”

That night, lulled by the rhythmic chirping of the jungle, frogs, crickets and jungle night life the gentle sway of massive tropical trees, they drifted into a deep sleep. The house was charming—rustic but cozy. A perfect escape.

Until 5.15 AM.

A sound erupted from the treetops. Not just any sound. A guttural, otherworldly roar, like Satan himself had stubbed his toe. Maria bolted upright, heart pounding. Arturo gasped, clutching his chest.

“Dios mío, what is that?!”

“Demons,” Maria whispered. “It’s the only explanation.”

The unholy wails grew louder. The walls seemed to shake. Furniture rattled. The house wasn’t haunted—it was under siege.

Arturo peeked outside, regretting it instantly. Perched in the trees were shadowy, hulking figures, their throats inflating as they bellowed in horrifying unison. The shrieks came from them.

“The howlers…” Arturo’s voice was barely a whisper.

Maria clutched her phone. “We have to call Memo.”

At precisely 5:20 AM, Memo answered, far too cheerful for a man who had knowingly led them into an audio nightmare.

“Buenos días friends ! Did the monkeys say good morning?”

“GOOD MORNING?! Memo, we thought the devil was outside! They sound like tortured souls!”

Memo chuckled. “Yes, they do that. It’s how they mark territory. You’ll get used to it.”

The howlers roared again, louder. Memo had clearly gotten used to it, but Maria and Arturo had not... ( yes Memo set them up )

By 5:25 AM, they were packing. By 5:35 AM, they were sprinting to their car, luggage flailing.

By 6:00 AM, Memo received a text:

"Gracias, Memo. We’ll stick to traffic jams and car alarms."

Somewhere in the treetops, the howlers laughed

( the names in this story have been changed to protect the guilty )

MV KOSMOS 🇺🇸 Eric, Christi Grab Nordhavn 43

18) OCEAN POSSE CANAL AGENT

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

19) THE OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS TRACKING

Add your vessel to tracking the Ocean Posse ... MORE ▶

AUTOMATIC VESSEL TRACKING USING DATAHUB !

PREDICT WIND SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
ADD YOUR VESSEL TO THE GROUP TRACKER ▶

20) MEDIA PARTNERS

OCEAN POSSE HAS A SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION DEAL
TO GET YOUR DEAL FOLLOW THIS LINK ▶

21) OVER 100 SPONSORSHIP MARINAS
WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

🇧🇿 Hummingbird Marina – Placencia – Belize

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize

🇧🇿 Hakim Marina & Boatyard – Belize

🇮🇹 Marina Molo Vecchio – Italy

Check this map for 100+ Ocean Posse friendly marinas near you

🇹🇳 Marina Bizerte – Tunisia

22) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

ABERNATHY - PANAMA
BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
BOAT HOW TO
CABRALES BOAT YARD
CENTENARIO CONSULTING - PANAMA CANAL
CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
DIGITAL YACHT
DOWNWIND MARINE
EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
FOUNTAINE PAJOT
FLOR DE CAÑA
HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
MARINA PAPAGAYO
NAVILY

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
ONE SAILS MEXICO
PANAMA YACHT BROKER
PREDICT WIND
SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
SHAFT SHARK
SUN POWERED YACHTS
WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
WIKUS MARINE AUTO
WESTMARINE PRO
YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

23) PORT OLRY 🇻🇺 VANUATU

PORT OLRY 🇻🇺 VANUATU a stunning scenic and remote seaside village in Vanuatu, located on the east coast of Espiritu Santo. It's known for its exceptional white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere.

24) A MOST BADASS CIVILIAN CAPTAIN

Eathrace has agreements with the Costa Rican and Panamanian Environment Ministries to support their efforts in protecting Marine National Parks. We provide crew, and various assets, while the government provides Park Rangers to oversee operations.
Our missions in Costa Rica and Panama are all joint operations with Park Rangers who have oversight, and who ensure the patrols are aligned with National Park policies. The patrols include the newly created CMAR MPAs of both countries, as well as 30 other coastal MPAs. Our operations are run entirely by Volunteers that pay to join our team.

Captain Pete Bethune is a New Zealand conservationist, environmentalist, and former skipper of the Earthrace, a biodiesel-powered speedboat that set a world record for circumnavigating the globe in 2008. He is best known for his work in marine conservation, particularly in anti-poaching operations and activism against illegal fishing and whaling.

In 2019 Earthrace purchased the former US Navy / US Coastguard vessel the Modoc, and this remarkable 45m (150ft) vessel is now our base of operations. She is a fully equipped blue-water patrol vessel that can spend up to 30 days at sea un-assisted. She has an extensive workshop, training room, 10-ton crane, FLIR thermal imaging, and a while range of tactical hardware. It supports a military UAV and a K9 tracking unit. It can deploy nearly anywhere in the world to offer a wide range of services to National Park Authorities. These can include training, fishery patrols, delivery of personnel and equipment to remote Atolls, oceanic scientific research, and support base for Island Pest Eradication programs. It can run SAR Operations, and surveillance missions over both land and water.

USCGC Modoc (WPG-46) was a 240-foot Tampa-class United States Coast Guard cutter designed for multi-mission roles. She had a top speed of sixteen knots, and was armed with a pair of 5-inch deck guns. With the breakout of war she was armed with depth charges, additional guns, sonar, and radar and transferred to the Navy. Modoc, along with her sister ships Mojave and Tampa joined the Greenland Patrol.

25) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

26) BECOME A SPONSOR OF THE OCEAN POSSE

1. Brand Exposure & Marketing

Gain visibility among a large network of boaters, sailors, and marine enthusiasts.

Get featured on the Ocean Posse website, newsletters, and at events

Build credibility within the yachting and sailing community.

2. Direct Access to Yacht Owners & Cruisers

Reach a targeted audience of sailors, yacht owners, and marine businesses.

Offer exclusive deals, services, or discounts to members.

Increase sales of boating-related products and services.

3. Strengthen Your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Show commitment to marine safety, conservation, and education.

Engage employees and customers in meaningful sustainability efforts.

Improve brand reputation and trust among eco-conscious consumers.

4. Networking & Partnership Opportunities

Connect with like-minded organizations and industry leaders.

Gain access to Ocean Posse events, seminars, and meet-ups.

Foster long-term relationships with businesses in the marine sector.

Explore sponsorship options
CONTACT US NOW

(Y)OUR MISSION

Make global yacht travel easier, more transparent, better informed and fun
Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas & service providers
Document and pass on relevant information to help fellow yacht owners and operators in a timely manner
Reduce risk, identify risks, document risks
Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules

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9811 w charleston · blvd 2262 · summerlin · lv · nv · 89117 · usa

FLEET UPDATE 2025-02-16

“At night, when the sky is full of stars and the sea is still
you get the wonderful sensation that you are floating in space.”

– Natalie Wood

read online ▶

FLEET UPDATE 2025-02-16
LATEST NEWS

Pictures Of The Week
Biggest Fish Caught
Galley God / Grill Master Entry
Uninvited Visitor
Captain Ron Award Entry
BOLO🆘.SY Quiet
Fiesta De La Candelaria 🇲🇽 Tuxtla Mx
Meet The South Pacific Cruising Fleet
Trouble In Paradise 🚨
Banana Bay Marina, Golfito 🇨🇷 Costa Rica Sponsors
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park 🇰🇳
Swallow-tailed 🦤 Gull
Cay Chapel 🇧🇿 Belize
Calculating The Tidal Diffrerence In The Raroai
Don't Believe The Enc Charts !
Delta Mike Marine Supply 🇵🇦 Panama
Novamar Yacht Insurance
The Fiesta De Los Diablitos 😈
Nature In The Sea Of Cortez 🇲🇽 MX
Must Seeagua Clara Vistor Center 🇵🇦 Panama
Slow Swimming 🦥 Sloths
Become A Sponsor Of The Ocean Posse

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

Owner operated yachts from 25 countries
Set sail without rally schedules
Make friends of lifetime

OCEAN POSSE MISSION

Make global yacht travel fun, easier, more transparent and better informed
Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas & service providers
Document and pass on relevant information to help fellow yacht owners and operators in a timely manner
Reduce risk, identify risks, document risks
Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Line Crossing CEREMONY

Full moon @ Myriadup

MY MARTINI #00577c Bryan & Mary Nordhavn 63'

Full snow moon at Waisaladup

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn - Antares 44'

Full moon Casco Viejo, Panama Pacifico

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 JP & Nicole - Lagoon 39

Snow moon, Placencia Belize

SY PERCEPTION 🇺🇸 Jim - Lagoon 42

2) OCEAN POSSE AWARD ENTRIES

BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT

Caught a sailfish and let it go. Does that count for biggest fish award?
Answer YES !

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 KYLE & LEAH Gulfstar 44

OCEAN POSSE AWARD ENTRIES
GALLEY GOD / GRILL MASTER ENTRY

Finally after 4 long, bumpy days the sea is calming down as we round the tip of Cuba. Paul barbecuing up some protein and the first real meal in 5 days. The sunset was stunning and the relative calm (and food!) a great reprieve! 3 more days underway to Florida from Panama via Colombia

MV GRATITUDE 🇺🇸 Heather & Paul - Nordhavn 43

OCEAN POSSE AWARD ENTRIES
UNINVITED VISITOR

MV MUIRGEN Scot and Laura Beebe 50'

CAPTAIN RON AWARD ENTRY

Captain Ron? Pushing genoa a bit hard off Turtle Cay and blew out clew. "Ah, let's remove the reef and go for it!"

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn - Antares 44

3) OCEAN POSSE
🏆
AWARD CATEGORIES

6) MEET THE SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISING FLEET

4) B.O.L.O.
SY QUIET

John, single handing on Quiet, (not a member of the Ocean Posse) a Tayana 37, lost his mast about 20 days ago. He has fashioned a jury rig and is making for Nuku Hiva. His progress is slow ( < 1 knot / hour ) due to the reduced sail area, and he’s in the light winds of the ITCZ now. Due to the extended nature of his trip, he would appreciate any assistance possible over the next part of his voyage. Pressing needs are for oil for his diesel engine (10-30 or 10-40 diesel rated), diesel fuel (any you can spare), canned tuna or chicken, crackers, any fresh produce at all. If you route north of the Galapagos, it is likely he will be more or less on your way as you pass by.
His AIS is non functional, but his tracking link works at:
https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Quiet/?

5) FIESTA DE LA CANDELARIA
🇲🇽 TUXTLA MX

Fiesta de la Candelaria

February 2nd, or Día del Candelaria, also known as Candlemas, is significant as that is when 40 days after Christ was born the virgen Mary brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem.

Tuxtla Chico, located right on the border between Chiapas and Guatemala, is a municipality that stands out for the production of traditional chocolate and also for its colorful festival of the Virgin of Candelaria, which fills its streets with color with the making colorful carpets with all kinds of figures.

It is a vibrant Mexican celebration that blends indigenous, Hispanic, and Catholic traditions which is celebrated in only 2 towns in Mexico. In Tuxtla Chico, about an hour away from Marina Chiapas, the streets turn into a canvas with beautiful "carpets" made of colourful sawdust, flower pedals and other natural elements.

Each design tells a story, a mix of ancient tales and creativity! They are created by the families whose homes line the streets. It's a beautiful symbol of faith and community, a day filled with art, culture, Mexican heritage, and the heartwarming spirit of community. These murals, or ‘carpets’ can take hours to complete, in fact, we saw some people still working on their patch when we walked by and we walked over 2 miles, that is how many there are!

The fiesta lasts several days and includes a fair, with carnival rides, food, live bands etc. Thank you to our guides Miguel and Tony for taking us to enjoy this wonderful celebration! Laney and Mark. SV Dawn Patrol

At the end of the evening, the approximately 180 year old porcelain statue of the Virgin Mary is brought out of the Lady of Candelaria church and carried along the streets walking over the carpets which were made to honor her. Fireworks would erupt at every corner while thousands of people from all over Mexico and Guatemala line the streets to view the procession.

The fiesta lasts several days and includes a fair, with carnival rides, food, live bands etc. Thank you to our guides Miguel and Tony for taking us to enjoy this wonderful celebration!

SY DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸 Laney and Mark - Outbound 46

MUST SEE IN PERSON AND FEEL

NAWI ISLAND - SAVU SAVU 🇫🇯 FIJI

SAT AUG 30 '25

https://oceanposse.com/nimrsvp/

THE SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING PARTY

MEET AND MINGLE WITH THE
SOUTH PACIFIC 25′ CRUISING FLEET

TRY SOME KAVA WITH FRIENDLY LOCALS

RSVP NOW FOR THE PARTY IN FIJI

7) TROUBLE IN PARADISE ?
SAN BLAS PANAMA
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Ahoy Fleet,

This is all the information we have and we're posting this for those that are coming to San Blas in case there's some confusion about yesterday in the anchorage.

Bug Island, Banadup, San Blas Panama

Yesterday, Wednesday 3 unknown individuals came to the island from another island (Possibly Porvenir we were told). At approx 1500 multiple shots were fired. Law enforcement which somehow happened to be in the area persued and captured the three. The law enforcement Launcha got stuck on the reef while in persuit and this morning additional boats pulled the stranded boat to safety.

