Sunset at sailors return restaurant after Father’s Day dinner. Sunset Marina, Stuart, Fl.

SY  DAWN PATROL  Laney & Mark  – Outbound 46′

Sunrise over the Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse, off Cape Henlopen

SY  PERCEPTION Jim & Melinda – Lagoon 42′

 THE GREAT WHITE WALL 🤿 TAVEUNI 🇫🇯 FIJI

FIJI’S SOFT CORAL CATHEDRAL

Taveuni, Fiji’s third-largest island, is often referred to as “The Garden Island”, a name earned by its rich volcanic soil and lush tropical vegetation. Located in the remote northern Lau group and part of the Vanua Levu archipelago, Taveuni stands apart in both topography and culture. It’s one of the few islands where the International Date Line crosses land, yet life here moves with tides and trade winds rather than clocks. For sailors navigating the South Pacific, Taveuni is a remote refuge of natural beauty, cultural depth, and world-class diving.

The island is roughly 36 long and 22nm  wide. Its spine is dominated by a volcanic ridge, with Mount Uluigalau, rising to 4000 feet at the highest point. From the deck of a yacht approaching from Somosomo Strait, Taveuni presents a wild, jagged green line, rising steeply from the sea—its interior cloaked in cloud forest, waterfalls, and agricultural terraces.

But Taveuni’s most famous treasure lies beneath the water.

Just off its southeastern shores, in the Somosomo Strait between Taveuni and Vanua Levu, lies one of the greatest dive sites in the world: The Great White Wall.

Arrival by Sea: Sailing to Taveuni

Approaching Taveuni from the south or east requires careful navigation. The waters surrounding the island, while mostly well-charted, are full of submerged coral heads and strong tidal flows, particularly in the Somosomo Strait. Most cruisers access Taveuni from Savusavu or Viani Bay on Vanua Levu and time their crossings for slack tide.

There are several anchorages around Taveuni, but few proper marinas. Most yachts drop the hook off Matei, near the northern end of the island, or venture further south where moorings available and is a cruiser-friendly base for dive excursions.

There are sudden shelf drop-offs that characterize the region. Depth sounders can go from reading 100 feet    to 1200 feet in  the blink of an eye. That same topography, however, is what creates the rich marine life that makes the region famous.

The Somosomo Strait is a narrow body of water that separates Taveuni from the southeast coast of Vanua Levu. It’s a nutrient superhighway—where cold, plankton-rich upwellings from the deep ocean get funneled into shallower reef systems.

For divers, this means an abundance of soft corals, pelagics, macro life, and dramatic visibility shifts depending on tides. At slack tide, visibility can reach 40 meters; at other times, the current rips through so fiercely that dive operators only allow drift dives. But the rewards are staggering.

Most of Fiji’s iconic dive sites are located within or near the strait. These include Rainbow Reef, The Purple Wall, Annie’s Bommie, and of course, the crown jewel: The Great White Wall.

The Corals
Contrary to what many assume, the corals aren’t bleached. They are alive and thriving, colored white due to their unique pigmentation, which reflects ambient light in a ghostly hue. When the current flows just right—often during incoming tide—the polyps open and extend like translucent flowers, catching passing plankton.
Alongside the white corals, a supporting cast of neon-colored soft corals—lavender, magenta, fire-red, golden-yellow—dot the ledges and crevices. The biodiversity rivals any reef system on Earth, including Raja Ampat or the Red Sea.
The Marine Life
Beyond the corals, the Wall is also home to:
• Blue ribbon eels slinking from holes in the reef
• Lionfish hovering in the shadows
• Schools of fusiliers glinting like mercury in the light
• Gray reef sharks circling just out of reach
• Giant trevally hunting in packs
• Sea turtles cruising calmly by
Macro lovers will find nudibranchs, leaf scorpionfish, pipefish, and the occasional ghost pipefish hiding in the flowy coral branches.
It is this interplay of soft coral spectacle, underwater topography, and pelagic life that makes the Great White Wall one of the top dive sites in the world.

