POSSE PERK: 🗺️3 DAYS OF LEARNING SEMINARS
POSSE PERK: 🗺️3 DAYS OF LEARNING SEMINARS
INCLUDED WITH OCEAN POSSE SIGN UPS
coming up in Safe Harbor, San Diego
October 23-25, 2024 @ Safe Harbor South Bay, San Diego
https://oceanposse.com/events/san-diego-seminar-series/
Sneak a Peak at the Seminars and Schedule...
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23rd, 2024 ● SEMINARS
$ 45 per person x day or FREE
FOR OCEAN ° PANAMA ° SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE PARTICIPANTS
09:00
Cruising down Pacific Mexico
10:00
Water Makers + Plumbing in Paradise
11:30
Diesel Engines & Generators and preventative Maintenance
12:30 LUNCH
Open CPN – installation and integration (PC + MAC )
14:00
Rigging 101 Standing and Running
15:30
Weather Weather Weather – planning – routing – underway
16:30
Crew the good the bad and the ugly
17:00
Destination Costa Rica and Nicaragua
THURSDAY OCTOBER 24th, 2024 ● SEMINARS
09:00
South Pacific – French Polynesia – Cook Islands – Tonga & Fiji
10:00
Safety Security and Emergencies outside the US and what to expect
11:00
Electrical Systems – Batteries, Chargers, Alternators, Solar Panels
12:30 LUNCH
Cruising in Panama + the Panama Canal
14:00
Where and how to repair boats outside the US
15:30
The tropics – Refrigeration, AC, Shading, Airflow + other ways to stay cool
17:00
Destination Colombia, Jamaica & Bay of Islands Honduras
FRIDAY OCTOBER 25th, 2024 ● SEMINARS + PARTY
09:00
Destination Belize & Rio Dulce Guatemala
10:00
Communications onboard, underway and on shore
11:30
The fundamentals of wires, connectors and fuses
12:30 LUNCH
Open CPN – Satellite Charts – Use Cases and Satellite Chart creation
14:00
Chart Accuracy, Navigation Trips and Tricks & Tracking
15:30
Provisioning, Propane and Fuel – where to replenish
17:00 – 21:00 PPPPARTY
FLEET UPDATE 2024-09-16
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EXPLORING INLAND TO BELGIUM
AFTER CROSSING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
SV QUESO GRANDE II GOES INLAND TO BELGIUM
SV QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri – Seawind 1260 41′
Looks like your sea legs are taking you far; Thanks for sharing!
: The Venice of the North
Nestled in the northwest of Belgium, Bruges is a city that seems to have been plucked straight out of a fairy tale. With its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and cobbled streets, it is no wonder that Bruges is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” This enchanting city has preserved its medieval charm, making it one of Europe’s most beloved destinations.
A Historical Tapestry
Bruges’ history dates back to the 9th century when it was founded by the Vikings. By the 12th century, Bruges had become a bustling trading hub, thanks to its strategic location and access to the North Sea. The city’s prosperity peaked in the 14th century when it was one of the leading cities of the Hanseatic League, a powerful commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe.
The wealth generated by trade is still evident today in Bruges’ stunning architecture. The city is a treasure trove of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, many of which have been meticulously preserved. The Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower in the city’s heart, is one of its most iconic landmarks. Climbing the 366 steps to the top offers panoramic views of the city and is well worth the effort.
The Canals of Bruges
Bruges is famous for its network of canals, which wind their way through the city and have earned it the nickname “Venice of the North.” These waterways were once vital for trade, allowing goods to be transported easily throughout the city. Today, they provide a scenic way to explore Bruges. A boat tour along the canals offers a unique perspective of the city’s stunning architecture and charming bridges.
Art and Culture
Art lovers will find plenty to admire in Bruges. The city is home to several world-class museums, including the Groeningemuseum, which houses an impressive collection of Flemish Primitive art. Works by masters such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling can be found here, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the region.
In addition to its museums, Bruges is famous for its lace-making tradition. Lace has been made in Bruges for centuries, and visitors can learn about this delicate craft at the Lace Center, where demonstrations are held regularly.
Culinary Delights
No visit to Bruges would be complete without indulging in its culinary offerings. Belgian chocolate is renowned worldwide, and Bruges is home to some of the country’s best chocolatiers. A stroll through the city’s streets will reveal numerous chocolate shops, each offering a tempting array of pralines, truffles, and other sweet treats.
Bruges is also a great place to sample traditional Belgian cuisine. Mussels and fries, known as “moules-frites,” are a must-try dish, as is the hearty Flemish beef stew, “carbonade flamande.” Of course, no meal in Belgium is complete without a glass of locally brewed beer. Bruges has several breweries, each producing unique and flavorful beers that are sure to delight any connoisseur.