Everything is back to island normal. It's beautiful weather. All the cruisers in the anchorage are safe.

While all this happened in relative close proximity to our boat (maybe 500 yards) we didn't hear or see anything except the aftermath and confusion.

Laurie and I feel very safe where we are presently. And we look forward to our return sail next Monday back to Shelter Bay Marina.

The boat that "flies" from the Miami Vice series - Are Guna Yala in the smuggling path ?

SY EVER AFTER 🇺🇸 Andrew & Laurie - Jeanneau 44

8) BANANA BAY MARINA, GOLFITO 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

08° 36.2433′ N 083° 11’26.4333′ W

We are very happy to extend our Sponsorship and discount to the ocean Posse

The following are the discounted rates for the Panama Posse

In the aftermath of Fred Again's III's wreck the Ocean Posse has been creating 100's of gig of satellite charts from over 50 maritime areas for you to get additional aids to navigation - that's years of work done for the prudent mariner ▶

https://oceanposse.com/banana-bay-marina/

AMENITIES

Dockage

Our docks accommodate vessels up to 120’.
20 feet of water at low tide
Shore power {110/120V}
Fresh potable water

Mooring and Anchoring

Secure deep draft moorings
Dinghy docking area

Dry Dock Facility

Minor repairs service shop
Full outboard motors service and repairs
Electronic equipment repairs

Fuel Dock

Diesel at competitive pricing
Available daily

9) MUST SEE
BRIMSTONE HILL FORTRESS NATIONAL PARK
🇰🇳 SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

The Caribbean islands produced great wealth and were well worth defending. Fortifications had been the earliest colonial structures, and every island had its own network of coastal defenses. But the scale and magnificence of the Brimstone Hill Fortress signified the actual and symbolic importance of St. Christopher during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Fortress, constructed intermittently between the 1690s and 1790s, is of singular importance as being the remains of a large, complete military community of the 18th century. As such, it is a veritable time capsule of international significance.

The prominent Citadel is one of the earliest and finest surviving examples of a new style of fortification known as the 'polygonal system'.

Brimstone Hill is nearly 800 feet high with steep and precipitous slopes which had to be tamed by the disciplines of engineering and architecture, and at the risk and probable loss of human lives. The walls of the structures are predominantly of stone, labouriously and skillfully fashioned from the hard volcanic rock of which the hill is composed. The mortar to cement the stones was produced on site from the limestone which covers much of the middle and lower slopes. The Fortress is virtually a man-made out growth of the natural hill.

The physical location of the Fortress presents attractive panoramic vistas of forested mountains, cultivated fields, the historical township of Sandy Point, and neighboring Dutch, English and French islands across the Caribbean Sea.

10) UNINVITED VISITORS
SWALLOW-TAILED 🦤 GULL

The swallow-tailed gull is endemic to the Galapagos

They prefer areas with warmer water in the eastern islands. When they are not breeding, they travel long distances and feed out of the sea as far as south Peru and Chile.
They feed mainly on squid and fish found in the surface on nocturnal shifts. Nocturnal fishing is unusual among gulls.
Their nests are located on the rocks, bare lava and cliff areas in the shoreline of most islands. Females lay 1 egg that hatches 35 days later. Chicks spend about 3 months with their parents before they are independent.
They make several vocalizations, most of which are to communicate with others in the colony. They can warn others individuals when intruders are near the nesting sites and by several aggressive postures towards intruders.

Places where you may see the swallow-tailed gull on passage

Follow Jubel's track https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Jubel/?useGoogle

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 KYLE & LEAH - Gulfstar 44

11) GOOD NAUTICAL

CAY CHAPEL 🇧🇿 BELIZE

Cay Chapel APPROACH

⚓ 17° 41.8033' N 088° 2.8080' W

Caye Chapel, a private island in Belize, is located approximately 16 miles north-northeast of Belize City and 3 miles south of Caye Caulker. The island is currently undergoing significant development, with a Four Seasons Resort and Residences scheduled to open in late 2025.

The west side of Caye Chapel offers a marina, providing a calm anchorage area. This marina is about 16 miles from both San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and Belize City, making it a convenient location for visitors traveling by boat.

The Four Seasons development plans include a 104-key luxury hotel featuring 18 overwater bungalows, a first for the brand in the Western Hemisphere. Amenities will encompass a beach club with multiple pools, dining and bar options with ocean views, spa and wellness facilities, and tennis courts.

12) WITH FRENCH POLYNESIA VISA LIMITS HERE IS A 30 DAY LEISURE ROUTE THROUGH THE TUAMOTUS

MAKING LANDFALL IN HISTORIC RAROIA

2 nearby tidal Locations to interpolate tidal flow for the entrance to the RAROIA motu

Interpolating tide times for a specific location requires tidal harmonics and local influences like bathymetry and coastal geometry. The best approach is to estimate based on the two nearest tide stations you provided (Rangiroa and Hao), considering their time and height differences.

Find the relative position ...

RAROIA path location ~ (16° 00.9630' S, 142° 27.5954' W) is between Rangiroa and Hao tidal stations - slightly westward of HAO.

Rangiroa (14° 57.0' S, 147° 44.0' W) is further west. ( TIDAL STATION )

Hao (18° 4.0' S, 140° 59.0' W) is further east. ( TIDAL STATION )

Here is how to estimate time offset

The tidal wave generally moves westward in the Pacific.

Hao’s high tide occurs earlier than Rangiroa's, meaning your location may experience tides slightly later than Hao but earlier than Rangiroa.

Approximate longitude-based adjustment:

Hao to Rangiroa: ~6° longitude difference → ~24 min delay per degree

Your location is ~4.5° west of Hao, so tides could be

~1 hour 50 min later than Hao
~50 min earlier than Rangiroa

Estimate tide heights

Rangiroa has slightly lower high tides (~2.4 ft) than Hao (~2.5 ft), suggesting a gradual height reduction westward. This location may have high tides around 2.45 ft and low tides around 0.35 ft.

Estimated Tides calculaed for 16° 00.9630' S, 142° 27.5954' W for
Feb 15, 2025 LST

Tidal time difference ~1 hour 50 min later than Hao but ~50 min earlier than Rangiroa
( unless you have high winds then there is mostly always and outflow of water )

Raroi and the The Kon-Tiki Expedition

After more than 100 days at sea, the Kon-Tiki raft, constructed of balsa wood and similar to ancient South American rafts, was blown off course by prevailing trade winds. Despite navigating roughly toward the Marquesas Islands, Heyerdahl and his crew made landfall on Raroia, part of the Tuamotu Archipelago, instead. This was an unexpected location, but it highlighted an important point in Heyerdahl's theory that ancient South American peoples might have traveled to the Pacific Islands using similar rafts, aided by natural ocean currents and winds.

Raroia is situated in the eastern Tuamotu atoll chain and was not known to the general public as a point of landfall for South American or Polynesian voyagers. The fact that the Kon-Tiki raft ended up at this atoll, despite being off-course, was seen by Heyerdahl as support for his hypothesis. He believed that the ancient people of South America could have reached Polynesia by floating on rafts and that the current between South America and the Pacific Islands could carry them across long distances.

Historical Significance of the Raroia

Testing Heyerdahl's Theory: The landing at Raroia was pivotal to Heyerdahl’s argument. He had postulated that the Pre-Columbian South Americans might have reached the Pacific Islands long before the Polynesians. This theory was controversial, as many believed that Polynesians were primarily the voyagers across the Pacific. The Kon-Tiki expedition, by directly demonstrating the feasibility of sailing across the Pacific on a raft, provided practical evidence for Heyerdahl’s theory, even though it was met with skepticism by many in the scientific community.

Ocean Currents and Navigation: Raroia's role in the journey was also tied to the powerful ocean currents of the Pacific. The raft’s arrival at this remote atoll showcased the force and reliability of these natural currents, which could have guided ancient sailors across vast distances. Heyerdahl's raft was carried by the South Equatorial Current, which helped move it westward across the Pacific from Peru.

Indigenous Navigation Knowledge: While Heyerdahl’s theory about South Americans voyaging to Polynesia was contentious, the landing at Raroia also indirectly highlighted the remarkable navigational skills of Pacific Island cultures. Polynesians are known for their sophisticated wayfinding techniques, using the stars, winds, and ocean swells. This knowledge has been passed down through generations and was key to their long-distance voyages.

The Aftermath and ongoing Debate

After arriving on Raroia, the Kon-Tiki crew continued their journey across the Pacific, though they never reached the Marquesas. The significance of their accidental landfall, though, continued to fuel discussions about trans-oceanic voyages. Despite the controversy around his theories, Heyerdahl’s work sparked a broader interest in the history of ancient navigation, and in the 1970s, he continued to study and theorize on ancient seafaring in the Pacific, including his later expeditions on the Ra and Ra II reed boats.

The wrecked raft - Kon-Tiki Expedition 1950 by Thor Heyerdahl 1950.

13) BENEFITS OF JOINING THE OCEAN POSSE
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🚷 Always priority traffic – for participants by participants ✔️

(* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and subject to a marina’s availability )

https://oceanposse.com/delta-mike/

14) DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY 🇵🇦 PANAMA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE ⚙️

Authorized Dealer, we offer engines, support and original products with factory warranty.

Delta Mike Marine Supply is a company founded in Jan 2020 with a management that have over 15 years experience in maritime business.

As Yanmar Authorized Dealer, we offer engines, engine services, spare parts, lubrication oils and all types of Marine products for you all necessities.

Our work site is in Colón, in the Atlantic side close to The Panama Canal but covering all the Country.

15) NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

Novamar Yacht Insurance is proud to sponsor the Ocean Posse.

Novamar has insured yachts around the world since 1987 so teaming up with the Posse is a great fit! Boats have changed, insurance companies have changed, but Novamar has remained intact and growing for nearly 40 years.

Novamar provides custom insurance solutions for people cruising locally, living aboard, and/or actively coastal or offshore cruising. Some of our yacht insurance experts have lived aboard, and cruised and raced offshore ourselves, hold Coast Guard Licenses, have even designed and helped build a couple of boats. Bottom line is we know boats, we know marine insurance and we understand the cruising and liveaboard lifestyle and today’s challenging global yacht insurance market. Novamar has the insurance markets and underwriting expertise to navigate through the changing yacht insurance seascape with you to make sure you are not marooned without coverage. With our expansion in to Mexico in 2009, we also have twenty bi-lingual staff members in our Puerto Vallarta, Mexico office to assist with south of the U.S. border insurance needs and claims service.

You can find informative yacht insurance articles we have written over the years via this link to the Novamar website https://www.novamarinsurance.com/blog and check out what our clients think here. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/novamarinsurance.com.

Please call 800-823-2798 to speak with one of our yacht experts or drop us an email to posse@novamar.net and we will get to work developing an insurance program that suits your needs.

16) ARE YOU EXPERIENCED ?

THE FIESTA DE LOS DIABLITOS 😈
FESTIVAL OF THE LITTLE DEVILS
🇨🇷 COSTA RICA

This celebration takes place in Boruca and Rey Curre, two villages home to the Brunka tribe.

The Fiesta de los Diablitos—or Festival of the Little Devils—is more than just a name. It honors the ancestral spirits of the Brunka people and their triumph over Spanish conquerors. The festival is held twice a year: once in Boruca at the end of December or early January, and again in Rey Curre during the first week of February.

Much like sailors battling the unpredictable sea, the Brunka fought against the tides of conquest. During the festival, village men don elaborate carved masks and take on the role of diablitos—the spirits of their ancestors. One representative plays the part of the bull, symbolizing the Spanish invaders. Together, they engage in a dramatic, three-day ritual known as the Dance of the Diablitos. Just as an experienced sailor reads the waves and waits for the right moment, the diablitos endure the bull’s charge before finally prevailing on the third day—just as they did in history.

The people of Boruca are master carvers, much like shipwrights shaping wood for the open sea. Their iconic masks, made from lightweight balsa wood, depict animal spirits that once guided their people in battle. Dancers cloak themselves in gangoche sacks—akin to rough sailcloth—and layer their bodies with banana leaves, evoking the rugged resilience of those who stand against the storm.

No festival is complete without a hearty drink. Just as sailors prize their rum, the Brunka rely on chicha—a traditional fermented corn beverage. Women of the village prepare it eight days in advance, ensuring it’s ready to fuel the celebrations. The sight of a guacal gourd brimming with chicha is as familiar to the Fiesta de los Diablitos as a full flask on a long voyage.

This festival is a tribute to endurance, history, and the unwavering spirit of a people who, like sailors facing an unrelenting sea, refused to be conquered.

https://www.google.com/maps/search/Borucas+/@8.9995083,-83.3106582,77709m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

LOCATION: Borucas masks and the dance of the little devils

17) LIFE IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ 🇲🇽 MX

WATCH THIS VIDEOS OCEAN POSSE: Nature in the Sea of Cortes The Rocks, Plants & Animals of a youthful Sea presentation about the Sea of Cortes / Sea of Cortez by Bill Streever SY Rocinante

18) MUST SEE
AGUA CLARA VISTOR CENTER 🇵🇦 PANAMA

Aqua Clara visitor center. 336 meter container ship going through the locks.