Best Season to go 
• May through October (the dry season) is ideal, with cooler water temperatures (26°C to 28°C) and better visibility.
• November through April is wetter and cyclone-prone, but marine life remains vibrant.
Most divers do the wall twice: once during low tide and again at high tide, to witness how different currents affect coral expression and visibility. Slack tide offers the best conditions for photography.
Dive depths range from 15 to 35 meters. Advanced Open Water certification is recommended, though experienced operators will guide intermediate divers with care.

SAU BAY RESORT SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE 

SAU BAY RESORT & SPA – MOORINGS AND DIVE CENTER 🇫🇯 SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

https://oceanposse.com/sau-bay/

PIER 41 MARINA BERMUDA
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

NEARBY

1. Royal Naval Dockyard
📍 32°19’29.3″N 64°50’04.6″W
Why visit:
Once the strategic stronghold of the British Royal Navy, the Dockyard has been restored into a lively hub with museums, shops, and shipyard remnants. The National Museum of Bermuda, located within the Keep, showcases maritime history, shipwrecks, and colonial defense systems.
Highlight: The Commissioner’s House with panoramic views and rare maritime exhibits.

2. St. George’s Town & Fortifications (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
📍 32°22’49.3″N 64°40’57.5″W
Founded in 1612, this is the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World. Cobbled alleys, historic churches, and colonial buildings remain intact. Surrounding forts like Fort St. Catherine offer sweeping ocean views and insights into British coastal defense strategies.
Highlight: The re-enacted dunking of the town gossip in King’s Square.

3. Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse
📍 32°15’10.1″N 64°50’05.0″W
Built in 1846, it’s one of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses in the world. Sailors relied on its light to navigate Bermuda’s treacherous reefs.
Highlight: Climb 185 steps for one of the best panoramic views of Bermuda and the reefline.

4. Crystal & Fantasy Caves
📍32°20’58.3″N 64°42’48.5″W
Discovered in 1907, these subterranean marvels feature dramatic stalactites and clear blue pools. While not nautical in nature, they reflect Bermuda’s unique geological and hydrological makeup.
Highlight: Floating pathways suspended above glass-like waters.

5. The Unfinished Church
📍32°23’01.2″N 64°40’35.5″W
An evocative gothic ruin near St. George’s, left incomplete after multiple construction halts. It has become a symbolic site representing Bermuda’s colonial ambition and religious history.
Highlight: A quiet, photogenic detour on the way to Tobacco Bay.

07° 45.7460′ N 81° 31.8120′ W

Bahia Honda is on the west side of the Azuero Peninsula – a wide and very sheltered bayHe always brought us fruits and greens from their property The anchorage is super calm, surrounded by green hills and mountains. It’s truly worth a stop.

Two-stroke outboard engines—especially older carbureted models—can have significant negative environmental impacts, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs.

🔥 1. Fuel and Oil Pollution
• Unburned fuel: Traditional two-stroke engines mix oil directly with gasoline. As much as 25–30% of this fuel/oil mixture is released unburned into the water.
• Hydrocarbons: These petroleum residues contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are toxic to marine life, including coral polyps, fish larvae, and invertebrates.
• Localized slicks: The oily sheen from outboards can settle on the surface or disperse near the reef, blocking light and smothering sensitive coral tissues.

🧬 2. Toxic Effects on Coral Reefs
• Coral bleaching sensitivity: Corals under stress from warming waters are more vulnerable to chemical pollutants, which can increase bleaching and mortality.
• Disruption of reproduction: PAHs and other compounds can disrupt spawning in corals and fish.
• Altered microbiomes: Small fuel spills can change the microbial balance around coral reefs, which may weaken coral immune responses.

🐠 3. Harm to Marine Fauna
• Larvae and juvenile fish: These are especially susceptible to toxins, affecting reef fish populations and recruitment.
• Bioaccumulation: Toxic compounds can accumulate up the food chain, impacting fish health and the animals (including humans) that eat them.

