FLEET UPDATES

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

March 17, 2024

“At the end of the day, we can endure 

much more than we think we can.”

-Frida Kahlo

TOP NEWS  

• Season 7  Posse Seminars and Events Past and Future
• Spectacular Sunrises and Sunsets along the Route This Week
• Season 7 Awards
• A Photo Tour of Isla Isabel, Mexico 🇲🇽
• Posse Perk: Navigational Aides for entering Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua 🇳🇮
• Crab Eating Fox of South America
• Good Nautical: Agua Verde, Mexico 🇲🇽
• Meet the Fleet: MV INVICTUS
• New 12 VDC Air conditioning for those hot nights  5,000 BTU < 15 Amps 
• MUST SEE: Tulum, 🇲🇽 

🇲🇽 🇧🇿 🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇪🇨 🇸🇻 🇵🇦 🇩🇴 🇭🇳 🇯🇲 🇧🇸 🇹🇨 🇰🇾 🇬🇹 

272 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Puente Atlantico, bridge over the Panama Canal on the Caribbean side 🇵🇦

SY BOUNDLESS 🇺🇸   Daniel & Naiby - Shannon 43′

Brigadoon lll and Qué vendrá got to Puesta del Sol in Nicaragua 🇳🇮 

SY BRIGADOON III 🇨🇦 Doug & Patty - Saga 43'  

& SY QUE VENDRA 🇺🇸 Olena & Maciek – Outbound 46’

Baby Frigatebirds are hatching on Isla Isabel in Mexico right now 🇲🇽

SY PRIYA 🇺🇸  Brandt - Ericson 38,′

2) SAVE THE DATE : 

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 

@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 
@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

Placencia Yacht Club

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

https://oceanposse.com/events/belize-placencia-yacht-fest/

CONTACT

 Beat,  Caroline, dogs & Heyson Garcia - 
YES PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB IS UBER DOG FRIENDLY 

We,
Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich are running this place since January
2021. We moved from Switzerland to Belize in 2019 and found this
treasure while looking for a dock for our yacht.

Simplicity on a high level is our aim and to make our guests happy.

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

SAFE APPROACH 

SAVE APPROACH   @ 16° 29.9333′ N 088° 20.9266' W

3) SPECTACULAR SUNRISES AND SUNSETS

 ALONG THE PANAMA POSSE ROUTE  

Classic Caribbean routes to and from Panama 

Classic Pacific route to and from Panama 

Sunrise southbound off the coast of Costa Rica  🇨🇷  

MY MUIRGEN 🇺🇸 Scot & Laura - Beebe 50′

Sunrise over Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panamá 🇵🇦 

MY SUNDOWNER 🇺🇸 Jeffrey & Lynn - Californian 50'

Sunset - Bahia Biesanz, Quepos, Costa Rica  🇨🇷 

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

Sunset - Niundup, San Blas, Panama  🇵🇦 

SY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸 Suzanne - Dietmar & Maxi – Lagoon 44′

4) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

Flor de Caña sponsors the Panama  Posse Awards

*Each winner in every category receives a commemorative bottle of 12 year*

ANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:

• BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
• PICTURE OF THE YEAR
• YODA OF THE YEAR
• SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
• THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
• MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
• HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
• SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
• GALLEY GOD(ESS)
• GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
• BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
• COURAGE AWARD

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

SUBMIT ENTRIES ON THE LINE AP OR EMAIL TO EDITOR@PANAMAPOSSE.COM

Share the adventure

5) PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

Dance Performance at Panama Posse event in Shelter Bay, Panama 🇵🇦
Next Shelter Bay Event Feb 1 2025  

(1) PANAMA POSSE 

BELIZE YACHT FEST 

APRIL 6 2024

PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

🇧🇿 BELIZE

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: 

 

 

Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

(2) PANAMA POSSE AWARDSFUN ACTIVITIES, GOLF, POOL, DJ LOUNGE, + MARINE EXPO 

SAT. MAY 11 '24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama.
The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City
and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast
of Panama.
Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

Cesar - Marina Manager
cesar@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  

6) SY PRIYA SHARES SHOTS FROM 

ISLA ISABEL, Mexico 🇲🇽 

South side Anchorage of Isla Isabel of the Pacific Mainland coast of Mexico

Sitting
south of the Sea of Cortez just inside of the ocean proper, Isla Isabel
is considered by some the be the Galapagos of Mexico.  SY PRIYA recent time there highlights the beauty and bounty of wildlife there.

Male Frigate bird attracting its mate and protecting its nesting area

Large lizard 

Sunset on the hook

SY PRIYA 🇺🇸  Brandt - Ericson 38'

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures on the water !

 7) SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES  
is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, your
breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group
communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email
Maurisa at editor@panamaposse.com
to share in the upcoming newsletter.  Maurisa is a sailor among
us.  She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse. 

Marteen from SY PINTA sailing his Van de Stadt Caribbean 40′

8) POSSE PERK: INTEL 

 ENTERING PUESTA DEL SOL 🇳🇮 NICARAGUA  

Puesta del Sol Nicaragua course from Rob on SV AVANT

Buoy Coordinates in the entrance are very helpful.

N°
BUOY               Lat

Long

0
12°
36.125' N            87° 22.805' W
SAFE OUTER MARKER 

1                  12° 36.855' N            87° 20.945' W

2
12°
36.750' N            87° 20.882' W

3
12°
36.736' N            87° 20.580' W

4
12°
36.699' N             87° 20.539' W

5
12°
36.926' N             87° 20.503' W

6
12°
36.905' N             87° 20.458' W

7
12°
37.176' N             87° 20.394' W

8
12°
37.128' N             87° 20.326' W

9
12°
37.294' N             87° 20.364' W

10                12° 37.312' N             87° 20.329' W

11                 12° 37.331' N            87° 20.408' W

12                 12° 37.359' N            87° 20.374' W

13                 12° 37.363' N            87° 20.488' W

14                 12° 37.395' N            87° 20.451' W

15                 12° 37.451' N            87° 20.530' W

16                 12° 37.459' N            87° 20.483' W

Cruisers
entering northern Nicaragua through Puesta del Sol enjoy many
adventures on and off the water.  There is a surf break close by,
distilleries, volcanoes, old colonial towns to visit.