Officially called the Neo-Panamax Locks, these are larger, more efficient locks that allow bigger ships, known as Neo-Panamax vessels, to transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The expansion project introduced two new sets of locks: Agua Clara Locks on the Atlantic side and Cocolí Locks on the Pacific side.

Unlike the original canal locks, which use steel gates and gravity-fed chambers, the X-Locks feature rolling gates and a water-saving basin system, reducing water consumption by 60%. Each lock chamber measures 427 meters ( 1400 feet ) long, 55 meters (180 feet ) wide, and 18.3 meters deep ( 60 feet ) , allowing ships up to 366 meters long and 49 meters wide to pass through.

These locks have significantly increased global trade efficiency, accommodating much larger cargo ships and reducing maritime traffic congestion. The expansion also boosted Panama’s economy, increasing toll revenue and strengthening its position as a major shipping hub. Small and private yachts do not go through these locks.

ONE OF THE MANY MUST SEE'S
ALONG THE OCEAN POSSE ROUTES

MV KOSMOS 🇺🇸 Eric, Christi Grab Nordhavn 43

19) PANAMA POSSE CANAL AGENT

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

20) THE OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS TRACKING

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21) MEDIA PARTNERS

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OCEAN POSSE HAS A SPECIAL FREE SUBSCRIPTION DEAL
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22) OVER 100 SPONSORSHIP MARINAS
WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

🇧🇿 Hummingbird Marina – Placencia – Belize

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize

🇧🇿 Hakim Marina & Boatyard – Belize

🇮🇹 Marina Molo Vecchio – Italy

Check this map for 107+ Ocean Posse friendly marinas near you

🇹🇳 Marina Bizerte – Tunisia

23) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

ABERNATHY - PANAMA
BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
BOAT HOW TO
CABRALES BOAT YARD
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DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
DIGITAL YACHT
DOWNWIND MARINE
EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
FOUNTAINE PAJOT
FLOR DE CAÑA
HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
MARINA PAPAGAYO
NAVILY

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
ONE SAILS MEXICO
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WESTMARINE PRO
YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

Isla de Pins 🇳🇨 New Caledonia

Isla de Pins 🇳🇨 New Caledonia

24) LET'S PLAY SOME CIVILIZATION 🗼

🏴‍☠️ Ocean Posse Civilization Game Night! 🎮🌍

Ahoy, seafarers ! ⛵⚓

Ready to conquer the oceans—one turn at a time? Join your fellow Ocean Posse adventurers for a weekly (or twice-weekly!) Sid Meier’s Civilization game night!

We’ll be playing Civ VI (until we switch to VII) over Starlink or wifi, battling it out for scientific progress, world domination, or just good ol’ bragging rights. Whether you’re a seasoned ruler or a first-time settler, all are welcome!

📅 When: Monday Night @ 1900-2100 UTC

🌍 Where: Internet Group Play (Online via Starlink or Wifi)

🎮 Game: Civilization VI

🎙️ Comms: dedicated LINE group OCEAN POSSE GAMERS

⚔️ Goal: Fun, strategy, and friendly competition!

If you're interested, drop a message in the Ocean Posse LINE group so we can coordinate times and game settings. Let’s make this a regular event and turn our adventures into legendary gaming civilizations and keep our minds sharp !

Fair winds and wise decisions

KOSMOS - Eric (Game Runner)
GALATEA - Mark
MAISON DE SANTE - Keenan
CARINTHIA - Dietmar
QUE VENDRA - Maciek

25) SLOW SWIMMING 🦥 SLOTHS

A pygmy three-toed sloth swims between mangroves on the island of Escudo on the hunt for a mate.

Sloths are iconic tree-dwelling mammals found throughout Central America, particularly in countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Honduras. These slow-moving creatures are well adapted to life in the rainforest, spending nearly their entire lives hanging upside down from tree branches.

There are two main types of sloths: two-toed and three-toed. Three-toed sloths, such as the brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus), are more commonly found in Central American forests. They have a distinctive round face and a permanent “smile,” which makes them popular among wildlife enthusiasts.

26) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

27) BECOME A SPONSOR OF THE OCEAN POSSE

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Get featured on the Ocean Posse website, newsletters, and at events

Build credibility within the yachting and sailing community.

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Reach a targeted audience of sailors, yacht owners, and marine businesses.

Offer exclusive deals, services, or discounts to members.

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3. Strengthen Your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Show commitment to marine safety, conservation, and education.

Engage employees and customers in meaningful sustainability efforts.

Improve brand reputation and trust among eco-conscious consumers.

4. Networking & Partnership Opportunities

Connect with like-minded organizations and industry leaders.

Gain access to Ocean Posse events, seminars, and meet-ups.

Foster long-term relationships with businesses in the marine sector.

Explore sponsorship options
CONTACT US NOW

(Y)OUR MISSION

Make global yacht travel easier, more transparent, better informed and fun
Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas & service providers
Document and pass on relevant information to help fellow yacht owners and operators in a timely manner
Reduce risk, identify risks, document risks
Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules

SY Serenity a couple of the 4,000+ happy participants in the Ocean Posse

Ocean Posse LLC

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9811 w charleston · blvd 2262 · summerlin · lv · nv · 89117 · usa

Joining the Ocean Posse connects you with a knowledgeable and resourceful community. Whether you're crossing oceans or exploring new coastlines, the fleet enhances your journey with shared insights, camaraderie, and a passion for your maritime adventure.▶

FLEET UPDATE 2025-02-09

"I know what I have to do now:
gotta keep breathing, because tomorrow the sun will rise":

- Tom Hanks' character Chuck Noland - Cast Away

Old Spanish fort Santiago in Portobelo Panama

"Cato’s missed this as much as I have" MV MUIRGEN 🇺🇸 Scot and Laura - Beebe 50'

LATEST NEWS

Pictures Of The Week
Caribbean Party Recap
⚓ Changes In 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
New Visa Limits 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
In The Spirit Of Passing Through
Zihuatanejo 🇲🇽 Sail Fest
Australia 🇦🇺 Wants Your Feedback
Ocean Posse South Pacific Seminars
Save The Date Nawi Island - Savu Savu 🇫🇯 Fiji
Vava'u Boatyard 🇹🇴 Tonga Sponsors
Dinghy Thefts Bocas Del Toro 🇵🇦 Panama
Pilot 🐬 Whales
Fulanga - Lau Group 🇫🇯 Fiji
Meet The Fleet
Benefits Of Joining The Ocean Posse
Boat How To ⚙️sponsors The Ocean Posse
Yacht Port Cartagena 🇪🇸 Spain
Are You Experienced ?
Boatfix ⚙️ Ocean Posse
Must See Granada 🇳🇮 Nicaragua
Getting Back To Your Vessel At Night
The Ocean Posse Fleet Is Tracking
Media Partners
Let's Play Civilization 🗼
The Canal🐊 Crocodiles
Sponsor The Ocean Posse

JOIN THE POSSE

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

JOIN THE POSSE

CHART YOUR COURSE TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC

Access live Seminars to prepare you for your Ultimate Adventure!
Talk with local expert, get essential insights, these seminars will guide you through every step of your South Pacific journey. ▶

275 YACHTS AND GROWING

2024-2025 Ocean Posse particpants

Owner operated yachts from 25 countries
Set sail without crazy rally schedules

Make global yacht travel easier, more transparent, better informed and fun
Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas & service providers
Document and pass on relevant information to help fellow yacht owners and operators in a timely manner
Reduce risk, identify risks, document risks
Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules

Here is a link to the article which sheds light on these developments
https://voilesetvoiliers.ouest-france.fr/france/polynesie-francaise/naviguer-en-polynesie-la-revolution-qui-sannonce-95b7c10e-2725-11ef-9d30-5a9c307764cc ▶

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Beach day at Huatulco National Park

SY OKISOLLO 🇺🇸 Jeanne & Dan - Island Packet '52

Chiapas Mx at sunset and

Marina Chiapas MX at sunset and Plenty of room!
We’re hoping to leave early next week!

SY DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸 Aney & Laney - Outbound 46

2) OCEAN POSSE
CARIBBEAN PARTY
@ SHELTER BAY MARINA - RECAP

with over 100 yachts in attendance from 30 countries the festivities carried on well into the night - save the date Jan 31 2026 is confirmed for next year !

SHELTEr bay party

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS

Shelter Bay Marina · Panama Yacht Broker · Wikus Auto Marine · Dutch Marine Services · Whally Boats · Flor de Caña · MBE Rio Hato · The Yacht Co Sukimotor SA · Centenario Consulting

Danicng

3) ⚓ CHANGES IN 🇵🇫 FRENCH POLYNESIA

Anchoring Restrictions and Registrations:

In recent years, authorities have introduced anchoring regulations in many popular destinations. Yachts are now often required to use designated mooring buoys or dock in marinas. Anchoring is prohibited and in areas such as Papeete, Bora Bora, and Fakarava, and is severely restricted in Moorea, Raiatea, and Huahine. For instance, in Tahiti's Taina area, plans have been made to clear existing anchorages, with proposals to relocate vessels to other zones, some of which lack adequate landing facilities a.m.o.

Starting in June !

- just as the next cruising fleet arrives you need to reserve your anchorage :

Vessels with less than 20 meters in LOA will need utilize a new online system.

Marquesas

As per the AVP up to 1,200 private yachts are in French Polynesia
and generate 4 to 5 billion XPF in revenue every year ( ~ 40 M USD)

restrictions

SY JOURNEY 🇺🇸 Anne & Remi - Manta 42

4) NEW VISA LIMITS 🇵🇫 FRENCH POLYNESIA

VISA ALERT !!!
IF YOUR LSV HAS THE FOLLOWING MARKINGS
You cannot extend your 180-day or 360-day long stay visa
forcing you to leave upon it's expiration regardless of weather or cyclonic conditions

5) ... IN THE SPIRIT OF PASSING THROUGH
FRENCH POLYNESIA IN 90 DAYS

The OCEAN POSSE is working on creating a hassle free 90 day sail through French Polynesia way point map to traverse French Polynesia and move on to the other 10,000 islands and island nations of the South Pacific - which will minimize the interaction with restricted anchorages and reduce friction for visiting yachts and be in compliance.

Part I - Marquesas in 3 weeks or less - available now ▶
Part II - Tuamotus in 5 weeks or less
Part III - Society Islands in 4 weeks or less

The Ocean Posse fully respects all local laws and regulations !

90 days or less

https://oceanposse.com/traversing-french-polynesia/

moving on

The Ocean Posse is also a member of the Association des Voiliers en Polynesie (AVP)
We look forward to developing this 90 day plan in conjunction with local knowledge to minimize friction for our member yachts.

6) ZIHUATANEJO 🇲🇽 SAIL FEST
Feb 9 - 22 2025

SAIL FEST ZIHUATANEJO

Zihuatanejo Sail Fest is an annual event in the pacific coastal town of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. This festival typically takes place in early February and is a celebration of sailing, music, and community.

sAILFEST

The event features a variety of activities, including:

Sailing Regattas: Local and visiting sailors participate in races and cruises along the stunning coastline.

Live Music and Entertainment: Performances by local and visiting musicians create a festive atmosphere.

Beach Parties and Barbecues: Great food, drinks, and fun on the beach for locals and tourists alike.

Charity Fundraising: One of the primary goals of Sail Fest is to raise funds for local educational initiatives, helping to improve schools and support children's education in the area.

kids at sail fest

These bright young students, all scoring 80% or higher in school, come from low-income families and spend half their day at Casa Pacifica. There, they receive extra education in computers, English, ethics, and values—plus a hearty meal, all made possible by Por Los Niños. Sailors can sign up to sponsor a child or meet the one they’re already supporting.

To participate, for event details or to donate please visit
https://www.zihuatanejo-sailfest.com/

7) AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK

Biosecurity in Australia at a national level is run by DAFF
Each one of the states and territories has additional biosecurity and layers of compliance

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) are developing biofouling management options for international non-commercial vessels.

DAFF have released a survey to gather information on current biofouling management practices and get your feedback on possible biofouling management options. The survey will be open until 24th February 2025.

DAFF wants to hear from you if you have an opinion on biofouling management options for international non-commercial vessels entering Australia, or have entered Australia on a non-commercial vessel in the last 36 months.

The survey is anonymous and will help inform Australia's biofouling requirements for non-commercial vessels.