🧭 Bottom Line:
Old two-stroke engines are among the most polluting marine power sources. In coral reef zones, their use should be  banned altogether to protect fragile ecosystems already under stress from climate change, overfishing and overtourism.
Local snorkel, dive operations and water taxis should immediately switch to 4 stroke engines.

Impacts of emissions from outboard motors on the aquatic environment:  

In general, two-stroke engines emit ca. 10-times more pollution than 4-stroke engines because of lower trapping efficiencies inherent in the 2-cycle operation. Unlike 4- stroke engines that have separate exhaust and fuel filling cycles, in 2-stroke engines the exhaust and fuel filling occur in the same stroke, resulting in an un-preventable loss of unburned fuel in the exhaust. Depending on load and configuration, it has been reported that 2-stroke engines release 1-40% of their fuel unburned to the water.

Warrington (1999) concluded that 10-25% was a more typical range for normal use of modern 2-stroke engines. Although the data is somewhat out-dated (1973), to give this a global perspective, Jackiviz and Kuzminski (1973) calculated that of the 3.8 billion litres of fuel used per year by outboard engines, 380-600 million liters are discharged (unburned) into the water.

FOLLOW THE MONEY

• The total global outboard engine market for annual sales is around 800,000 units per year, with four-strokes growing   but two-strokes continue to hold a massive user base.
• In 2024, the two-stroke engine segment (across all marine propulsion—not just outboards) held approximately 60% market share

• Specifically for outboards, two-strokes were valued at US$1.15 billion in 2024, compared to US$2.8 billion for four-strokes

• The global 2-stroke outboard engine market itself was estimated at about US$1.2 billion in 2024 .

Hatch Failure – SV Pathfinder Loss Report

In May 2025, SV Pathfinder, a 2025 Ocean Posse vessel, sank off the island of Tahuata in the Marquesas. The hatch lens on one of the escape hatches detached in moderate conditions. The vessel was lost. The Goiot bracket recall fix had been installed.

The hatch in question was a Goiot model. Goiot issued a recall covering models manufactured between 2007 and 2019. The recall kit included two stainless brackets, each secured with two small self-tapping screws into the gelcoat. These brackets had been installed on Pathfinder.

On SV Iliohale (Lagoon 450S, 2016), hatch lenses were removed and resealed prior to departing for the Pacific Ocean in early 2025. Two additional stainless brackets were installed on each hatch. Larger screws were used. Sealant was applied between the brackets, gelcoat, and glass. The original sealant removed from the hatches had deteriorated and came off in flakes. After 4,000 nautical miles, the modified hatches remained watertight.

Other owners in the 2025 fleet reported removing hatches and glass entirely. Some reported fabricating custom enclosures. Several reported contacting insurers prior to modification. At least one report involved successfully plugging a failed hatch opening with a mattress. One crew reported using a pre-cut plexiglass panel and fasteners. Multiple vessels reported installing bilge alarms after Pathfinder’s loss.

No known case has been documented in the Ocean Posse or broader cruising fleet in which a catamaran crew exited through a hatch after a capsize.

ESCAPE HATCH REPAIRS

https://oceanposse.com/escape-hatch-repairs/

Recall on Goiot products

https://www.catamarans-lagoon.com/news/article/recall-goiot-products

⚓ Suwarrow Anchorage Overview
📍 Location: 13° 14.9580′ S 163° 6.4760′ W

• Part of the Northern Cook Islands, Suwarrow is a national park managed by the Cook Islands Conservation Service.
• Accessible only by private yacht; no ferry or commercial transport available.

🛟 Approach and Anchorage Details:
• Pass Entry: One narrow pass on the western side; lined with coral reefs and best navigated in daylight at slack tide. The pass is dog-legged, with cross-currents and limited margin for error.
• Anchoring Area: Inside the lagoon, only Anchorage Island offers a designated anchorage.
◦ Depth: 8 to 20 meters
◦ Bottom: Mostly sand with scattered coral heads (bommies)
◦ Holding: Good, but visibility and bommie clearance are essential.
◦ Tip: Use floats on your chain to prevent wrapping coral.

