FLEET UPDATES

“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

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 

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

FLOR DE CAÑA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

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. 

 Juno 🐾 Mark and Sarah got their burgee 🇺🇸 SY Galatea 

5) EVENT @ CLUB DE PESCA 🇨🇴 CARTAGENA 

 6)  OCEAN POSSE CARIBBEAN PARTY 

 7)  OCEAN POSSE SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINARS

 FEBRUARY 2025  PACIFIC CROSSING SEMINARS   

    WEDNESDAY Feb 5 2025 @  19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

•         Vessel Preparation
•         Rigging
•         Tracking
•         Communications
•         System Backups
•         What to bring with from MEXICO / PANAMA / COSTA RICA / CHILE

    THURSDAY Feb 6 2025 @  19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

•     SAFETY, SECURITY, CLEARING IN AND OUT, CREW SELECTION
•     🐢Galapagos
•     🗿Easter Island
•     🇵🇳 Pitcairn
•     🇰🇮 Kiribati
•     Aerial+shot+of+pitcairn+RSPB_002

    FRIDAY Feb 7 2025 @  19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

•     WEATHER SQUALLS AND ELEVATED SEA STATE
•     🇵🇫 French Polynesia
•     🇨🇰 Cook Islands

    SATURDAY Feb 8 2025 @  19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

•     PROVISIONING IN PARADISE AND MUST SEE AND DO’S
•     🇦🇸 American Samoa
•     🇼🇸 Samoa
•     🇳🇺 Niue

    TUESDAY Feb 11 2025 @  19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

•     OPEN CPN INSTALLATION USING OPEN CPN SAT CHARTS
•     🇼🇫 Wallis & Futuna
•     🇹🇴 Tonga

    WEDNESDAY Feb 13 2025 @  19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

•     FUEL, LOGISTICS, REPAIRS, CYLCONE SEASON STRATEGIES
•     + 🇫🇯 Fiji

    THURSDAY Feb 14 2025 @  19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

•     OPEN CPN INTEGRATION AND CHART ORGANIZATION
•     🇻🇺 Vanuatu
•     🇳🇨 New Caledonia

    FRIDAY Feb 15 2025 @  19:00 UTC ( 14:00 ET )

•     Q&A
•     🇳🇿 New Zealand
•     🇦🇺 Australia
•     NEW ZEALAND

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

• 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.  

WATCH THE APP DEMO AND GET YOUR PRO DISCOUNT 

10)  ROUNDING PUNTA MALA 🇵🇦 PANAMA

Punta Mala

Punta Mala Lighthouse and Tidal Station 

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 

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 * ✔️

🛰️ 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 )

13)   YACHTS FOR SALE

14) TITUSVILLE MARINA 🇺🇸  FL
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

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

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,

ORDER YOUR $ 14.99
EBOOK / AMAZON KINDLE 
OF MARQUESAN FOR ALL FOLLOW THIS LINK  ▶

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  

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

20) THE OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS TRACKING

Tracking the Ocean Posse  ... MORE ▶

FREE TRACKING WITH THE PREDICT WIND DATA HUB 
+ MANY OTHER FEATURES - INCLUDING A NEW ANCHOR ALARM ▶

21) MEDIA PARTNERS 

OCEAN NAVIGATOR 

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

22) OVER 100 SPONSORSHIP MARINAS 
 WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle , Ventura, CA

🇺🇸 Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay , Chula Vista CA

🇲🇽 ECV MARINA – Ensenada MX

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas  – MX

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – MX

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – MX

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – MX

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – MX

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto de La Navidad –  MX

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – MX

🇬🇹  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

🇵🇦  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

🇧🇿 Hummingbird 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

🇻🇮 Green Cay Marin A –  USVI

🇻🇬 Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour – Bvi

🇵🇷 Marina Pescaderia – Puerto Rico

🇩🇲 Dominica Marine Center – Dominica

🇰🇳 Port Zante Marina – St Kitts & Nevis

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys, FL

🇺🇸 Pier 66 Hotel & Marina – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

🇺🇸 Titusville Marina – Fl, Usa

🇺🇸 Port 32 Marinas – Jacksonville, Fl  

🇺🇸 Oasis Marinas At Fernandina Harbor FL

🇺🇸 Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. GA

🇺🇸 Windmill Harbour Marina – Hilton Head SC 

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah GA

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, NC

🇺🇸 Holden Beach  – Town Dock, NC

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, NC

🇺🇸  Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA 

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA

🇺🇸 York River Yacht Haven – VA

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – VA

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, VA

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, VA

🇧🇲 Pier 41 Marina – Bermuda

🇧🇲 Caroline Bay Marina – Bermuda

🇵🇹 Marina De Cascais – Portugal

🇵🇹 Marina Funchal – Portugal

🇪🇸 Alcaidesa Marina – Spain

🇪🇸 Marina Del Odiel – Spain

🇪🇸 Igy Málaga Marina – Spain

🇪🇸 Puerto Sotogrande – Spain

🇪🇸 Yacht Port Cartagena – Spain

🇮🇹 Marina Molo Vecchio – Italy

🇬🇮 Ocean Village Marina – Gibraltar

🇨🇻 Marina Mindelo – Cape Verde

🇹🇳 Marina Bizerte  – Tunisia

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

23) 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
• 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 

24) VIDEO OF THE WEEK   

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

• SSCA
• Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua
• Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica
• Advertising Partners – Summerlin, LV - USA 
• Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

Shipwreck in the Solomon Islands 🇸🇧