You can access the survey via the link here:

https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/biofouling-management-for-non-commercial-vessels

TAKE THE SURVEY

invasive sea creatures are not allowed in Australia, including the Asian green mussel, black-striped false mussel, Chinese mitten crab, European shore crab, Northern Pacific seastar, brown mussel, Harris' mud crab, and New Zealand green-lipped mussel, all considered

Invasive sea creatures (BIO-FOULING) are not allowed in Australia, including the Asian green mussel, black-striped false mussel, Chinese mitten crab, European shore crab, Northern Pacific seastar, brown mussel, Harris' mud crab, and New Zealand green-lipped mussel, all considered "marine pests"

Northern Pacific seastars are not poisonous or dangerous to people or domestic animals when finding Northern Pacific sea stars do not to return them to the water

8) OCEAN POSSE 🏆AWARD CATEGORIES

FEBRUARY 2025 PACIFIC CROSSING SEMINARS

9) OCEAN POSSE SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINARS

APP Series

HOW HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PASSAGE

seminars

WEDNESDAY Feb 5 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

THURSDAY Feb 6 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

FRIDAY Feb 7 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

SATURDAY Feb 8 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

TUESDAY Feb 11 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

WEDNESDAY Feb 12 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

THURSDAY Feb 13 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

FRIDAY Feb 14 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

RSVP HERE

Plenty of friendly marinas and berths in FIJI

10) SAVE THE DATE

NAWI ISLAND - SAVU SAVU 🇫🇯 FIJI

SAT AUG 30 '25

SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING PARTY

MEET AND MINGLE WITH THE
SOUTH PACIFIC 25′ CRUISING FLEET

11) VAVA'U BOATYARD 🇹🇴 TONGA SPONSORS
THE OCEAN POSSE

Vavau's Boat yard

18° 38.625′ S 173° 59.7483′ W

The island groups of Tonga are are some of the most beautiful in the world. But the lack of secure hurricane/cyclone storage has always meant there was that deadline, when cruisers have to leave this paradise far too soon and seek shelter in Fiji or New Zealand. The BoatYard is a brand new yacht haulage and hard stand facility in Vava’u, the first in Tonga, and has turned Tonga into a safe year-round cruising destination!

We can offer your members a 10% discount on cyclone season storage and long time hardstand storage.

BOOK A HAUL OUT NOW !

All visiting yachts will need to submit an Advance Notice of Arrivals form to info@customs.gov.to at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

12) DINGHY THEFTS
BOCAS DEL TORO 🇵🇦 PANAMA

https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/category/reports/panama/

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -
INCREASED OUTBOARD THEFTS IN BOCAS DEL TORO

Use any and all dinghy locks around fuel tanks - outboards and dinghies
this can thwart a thief - tie dinghies to a tree !

Stainless Steel tamper resistant Padlocks with a heavy chain

Dinghy and outboard motor thefts are concerns for boaters worldwide including recent data for La Cruz, Mexico !

Preventive Measures

Lift and Lock: When not in use, hoist your dinghy out of the water using a halyard and secure it with a strong lock. This makes it less accessible to potential thieves.

Use Security Devices: Employ theft protection devices such as cables, chains, and locks specifically designed for dinghies and outboard motors. These can deter opportunistic thefts.

Install Tracking Devices: Consider placing a GPS tracker on your dinghy or outboard motor. In the event of theft, this can assist in recovery by providing real-time location data.

Be Vigilant in High-Risk Areas: In regions with known theft issues, remain extra cautious. Always lock your dinghy and outboard, and avoid leaving them unattended for extended periods.

Add automatic lights and alarms to your transoms.

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE STAY INFORMED ▶

13) PILOT 🐬 WHALES

Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) – Found in warmer tropical and subtropical waters.

Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are found in warmer tropical and subtropical waters.

Pilot whales have bulbous, rounded heads with no distinct beak.
They have a dark gray or black body with a lighter patch behind the dorsal fin (sometimes called a “saddle”).
Males can grow up to 24 feet (7.3 meters) long and weigh over 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs).
Females are slightly smaller.

Pilot whales are highly social and live in tight-knit pods of 10 to 100 individuals, sometimes more.

They are known for their strong family bonds, and individuals rarely leave their pods.
Like other dolphins, they use echolocation to navigate and hunt.
Pilot whales are very intelligent and show complex communication and cooperation.

Their diet mainly consists of squid and deep-sea fish.

They are deep divers, reaching depths of up to 3,000 feet (900 meters) in search of food.

Unfortunately these whales are one of the most common species involved in mass strandings.

The exact reasons are unclear, but possible causes include navigational errors, sickness, following a distressed pod member, or human disturbances.

Rescuers Save 130 Beached Pilot Whales in Western Australia After Mass Stranding in western Australia

14) GOOD NAUTICAL

good nautical

FULANGA - LAU GROUP 🇫🇯 FIJI

APPROACH

⚓ 19° 8.9160' S, 178° 33.9415' W

Amin Village Fulanga

Stunning atoll in the Lau Group of Fiji. Fulaga is known for its stunning turquoise lagoon, limestone islets, and traditional Fijian villages.

Main Anchorage: Most yachts anchor in the southeast side of the lagoon, near the village of Muana-i-cake. The holding is usually good in sand patches.

Navigation Caution: Entering the lagoon requires careful navigation through a narrow pass with strong currents. Attempt at slack tide with a slight outflow for enhanced rudder response.

Permits & Sevusevu: Visiting yachts must present sevusevu (a traditional kava ceremony) to the village chief before anchoring or exploring.

15) MEET THE FLEET

We are Lizzy and Steve on NOT ALL THERE (we call our dinghy "definitely"), a Lagoon 421. We retired and sold everything in Alberta, Canada in 2017, moved down to Florida, bought Not All There (NAT), learned to sail, and set off in 2018. We've have been living aboard fulltime ever since. We came through the canal during COVID, and not being able to get to FP, we followed the suggestion to come to the Sea of Cortez, and we have spent the past four summers here. Now it is time to move on, and we are hard at work in LaPaz getting all the last minute details seen to before we set off. It is good to be here, and we hope to meet at least some of you as time goes on.

16) BENEFITS OF JOINING THE OCEAN POSSE
THE GESTALT COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL

Speak from your own experiences rather than giving advice or opinions
Use “I” statements instead of “You” statements –
IE: We sailed from A to B and … this is what happened to us
DON’T: “you should sail from A to B and you could do this … ”
Don’t speak in generalities be specific share a relevant past experience – both good and bad.

✔️ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts ✔️

📊 Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice ✔️

💰 Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts * ✔️

🛰️ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind ✔

🚩 Free Burgee ✔️

💰 Save with service providers and chandleries ✔️

🕵️ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in agents ✔️

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

💰 Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount ✔️

💰 Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount ✔️

🗺️ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics ✔️

📹 Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there ✔️

🌩️ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker ✔️

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

⚓ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures ✔️

🛈 Fleet Updates via email – free ✔️

🏆 Fun Award Categories ✔️

📍 Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage reports ✔️

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

💬 Free 24/7 LINE group channel ✔️

🌊 Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants ✔️

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

🚷 Always priority traffic – for participants by participants ✔️

(* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and subject to a marina’s availability )

https://oceanposse.com/boathowto/

17) BOAT HOW TO ⚙️
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

Boat How To is an online platform that provides educational resources on boat electrics, systems, and maintenance. They offer courses, guides, and technical advice for boat owners and DIY enthusiasts.

Boat How To supports Ocean Posse by providing discounts, technical guidance, and technical resources to participants.

18) YACHT PORT CARTAGENA 🇪🇸 SPAIN
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

37° 35.7733′ N 000°58.6633′ W

yACHT PORT CARTAGENA

19) ARE YOU EXPERIENCED ?

Every year, the historic city of Cartagena, Spain, transforms into a battleground where the past roars back to life in one of the most spectacular historical reenactments in the world—the Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos!

This epic festival, held every September, plunges visitors into the heart of the Second Punic War (218–201 BC), when the mighty Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca and his warriors clashed with the rising power of Rome over control of the Iberian Peninsula. The city, once a crucial Carthaginian stronghold known as Qart Hadasht, fell to the Roman general Scipio Africanus in a dramatic siege in 209 BC—an event that changed the course of history.

The Festival Experience

For ten electrifying days, Cartagena is split into two rival factions: the Carthaginians and the Romans. Thousands of costumed participants march through the streets in formation, donning detailed armor, flowing togas, and fierce war paint. The air vibrates with the clash of swords, the beat of war drums, and the cheers of the crowd.

Key Events You Can’t Miss:

🔥 Hannibal’s Oath – Witness the legendary general swear an unbreakable vow before the gods to conquer Rome, setting the stage for the coming battles.

⚔️ Naval Landings & Skirmishes – The Carthaginians storm the beaches, preparing for war, while Roman legions drill in the streets.

🏛 The Grand Roman Victory – A stunning reenactment of the siege and capture of Qart Hadasht, where Scipio's disciplined legions overwhelm the city’s defenses.

🎇 Massive Night Celebrations – Fireworks, feasts, and wild parties spill into the streets as the victors revel in their triumph.

The Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos is more than just a reenactment—it’s a time machine, a thrilling spectacle, and a city-wide party all rolled into one. If you have ever dreamed of standing on an ancient battlefield, feeling the rush of history beneath your feet, Cartagena is calling. Will you fight for Carthage, or will you march with the Roman legions? Choose your side, and relive history! 🏹🔥🏛

FOOTNOTE
We are planning our 2nd Ocean Posse party in Cartagena Spain in September so you can experience both a massive reenactment battle and a Ocean Posse yacht fest ...beats running with the bulls as a sailor. Want to visit Spain and hang out with fellow sailors ... come join us and witness historic settings.
YES THERE WILL BE FLOR DE CANA RUM !

20) BOATFIX ⚙️ OCEAN POSSE

Backed by our VIP 24/7 customer service and mechanical helpline, Boat Fix is the only global recreational GPS tracking device and monitoring service in the marine industry where client’s boats are watched around-the-clock by our Connecticut-based Monitoring and Control center to ensure a safe, secure and stress-free boating experience.

Key Features:

GPS Tracking and Alarm Monitoring:

With an industry-winning app, Boat Fix allows the boater to remotely and independently monitor and track their boat from the palm of their hand and receive important notifications on battery voltage, high water alarms and theft prevention/unauthorized use. NOAA charting and weather alerts, high and low battery voltage alarm monitoring and theft prevention give boaters piece of mind!

24/7 Mechanical and Customer Support:

Open around-the-clock, with a simple tap of the button on our app, boaters can call in with questions and mechanical issues 24/7. We answer every call, in seconds, every time!

Insurance Discounts:

Those with the Boat Fix service may have the opportunity to save on their insurance premiums which helps pay for the device and monitoring. Ask about our insurance partners!

Performance Reports:

A monthly performance report right to your email gives you important data on engine hours, miles traveled, trips, average distance, average speed, battery voltage, etc.

Contact Information:

Kevin Walsh

kevin@boatfix.com

WATCH THE PRODUCT VIDEO AND GET YOUR OCEAN POSSE DEAL

21) MUST SEE
GRANADA 🇳🇮 NICARAGUA

The city’s main plaza, Central Park, is dominated by the colorful, neoclassical facade of the Cathedral of Granada, originally dating to 1583.

Granada, Nicaragua was the sister capital to Antigua in Guatemala. During the colonial period, Granada maintained a flourishing level of commerce with ports on the Atlantic Ocean, through Lake Nicaragua ( Lago Cocibolca) and the San Juan River. As such the city was victim to many battles with invasions from English, French and Dutch pirates trying to take control by sailing up the San Juan River.

It was also where American William Walker attempted to take control of Central America as a ruling president. One of his generals, Charles Frederick Henningsen, set the city ablaze before escaping, destroying much of the ancient city and leaving printed the words “Here was Granada”.

GRANADA

Agriculture around Granada is reflected by dry forests and humid forests which grow on the sides of the nearby 1,344 meter high Mombacho volcano. The volcano is also home to a wide array of wildlife. The lake is also home to many creatures, both marine and freshwater creatures. It is the only freshwater lake in the world where sharks live.

FRESH WATER SHARKS !!!

FRESH WATER SHARK

The Midas cichlid, native to the San Juan River basin in Nicaragua and Costar Rica, is now recognized as a species complex with dozens of species, most or all of them inhabiting extremely reduced ranges. Fishing in the lake is plentiful and fishermen regularly catch guapote and mojarras, as well as sardines.

SOO MUCH TO MUST SEE

ONE OF THE MANY MUST SEE'S
ALONG THE OCEAN POSSE ROUTES

22) GETTING BACK TO YOUR VESSEL AT NIGHT

navigating your dinghy at night has pitfalls and risks

getting back to your vessel at night can be challenging

IF THIS IS YOUR YACHT

when motoring at night obstacles are the biggest threat to get back
- unused mooring balls
- anchored vessels without lights
- shallows, rocks, sandbars and reefs
- other dinghies - or dinghies tied to the transom of anchored yachts
- bridles or anchor chains extending out into your path

Looking at he reflection of anchor lights on the water in our path we can identify obstacles - keeping our eyes on the reflections of straight ahead anchor light on the water to identify possible obstructions -

we slow down at night

to avoid hitting obstacles
avoid running at full speed a
try not wake fellow mariners sleeping in their yachts

23) THE OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS TRACKING

FREE VESSEL TRACKING !