🏝 Onshore and Park Rules:
• Ranger Station: A seasonal ranger lives on Anchorage Island (June to November). All yachts must check in upon arrival.
• Fees: Roughly $50 USD per yacht for up to 2 weeks (subject to change; cash preferred).
• Waste: Pack it in, pack it out – absolutely no trash disposal on the island.
• No Fishing: Suwarrow is a protected marine reserve. Fishing and spearfishing are strictly prohibited.

🐦 Wildlife and Environment:
• Home to thousands of nesting seabirds – including red-tailed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and sooty terns.
• Coconut crabs roam the island interior.
• Reef sharks, rays, and turtles frequent the lagoon.
• Limited snorkeling spots near Anchorage Island; mantas have been seen cleaning near coral heads.

🧭 Navigation and Tips:
1 Enter only during daylight, ideally with the sun behind you to spot reefs.
2 Avoid low tide on arrival or departure due to pass shallowness and current.
3 Bring provisions, fuel, and drinking water – there are no supplies on the island.
4 Dinghy access to the beach is usually calm, but be aware of tidal changes and coral heads near the small pier.
5 Respect the ranger’s authority – they act as park wardens and may organize beach gatherings or potlucks with cruisers.

⛵ Suwarrow in Perspective:
This is not a marina stop – it’s a castaway dream. No shops, no noise, just stars, reef, and wildlife. Suwarrow is often described as a spiritual reset button for bluewater sailors. It’s wild, remote, and unforgettable.
Would you like a chartlet with anchorage GPS tracks, suggested entry waypoints, or a printable cheat sheet for crew briefings?

Weather SUWARROW COOK ISLANDS 

  Tom Neale 🏝️ an island to oneself  

For sailors, the Pacific Ocean has long represented a vast, almost mystical frontier, an expanse of blue water scattered with far-flung atolls and emerald isles. Among these is Suwarrow Atoll, part of the Cook Islands, an isolated ring of coral in the northern reaches of the South Pacific. It is here that one man, Tom Neale, chose to live alone for years at a time, becoming one of the most iconic figures in the modern history of solitude and survival at sea.


Born in New Zealand, Tom Neale was not a hermit in the traditional sense. Rather, he was a sailor, a dreamer, a philosopher of the sea who chose to turn his back on the conventional comforts of society in pursuit of peace, self-reliance, and spiritual communion with the ocean. His book, An Island to Oneself, recounts his years living alone on Suwarrow, and has inspired generations of cruisers, adventurers, and romantics.
Neale’s time on Suwarrow wasn’t an accident. It was a long-held dream, meticulously planned and passionately pursued. His experience stands as a profound testimony to the human spirit’s capacity for adaptation, endurance, and joy in nature’s rhythms.

The Making of a Castaway
Thomas Francis Neale was born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1902. He grew up in the coastal settlement of Greymouth and later lived in the Bay of Islands. From an early age, he developed a deep fascination with boats, the ocean, and the idea of a simpler life away from the bustle of cities.
By his twenties, Neale began moving through various jobs across the South Pacific, including work in the Royal New Zealand Navy, inter-island trade, copra plantations, and boat maintenance. These experiences not only seasoned his seamanship but exposed him to the rhythms of Pacific island life, a rhythm he came to deeply respect and admire.
He first heard of Suwarrow in the late 1940s while in Rarotonga, from sailors and islanders who spoke of a beautiful but abandoned atoll in the Northern Cook Islands. It had been briefly occupied during World War II by a New Zealand coastwatcher station, but was now deserted. The remnants of buildings and equipment left behind presented, in Neale’s eyes, a rare opportunity: a remote island already equipped with some infrastructure and fresh water, ripe for a self-sufficient existence.

