Caught a sailfish and let it go. Does that count for biggest fish award? Answer YES !
SY JUBEL ๐จ๐ฆ 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 ๐บ๐ธ 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!"
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 heโs 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 ๐ฒ๐ฝ TUXTLA MX
Fiesta de la Candelaria
February 2nd, or Dรญa 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 โcarpetsโ 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!
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 ๐บ๐ธ Laney and Mark - Outbound 46
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 ๐บ๐ธ Andrew & Laurie - Jeanneau 44
8) BANANA BAY MARINA, GOLFITO ๐จ๐ท COSTA RICA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
08ยฐ 36.2433โฒ N 083ยฐ 11โ26.4333โฒ 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
9) MUST SEE BRIMSTONE HILL FORTRESS NATIONAL PARK ๐ฐ๐ณ 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 ๐ฆค 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
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 ~ (16ยฐ 00.9630' S, 142ยฐ 27.5954' W) is between Rangiroa and Hao tidal stations - slightly westward of HAO.
Rangiroa (14ยฐ 57.0' S, 147ยฐ 44.0' W) is further west. ( TIDAL STATION )
Hao (18ยฐ 4.0' S, 140ยฐ 59.0' W) is further east. ( TIDAL STATION )
Here is how to estimate time offset
The tidal wave generally moves westward in the Pacific.
Haoโs 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: ~6ยฐ longitude difference โ ~24 min delay per degree
Your location is ~4.5ยฐ 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 16ยฐ 00.9630' S, 142ยฐ 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 Heyerdahlโs 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 Heyerdahlโs 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 raftโs 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 Heyerdahlโs 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, Heyerdahlโs 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 DON'T BELIEVE THE VECTOR CHARTS !
14) DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY ๐ต๐ฆ PANAMA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE โ๏ธ
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 Colรณn, in the Atlantic side close to The Panama Canal but covering all the Country.
THE FIESTA DE LOS DIABLITOS ๐ FESTIVAL OF THE LITTLE DEVILS ๐จ๐ท COSTA RICA
This celebration takes place in Boruca and Rey Curre, two villages home to the Brunka tribe.
The Fiesta de los Diablitosโor Festival of the Little Devilsโis 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 diablitosโthe 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 bullโs charge before finally prevailing on the third dayโjust 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 sacksโakin to rough sailclothโand 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 chichaโa traditional fermented corn beverage. Women of the village prepare it eight days in advance, ensuring itโs 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.
LOCATION: Borucas masks and the dance of the little devils
18) MUST SEE AGUA CLARA VISTOR CENTER ๐ต๐ฆ 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 Cocolรญ 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 Panamaโs 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 ๐บ๐ธ 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
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 โsmile,โ which makes them popular among wildlife enthusiasts.
SY OKISOLLO ๐บ๐ธ Jeanne & Dan - Island Packet '52
Marina Chiapas MX at sunset and Plenty of room! Weโre hoping to leave early next week!
SY DAWN PATROL ๐บ๐ธ 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 !
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
Shelter Bay Marina ยท Panama Yacht Broker ยท Wikus Auto Marine ยท Dutch Marine Services ยท Whally Boats ยท Flor de Caรฑa ยท MBE Rio Hato ยท The Yacht Co Sukimotor SA ยท Centenario Consulting
3) โ CHANGES IN ๐ต๐ซ 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.
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)
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.
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 ๐ฒ๐ฝ SAIL FEST Feb 9 - 22 2025
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.
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.
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 valuesโplus a hearty meal, all made possible by Por Los Niรฑos. Sailors can sign up to sponsor a child or meet the one theyโre already supporting.
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.
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
MEET AND MINGLE WITH THE SOUTH PACIFIC 25โฒ CRUISING FLEET
11) VAVA'U BOATYARD ๐น๐ด TONGA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
18ยฐ 38.625โฒ S 173ยฐ 59.7483โฒ 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 Vavaโu, 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.
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.
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 Vavaโu, the first in Tonga, and has turned Tonga into a safe year-round cruising destination!
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.
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 โsaddleโ).
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
FULANGA - LAU GROUP ๐ซ๐ฏ FIJI
APPROACH
โ 19ยฐ 8.9160' S, 178ยฐ 33.9415' W
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 โIโ statements instead of โYouโ statements โ
IE: We sailed from A to B and โฆ this is what happened to us
DONโT: โyou should sail from A to B and you could do this โฆ โ
Donโt speak in generalities be specific share a relevant past experience โ both good and bad.
โ๏ธ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts โ๏ธ
๐ Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice โ๏ธ
๐ฐ Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts * โ๏ธ
๐ฐ๏ธ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind โ
๐ฉ Free Burgee โ๏ธ
๐ฐ Save with service providers and chandleries โ๏ธ
๐ต๏ธ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in agents โ๏ธ
๐บ๏ธ Free aid to navigation 150 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android) โ๏ธ
๐ฐ Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount โ๏ธ
๐ฐ Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount โ๏ธ
๐บ๏ธ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics โ๏ธ
๐น Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there โ๏ธ
๐ฉ๏ธ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker โ๏ธ
โต Community of voyagers all are welcome, kids, single-handers, pets โ๏ธ
โ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures โ๏ธ
๐ Fleet Updates via email โ free โ๏ธ
๐ Fun Award Categories โ๏ธ
๐ Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage reports โ๏ธ
โ๏ธ Free Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group โ๏ธ
๐ฌ Free 24/7 LINE group channel โ๏ธ
๐ Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants โ๏ธ
๐ญ Be part of a fleet of sensor for those who come behind you or meet โ๏ธ
๐ท Always priority traffic โ for participants by participants โ๏ธ
(* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and subject to a marinaโs availability )
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 ๐ช๐ธ SPAIN SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
37ยฐ 35.7733โฒ N 000ยฐ58.6633โฒ W
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 worldโthe Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos!
This epic festival, held every September, plunges visitors into the heart of the Second Punic War (218โ201 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 BCโan 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 Canโt Miss:
๐ฅ Hannibalโs Oath โ Witness the legendary general swear an unbreakable vow before the gods to conquer Rome, setting the stage for the coming battles.
โ๏ธ Naval Landings & Skirmishes โ The Carthaginians storm the beaches, preparing for war, while Roman legions drill in the streets.
๐ The Grand Roman Victory โ A stunning reenactment of the siege and capture of Qart Hadasht, where Scipio's disciplined legions overwhelm the cityโs defenses.
๐ Massive Night Celebrations โ 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 reenactmentโitโs 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! ๐น๐ฅ๐
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 โ๏ธ 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 clientโs 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.
The cityโs main plaza, Central Park, is dominated by the colorful, neoclassical facade of the Cathedral of Granada, originally dating to 1583.
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 โHere was Granadaโ.
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 !!!
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.
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
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 canalโs banks. Despite the heavy ship traffic, they thrive in the canalโs 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
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