Tracking Ocean Posse

PREDICT WIND SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
ADD YOUR VESSEL TO THE GROUP TRACKER ▶

24) MEDIA PARTNERS

LATITUDE AND ATTITUDES

LATS AND ATTS

OCEAN POSSE HAS A SPECIAL DISCOUNTED SUBSCRIPTION DEAL
TO GET YOUR DEAL FOLLOW THIS LINK ▶

25) OVER 100 SPONSORSHIP MARINAS
WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

Marina with Ocean Posse Discounts

🇧🇿 Hummingbird Marina – Placencia – Belize

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize

🇧🇿 Hakim Marina & Boatyard – Belize

🇮🇹 Marina Molo Vecchio – Italy

Check this map for 100+ Ocean Posse friendly marinas near you

🇹🇳 Marina Bizerte – Tunisia

MARINAS

26) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

ABERNATHY - PANAMA
BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
BOAT HOW TO
CABRALES BOAT YARD
CENTENARIO CONSULTING - PANAMA CANAL
CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
DIGITAL YACHT
DOWNWIND MARINE
EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
FOUNTAINE PAJOT
FLOR DE CAÑA
HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
MARINA PAPAGAYO
NAVILY

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
ONE SAILS MEXICO
PANAMA YACHT BROKER
PREDICT WIND
SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
SHAFT SHARK
SUN POWERED YACHTS
WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
WIKUS MARINE AUTO
WESTMARINE PRO
YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

27) LET'S PLAY CIVILIZATION 🗼

🏴‍☠️ Ocean Posse Civilization Game Night! 🎮🌍

Ahoy, seafarers ! ⛵⚓

Ready to conquer the oceans—one turn at a time? Join your fellow Ocean Posse adventurers for a weekly (or twice-weekly!) Sid Meier’s Civilization game night!

📅 When: Monday Night @ 1900-2100 UTC

🌍 Where: Internet Group Play (Online via Starlink or Wifi)

🎮 Game: Civilization VI

🎙️ Comms: dedicated LINE group OCEAN POSSE GAMERS

⚔️ Goal: Fun, strategy, and friendly competition!

Fair winds and wise decisions

KOSMOS - Eric (Game Runner)
GALATEA - Mark
MAISON DE SANTE - Keenan
CARINTHIA - Dietmar
QUE VENDRA - Maciek

28) THE CANAL🐊 CROCODILES

PANAMA CANAL CROC

There are crocodiles in the canal!
The freshwater sections of the Panama Canal, particularly Gatun Lake, are home to American crocodiles. These crocs have been spotted swimming near ships, lurking around locks, and even basking on the canal’s banks. Despite the heavy ship traffic, they thrive in the canal’s ecosystem. So, while captains worry about navigating tight locks, they might also have a few prehistoric spectators watching from the water!

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

29) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

30) BECOME A SPONSOR OF THE OCEAN POSSE

1. Brand Exposure & Marketing

Gain visibility among a large network of boaters, sailors, and marine enthusiasts.

Get featured on the Ocean Posse website, newsletters, and at events

Build credibility within the yachting and sailing community.

2. Direct Access to Yacht Owners & Cruisers

Reach a targeted audience of sailors, yacht owners, and marine businesses.

Offer exclusive deals, services, or discounts to members.

Increase sales of boating-related products and services.

3. Strengthen Your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Show commitment to marine safety, conservation, and education.

Engage employees and customers in meaningful sustainability efforts.

Improve brand reputation and trust among eco-conscious consumers.

4. Networking & Partnership Opportunities

Connect with like-minded organizations and industry leaders.

Gain access to Ocean Posse events, seminars, and meet-ups.

Foster long-term relationships with businesses in the marine sector.

Explore sponsorship options
CONTACT US NOW

(Y)OUR MISSION

Make global yacht travel easier, more transparent, better informed and fun
Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas & service providers
Document and pass on relevant information to help fellow yacht owners and operators in a timely manner
Reduce risk, identify risks, document risks
Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules

SY Serenity a couple of the 4,000+ happy participants in the Ocean Posse

Joining the Ocean Posse connects you with a knowledgeable and resourceful community of seafarers who embrace the freedom of sailing without rigid schedules. Whether you're crossing oceans or exploring new coastlines, the Ocean Posse enhances your journey with shared insights, camaraderie, and a passion for your maritime adventure.▶

FLEET UPDATE 2025-02-04

FLEET UPDATE 2025-02-04

"Better to be a dog in times of tranquility than a human in times of chaos."

- Feng Menglong - Stories to Awaken the World

Old Spanish fort Santiago in Portobelo 🇵🇦 PANAMA MY TIDINGS OF JOY

LATEST NEWS

Pictures Of the Week
Portobelo 🇵🇦 Panama
Captain Ron 🌪️ Award Entry
Galley Goddess🏆 Award
Ocean Posse Events & Gatherings
Ocean Posse South Pacific Seminars
Save The Date Nawi Island - Savu Savu - Fiji
Panama Canal Locks Time-lapse
Hazzard Marine Georgetown
Anchorage Report Bahia Honda 🇵🇦 Panama
Mysterious Creatures Of The Sea
Good Nautical Glovers Reef 🇧🇿 Belize
6 Months Of Work Done For You
Shaft Shark ⚙️sponsors The Ocean Posse
Marina Puerto Bahia 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic
Boat On & Ocean Posse
Joya De Cerén - La Libertad 🇸🇻 El Salvador
Why I Have A Lot Of Jerrycans
Smart Video Of The Week !
The 🗺️ Canal Museum

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

CHART YOUR COURSE TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC

16 hours of live Seminars to prepare you for your Ultimate Adventure!

Talk with local expert, get essential insights, these seminars will guide you through every step of your South Pacific journey. ▶

🇨🇱 🇵🇳 🇪🇨 🇵🇫 🇰🇮 🇺🇸 🇨🇰 🇳🇺 🇦🇸 🇼🇸 🇼🇫 🇹🇴 🇫🇯 🇻🇺 🇳🇨 🇸🇧 🇳🇿 🇳🇫 🇦🇺 🇺🇸 🇲🇽 🇬🇹 🇸🇻 🇭🇳 🇳🇮 🇨🇷
🇵🇦 🇪🇨 🇨🇴 🇯🇲 🇰🇾 🇧🇿 🇹🇨 🇧🇸 🇨🇺 🇩🇴 🇪🇸 🇬🇮 🇲🇦 🇵🇹 🇮🇨 🇨🇻 🇲🇶 🇩🇲 🇬🇵 🇲🇸 🇰🇳 🇳🇱 🇻🇮 🇵🇷 🇩🇴

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

SY OLA NANI ⚓ 19°21.1816' N 081°22.29' W

Governors Creek Anchorage 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands

Flor de Caña Rum delivered to Phillipe @ CARINTHIA

The view of Portobello 🇵🇦 Panama

The sampling of rum 🍹 has begun

MY GRATITUDE 🇺🇸 detour to Colombia

Burgees delivered and picked up

Good morning from Isla Chichime San Blas Panama

Relaxed & underway

Alan 🇳🇿 SV Ora Pai new to the Ocean Posse

MV SERENITY 🇺🇸 Kurt & Kylie - Horizon 76

At the registration desk - Ocean Posse Event in Shelter Bay 🍹 Panama

2) PORTOBELO 🇵🇦 PANAMA

Along the Caribbean coast of Panama, Portobelo is a place where history, culture, and seafaring traditions converge. Once a bustling hub of Spanish trade and piracy, today, this small town is a hidden gem for sailors, explorers.

Portobelo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well-preserved forts, clear blue waters, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture make it a fascinating stop. The town's rich history promise a remarkable experience.

Portobelo was founded in 1597 by the Spanish as an essential part of their transatlantic trade network. Gold, silver, and precious goods from Peru and Bolivia passed through Portobelo before being shipped to Spain. The wealth of the town made it a prime target for pirates, including the infamous Sir Francis Drake, who attacked the settlement multiple times before finally succumbing to dysentery and being buried at sea nearby.

Over the centuries, the town changed hands multiple times, saw the rise and fall of colonial power, and played a significant role in the African diaspora. Today, echoes of its storied past remain in its ruins, its traditions, and its people.

Chart Bahía y Ciudad de Portobelo en la Provincia de Panamá o del Istmo 1748

For yacht captains and blue-water sailors, Portobelo offers a strategic and scenic anchorage. Located just 20 nautical miles from Colón and the entrance to the Panama Canal, it serves as a natural staging ground for those preparing to transit the canal or explore the San Blas Islands.

Black Jesus of Portobelo, also known as the Nazareno of Portobelo or the Cristo Negro, is one of the most revered religious icons in Panama. It is housed in the Iglesia de San Felipe in the historic port town of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Caribbean coast.

The origins of the Black Jesus statue are shrouded in mystery. Several legends surround its arrival in Portobelo:

Shipwreck Legend – One popular story claims that the statue was discovered by local fishermen after washing ashore from a shipwreck.

Miraculous Journey – Another tale suggests that the statue was being transported to another destination but mysteriously remained in Portobelo, leading locals to believe it was meant to stay.

Spanish Trade Route – Some historians argue that the statue was brought by Spanish missionaries or traders during the colonial period, when Portobelo was a key hub for gold and silver shipments.

MV Tidings of Joy - SY Brigadoon III & MY Summer Breeze

3) CAPTAIN RON
AWARD ENTRY

"🛥️⚓️ How it Started- the Plan 🌊🌊Our 1,259 nautical mile offshore journey from 🇵🇦Panama to 🇺🇸Florida - non-stop 8 days, 24/7.

🌊 Paul & Heather’s Adventure: Day #1793: The Wildest Yet! 🚤

After mapping the perfect weather window, confirmed by top meteorologists, we left Colón, Panama, at sunset on Thursday, Jan 23. Destination: Florida. 1,260 nautical miles. 🌎

But the ocean had other plans… Relentless 25 knot winds, 10 foot waves every 9 seconds meant as soon as we thrashed up one wave, it would crash over our boat and right when we were almost through it, another one would immediately come again. Nordhavn boats are meant to plow through anything safely, but it was rough!"

"🏝️Lifesavers in San Andrés, Colombia🇨🇴:

Just before losing Starlink, Heather activated her Colombian and world network of legends texting 3 key people, quickly explaining the situation and that we might need help getting into and settled in Colombia. She also spoke via VHF in all the chaos at the helm to a local cargo ship captain who was returning to San Andres (thank goodness she is fluent in Spanish!) This angel followed us for 15 hours to make sure we got safely to shore – especially critical as we did not have electricity at this point. The result of her amazing #dialafriend efforts resulted in the Coast Guard, marina owner, and port officials all prepped and waiting for us, while we were escorted into port, secured dock space (the ONLY space available), and cleared customs like VIPs.

Blessed to all who helped us. (Especially Miguel, Ann, Fer, Nana, Catalina, Nene) Exhausted but so grateful.

PS. For anyone that knows Heather - she LOVES Colombia and has a strong network of dear friends, some of course even on this small island 80 miles off the coast of Nicaragua in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. We are safe. #gratitude "

MV GRATITUDE 🇺🇸 Heather & Paul - Nordhavn 43'

4) GALLEY GODDESS🏆 AWARD

70+ Crab Rangoon' shared at the Ocean Posse Caribbean Yacht festival easily won he Galley Goddess award in Panama - Time from serving to disappearing 300 seconds - Congratulations !!! Main ingredients Wonton wrapper, cream cheese, crab meat scallions, garlic ...

SY BASIK 🇺🇸 Linh & Teal - Mastermold Composite 43.5
watch and subscribe to their youtube channel @
https://www.youtube.com/OnboardLifestyle

5) OCEAN POSSE AWARD CATEGORIES

THE 90 DAYS TRAVERSAL OF 🇵🇫 FRENCH POLYNESIA

Poke Bowl with Yellow Fin Tuna caught by the Captain ❤️❤️🥂

SY REMEDY 🇺🇸 Natalie & Karl Robertson & Caine 45'

6) OCEAN POSSE EVENTS & GATHERINGS

Meeting adventurers, sailors, and explorers is a great way to learn, share knowledge, and build lasting connections while embracing the spirit of exploration.

With over 100 yachts and 250 adventurous souls the Caribbean yacht fest was one of the largest gatherings for the Ocean Posse ... EVER !
Thank you all - Save the date for 2026 January 31 / Feb 1 2026

The Gazebo at Shelter Bay Marina in full swing

The life raft demo in the Shelter Bay Pool

Shelter Bay Marina filled to the brim !!!

"Come in here, dear boy, have a cigar, you're gonna go far

You're gonna fly, you're never gonna die

You're gonna make it if you try, they're gonna love you !!"

Thorsten & Jeff are at it

7) OCEAN POSSE SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINARS

HOW HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PASSAGE

FEBRUARY 2025 PACIFIC CROSSING SEMINARS

WEDNESDAY Feb 5 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

THURSDAY Feb 6 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

FRIDAY Feb 7 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

SATURDAY Feb 8 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

TUESDAY Feb 11 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

WEDNESDAY Feb 12 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

THURSDAY Feb 13 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

FRIDAY Feb 14 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

RSVP HERE

Dealing with atolls - best practices * in and out

8) SAVE THE DATE

NAWI ISLAND - SAVU SAVU - FIJI

SAT AUG 30 2025

SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING PARTY

MEET AND MINGLE WITH THE
SOUTH PACIFIC 25′ CRUISING FLEET

9) CANAL LOCKS ⛵ TIME-LAPSE

MY ALGONQUIN 🇨🇦 Diana - Nordhavn 43'
Passage South to North ( Pacific - Atlantic) 2025

OCEAN POSSE CANAL AGENT

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

CENTENARIO CONSULTING

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376 WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

10) HAZZARD MARINE GEORGETOWN 🇺🇸 NC SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

33° 21.4388′ N 079°16.8083′ W

We welcome the Ocean Posse with a 15 % discount on slip rates !