 First Sojourn: 1952 to 1954
Neale’s first trip to Suwarrow in 1952 was facilitated by a ship from Rarotonga. He arrived with supplies, books, tools, seeds, and a cat named Missie. Over the next several months, he transformed the remains of the coastwatcher station into a livable homestead. He cleaned the well, repaired the house, built a chicken coop, planted a garden, and fished daily.
His daily life followed the sun. He rose with the dawn, tended to his food stores and garden, checked his fish traps, and spent hours maintaining tools and structures. Rainwater was carefully conserved. He read voraciously, classics, philosophy, nautical texts, and novels, keeping meticulous journals and recording his thoughts.
Neale wasn’t completely alone; occasional passing yachts stopped by, and once a year the government vessel Tiare Taporo brought supplies or visitors. Yet for months at a time, he saw no one, relying entirely on his ability to adapt to the island’s demands.
A back injury from lifting a heavy anchor nearly ended his solitude in tragedy. Unable to move for days, he survived only because of a fortunate visit by a passing yacht, which evacuated him to Samoa for medical treatment.

Return and Second Stay: 1960-1963
After recovering in Rarotonga, Neale spent the next few years biding his time, regathering supplies, and preparing to return to his beloved island. In 1960, he embarked on his second stay, better prepared and more experienced.
This time, he stayed over three years, facing cyclones, crop failures, and emotional isolation. Yet he continued to write, fish, grow food, and expand his philosophical reflections. His journals show increasing depth and introspection, often comparing his solitude to monastic discipline.
One of his most significant reflections was his relationship with time. Without clocks or appointments, his days flowed with the tide, the sun, and the needs of his body and the land. He described this freedom from time as the most powerful transformation solitude had brought him.

 Final Return: 1967 – 1977
Neale returned for a third and final time in 1967, older and slower, but just as passionate. He was now something of a legend. Yachties knew of him; some came specifically to meet the “Hermit of Suwarrow.” Though visitors became more frequent, he remained a solitary figure, often preferring quiet reflection over long conversations.During this last period, Neale continued to maintain his home and routines. His cat Missie had died, and he eventually took in new feline companions. He still gardened and read, though more slowly. His health began to decline, but he remained deeply committed to his life on the atoll.In 1977, after years of self-sufficient living and declining health, he was finally evacuated due to illness. He died in Rarotonga later that year at the age of 75.


Philosophy and Perspective
Tom Neale’s life has often been romanticized, but at its heart it was a life of deliberate simplicity. He did not reject society out of anger or misanthropy, but rather out of a profound desire to reconnect with the earth and the sea on his own terms.
He believed that many modern conveniences were distractions, walls between people and the natural world. In solitude, he found clarity. In routine, he found discipline. And in hardship, he found gratitude.
Neale’s writing never preaches. It simply recounts. Yet the underlying message of An Island to Oneself is clear: the modern world does not satisfy all souls. Some require something wilder, quieter, and more elemental.

Final Reflections: A Life of Intention
Tom Neale didn’t escape to Suwarrow out of desperation, but out of intention. In a world that increasingly prizes connectivity, urgency, and consumption, his example stands in quiet contrast. He reminds us that it is possible, and perhaps necessary, to step outside the noise, to listen to the wind, and to live by the tide.
As he once wrote:
“Solitude, the ocean, the stars, what more could a man want? I am not a philosopher. I am not even particularly wise. But I do know that I have lived, and that is something.”

AWARD ENTRY 🏆 UNINVITED VISITORS

Is it too early for entry in the Most Unwanted Visitor category? Our generator stalled suddenly. Found parts of a jellyfish in the intake strainer. Lucky Chucky still could not start the generator even after using a snake and a vacuum. Finally the compressor hose on a scuba tank blew out the blockage. Out came a jellyfish from the intake. Big one too. Now the generator is back working. Hurray!

MY HO’OKIPA Lisa & Lucky Chucky – Selene 43′

OCEAN POSSE PARTNERSHIP MARINAS 

Primary Named Winds in the Mediterranean 🌬️Meltemi (Etesian)

Meltemi Winds – Aegean Summer Sailing

During the summer months in Greece, a regional pressure gradient sets the stage for the Meltemi Winds, a dominant weather pattern in the Aegean Sea. A high-pressure system builds over the Balkans, while a thermal low develops over Turkey. This contrast draws strong northerly winds across the Aegean, especially from mid-June through September.