SY FIREFLY visited Panama Posse Sponsor, Flor de Cana, headquartered near Puesta del Sol

Trip report from SY SUNDOWNER:

Entering
the bay for Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua there are very few navigation
buoys in place. Here is a list of way points for the entrance to the
estuary. You start 5 miles off shore at the black way point. Put the
additional waypoints on your chart plotter in Red and Green and they
represent the missing buoys and guide you right in. 

MY SUNDOWNER 🇺🇸 Jeffrey & Lynn - Californian 50'

9) THUNDERBIRDS MARINE 🇧🇿  BELIZE

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

THUNDERBIRDS MARINE is pleased to be part of the Panama Posse

and will offer discounts to members for various services

15% off for nightly rates

15% off weekly Rates

30% off monthly rates

20% off Haul Out services- Vessels up to 13 tons

Our facility is situated on 10 acres in Placencia Village and located on the lagoon side.

It is approximately 2 miles north of the opening to the lagoon. There is 7 feet of depth available the entire way.

FULL SERVICE MARINA AND YARD SERVICES OFFERED:

• Full Service Marina with water and shore power available
• Liveaboard is OK but we prefer No pets
• Vessel Haul Out and storage up to 13 tons. Heavier haulouts can be arranged with some coordination.
• Mercury Marine Dealer and Service center
• Inboard services
• B&G/Lowrance/SIMRAD dealer. Sales, installation, service
• We are the largest supplier of marine supplies in the country. We can distribute around Belize.
• Indoor and outdoor storage
• Fuel Station and Convenience Store
• Fishing Tackle
• Fiberglass repairs
• OEM Boat Builder
• Barge and Salvage services
• Access to our Organic Garden
• Wifi Access
• 24 hour security and video surveillance

Doug Ingersoll

CEO-Managing Director

doug@hardnine.net

THUNDERBIRDS MARINE

A Hard Nine Company

(916) 253-3700 US Office

(916) 257-6700 US Cell

(916) 626-4434 VOIP

+(501) 670-3737 Belize Office

+(501) 624-1411 Belize Cell

VHF 12 loosely monitored

10) CRAB EATING FOX OF SOUTH AMERICA 

By Josea Descheemaeker  age10

Facts:

1. Crab Eating Foxes eat crabs, grass, fruit, to name a few.  They are omnivores.
2. No one knows how many Crab Eating Foxes exist.
3. Crab Eating Foxes grow to 24-28" long PLUS a 12" tail and 11-18lbs in weight.
4. The Crab Eating Fox is called many names such as: Forest Fox, Savannah Fox, Wood Fox, and Mekong.
5. Crab Eating Foxes can run up to 30 mph and jump 3' vertically.
6. These foxes mate for life and care for their cubs equally.
7. Females give birth to up to 6 cubs after up to 59 days of pregnancy.

Crab Eating Fox range.

The Crab Eating Fox is in the dog family.

Why do you like the Crab Eating Fox?

11) Sun Powered Yachts ☀️⛵ 

Sponsors the Panama Posse

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

Just
use promocode PANAMAPOSSE 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.

Katie and Lyall Burgess

Sun Powered Yachts 

CONTACT AVENUES:

W: sunpoweredyachts.com

T: +1 808 825 2670

E:  lyall@sunpoweredyachts.com

E: katie@sunpoweredyachts.com

• Lyall
  is from the UK and has travelled to 50 countries backpacking and
  sailing.  With a background in Hospitality and Event Management he
  found sailing in 2004 has logged over 55,000 miles and qualified as an
  RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.

• Katie
  is from Maine and has been working in the solar industry in Hawaii for
  over a decade, most recently for Rising Sun Solar.  Her knowledge
  of solar products and system design will be an asset to your yacht’s
  system.

PRODUCTS

• SUNPOWER
• VICTRON
• MAXEON
• AERL
• CABLES CONNECTORS SLEEVES

Based
on our time and experience sailing, on short trips and living at sea,
we have created a Power Usage Chart below.  You can see more
details on what each system could power on your weekend or live aboard
sailing adventure.  Create your own power usage table and see what
your power needs are aboard your own yacht then choose the number of
solar panels accordingly

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

12) MEET THE FLEET

 SY INVICTUS

  Jeff & Lyndsey 

I
have lived in Costa Rica for 22 years and owned the first charter
catamaran business on the Gold coast here.  I currently own the
Costa Rica Sailing Center that we started on the beach in Playa Potrero
almost 10 years ago.

In
2021 my fiance, Lyndsey, and I purchased Invictus a 60’ power catamaran
in Jupiter, Florida.  This cat was built with the intention to be a
sailing catamaran and is completely rigged and ready to go minus the
mast, boom and sails.  Our intention upon purchase was to finish
her capability to sail.  Although we are sailors at heart, we
quickly realized the ease and efficiency of running this boat as a
powercat.  We have been running surf and dive charters with
Invictus for the last couple of years here on the Pacific side of Coast
Rica for the last few years.  We leave for Panama in about 10 days
to haul out for bottom paint and maintenance, and then hope to do some
more exploration of this beautiful part of the world.

Thats about it for now.

Pura Vida

Jeff and Lyndsey

INVICTUS  as a powercat taking people on coastal adventures

MV INVICTUS 🇺🇸 Jeff & Lyndsey - Simpson 60′

@SailingInvictus on youtube

13) GOOD NAUTICAL: AGUA VERDE 🇲🇽 MEXICO

View out to Sea from the village beach

Agua Verde is north of San Evaristo and south of Loreto, Mexico.  