Welcome to GEORGETOWN

Amenities

Social Areas: Captain lounge with deck overlooking marina
Heads/Showers: Yes, climate controlled
Laundry: Yes, climate controlled
Pool/Grills: No
Internet/Wi-Fi: onSpot Wi-Fi
Cable: 200 MBPS wireless speed- suitable for Hi Def streaming
Pet Friendly: Yes

Nearby

Restaurants: Georgetown Historic District, 4 blocks away, easy walking –

Shops: Georgetown Historic District, 4 blocks away, easy walking – –

Historic Tours: Georgetown Historic District, 4 blocks away, easy walking —

Recreation: One block walk to East Bay Park with exercise path, tennis courts, playground and dog park.

Golf: 7 miles

Beach: 15 minute drive to Pawleys Island

Nearest Towns: Georgetown (4 blocks), Charleston (61 Miles), and Myrtle Beach (33 Miles)

Transportation: Taxi Available, Uber

11) ANCHORAGE REPORT
BAHIA HONDA 🇵🇦 PANAMA

SV Remedy, SV Triaena, SV Sancerre making a unsuccessful provision run into the Pueblo of Bahia Honda.

At the local "shop"

Shore to bay view

Local piggies rummaging

Old School Communications

Off-the-beaten-path Bahía Honda is a secluded and picturesque bay on the Pacific coast of Panama, located in the Veraguas Province. It is known for its deep, well-protected anchorage, lush tropical surroundings.

Anchorage: Excellent holding with protection from swells and winds, making it a safe stop for cruisers heading along the Panamanian coast.

Surroundings: The area is surrounded by dense rain forest, small islands, and mangroves, providing a remote and wild cruising experience.

Local Community: The bay has a small fishing community, and some locals may paddle out to greet visiting boats, offering to trade fresh produce or seafood.

Wildlife: Due to its proximity to Coiba National Park, the waters around Bahía Honda are home to abundant marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and even whales during migration seasons.

SY REMEDY 🇺🇸 Natalie & Karl Robertson & Caine 45'

12) MYSTERIOUS CREATURES OF THE SEA
Who is dis doin' this synthetic type of alpha beta psychedelic funkin'?

"If you zoom in you will see this translucent sea creature with purple dots running its length. Is this a type of jellyfish? Any thoughts?"

QUESTION by Natalie on SY REMEDY

MY MARTINI Bryan & Mary -
I think it is squid eggs- we saw something similar in the sea of Cortez

"This is a Portugese Man of War. 💀"

A Portuguese Man o' War is a highly venomous marine organism often mistaken for a jellyfish but actually a colonial siphonophore. It is composed of a colony of specialized polyps working together as one organism.

Floating Gas Bladder

The Man o’ War has a translucent, gas-filled bladder that sits above the water, acting like a sail.

It can be blue, purple, or pink and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.

It drifts with the wind and currents rather than actively swimming.

Long, Venomous Tentacles:

It has long, trailing tentacles that can reach up to 165 feet (50 meters), though they are usually around 30 feet (10 meters).

These tentacles contain nematocysts, specialized cells that inject potent venom to paralyze and kill fish and small marine creatures.

Venom and Sting:

The sting can cause severe pain, red welts, nausea, breathing difficulties, and, in rare cases, cardiac arrest.

Even detached tentacles can sting for hours or days after being separated from the main body.

First aid includes rinsing with seawater, removing tentacle fragments, and using hot water to neutralize venom.

13) GOOD NAUTICAL

GLOVERS REEF 🇧🇿 BELIZE

Approach

⚓ 16° 42.9850' N 087° 51.0000' W

Glover’s Reef Atoll is a remote and pristine coral atoll located about 45 miles off the coast of Belize, forming part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of only four atolls in the Caribbean, offering some of the most spectacular marine biodiversity in the region. ⚓ Anchoring: Anchor in Southwest Caye where there’s good holding in sand and protection from the trade winds.

14) BENEFITS OF JOINING THE OCEAN POSSE
6 MONTHS OF WORK DONE FOR YOU
DIGITAL CHARTS

Over 500 Gigs of mbtiles and digital charts
https://oceanposse.com/digital-charts/ ▶

✔️ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts ✔️

📊 Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice ✔️

💰 Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts * ✔️

🛰️ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind ✔

🚩 Free Burgee ✔️

💰 Save with service providers and chandleries ✔️

🕵️ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in agents ✔️

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

💰 Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount ✔️

💰 Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount ✔️

🗺️ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics ✔️

📹 Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there ✔️

🌩️ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker ✔️

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

⚓ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures ✔️

🛈 Fleet Updates via email – free ✔️

🏆 Fun Award Categories ✔️

📍 Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage reports ✔️

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

💬 Free 24/7 LINE group channel ✔️

🌊 Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants ✔️

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

🚷 Always priority traffic – for participants by participants ✔️

(* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and subject to a marina’s availability )

If you are part of the Ocean Posse - please take our quick interview and let us know about your journey !

15) SHAFT SHARK ⚙️
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

The SHAFT SHARK line cutter is a serrated edge circular blade machined from high quality (316L) type stainless steel. It is easy to install; no drilling

Shaft Shark cuts long lines

What are Long Lines?

If you encounter a longline at night the shaft shark will cut the line and prevent this

Captain Ron -Wrapped Prop - Ocean Posse Panama Posse award

16) MARINA PUERTO BAHIA 🇩🇴 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

https://oceanposse.com/marina-puerto-bahia/

19° 11.6383′ N 069° 21.3283′ W

ON SITE AMENITIES

On-Site Customs & Immigration
30 and 50 amps, 125 and 250 volts, 60 Hz
Water
High Speed Pump Fueling Pier
24-Hour Security
Restrooms and Showers
Laundry Room
Mini-Market
Garbage Pickup
Free Internet Access
Bars and Restaurants
Infinity Pools
Gym
Spa and Beauty Salon
Taxi and Car Rental
Water Taxi to Cayo Levantado Island
Parking

MARINA PUERTO BAHIA 🇩🇴 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE 19° 11.6383′ N 069° 21.3283′ W

We are pleased to sponsor the Ocean Posse with a special 15% discount on Winter rates (High Season) !

Gavi Roustand

Harbour Master

C: +1 809 801 9756

E: marina@puertobahiasamana.com

Puerto Bahía is a full service marina in Samaná, Northeast of Dominican Republic, offering slips for vessels up to 150ft LOA and access to boutique hotel amenities.

17) MEET THE FLEET

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

We dive into the personal experiences, lessons learned, and unique perspectives of life at sea with , exploring what it means to live the journey.

This is your way to introduce yourselves to your peer group . Follow this link

TAKE THE INTERVIEW
AND MAKE A MARK ▶

Meet the fleet and give us a peek into your remarkable life of exploring ▶

18) BOAT ON & OCEAN POSSE

BoatOn is a start-up that aims to become the benchmark solution for simplifying boat management 🫰 while reducing their environmental impact 🌱 It has won several awards in Cannes Yachting Festival and other business events and is supported by Bpifrance and the French Ministry of the Sea.

Our clients include fleet managers and boat owners from small yachts to commercial vessels. We offer 4 main services:

BoatOn Book: one of the simplest boat management software on the market (check it out here: https://youtu.be/mv7cXEu-S1k?si=BOjf7rF200ZkGa7O)

BoatOn Consulting: experts with more than 40 years of technical management experience in the maritime sector, available for inventories, maintenance plans, technical audits, etc.

BoatOn Academy: training courses on CMMS, CSRD, the ISM code and compliance with the MLC, the fundamentals of the energy transition, etc.

BoatOn Assur: insurance brokerage to help our customers make savings

Bertrand Gerbaud

Fondateur

+33 6 78 76 36 98 I boaton.fr & stockon.fr

WATCH THE PRODUCT VIDEO AND GET YOUR OCEAN POSSE DEAL

19) MUST SEE
JOYA DE CERÉN - LA LIBERTAD 🇸🇻 EL SALVADOR

The "Pompeii of the Americas"

Before the village was abandoned around AD 600 about 200 people lived in this Pre-Columbian Maya farming village.

The eruption of the Loma Caldera volcano caused 33 feet / 10 meters of debris to settle over the site. The site was remarkably well preserved due to the low temperature of ash and very fast ash-fall, a a thick layer having blanketed the town in the space of a few hours.

For sailors exploring the Pacific coast of Central America, a detour inland to Joya de Cerén offers a rare glimpse into the everyday life of the ancient Maya. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often called the "Pompeii of the Americas" because it was suddenly buried under volcanic ash around 600 AD, preserving an entire farming village in remarkable detail.

A Window into Maya Daily Life – Unlike most Maya ruins that showcase grand temples and palaces, Joya de Cerén reveals homes, storage buildings, workshops, and fields, providing an unparalleled look at how common people lived over 1,400 years ago.

Exceptional Preservation – The site remains frozen in time, with cooking utensils, crops, and even footprints left behind in the ash.

UNESCO Heritage Site – Recognized for its unique historical significance, this is one of the best-preserved pre-Hispanic settlements in the Americas.

THE MANY MUST SEE'S ALONG
THE OCEAN POSSE ROUTES

20) WHY I HAVE A LOT OF JERRYCANS

Sailors heading to the South Pacific carry 10+ jerry cans for diesel on deck

Extended Passages with Limited Fuel Availability
Backup for Unexpected Conditions
Generator & Systems Usage
Emergency Reserves
Expensive Fuel at Remote Islands
Unavailable Fuel and Fuel Shortages in remote places
Fueling Logistics in Remote Anchorages / no Fuel Dock
Longer Stays at Anchor
Island "Trade & Barter" Economy
Take on fuel at an inland fuel station
Validate fuel sales via quantity checks
Pre-filter fuel to prevent fuel tank contamination
Easily Help other vessels in case of fuel needs

Real-World Example:

In Tonga’s Ha’apai Islands

Dinghy ashore
Walk to the police station
Borrow or flag down a pickup truck
Drive 5 miles to a small fuel depot
Fill jerry cans with fuel filter
Drive back, carry them to the dinghy, and then transfer fuel at anchor

This type of fuel run is part of the adventure when cruising the South Pacific, reinforcing the importance of carrying extra jerry cans on deck for when fuel runs aren’t possible !

21) THE OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS TRACKING

FREE VESSEL TRACKING !

PREDICT WIND SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

22) MEDIA PARTNERS

OCEAN NAVIGATOR

OCEAN POSSE HAS A SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION DEAL
TO GET YOUR DEAL FOLLOW THIS LINK ▶

23) OVER 107 SPONSORSHIP MARINAS
WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

🇧🇿 Hummingbird Marina – Placencia – Belize

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize

🇧🇿 Hakim Marina & Boatyard – Belize

🇮🇹 Marina Molo Vecchio – Italy

Check this map for 100+ Ocean Posse friendly marinas near you

🇹🇳 Marina Bizerte – Tunisia

24) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

ABERNATHY - PANAMA
BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
BOAT HOW TO
CABRALES BOAT YARD
CENTENARIO CONSULTING - PANAMA CANAL
CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
DIGITAL YACHT
DOWNWIND MARINE
EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
FOUNTAINE PAJOT
FLOR DE CAÑA
HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
MARINA PAPAGAYO
NAVILY

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
ONE SAILS MEXICO
PANAMA YACHT BROKER
PREDICT WIND
SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
SHAFT SHARK
SUN POWERED YACHTS
WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
WIKUS MARINE AUTO
WESTMARINE PRO
YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

25) VIDEO OF THE WEEK

The Chinese Power Behind the Panama Canal

Power and influence details behind the Panama Canal -
this video dives into areas of security, logistics intelligence and other Panama canal issues ▶

26) THE 🗺️ CANAL MUSEUM

https://museodelcanal.com

The Panama Canal Museum, officially known as the Museo del Canal Interoceánico de Panamá, is a non-profit institution located in Panama City's historic Casco Viejo district. Established in 1997, the museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the historical memory of Panama and its canal.

Housed in a beautifully restored building that once served as the headquarters for the original French canal company, the museum presents excellent exhibits on the famous waterway, framed in their historical and political context.

The museum's exhibits cover various stages of the canal's history, including the initial French construction attempt, the subsequent efforts by the United States, and the eventual transfer of control to Panama. Visitors can explore a range of artifacts, maps, and photographs that illustrate the canal's development and its impact on the country.

For those interested in visiting, the museum is situated in Plaza Catedral, also known as Independence Plaza, at the intersection of 5th and 6th streets. The building itself has a rich history, having served various roles since its construction between 1874 and 1875, including as the Grand Hotel and later as offices for the French canal company.