The Meltemi typically peaks during the day and eases overnight. It’s driven in part by the differential heating of land and sea, hot air over the mainland rises, pulling in cooler air from the north and northeast. While sometimes referred to as part of a broader Siberian High or influenced by distant pressure systems like the Aleutian Low, the main mechanism is regional and seasonal.

For sailors, the Meltemi is a double-edged sword. Its strength and reliability make for exhilarating passages under sail, but conditions can quickly become challenging:

• Wind Strength: Regularly force 5-7 Beaufort, occasionally higher in funneling channels like between Andros and Tinos or around the Cyclades.

• Sea State: Builds rapidly, especially in open fetch areas, expect steep, short-period waves.

• Anchoring: Secure holding is essential; some anchorages offer poor protection from the north.

• Harbor Entries: Crosswinds can complicate docking maneuvers, especially in small island ports.

• Nighttime Lulls: Winds often ease at night, but not always, plan passages accordingly.

Still, for experienced cruisers prepared for spirited conditions, the Meltemi offers a uniquely Greek sailing experience—dry, cool, and beautifully bracing on a hot July afternoon.

MUST SEE ALONG THE OCEAN POSSE ROUTE
Sunken City of Epidaurus + ANCIENT THEATER   🇬🇷 GREECE
37° 37.90′ N  023° 9.68′ E

Off the clear waters of Gliati (also called Kalimnios beach), just northeast of Ancient Epidaurus, lie submerged ruins often referred to as the “Sunken City.” Here’s a glimpse into this enchanting underwater site. This is a rare spot where ancient architectural footprints lie just beneath the waves, easily accessible to anyone with a snorkel and sense of wonder.
🧭 What you’ll see
• Walls, foundations, paving stones, roads, and even remnants of a Roman breakwater
• “You can clearly distinguish building foundations, amphorae, remnants of the ancient walls and even floor sections… mementos of a forgotten city whose only residents today are colorful fish and giant urchins”

• Ideal for both history enthusiasts and amateur snorkelers—no deep diving required.
• Gives a surreal feeling, floating above nearly intact ancient pavements and structures.
• Offers a tangible connection to a Roman coastal past, where villas met the sea

If the sea is rough and the waves are high, it’s best to stay out of the water. Visibility will be poor, and conditions can become hazardous. Sharp rocks and sea urchins are common in the area and can cause serious injuries.

When visiting the ruins, avoid stepping on or touching the tops of the ancient walls. While it might seem possible, doing so risks damaging a fragile site that was only uncovered about 50 years ago. These structures are delicate and irreplaceable. Preserving them ensures future generations can experience this unique glimpse into the past.

< 1/2 nm VERY NEARBY Theatre at the Ancient City of Epidaurus

The Theatre at the Ancient City of Epidaurus is considered the best-preserved example of a classical Greek theater. Built in the 4th century BCE by the architect Polykleitos the Younger, it sits within a forested hillside near the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the ancient healing center dedicated to the god of medicine. The theater was created to host dramatic performances tied to religious and healing rituals, reflecting the Greek belief that art, nature, and health were deeply interconnected.

The most striking feature of this ancient structure is its exceptional acoustics. The design allows even the softest sounds made at center stage to be heard in the uppermost seats. It originally held about 6,000 people, but was later expanded during Roman times to accommodate up to 14,000 spectators. The seating area is divided into two parts, with 21 rows from the classical period and 20 more added later. The limestone material used in construction plays a key role in its acoustic clarity.

Despite centuries of exposure, the theater remains in remarkable condition. Today, it still hosts performances, especially during the summer Epidaurus Festival. Watching a play here under the stars, with the ruins around you and the mountains beyond, is an experience few forget.