Depth

35.0 ft

10.5 m

Bottom Composition

S - Sand

Sh - Shells

https://goodnautical.com/mexico-pacific/anchorage/agua-verde-n

Agua Verde Anchorage is a great refuge from wind in the Sea

Bahia
Agua Verde is a lobate bay located on the north side of Punta San
Marcial. The bay faces northeast, it is beautifully protected from wind
and swell from the south and is very popular during the dry season. If a
northerly is blowing the anchorage behind the islets at the foot of
Punta San Pascal provides reasonable shelter for two or three boats.

The
dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and aquamarine water make Bahia Agua
Dulce a stunning anchorage. There is some panga traffic to and from the
small settlement on the south side of the bay but there is plenty of
room to anchor further away if it is bothersome.

Anchorage

Anchor
at the northern end of the bay close to the sand spit in 10.5m on
shelly sand with good holding. At the southern end of the bay pangas
anchor off the settlement west of Pyramid Rocks but there plenty of
space to drop the pick in 5-10m on sand. Chose your beach to dinghy
ashore depending where the waves are breaking.

Facilities

The
settlement has a couple of tiendas (small shop) for basic needs.
Snorkeling around the reefs and islets at the foot of Punta San Pascal
is excellent and diving the walls of Roca Solitaria is remarkable.

Agua Verde is known for spectacular turquoise water.

Agua Verde
is a nursery for many different species of marine life in the Sea of
Cortez.  Here baitfish cool off in the shadow of our hull.

Free
range Goats that are raised in the village for their milk rest in the
shade of a palm tree.  Fresh cheese is sold in tiendas.

Walking ashore for light provisioning.

Red Snapper are a part of the art and livelihood in Agua Verde

SY WHIRLWIND 🇺🇸 Maurisa, Mike, Russell & Josea – Alajuela 48’

14) PLEASE SUPPORT MARK 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/rum-truffle-wrecked-then-striped

Please support Mark Thurlow as he is recovering from the total loss and subsequent looting of Rum Truffle

15) BUENAVENTURA MARINA 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS DE PANAMA POSSE  

08° 20.5166′ N   080°09.7683′ W

https://panamaposse.com/buenaventura-marina

Welcome to our amazing Buenaventura Marina

We
welcome the participants of the Panama Posse with an outstanding offer
and a free first night if you have never been here before – we know you
may never leave!

 

 

Cesar

 

CONTACT:

Marina Manager

cesar@bv-marina.com

Mobile: +507-6411-5597

www.bv-marina.com

Buenaventura Marina

SPECIAL PANAMA POSSE RATES

FIRST NIGHT FREE !!

 Five restaurants

Two Beach Clubs with pool area

Marriot hotel with discount thru marina(depend on availability)

Golf (marina discount)

Zoo to look at wildlife in a safe zone

events every month to motivate social life

Very protected boat basin

Lovely grounds and water sport activities

NOTE

A 10 foot tide is needed to cross the sandbar at the entrance (6′ keel).

Emilio, the marina manager, speaks perfect English and is very friendly.

Please call  VHF 10 before entering. so we can assist at the dock.

Venture inside a 340 Acre luxury resort with tons of amenities including an equestrian center, golf course and endless pools .

16) OFF THE BEATEN PATH 
LOS ROQUES 🇻🇪 VENEZUELA

Covering
a total area of 40.61 km2, the Los Roques archipelago comprises more
than 350 uninhabited cays, islands, and islets and is situated about 128
km to the north of the La Guaira in Venezuela.

Los Roques is scarcely populated, having about 2,000 permanent
inhabitants mostly in its main Island, El Gran Roque. 

It
is clean and popular among foreign tourists and Venezuelans alike.
Colorful lodges and private houses are the main constructions. No cars
and streets of sand, is part of its charm.

All
are welcome to visit but US citizens are subject to extra fees and
scrutiny. If you are active or retired military best to avoid the place.

To enter contact an agent hoanns@hotmail.com +573168529048

17) POSSE SPONSOR: 

SHARK SHAFT DOES ITS JOB

Cruising vessels traveling north or south along the Panama Posse route will be hard pressed not  to come in contact with a long line.  SY TIAMAT installed a Shark Shaft before heading south and recently reported:

We
cut a line somewhere between Barra and Papanoa, probably at night.
Shaft shark did its job, I removed the remnants (A few meters of wrapped
up line) from the shaft by hand

Ahoy Panama Posse

As the show days went by we met a number of your posse (Posse Shirts & stickers!!)

For an order thru your Panama Posse group we can offer your group a special discount of below trade –

30% off the List pricing plus shipping.

Cheers,

Geoff Prior

AB Marine

Ph: 401.847.7960

Cell: 401.578.3447

Skype: geoffprior

https://panamaposse.com/shaft-shark

https://panamaposse.com/longlines

PARTICIPANTS OF THE PANAMA POSSE HAVE DOCUMENTED OVER 120 LONG LINE LOCATIONS 

 

 

18) SLEEPING COOL IN THE TROPICS AT ANCHOR  
12 V DC AIR CONDITIONING < 15 AMP per hour draw 

       

Meeting summary for OCEAN POSSE – & Archer Power Solutions  

Quick recap

The
meeting primarily focused on the technical aspects of a 12-volt system,
with discussions about its efficiency, cost, and specifics. The team
also introduced a new air conditioner system, King Fisher, and discussed
their current locations and upcoming plans. Later, Tom and Mark
introduced a fully DC powered marine air conditioner system,
highlighting its features and efficiency. The conversation ended with a
discussion about the benefits of a variable speed compressor and
concerns about the unit’s installation and performance.