In addition to the Museo del Canal, the Miraflores Visitor Center offers another perspective on the canal's operations. Located at the Miraflores Locks, the center provides an opportunity to observe ships transiting the locks and features exhibits on the canal's history and functioning.

Both institutions offer valuable insights into the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and its significance in global trade and Panamanian history.

27) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

(Y)OUR MISSION

Make global yacht travel easier, more transparent, better informed and fun
Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas & service providers
Document and pass on relevant information to help fellow yacht owners and operators in a timely manner
Reduce risk, identify risks, document risks
Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules

one of the 4,000+ happy participants in the Ocean Posse

MEET THE FLEET INTERVIEW

Ahoy, Ocean Posse adventurers! JUST A FEW QUESTIONS

We want to feature you and your incredible journey in our upcoming “Meet the Fleet” series! This is your chance to share your story, inspire fellow cruisers, and showcase the spirit of maritime exploration that defines the Ocean Posse community.

We dive into the personal experiences, lessons learned, and unique perspectives of life at sea with , exploring what it means to live the journey.
This is your way to introduce yourselves to your peer group .

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

AHOY - WHAT IS (ARE) YOU(R) NAME(S)

What’s the name of your boat, and does it have a special story behind it?

Where are you currently sailing, and what’s been your favorite destination so far?

What motivated you to take on the cruising lifestyle, and how has it shaped your perspective on life?

Do you see the cruising lifestyle as a personal journey, a shared adventure, or something else entirely? Why?

What’s one moment at sea that changed the way you see the world?

What’s been the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned while living and traveling on your vessel?

How do you connect with the cultures and communities you visit? Any memorable interactions that left a lasting impression?

else comments Any

What’s still on your bucket list?

Anything else - any comments - suggestions - questions or fun quotes?

Upload your pictures ( you / your spouse / friends / family / boat / destination / your vessel at anchor )

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 5 files.

Share the adventure ! Do you know a fellow sailor or maritime enthusiast who wants to stay informed with the latest fleet updates ?

FLEET UPDATE 2025-01-19

“I felt just the way any other boy would a felt when I see that wreck laying there so mournful and lonesome in the middle of the river. I wanted to aboard of her and slink around a little.”

"Huck" Finn - Mark Twain

1865 Sub Marine Explorer a Civil War-era submarine is now a shipwreck in the
Archipelago of the Las Perlas 🇵🇦 Panama. Image by SY DISTANT DRUMMER ▶

LATEST NEWS

Refer A Friend
The Wolf Moon 🌑
Picture Of The Year Entry
Gatherings
Event @ Club De Pesca 🇨🇴 Cartagena
Ocean Posse Caribbean Party
South Pacific Seminars
Marina V&V - Quintana Roo 🇲🇽
New Global Sponsor Navily Pro
Rounding Punta Mala 🇵🇦 Panama
Culebra Cays - W 🇲🇽 Mexico
Titusville Marina 🇺🇸 FL
Marquesan For All !
Meet The Fleet SY Galatea
Scarlet Macaws 🦜
Sunrise 🌅 Tikal 🇬🇹 Guatemala
Mexico Shipping Update

REFER A FRIEND

Invite them to learn about our community of explorers by subscribing today here ▶

CHART YOUR COURSE TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC

16 hours of live and on demand zoom Seminars to prepare you for your Ultimate Adventure!

Talk with local expert, get essential insights, these seminars will guide you through every step of your South Pacific journey. ▶

MEET THE FLEET MINGLE & ENJOY
FUN + RUM
2 EVENTS

FIESTA NÁUTICA AT CLUB DE PESCA, CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 JANUARY 25TH, 2025 ▶

CARIBBEAN PARTY IN SHELTER BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA Feb 1 2035 ▶

261 YACHTS FROM 24 COUNTRIES ARE IN THE POSSE

1) WOLF MOON 🌑
PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Wolf Moon Boquete Panama
MV TIDINGS OF JOY

Something about Wolf Moon? SY EOTI

Buenaventura Panamá Marina… new holiday present of a camera for our upcoming crossing of the Pacific. 🌑 SY PATHFINDER

Wolf moon over Zihuatanejo! Serenaded by a horn player and jazz singer from shore! Life is grand! - SY DAWN PATROL

In Bocas del Toro, the primary mode of transport is by water and for the local kids, this means taking their dugout canoes and paddling to school…

Wolf Moon🌑 Shelter Bay Marina
by MV SUMMER BREEZE

🌑 La Playita, Panama MV KOSMOS

Shelter Bay Panama 🌑 MV MARTINI

Wolf Moon in the San Blas Islands 🌑 by SY SERENITY

2) PICTURE OF THE YEAR
AWARD ENTRY

Culebra Caye - Bahía de la Ascensión 🇲🇽 MX - yes there was a pot of gold, and yes we have already spent it on boat parts... SY PERCEPTION

3) OCEAN POSSE AWARD CATEGORIES

BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
PICTURE OF THE YEAR
YODA OF THE YEAR
SPEEDY AWARD
THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
sponsored by NOVAMAR
COURAGE AWARD
CLEAN OCEAN AWARD

MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR
HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION AWARD
sponsored by PREDICT WIND
GALLEY GOD(ESS)
GOOD SAMARITAN
BOAT YOGA POSE
SANDCASTLE OF THE YEAR

5) EVENT @ CLUB DE PESCA 🇨🇴 CARTAGENA

4) OCEAN POSSE EVENTS & GATHERINGS

Meeting adventurers, sailors, and explorers is a great way to learn, share knowledge, and build lasting connections while embracing the spirit of exploration.

After After party onboard MV Tidings of joy

Cruiser Lounge the OpenCPN install sessions with Rob Murray SY AVANT

Ocean Posse gathering @ Shelter Bay Marina

At Restaurant ANY'S in Zihuatanejo MX
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew made from hominy (dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali), meat (commonly pork, chicken, or turkey), and various seasonings. The dish is often garnished with toppings such as radishes, onions, avocado, lime, and chili powder, which add flavor and texture.

GALATEA JUNO Mark and Sarah got their burgee for SV Galatea

Juno 🐾 Mark and Sarah got their burgee 🇺🇸 SY Galatea

SAILORS AND CRUISERS NETWORKING PARTY
° CARTAGENA ° COLOMBIA °

SATURDAY January 25th, 2025 @ 18:00

LOCATION CLUB DE PESCA @
Fuerte de San Sebastián del Pastelillo ▶

OCEAN POSSE FEAST
WHAT TO BRING ▶

https://oceanposse.com/events/san-diego-seminar-series/

6) OCEAN POSSE CARIBBEAN PARTY

24-25′ PANAMA POSSE KICK OFF WEEKEND 🇲🇽 BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO WHEN: December 4-8 2024 WHERE: Barra de Navidad, MX at the Marina Puerto de la Navidad RSVP PLEASE AND CONTACT THE MARINA DIRECTLY TO RESERVE A SLIP

SHELTER BAY MARINA 🇵🇦 PANAMA

MEET THE FLEET EVENT OPEN TO ALL

09:00 – 12:00 Swap Meet @ Gazebo $1 Donation
12:00 - 21:00 Exhibits and Yacht Showings
14:30 Panama Canal Best Practices
15:00 Going Back To Cali Or Sea Of Cortez
15:30 Opencpn Sat Charts / Installation Usage
16:00 International Yacht Brokerage
16:30 South Pacific Posse Beyond Bora Bora
17:00 Safety And Security
17:30 Predict Wind
17:15 Open Bar By Flor De Caña
17:45 Sunset & Local Folkloric Dance
18:00 Pig Roast / Pot Luck +the Posse Feast
19:00 Dance / Mexican Train / Texas Hold'em

7) OCEAN POSSE SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINARS

FEBRUARY 2025 PACIFIC CROSSING SEMINARS

WEDNESDAY Feb 5 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

THURSDAY Feb 6 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

FRIDAY Feb 7 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

SATURDAY Feb 8 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

TUESDAY Feb 11 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

WEDNESDAY Feb 13 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

THURSDAY Feb 14 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

FRIDAY Feb 15 2025 @ 19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

RSVP HERE

Going to Fatu Hiva Marquesas before checking in at the Port of Entry ?
Find the reasons why NOT to attempt this ▶

8) MARINA V&V - QUINTANA ROO 🇲🇽
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

21° 14.29' N 086° 48.2016' W

Marina V&V, is located in front of the second longest barrier reef in the world. It has an extension of 1.5 kilometers and has the capacity to receive 176 boats of up tp 200 feet. We offer world-class services with the best personnel trained in customer service and attention, with the willingness to attend to your needs

WATCH THE APP DEMO AND GET YOUR PRO DISCOUNT

Concierge
VIP Concierge service is available to you 365 days a year from 8-5 pm during your stay with us (applies to boats over 100 feet).
Electricity
Electricity service with the amperage required for your boat.
Captains Room
Captains who visit our facilities can have time for recreation and rest. Enabled with the following services:

Billiards
Video game
Music
Football
CABLE TV Sky Premier TV
Immigration Services
Immigration services for vessels arriving from abroad that plan to arrive and sail from Mexico.
Fuel dock
The only marina with a fuel station that has a 0% water certification, available from 7 in the morning until 7 at night.

9) NEW GLOBAL SPONSOR

NAVILY PRO SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

Discounted Navily Premium subscriptions for all Ocean Posse Participants

NAVILY / NAVILY APP Key Features:

Navily’s over 1 Million users shape a global platform that connects boaters and marinas, inspiring a spirit of solidarity that’s as vast as the seas they navigate.

Information on anchorages and marinas

The first thing people do on Navily is consult information about anchorages and marinas. A simple map shows points of interest which you can click on to have access to the destination’s page. On this page you’ll find all relevant information added by users along the years through pictures and reviews.

Contribute to Navily

Can’t find the anchorage where you’re comfortably anchored on the map? No problem—just add it! Snap a photo, leave a review, and share details about the seabed, wind and swell protection, and nearby amenities.

As you explore new destinations, keep enriching the map with photos, reviews, and corrections.

10) ROUNDING PUNTA MALA 🇵🇦 PANAMA

TRIP REPORT BY MY KOSMOS

Some notes from our passage through the Gulf of Panama to La Playita marina:

We had 2-3 foot following seas as we approached Punta Mala, which combined with the 2-3 head seas and wind as we rounded Punta Mala. Rounding and turning a bit west by going on the inside of Iguana Island reduced the combination effect. Conditions simply resolved to head seas and winds as we headed almost due north. No big surprise, but well, I believe Punta Mala is a good name.

We approached Vista Mar Marina area around 1900. We took this option to get close to shore asap to minimize the prevailing head seas. About 1.5nm offshore in about 35-40 feet of water running parallel to the coast we encountered about 10 fishing boats over the course of about 2 hours. None had AIS, but were well lit with light signals for trawling fishing. They had trawling nets out, and were doing some circles and zig zags. There were also about 7-8 markers with dim flashing strobe lights, which were hard to see until about 0.25nm away. I am not sure what they were for. It took several course changes to avoid the fishing boats and the strobe light markers. Also a random panga got with about 100 feet of us at one point.

We then proceeded to navigate through the ship anchorage area to get to La Playita marina at sunrise, still favoring being north to avoid the head seas. This was a densely packed anchorage with at least 50 targets in a 1nm radius. The Marine Traffic App was helpful to scout the area remotely. I saw hundreds of targets in the area, a testament to the 14,000-15,000 vessels that transit the canal each year. AIS helped us resolve the picture, and we were able to proactively set waypoints. Then we weaved our way through with radar and AIS providing confirmations. There was minimal moving traffic, with only 3 vessels actively moving near our route. Also almost no radio chatter on 16.

Currently La Playita looks a little more than 50% full. There are some wakes from the ferry based in the marina, and light surge. We did contract ahead and got confirmation of space, but we did not have a specific slip assigned. We came through the break water and marina staff was there as we decided to just take the first slip we could fit into, and they were happy with that. First night free for Posse members, have your member number handy. The anchorage currently has about 5 boats and space for more.

We have Erick Galvez as a canal agent and he had his assistant Jose drive us to the port captain and immigration offices, which are at Flamenco Marina area. Playita is about 3km from Flamenco. Immigration did require everyone to be there in person, since they take your picture as part of the process. Check-in took us about 20 minutes with no lines to slow us down.

For those that want to avoid the night run to Playita or Flamenco, Vista Mar Marina is an option, or anchoring at Isla Otoque.