A Timeless Charm
What makes Bruges truly special is its ability to transport visitors back in time. The city’s medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and tranquil canals create an atmosphere that is both romantic and timeless. Whether you’re exploring the historic Markt square, visiting the Basilica of the Holy Blood, or simply enjoying a leisurely boat ride, Bruges offers an experience unlike any other.
Bruges is more than just a city; it is a journey through history, art, and culture. Its charm lies in its ability to blend the old with the new, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while still being a vibrant and lively place to explore. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a romantic getaway, Bruges has something to offer everyone.
ISLAND ADVENTURES ASHORE
SV VIVA'S ISLAND ADVENTURES ASHORE
SV VIVA is in French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Their recent report shares a few different ways to explore the islands of Moorea and Tahiti:
We rented a scooter and toured the island of Moorea yesterday and did a 9-mile hike up to Belvedere and back on the 3-cocotier trail a few days ago...found many amazing views. Today, we took the ferry across to Tahiti at 7 am, rented a scooter and toured the whole island with several beautiful stops along the way. We sprinkled this tour with some provisioning that we could fit in backpacks and boxes on our rented scooter.
VIVASweet bike lane!
SV VIVA 
Pierre & Marie - Amel 52'
Adventurous and Practical! Thank you for sharing VIVA!
FLEET UPDATE 2024-08-25
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![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.]( https://oceanposse.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/25/content_036.jpg)
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BIRDS NESTING ABOARD IN COSTA RICA
BIRDS NESTING ABOARD IN COSTA RICA
SV FIREFLY, currently moored at Marina Papagayo in Costa Rica, recently had the opportunity to have some visitors aboard that made themselves right at home....and then up and left. No harm, no foul, and enjoyed being witness to such a precious time in a birds life.
Brenda shares the story:
.
. I did witness the Oriole enter into one of the displaced nests so all must have been good.
SV FIREFLY Brenda & Ted - Catalina 47
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE SIGHTS WHERE YOU ARE!
GUNKHOLING FROM SAN DIEGO TO BARRA DE NAVIDAD
GUNKHOLE *
FROM SAN DIEGO TO
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 
MX
* to make a series of short pleasure trips by boat, as from bay to bay
⓪ San Diego Police Dock 32° 42.537′ N 117° 14.10543′ W – ⛽💧
① Ensenada Cruiseport Village Marina 31° 51.2766′ N 116° 37.2433′ W 60 nm ⛽💧
② Punta Santo Tomas 31° 33.1589 N 116° 40.6879 W 18 nm
③ Bahia Colonet Bight 30° 57.9028 N 116° 17.0747 W 40 nm
④ Isla San Martin North Bay 30° 29.178 N 116° 6.1356 W 30 nm
⑤ Bahia San Quintin 30° 22.5924′ N 115° 59.0887′ W 9 nm
⑥ Isla San Gernomio 29° 47.3276′ N 115° 47.4296′ W 37 nm
⑦ Fondadero San Carlos 29° 37.3596′ N 115° 28.565′ W 19 nm
⑧ Isla Cedros N 28° 20.212′ N 115° 11.434′ W 79 nm
⑨ Turtle Bay / Bahia Tortugas 27° 41.2544′ N 114° 53.2545′ W 42 nm⛽💧
⑩ Bahia Asuncion 27° 08.1355′ N 114° 17.4206′ W 46 nm⛽ 💧
⑪ Bahia San Hipolito 26° 59.3362′ N 113° 57.6966′ W 20 nm
⑫ Bahia Ballenas 26° 46.0426′ N 113° 30.0266′ W 28 nm
⑬ San Juanico / Scorpion Bay 26° 14.7986′ N 112° 28.333′ W 64 nm
⑭ Bahia Santa Maria 24° 46.133′ N 112° 15.441′ W 90 nm
⑮ Cabo San Lucas East 22° 53.304′ N 109° 53.844′ W *172 nm ⛽💧
⑯ Los Frailes 23° 22.836′ N 109° 25.297′ W 40 nm
⑰ Isla de Pajaros 23° 15.2645′ N 106° 28.3305′ W *163 nm ⛽💧
⑱ Isla Isabella Anchorage South 21° 50.5266′ N 105° 52.907′ W 91 nm
⑲ San Blas Outer Anchorage 21° 31.043′ N 105° 14.566′ W 41 nm ⛽💧
⑳ Punta de Mita 20° 45.764′ N 105° 31.15′ W 48 nm ⛽💧
㉑ Punta Ipala 20° 14.2306′ N 105° 34.4255′ W 32 nm
㉒ Chamela – N 19° 35.0404′ N 105° 7.8663′ W 47 nm
㉓ Isla Paraiso – E 19° 28.6194′ N 105° 3.7637′ W 8 nm
㉔ Tenacatita – Inner Bay 19° 17.9207′ N 104° 50.1528′ W 17 nm
㉕ Marina Puerto Navidad 19° 11.7294′ N 104° 40.8748′ W 11 nm ⛽💧
*overnight
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SAFETY ALERT: A SAILBOAT HITS A REEF IN FIJI: LESSONS LEARNED
SAFETY ALERT: A SAILBOAT HITS A REEF IN FIJI
*LESSONS LEARNED*
Some people say that sailing in Fiji is so difficult that the longer one sails there hitting a reef at some point is unavoidable. And then, some people say that with careful planning, constant vigilance, sticking to vetted tracks on Open CPN, and a conservative eye on the weather, one can safely navigate in Fiji. AND, Anywhere on this continuum accidents can and do happen.