Technical Aspects of 12-Volt System and New AC System

The
meeting primarily focused on the technical aspects of a 12-volt system.
Archer clarified its efficiency and cost, and suggested signing up for
their email list for updates. The team also discussed the specifics of
the system, including the need for a continuously rated pump and the
potential use of existing AC pumps. Chris raised a question about power
draw from the water pump, with the team noting the need for a dedicated
12-volt pump. Later in the meeting, the team introduced a new air
conditioner system, King Fisher. They also discussed their current
locations and upcoming plans, including a journey across the Pacific to
Marquesas

12 V DC Powered Marine Air Conditioner  

Tom
and Mark discussed the latest version of their marine air conditioner,
which is fully DC powered and operates at 12 volts. They emphasized its
features such as an all-plastic drain pan for condensation, a removable
drain pan, and a number of features to enhance its efficiency. Tom noted
that the system incorporates an electronic expansion valve and a
variable speed, fully DC powered compressor for optimization and
efficiency. They also highlighted the unit’s serviceability and its
compact electronics box with two to four connections, DC power, and a
fully adjustable blower port. The new version of the system aims to run
without generators or backup power other than a solar system, reducing
power load on the battery bank and extending run times. Archer then
discussed the unit’s design and efficiency, emphasizing its ability to
cool specific areas on a boat, and demonstrated the unit’s user
interface.

 

Variable Speed Compressor and New Fan Unit Discussion

Archer
discussed the benefits of a variable speed compressor for energy
efficiency. He demonstrated its usage, highlighting its ability to
maintain a 20-25 degree Fahrenheit difference between incoming seawater
temperature and the air coming out. Archer also introduced a new fan
unit with three speed levels and a sleep timer function. He clarified
that the unit’s cooling and humidity removal capabilities depend on the
volume of air it needs to cool. Chad raised concerns about the unit’s
installation and performance, suggesting potential improvements for
future models. The conversation ended with an open invitation for
further questions via email or phone and a special discount for this
5000 BTU unit for PP .

GET THE DEAL HERE >>

https://panamaposse.com/archer-power-solutions

19)  MUST SEE: 

       TULUM 🇲🇽 

 
YEAH YOU CAN ANCHOR THERE !

Tulum
is the site of a Mayan walled city which served as a major port for
Cuba, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. These magnificent ruins are
situated on 40foot tall cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatán
Peninsula. The site might have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn,
because it faces the sunrise.

Tulum
was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya at its
height between the 13th and 15th centuries.  Tulum managed to
survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying what is now
Mexico .

Tulum
is one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan sites and you can see it
from your own vessel.  Anchor just south or to the north of Tulum.
The ideal conditions for this day anchorage are: noon, non cloudy,
not too windy.  Accessing the anchorage requires entering a path
though a reef.  This is best for vessels that draw less than 6
feet.  The bottom is compacted sand.  

Anchorage off of Tulum.

Tulum’s
massive wall was thick and 1,300 ft long parallel to the sea.
This would have taken an enormous amount of energy and time to
build, which shows how important defense was to the people of Tulum. On
the southwest and northwest corners there are watch towers demonstrating
a well defended city.

Structures along the beach

Tulum is considered by archeological experts one of the most well-known fortified sites of the Mayan Civilization

aerial video of the Tulum archeological site.

Since
Tulum had access to both land and sea trade routes it was an important
trade hub, especially for volcanic glass called obsidian used for tools,
decorative objects.  Obsidian was also made into a type of sword
with obsidian blades mounted in a wooden body called a macuahuitl.
This weapon could inflict terrible injuries, combining the sharp
cutting edge of an obsidian blade with the ragged cut of a serrated
weapon.

Sword called macuahuital with Obsidian blades

https://panamaposse.com/tulum

 

20)  75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS 

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle -  Ventura, USA

🇲🇽 Cruise Port Village - Mexico

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas  – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico  

🇲🇽 PANAMA POSSE HQ  – Marina Puerto de La 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  

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador  

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama  

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 La Playita Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Solarte  Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – 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 & Boatyard – Guatemala 

🇧🇿 Thunderbirds Marine – Placencia – Belize 

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize 

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina El Cid – Cancún – Riviera Maya – 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 

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas  

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic    

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys 

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

🇺🇸 IGY Marina at Ortega Landing – 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 , USA  

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA  

🇺🇸 Holden Beach  – Town Dock, North Carolina , USA 

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA  

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina – Portsmouth,  USA  

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, USA  

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA  

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, Virginia USA 

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA 

Marina Puerto Bahia 🇩🇴  DR
Sponsors the Panama Posse

19° 11.6383′ N 069° 21.3283′ W

ON SITE RESORT & MARINA 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

21)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

• BELIZE TOURISM
• CHRIS PARKER - MARINE WEATHER CENTER
• DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
• DOWNWIND MARINE
• FLOR DE CAÑA
• HERTZ RENTAL CARS  MEXICO
• HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
• LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES  
• PANAMA YACHT BROKER
• PREDICT WIND
• SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER  
• SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
• SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
• WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
• WESTMARINE PRO
• YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
   

PANAMA YACHT BROKER

 Yacht Refit & Customization in 🇵🇦  PANAMA

CONTACT 

Charles Badoian

Cell/WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal:

PA +507 6378-8345

US  +1 305-735-1661

Skype: badoian

E: charles@panamayachtbroker.com

22) PANAMA CANAL AGENT 
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To
arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric
Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse
and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

23) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

“Our
vision is to provide a top tier service to our customers while covering
every potential need they may have when approaching shore. 

Small
yachts (up to 38.1 meters LOA) are expected to experience substantial
delays, and in the meantime, we will be able and willing to help you
mitigate this impact and serve you.

 Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

The
Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole near the center of
Lighthouse Reef in Belize. The hole is over 1,000 ft in diameter and ~
400 ft  deep. It was formed during several phases of glaciation
when sea levels were much lower. Analysis shows that formation took
place between 153,000 to 15,000 years ago.

24) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SSCA

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Pacific Posse  & Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

25) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

Madeira Natural Park 🇵🇹  Madeira 

SIGN UP WITH THE 
 ATLANTIC POSSE >>

Atlantic Posse '24

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Colonial City of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

26) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

The Amazing 🇨🇰  Cook Islands just a quick sail west from French Polynesia 

South Pacific Posse burgees available now in Panama & soon in FP 

The impressive Cook Island Suwarrow Atoll in the South Pacific  

Nawi Island 🇫🇯 Fiji 
Meet the Cruising Fleet Event August 31 2024 - come party and mingle  

New Caledonia 🇳🇨 at it's finest 

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

 OUR MISSION

• Make traveling for yacht owners easier, transparent and better informed
• Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas and with service providers
• Pass on relevant information to help fellow participants in a timely manner without personal opinions
• Identify, document and reduce risks
• Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

MARCH 9, 2024

“You see yourself as a shipwreck, but we see your treasure glowing inside, beneath the oceans in your eyes.”

― Curtis Tyrone Jones 

TOP NEWS  

• April 6 2024  🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST
• Season 7 Award Entries:  Most Unwanted Guest Entry
• EXCLUSIVE LOW POWER AC PRODUCT DEMO   
• Careening in Costa Rica 🇨🇷
• Canal Crossing Report 🇵🇦
• Posse Perk: Sharing Intel on Chart Accuracy
• Water Maker Membrane Care
• Good Nautical: Isla Tigre Gulfo Fonseca 🇭🇳 
• Meet the Fleet: SY PINTA

• BAHIA EL SOL 🇸🇻 EL SALVADOR ⚠️DO NOT ENTER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

• MUST SEE: Cocos Island, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
• Join the South Pacific Posse 
• Join the Atlantic  Posse 

🇲🇽 🇧🇿 🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇪🇨 🇸🇻 🇵🇦 🇩🇴 🇭🇳 🇯🇲 🇧🇸 🇹🇨 🇰🇾 🇬🇹 

271 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Beach view from Red Frog Marina, Bocas del Toro 🇵🇦 Panama 

SY RAMBLE ON ROSE 🇺🇸 Don & Rosalind – Caliber 40’

 

 

Live on the water, Play on the water

....and watch the sunset over the water.

SY BOUNDLESS  🇺🇸  Daniel & Naiby - Shannon 43′

2) SAVE THE DATE : 

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 

@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 
@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

Placencia Yacht Club

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

>> RSVP HERE <<

https://oceanposse.com/events/belize-placencia-yacht-fest/

CONTACT

 Beat,  Caroline, dogs & Heyson Garcia - 
YES PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB IS UBER DOG FRIENDLY 

We,
Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich are running this place since January
2021. We moved from Switzerland to Belize in 2019 and found this
treasure while looking for a dock for our yacht.

Simplicity on a high level is our aim and to make our guests happy.

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

SAFE APPROACH 

SAVE APPROACH   @ 16° 29.9333′ N 088° 20.9266' W

3)  EXCLUSIVE LOW POWER 
12 VDC AC PRODUCT DEMO 
FOR THE OCEAN POSSE 

There
is a special product demo this week with a company we met at the
Annapolis Boat show it's a small AC unit which runs on 12 V - we are
getting a private demo this week via zoom - 

5.000 BTU at Rated Current of the air compressor is only 12.1A/hour + waterpump
https://panamaposse.com/archer-power-solutions

4) MORE ADVENTURES, 

MORE PICTURES THIS WEEK

SY BISOU & SY ZORBA (northbound) meet in Tenacatita, Mexico 🇲🇽

SY BISOU 🇦🇺 Robin and Tad - Fountaine Pajot 44′

SV ZORBA 🇲🇭 Tomer &Limor – Tayana 48’

Crossing the Canal with the Pacific Ocean astern...let the next Chapter begin 🇵🇦  

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

Meanwhile, SV OHANA, crossing the Canal with the Atlantic astern

SY OHANA 🇺🇸 Chad, Nicole & crew – Fountaine Pajot 50’

5) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

 ONE NEW MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ABOARD ENTRY

Warning, this is not a sundowner...

...this is a Most Unwelcome Aboard classic Diesel bug.

Found doing tank inspection in Pacific crossing preparation.

SY TIAMAT 🇺🇸 Stephanie & Owen – Fountaine Pajot 44’

ABOUT THE DIESEL BUG 

Vessel
in the the tropics may check the stored diesel. Fuel in tanks
deteriorates over time, as it reacts with the oxygen in the air.
Usually, fuel can stay in a usable condition under storage for up to a
year, after which it may begin to develop sediments. Fuel is not just
affected by these residues, but also bacteria and fungi.

Water
that forms in fuel tanks due to condensation (when the tanks heat up
during the day and cool down at night and are not full, for example),
creates the perfect petri dish for bacteria. One of the most common
microorganisms that can grow under these circumstances is the diesel
bug, deteriorates your fuel and create a sludge capable of damaging your
engine.

Once you get underway it shushes around and the fuel pickup hose quickly gets clogged. The bug clogs the fuel system.

ACTUAL CAUSES

•     Humidity in the air
•     Fuel tank condensation
•     Fuel tank insulation
•     Air leak on seals on fuel tank filler cap inc damaged o-rings
•     Poor fuel station storage quality
•     Low volume of sales at fuel station

REMEDIES

Once you have the bug ...

1) Separate the water from the diesel

2) Shock and kill the diesel bug with biocides

3) Remove sediments from the bottom of your tank

To Prevent the bug

1) Fill the tank

2) Use a fuel filter to take on fuel from the pump

3) Use Enzymes to prevent the bug from forming in the first place 

Flor de Caña sponsors the Panama  Posse 

ANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:

• BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
• PICTURE OF THE YEAR
• YODA OF THE YEAR
• SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
• THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
• MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
• HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
• SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
• GALLEY GOD(ESS)
• GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
• BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
• COURAGE AWARD

Possible new Award category: 

Best Named Puffy Cloud Award

Howler Monkey

SY DA MMAD CAT 🇺🇸 Andrea & Danny – Lagoon 42’

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

SUBMIT ENTRIES ON THE LINE AP OR EMAIL TO EDITOR@PANAMAPOSSE.COM

Share the adventure

6) PANAMA POSSE GATHERINGS

BIJOU & BISOU meet up in Tenacatita, Mexico 🇲🇽

(1) PANAMA POSSE 

BELIZE YACHT FEST 

APRIL 6 2024

PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

🇧🇿 BELIZE

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: 

 

 

Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

(2) PANAMA POSSE AWARDSFUN ACTIVITIES, GOLF, POOL, DJ LOUNGE, + MARINE EXPO 

SAT. MAY 11 '24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama.
The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City
and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast
of Panama.
Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

Cesar - Marina Manager
cesar@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  

7) SY SERENITY CAREENING 

AT ISLA JESUSITA  🇨🇷  COSTA RICA

The tide is out and SY SERENITY is high and dry.