Punta Mala

Punta Mala Lighthouse and Tidal Station

PREDICT WIND SHOWS YOU FILTERED AIS POSITIONS

PREDICT WIND SHOWS TIME FILTERED AIS POSITIONS IN THE BAY OF PANAMA

11) GOOD NAUTICAL

CULEBRA CAYS - W 🇲🇽 MEXICO

Approach

⚓ 19°42.7583' N 087°304983' W

https://skipperandflipper.com/2022/01/02/cayo-culebra/

Image of the Caribbean horizon captured from Cayo Culebra by skipperandflipper.com

12) BENEFITS OF JOINING THE OCEAN POSSE

✔️ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts ✔️

📊 Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice ✔️

💰 Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts * ✔️

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(* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and subject to a marina’s availability )

ORDER YOUR $ 14.99
EBOOK / AMAZON KINDLE
OF MARQUESAN FOR ALL FOLLOW THIS LINK ▶

13) YACHTS FOR SALE

https://www.panamayachtbroker.com/yacht_listing-image/46ft-1991-nautor-swan-46/

https://www.panamayachtbroker.com/yacht_listing-image/47-ft-leopard-47/

14) TITUSVILLE MARINA 🇺🇸 FL
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

https://oceanposse.com/titusville-marina/

28° 37.2466′ N 080° 48.5316′ W

We are pleased to sponsor the Ocean Posse and offer a 10 % discount off our short term docking rate

Transient Dockage
Public Launch Ramps
Newly Remodeled Ship Store
WiFi
Pump Out Station and Boat Available
Diving Services
1 Hour to Orlando Attractions
New Indoor Captain’s Lounge
Newly Remodeled Bathrooms
Gas & Diesel
Laundry Facilities
Nearby Restaurants
5 Minutes to Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
10 Minutes to Canaveral National Seashore
Grocery Store Within Walking Distance

15) MARQUESAN FOR ALL !

For more than a century, scientists and scholars have referred to the language spoken

in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia as “endangered.” Only about 20,000

people speak Marquesan, and until recently it was entirely absent from schools and

rarely written down. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, its use was

strongly discouraged and even forbidden. Marquesan Islanders, or 'enata / 'enana,

held onto the language in private, often behind closed doors, and it evolved. Today

Marquesan is heavily influenced by French and Tahitian, in schools as well as

through music, television and other media

MARQUESAN FOR ALL - A GUIDE TO THE MARQUESAN LANGUAGE

ka'oha	Hello
a epo	See you soon, see you later
a pae	Goodbye
e	yes
a'o'e	no
vai'einui	Thank you
ahe fifi	No problem
a pei!	let's go!
e toko mai ia'u!	Help me!
'i hea te kapine?	Where is the bathroom?
'i hea te fa'e hoko?	Where is the store?
'i hea te poste?	Where is the post office?
fa'e mate	infirmary
taote	doctor
e aha e ko'ana ia'oe e tu'u mai ta'oe numera vini?	Can I have your cell phone number?
e aha te hora?	What time is it?
mate te one	I’m hungry
kaki au inu te vai	I’m thirsty
pa'opa'o au	I’m tired
a'e vivini au	I do not understand
pehea 'ia pe'au…?	How do you say…?
e fia moni?	How much does it cost?
e aha to'oe hakatu?	How are you?
mea meita'i	I am well, I’m good (response to: e aha to'oe hakatu)
o'ai to'oe inoa?	What's your name?
o Julie to'u inoa	My name is Julie
o'ai to'oe fenua?	Where are you from?
mei te fenua menike au	I’m from America
mei te fenua ferani au	I’m from France
o 'inei to'u hoa o Teani	This is my friend Teani

GET READY FOR THE PACIFIC CROSSING
AND LEARN MARQUESAN ON THE WAY

Marquesan for All makes Marquesan simultaneously accessible to both English and

French speakers for the first time. It also offers a resource for 'enata / 'enana

interested in speaking more English. Most of the existing literature translates directly

between French and Marquesan, using writings written by 18th and 19th century

voyagers. This book is the first English reference on Marquesan to be published

since the early 19 th century. Based on decades of research with Marquesan speakers,

it embraces the authenticity of Marquesan as it is spoken today

PRONUNCIATION
(adapted from Zewen 1987)

Fluent Marquesan speakers are the best guide for how to pronounce Marquesan,

but this guide is a starting point. The rules below apply to both North (N) and

South (S) Marquesan dialects.

Consonants

F : as in English (example: fill)

H : as in English (example: hand)

K : as in English but with less force (example: welcome

M : as in English (example: mat)

N : as in English (example nip)

P : as in English but with less force (example: spend

R : lightly rolled

S : as in English, sharply (example: sand)

T : as in English (example: tail)

' (glottal stop) : sound made by pressing the vocal cords

together to stop the flow of air (example: uh-oh!)

V : as in English (example: vine)

Vowels

A : ah, as the "a" in father ("fah ther") or above ("ah buv")

E : ei, as the "a" in may ("mei") or bait ("beit")

I : ee, as the "e" in me ("mee") or believe ("bee leev")

O : oh, as the "o" in no ("noh") or obey ("oh bei")

U : oo, as the "u" in rule ("rool") or duo ("doo oh")

ARRIVE IN THE MARQUESAS WITH KNOWLEDGE IN STYLE !

Marquesan vowels are lengthened (as in the "ee" in free) in certain words. Long

vowels can be indicated by either a hat or a line (as in mâ or mā, the fermented

breadfruit paste). Context will help, but listen and speak carefully since a short or

long vowel can often change the meaning of a word. Take care to pronounce

each vowel separately (unlike in English, where vowel sounds may combine or

be silenced), though sounds may blend together slightly in speaking. For

example, 'oe (you) is pronounced "oay" (with a nice, rounded "o" sound), ia (he,

About the author Anthropologist, historian and writer, Dr. Donaldson lives in Vermont with her husband, two daughters, dog and a small flock of chickens. Trained as an archaeologist and social anthropologist at Harvard, University of Chicago and McGill, she has been working in the Marquesas Islands for over twenty years. Her work focuses on the connections between culture, sustainability and the past. Visit her website to find out more: www.emilydonaldson.org.

Anthropologist, historian and writer, Dr. Donaldson lives in Vermont with her husband, two daughters, dog and a small flock of chickens. Trained as an archaeologist and social anthropologist at Harvard, University of Chicago and McGill, she has been working in the Marquesas Islands for over twenty years. Her work focuses on the connections between culture, sustainability and the past.

16) MEET THE FLEET

SY GALATEA

We are Sarah , Mark & Juno

In 2020, we moved to Panama to find adventure, freedom, and to spend more time outdoors. We now live and work full-time aboard Galatea with our wonderful dog, Juneau. We're passionate about experiencing life’s beauty and joy and sharing it with others.

Galatea is a Morgan 462. Follow and join in on our adventures as we rehab this beautiful boat, make her our home, and explore the oceans together. Come along as we create unforgettable experiences with us in the stunning waters of Panama ... more ▶

17) SCARLET MACAWS 🦜YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE ROUTE

SY REMEDY - "Macaws in the trees in Golfito 🇨🇷 CR feasting on cashew nuts"

With bright red feathers accented by yellow and blue on its wings, the Scarlet Macaw is one of the most colorful and recognizable birds in Costa Rica.

Habitat: Found in coastal lowlands, particularly along the Pacific coast. Common areas include:

Carara National Park
Palo Verde National Park
Osa Peninsula (Corcovado National Park)

Behavior: These macaws are often seen in pairs or small flocks, flying noisily across the forest canopy. They feed on fruits, seeds, and nuts. Scarlet Macaws are highly social, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They form monogamous bonds that last a lifetime.
Known for their loud, screeching calls that can be heard from a great distance. This helps them communicate in dense forests. They nest in tree cavities, typically in tall, mature trees. Breeding season peaks between December and May.

Overall: 32-38 inches in length, including their long tail feathers / 2-2.6 pounds

Predominantly bright red, with bold yellow on the wings and vibrant blue on the outer flight feathers. A small patch of green may appear between the red and yellow wing feathers. With a large, curved beak—white on the upper part and black on the lower—designed for cracking hard nuts and seeds. Pale yellow, giving them an intense and intelligent expression.

18) MYST-SEE
SUNRISE 🌅 TIKAL 🇬🇹 GUATEMALA

Tikal, known to the Maya as Yax Mutal, served as a major political, economic, and ceremonial hub during the Classic Period (200-900 CE). The city was home to powerful rulers who built alliances and waged wars with neighboring city-states, including Calakmul and Caracol. At its peak, Tikal supported a population of over 100,000, with its influence spreading across the Petén Basin and beyond.

The Maya were master astronomers, and Tikal reflects their celestial understanding. The alignment of the temples and plazas demonstrates a sophisticated knowledge of the solar and lunar cycles, which played a crucial role in their agricultural and ceremonial activities.

Reaching Tikal involves a journey through the picturesque landscapes of Guatemala, making it a destination for those who embrace adventure. Once at the site, local guides provide invaluable insights into the history and culture of the Maya. For those arriving by yacht, a trip inland from the Rio Dulce

Visitors should plan to arrive early to catch the sunrise—a magical moment when the jungle awakens, shrouded in mist, as the first rays of light illuminate the ancient temples.

The dry season (November to April) is ideal for visiting Tikal, as the weather is cooler and the trails are less muddy.

SUNRISE 🌅 TIKAL 🇬🇹 GUATEMALA

Spring Equinox (Around March 21) and Fall Equinox (Around September 21)
Certain structures in Tikal, such as the ceremonial plazas and temple alignments, were designed to mark the position of the sun during these equinoxes.
The equinoxes signify balance and were important in Mayan agricultural cycles

THE MANY MUST SEE'S ALONG
THE OCEAN POSSE ROUTES

19) ALERT

MEXICO SHIPPING UPDATE

As of January 1st all inbound shipping (DHL/FedEx/UPS) packages MUST have the Receivers RFC or CURP number attached to the commercial invoice accompanying the shipment. If this is not attached, the shipment will be returned to the sender by Aduana (Customs).

** If the receiver is company: You need the RFC – Registro Federal de Cotribuyentes

** If the receiver is a person: You need the RFC or CURP – Clave Única de Registro de Población.

It’s Mexico of course, so some shipments may make it through without the Required Tax ID information, but don’t be surprised if your Box is turned around if you don’t have the RFC or CURP number on the commercial invoice.

What is the "IdCCP complement identifier" (IdCCP)?

Regarding the "IdCCP complement identifier" (IdCCP) attribute, which is necessary to express the 36 characters corresponding to the folio of the complement, it is important to take into account the following:

The structure of the IdCCP attribute must comply with the guidelines defined in the RFC 4122 standard. This implies that it must begin with three default characters which are the letter "C". Also, it must follow the pattern specified for this attribute in the standard of the Carte Porte 3.0 add-on.

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24) VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Hurricane Beryl (/ˈbɛr.əl/) was a deadly and destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that impacted parts of the Caribbean, the Yucatán 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.

Ancient Maya 101

25) THE PANAMA CANAL

https://oceanposse.com/panama-canal/

Historical and Construction Facts

Length of Construction: The canal took 34 years to complete, with the French starting in 1880 and the U.S. finishing in 1914.
Challenges of Disease: Malaria and yellow fever killed thousands of workers during the canal's construction.
Engineering Feat: The Panama Canal was one of the largest and most complex engineering projects ever undertaken at the time.
Torrijos-Carter Treaties: In 1977, these treaties established that Panama would gain full control of the canal by December 31, 1999.
French Failure: The French initially started the project but abandoned it due to financial troubles and high mortality rates.

Economic and Global Impact

Shortcut: The canal saves ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans approximately 8,000 nautical miles.
Major Trade Route: About 6% of the world's trade passes through the Panama Canal annually.
Revenue Generator: The canal generates billions of dollars annually for Panama's economy.

Design and Operations

Lock System: The canal uses a series of locks to raise and lower ships by 85 feet to cross the Isthmus of Panama.
Lake Gatún: A man-made lake, once the largest in the world, forms part of the canal's route.
Mules: Electric locomotives, called "mules," guide ships through the locks to prevent them from hitting the walls.
Panamax and Neopanamax: Ships are classified by whether they can fit the original locks (Panamax) or the expanded locks (Neopanamax).
Freshwater Use: Each transit through the locks uses about 52 million gallons of freshwater, sourced from nearby reservoirs.
Environmental and Geographic Facts
Isthmus of Panama: The canal cuts through the narrowest part of the Americas.
Rainforest Surroundings: The canal is bordered by lush tropical rainforests, which help protect its water supply.
Biodiversity: The region around the canal is home to thousands of plant and animal species.

Unique Records and Events

First Transit: The first official transit was by the U.S. vessel SS Ancon on August 15, 1914.
Largest Ship to Transit: As of recent years, the Ever Ace, a Neopanamax vessel, holds the record for the largest ship to transit.
Expansion Project: In 2016, a major expansion added a new set of locks, doubling the canal's capacity.
Quickest Transit: The fastest recorded transit of the canal was completed in just under 8 hours.

Social and Cultural Impact

Panama Canal Zone: For decades, the U.S. administered the canal and the surrounding Canal Zone, creating a unique cultural blend.
Labor Force Diversity: Workers from over 50 countries participated in its construction, including large numbers of Caribbean laborers.
Symbol of Sovereignty: The canal is a symbol of national pride and sovereignty for Panama.

Fun and Miscellaneous Facts

Tourism Magnet: The canal attracts over a million tourists annually, eager to watch the engineering marvel in action.
The Panama Canal remains a vital link for global maritime trade and a testament to human ingenuity and determination.

water turbulence from vessel prop wash

25) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Shipwreck in the Solomon Islands 🇸🇧