Last week a singlehanded sailor hit a reef in Fiji. Below we will be careful to only look at the facts for lessons to be learned and avoid armchair judgements. As mariners we want to know what went wrong and what lessons can be learned so that we can all be safer in the future.
Here is what we know happened:
- A single-handed sailor planned to sail from a marina in Fiji to an atoll. This requires entering the atoll through a clear passage in the reef. There is current to contend with and timing through the pass is very important.
- The route was pre-planned, and the timing was taken into consideration.
- Open CPN was up to date with a vetted track loaded to follow.
- A GPS dongle is used as a locating device for Open CPN on the computer.
- Navionics onboard as well.
- The morning of departure was cloudy and rainy so the computer with Open CPN had to be kept down below.
- A few miles out of the marina, the GPS was not tracking & Open CPN showed the boat still in the slip in the marina
- Sailor decides to use and follow waypoints on Navionics and continue as planned.
(NOTE: the waypoints used are unknown)
- When the sailor approached the reef, the weather was bad and there were whitecaps everywhere.
- The sailor could not see the reef in the whitecaps under the cloudy sky.
- The boat hit the reef outside entrance channel and off planned course to entrance.
Tracks showing routes entering pass and boat (red) off course pinned on a reef
Thankfully, with local help, the boat was freed of the reef, the boat is still afloat, and the captain is safe.
Take Aways from SV MONSOON:
- The boat is an old, stout, and thick fiberglass vessel: The Thickness of the hull was probably a saving grace.
- If the day dawns cloudy or stormy, consider waiting for better weather.
- Travelling through passages in reefs are best done under clear sunny skies mid-day for best visibility.
- Open CPN with up to date satellite charts and previously use tracks by similar boats are the best navigational aides in FIJI.
- If the GPS is not tracking, trouble shoot before continuing.
- No matter how many miles one has sailed, there is no room for complacency in Fiji.
Additional take away from SV AVANT
- Patience is often a mariners second best friend (with luck always being the first and best).
MEET THE FLEET: SV GARGOYLE
MEET THE FLEET: SV GARGOYLE
Kevin & Carla
From the moment Kevin and Carla departed Vancouver BC on May 31, 2019, their first “real” goal was to be in Barra de Navidad in time for the 2019 Panama Posse kickoff meeting at the end of November. That first five months and 4,000 + NM set the tone for the crew of SV Gargoyle, a 2011 Beneteau Oceanis 50. Kevin, Carla, along with their two cats, Sam and Dean, have been sailing proudly under a Posse banner of one flavor or another ever since.
2020 highlights included being locked down in Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua with a number of other posse members. Once they were allowed to leave, Gargoyle beat upwind for nine days to the Galapagos to be one of the first yachts post-COVID to be allowed into these magical islands. After two months in paradise with the islands to themselves, it was time to head East for their first Panama Canal transit and a planned May 2021 Atlantic transit. Insert the Omnicom variant into the story and with Portugal telling them they wouldn’t be allowed into the Azores; they made a 180 degree turn back to Panama for canal transit number two. The decision was now to go the other way to the Med, via the Pacific!
Departing from Marina Papagayo in March 2022 with Dietmar wishing us fair winds from the dock, Gargoyle made a 30-day passage to Nuku Hiva, followed by a season cruising French Polynesia and Fiji. Spending cyclone season in New Zealand, they experienced not one but two cyclones. Leary of the Red Sea they decided to ship Gargoyle with Posse Partner Sevenstar Yacht Transport from Auckland to Cork Ireland in May 2023.
After Gargoyle made her 3rd Panama Canal transit, albeit without her crew, what followed was a magical summer in Ireland and Scotland before a late summer run to Spain, Portugal and then the Med. A winter in Tunisia followed by this season’s cruising in Malta, Sicily, Italy, up to Venice, Greece and now where they sit anchored off Bodrum, Turkey. 24 countries, 40,000NM and yes, Sam and Dean are still rocking it with their human crew.
Follow us on....
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sv_gargoyle/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/svgargoyle50
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOihVJ744XS4CoB71HixcFw/
Kevin and Carla are always available as well for a call or email exchange with their fellow cruisers. sailinggargoyle@gmail.com
SV GARGOYLE 🇨🇦 Kevin & Carla - Beneteau Oceanis 50