Mark and Kathryn on SY SERENITY carefully planned and careened their vessel earlier this week.

Report:

6h45 min for hull exposure. Keels exposed (dry land) about 4 hours. 

Touchdown” was 07:45. Refloating at 16:45. Very decent window.

Our “landing spot” elevation was 2.7 feet.

This was the tidal chart on SERENITY'S Careening day

Furry crew, Lapa, was trying to help by rolling in the muddy sand.

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures on the water !

 8) SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES  
is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, your
breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group
communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email
Maurisa at editor@panamaposse.com
to share in the upcoming newsletter.  Maurisa is a sailor among
us.  She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse. 

Kristine cooling down with the dinghy in the Perlas, Panama 🇵🇦 

Recent report from SY COURAGE :

Our
Panama Canal Northern transit is done! We have experienced a manmade
marvel and know what it feels like to be on a six-lock water escalator
with a yacht. This has been an incredible experience - the engineering
of it all over 100 years ago boggles the mind; the professionalism of
all the lock workers and hired crew and pilot; the test of close-quarter
maneuvers required at all times to stay where you need to be; nesting
and un-nesting in really strong currents and narrow passages which test
your skills and nerves; the delicious food of breakfast burritos, ham
& cheese sandwiches, chips and salsa, and a lasagna, garlic bread
and salad Kristine served made the entire passage a culinary
extravaganza; and the elation of completing a dream passage is now woven
into our tapestry called life. Truly that was a great day! And,
we thank Erick Galvez for his stewardship and excellent instructions,
equipment rentals and line handlers. Everything progressed where, when,
and how as Erick said it would...

9) POSSE PERK: 

SHARING INTEL ON CHART ACCURACY
  

Blue line drawn in over chart showing large actual reef extension to be cautious of.

SY FRENCH KISSING LIFE  Trip Report:

FYI all, here at the eastern end of San Blas, (Panama) just
off village of Ustupo, the Navionics charts are completely off
regarding the reef indicated above. If passing this way, take note.

As
we were approaching the supposed safe area indicated on the chart to
continue moving out and away from shore, northbound, we could see
breaking waves in a miles long line. Thought we were in the wrong place
initially, but eventually figured out that it is simply unmarked. The
reef that is indicated on Navionics probably extends at about 2 miles
farther west. Submerged at all times, but in high seas, it creates a
surf line.

Also, the Bauhaus waypoints have been spot on throughout this section of coast.

SY FRENCH KISSING LIFE 🇺🇸 Tess&John – Bavaria 45’

10) MARINA CHIAPAS, MEXICO 🇲🇽

 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

14° 41.67′ N 092° 25.185′ W

DISCOUNTS AT THE MARINA CHIAPAS FOR PARTICIPATING VESSELS

7 days – 1 day free

2 weeks – 2 days free

three weeks monthly fee

Night use of the barbecue area and luck for the participating boats, if

free use of the pool

a little party when we have 10 boats as a happy hour in the pool

CONTACT

Tel: +52 962.111.82.91

Tel: +52 962.620.40.38

EMAIL: memogarcia@marinachiapas.com.mx

EMAIL: rmarichal@marinachiapas.com.mx

Marina Manager, Memo, (left) and office manager, Rolf (right)

Yachts
and sailboats of more than twenty countries have gone through Marina
Chiapas to feed and enjoy the surrounding area which makes this enclave a
mosaic of interesting characters from anywhere in the world. 

Marina
Chiapas has a water space for 70 large draft vessels and drydock with
space for 200.  Many sailors leave their vessels in Marina Chiapas
storage shelter during the hurricane season where they have a range of
services for maintenance.

Marina
Chiapas is located at the southernmost port in Mexico.  It is a
great location from which to explore the beautiful state of Chiapas.
Past Posse Members created this great guidebook to the birds one
can see while visiting Chiapas.  

PANAMA POSSE SUMMER SPECIAL 

JULY - OCTOBER for vessels  up to 60 feet 

$ 350 for mono-hulls x month
$ 400 for catamarans x month

11) WATER MAKER MEMBRANE CARE

Presently
Panama Posse members are well in the middle of their cruising 'season'
Regular use and maintenance of all our onboard systems is a big
part of life afloat.  Rich Boren of Cruise RO watermakers recently
shared an article about watermakers maintenance.  In it he
describes the typical lifespan of RO Membranes and what 'bad practices'
to avoid when living aboard and desalinizing water as a standard
practice aboard.  Sharing here to spread the wisdom from his
experience:

The
RO Membranes have a realistic lifespan of 5-7yrs.  The Membranes
are rated for 24Hours/Day 365Days/Year, so you will never wear a
membrane out early from over-using it.  In our experience the
reason membranes fail early is from what we call, CDT or "Client
Destructive Testing"...🤐

CDT consists of things like:

1. Letting the water maker sit for the off season without proper system storage reagents inside.

2.
Not keeping a Fresh Activated Carbon filter in your freshwater
flush loop and allowing Chlorine to oxidize and destroy the membrane.
What is the definition of "Fresh"?  Change it every 6
calendar months from the day it first gets wet...not 6 months of use,
but from the day it gets wet.

3.
Too long of intervals between running or fresh water flushing when out
cruising resulting in your product water getting "rotten egg smelly".
Doing this one time won't destroy the membrane, but that smell is
from rotting/dead animals in your water maker giving off hydrogen
sulfide gas.  Every time you do it, you are taking months away from
your Membrane life.

4.
Freeze Damage when the water maker is left in a freezing environment
without proper protection by using Propylene Glycol as a Preservative
and Winterizing agent.  (Another solution is to never keep your
boat where it freezes...stay in the warm Tropics my friends!

Cheers

From Rich Boren. Cruise RO 

12) GOOD NAUTICAL: 

ISLA DEL TIGRE  🇭🇳  HONDURAS

in Gulfo Fonseca

Isla
Tigre is a Honduran island in Gulfo Fonseca.  This anchorage can
be used as a Papagayo anchorage sheltered from chop behind El Tigre and
small rock islands. Tuck in as far as your draft will allow. The passage
between El Tigre and the rocks is shoal and dries at low water.

https://goodnautical.com/honduras/anchorage/isla-del-tigre-w-playa-grande

Approach to Isla el Tigre a truly volcanic  island

 Anchorage ⚓ 13° 178 N -87° 38 W  10.00 ft 3.00 m 

13) LINTON BAY MARINA 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

09° 36.8566′ N   079° 34.8383′ W

https://panamaposse.com/linton-bay-marina

GREETINGS ALL Panama Posse MEMEBERS !

It
is our pleasure to have our beautiful marina as station for all sea
adventurers. Located in Puerto Lindo, Colon, Panama, we have a
strategical geographical position for hurricanes safe haven and last
stop heading to or from the San Blas Islands.

Our
Marina offers 80+ slips with 7+ moorings with enough depth for shafts
up to 5 meters, fuel station, restaurants, 24 hr. security, dry storage
and the biggest Travel Lift in Panama with a capacity of hauling out up
to 160 tons!

We
will give all Panama Posse members a discount of 15% for daily and
weekly rates in our slips as well as a 30% discount in haul outs and
work areas in our yard. Just remember to mention your membership when
arriving.

Excited to meet all voyagers,

Brian Davis

brian@lintonbaymarina.com

Kenisha

Kenisha@lintonbaymarina.com

OFFICE CONTACT Kenisha. +507 6833-7211

14) LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES

The
#1 Cruising Lifestyle publication on the planet just keeps getting
bigger and better! Incredible destination articles and features by the
cruisers themselves, including how-to’s, DIY and exciting new products!
You could say it’s like a gorgeous buffet just waiting for you to dive
in! Access and download each digital issue now for only $14.99/year.

All subscribers receive:

10% off at the Lats & Atts Store

Download the digital magazine for easy offline access!

Invitation to Cruisers Parties

PANAMA POSSE HAS A SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION DEAL >> 
TO GET YOUR DEAL FOLLOW THIS LINK >>

“The Journey is the Destination”

15) MEET THE FLEET ⛵ SY PINTA

Maarten, Marianne, Daniel (11), & Matias (9)

Hi,
we’re Maarten, Marianne, Daniel (11) and Matias (9), on board sv Pinta.
We’re a Dutch family, sailing towards the Netherlands, where we aim to
arrive coming summer. We (Maarten and Marianne) left the Netherlands in
2011 with Pinta, a steel van de Stadt Caribbean 40. We sailed south
towards Argentina and Chile and we thoroughly enjoyed Tierra del Fuego
and Patagonia. In spring 2013 Daniel was born in Valdivia, Chile. Once
he was big enough and we felt comfortable sailing again, we went onto
the Pacific. From Juan Fernandez to Easter Island, the Marquesas and the
Tuamotus, we went up to Hawaii and then made landfall again in Sitka,
Alaska. We slowly sailed down along the coast towards Vancouver Island,
as by that time our second son, Matias was on the way. He was born in
Victoria, Canada at the end of 2014.

As we didn’t feel like sailing many long distances with two small
children at that time, we decided to stop for a while. We found work
teaching at an International school in Armenia, so we left the boat on
Vancouver Island and went there. After five fantastic years in Armenia,
we changed to a similar school in Northern Italy and stayed for three
years.

With
the boys growing up, but before high school age, we felt it was a good
time to come back to the boat and take a year together with the four of
us and sail back to the Netherlands. Last fall, we sailed down the west
coast of North America towards Panama and having just transited the
canal, we feel we are about halfway home. In the coming months, we’ll
make our way north in the Caribbean to cross the Atlantic in May.

We
have had a wonderful trip so far. Being on the boat with the four of
us, spending time together, exploring, swimming, sailing, but also doing
chores and school together feels really good. Simultaneously, it also
feels really good to sail home. It is time for us the settle, stay in
one place for a while and have the boys enjoy school, friends ,and
family throughout their teenage years. At least, that’s the plan for
now…

SY PINTA 🇳🇱 Maarten & Marianne & Daniel & Matias - Van de Stadt Caribbean 40′

16) POSSE SWAG

 

 

17)  BAHIA EL SOL 🇸🇻 EL SALVADOR 
🚫
DO NOT ENTER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

One
of the Panama Posse vessels on a Thursday's bar entry hit the bottom -
broke of it's keel and sunk following the pilot vessel into the estuary -
this is a devastating loss for Mark and we will do everything to
support him -

DO NOT ENTER THE ESTUARY 
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
🚫

THE RISKS ARE  TOO HIGH !!!
YOU CAN LOOSE YOUR VESSEL 

UNTIL THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE MET 

🚫 DO NOT ENTER

• AN ACCIDENT REPORT 
• DREDGING AND RE-DREDGING SCHEDULES
• WRITTEN PILOT VESSEL PROCEDURES 
• CHANNEL MARKERS 
• VALIDATED AND UPDATED  GPS COORDINATES 
• CLEAR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
• STANDARDIZATION & CONSISTENCY 
• KNOW DEPTH THROUGHOUT THE ENTRANCE 
• EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
• COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL

 

DO NOT ENTER THE ESTUARY 
🚫

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

ALERT 

 SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR LAND TRIPS

1. KNOW THE SAFETY CONTEXT OF PLACES YOU PLAN TO CRUISE 

• Familiarize yourself with the Caribbean Safety Network
• Talk with fellow posse members that have gone places you plan to go.
• Be open minded, courteous and respectful of locals.
• Follow your gut.  Go where and when you feel safe.

2. KNOW REPATRIATION LAWS IN THE COUNTRIES YOU PLAN TO CRUISE TO WHEN TAKING CREW ACROSS INTERNATIONAL BORDERS 

• different countries have different rules.  
• know the rules where you are going
• long
  passages can strengthen crew relations...they can also ruin crew
  relations.  Be very considerate when bringing on crew and crossing
  international borders.

 3. SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR LANDTRIPS

 In
a dynamic situation, situational awareness is embedded in a loop where
the environment affects SA and decisions made under a particular level
of SA affect the environment

•     Learn to Predict Events
•     Identify Elements Around You
•     Trust Your Feelings
•     Limit Situational Overload
•     Avoid Complacency
•     Be Aware of Time
•     Begin to Evaluate and Understand Situations
•     Actively Prevent Fatigue

For more on this topic please head to

https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/managing-stress-arousal-for-optimal-performance-a-guide-to-the-warrior-color-code/

4)  “Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.” 

Make 4 left turns to see if you are being followed 
( unless you ar looking for a parking spot )  

The
theory behind this is that if you make 4 turns then you are
successfully completing a circle from your original starting point. If
the person/car is still behind you after you have made a circle, you are
most likely being followed.

In that case make your way to the nearest 5 star hotel and ask to speak with the hotels security officer 

18)  MUST SEE: 

COCOS ISLAND NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA  🇨🇷 

In
December 2021 Costa Rican President, Carlos Alvarado, signed a decree
expanding the Cocos Island National Park, increasing the fully protected
area in their Pacific waters by almost 53,000 square kilometers. 

Cocos
Island National Park, located 550 km off the Pacific coast of Costa
Rica, is the only island in the tropical eastern Pacific with a tropical
rainforest. Its position as the first point of contact with the
northern equatorial counter-current, and the myriad interactions between
the island and the surrounding marine ecosystem, make the area an ideal
laboratory for the study of biological processes. The underwater world
of the national park has become famous due to the attraction it holds
for divers, who rate it as one of the best places in the world to view
large pelagic species such as sharks, rays, tuna and dolphins.

The
Committee inscribed Cocos Island National Park under natural criteria
and  because of the critical habitats the site provides for marine
wildlife including large pelagic species, especially sharks.

There are four main bays to explore. 

The island rises steeply out of the ocean with lush and diverse vegetation.

Coco Island Anchorage

The underwater world is a major attraction at Isla Cocos

Swimming Turtle in Costa Rica's Galapagos

Fish are protected around Isla Cocos

Isla
Coco was not always so protected.  The island is said to have been
discovered by a Spanish pilot, Joan Cabezas, in 1526. Thanks to its
palm trees and plentiful drinking water, this oceanic island became very
well known. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it served as an
excellent hide-away for the pirates who flourished along the Pacific
coast of Spanish America.  Supposedly there are at least three
buried treasures on the island.  Fishing and extracting activities
are banned at Isla Cocos so the fabled treasures remain....or do they?

https://goodnautical.com/costa-rica/point-interest/cocos-island-national-park

 

19)  75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS 

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

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🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

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🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico  

🇲🇽 PANAMA POSSE HQ  – Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Mexico  

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🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador  

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🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

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🇯🇲 Montego Bay Yacht Club –Jamaica 

🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina –Cayman Islands 

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🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize 

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🇲🇽 Marina El Cid – Cancún – Riviera Maya – Mexico  

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🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic    

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys 

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

🇺🇸 IGY Marina at Ortega Landing – Jacksonville, FL , USA 

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🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA  

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🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA 

PIER SIXTY-SIX MARINA 🇺🇸 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida  USA

26°06.1666′ N 080°07.0033′ W

The impressive Ft. Lauderdale billion dollars worth of boats  

20)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

• BELIZE TOURISM
• CHRIS PARKER - MARINE WEATHER CENTER
• DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
• DOWNWIND MARINE
• FLOR DE CAÑA
• HERTZ RENTAL CARS  MEXICO
• HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
• LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES  
• PANAMA YACHT BROKER
• PREDICT WIND
• SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER  
• SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
• SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
• WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
• WESTMARINE PRO
• YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
   

SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINE CENTER 

21) PANAMA CANAL AGENT 
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To
arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric
Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse
and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

22) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

“Our
vision is to provide a top tier service to our customers while covering
every potential need they may have when approaching shore. 

Small
yachts (up to 38.1 meters LOA) are expected to experience substantial
delays, and in the meantime, we will be able and willing to help you
mitigate this impact and serve you.

 Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus Santana

General Manager

Marcus.Santana@waypointyacht.com

 

International Business Park
Building 3855, office 201
Panama Pacifico / Panama

 

Phone: +507-310 9891 ext.206

AOH: +507-310 9892 (24/7)

Mob: +507 6427-8099

23) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SSCA

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

Pacific Posse 

Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

24) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

ATLANTIC POSSE  
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Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

25) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

The Amazing 🇨🇰  Cook Islands just a quick sail west from French Polynesia 

South Pacific Posse burgees available now in Panama & soon in FP 

The impressive Volcanic Island formations in the South Pacific  

Nawi Island Event August 31 2024 - come party and mingle with the Cruising Fleet 

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

 OUR MISSION

• Make traveling for yacht owners easier, transparent and better informed
• Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas and with service providers
• Pass on relevant information to help fellow participants in a timely manner without personal opinions
• Identify, document and reduce risks
• Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules

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