OFFICIAL OCEAN POSSE EVENTS

Thu - Sun October 2025

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 🇺🇸 MARYLAND USA

ANNAPOLIS, Annapolis Town Dock Booth VB 9

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Tue - Fri October 2025

OCEAN POSSE 🇺🇸 SAN DIEGO BAY 4 DAY CRUISING SEMINARS SERIES @ SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY

SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY EVENT CENTER, CHULA VISTA, SAN DIEGO, CA

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Sat October 2025

OCEAN POSSE MARINE INSURANCE SEMINAR

ZOOM, ONLINE

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Wed - Sun December 2025

OCEAN POSSE KICK OFF 🇲🇽 BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO December 3-7 2025

MARINA PUERTO DE LA NAVIDAD, BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO

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Sun January 2026

FIESTA NAUTICA CLUB DE PESCA CARTAGENA 🇨🇴

CLUB DE PESCA, CARTAGENA COLOMBIA

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Sat January 2026

OCEAN POSSE AT SHELTER BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

SHELTER BAY MARINA, FORT SHERMAN, PANAMA

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Thu September 2026

OCEAN POSSE & BEN TAYLOR STREET PARTY @ CANNES 🇫🇷 YACHTING FESTIVAL

TAQUERIA LUPITA, 72 Rue Meynadier, Cannes

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Thu September 2026

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

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Fri September 2027

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

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Sun September 2028

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

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Mon September 2029

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

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Tue September 2030

GRAND PAVOIS 🇫🇷 La Rochelle – Sep. 24 2025

Gran Pavois La Rochelle, 20 Av. de la Capitainerie, 17000 La Rochelle, France

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INTRODUCING A NEW SPONSORSHIP MARINA

SCARBOROUGH MARINA 🇦🇺 BRISBANE – SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
27° 11.6016′ S  153° 06.4233′ E

We are excited to welcome the Ocean Posse members to our marina and facilites and   offer the following discounts !
• 10% off  wet berthing for up to 1 month – for the initial term only (1 time only offer).
• 10% off Haul-out and Hardstand services for up to 5 days (1 time only offer).
• 30% off Liveaboard fees
• Terms and conditions apply

SERVICES 

NEARBY

1. South Bank Parklands
Stroll the lush riverside paths, dip into the man-made beach lagoon, or relax in shady gardens. A central hub for dining, public art, and people-watching.

2. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Get close to Australia’s native wildlife. Hand-feed kangaroos, hold a koala, and observe a wide range of birds, reptiles, and marsupials.
3. Mount Coot‑tha Lookout & Botanic Gardens
Soak in panoramic views over the city and visit the subtropical gardens below, complete with a planetarium and walking trails.

4. Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Climb Brisbane’s iconic steel bridge for stunning views of the river, skyline, and mountains. A top pick for sunrise or twilight adventurers.

5. Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
An impressive cultural complex showcasing world-class contemporary and Indigenous art in innovative, spacious settings.

6. Brisbane Powerhouse & New Farm Park
This converted industrial space hosts theatre, live music, and exhibitions. Nearby, New Farm Park offers scenic riverside picnics and jacaranda blooms in spring.

7. City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane’s oldest park, located on a bend in the river. A calm escape with rare tropical plants, heritage trees, and walking paths.

8. Eat Street Northshore
A vibrant night market built from shipping containers, offering global street food, desserts, live music, and craft stalls under fairy lights.

9. Howard Smith Wharves
A revitalized waterfront zone with breweries, upscale restaurants, and lively bars tucked beneath the Story Bridge.

10. West End & Boundary Street Markets
A creative, multicultural district full of indie shops, vintage stores, global cuisine, weekend markets, and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere.

TIDBITS

SY RAMBLE ON ROSE 🇺🇸 Rose & Don – Caliber 40 ‘

The 1914 Panama Canal 50 dollar bill is a remarkable artifact from the early 20th century, commemorating one of the most significant engineering achievements in maritime history. Issued during or shortly after the canal’s completion, these rare banknotes were either U.S. Treasury issued or linked to special commemorative series from the Canal Zone or associated institutions. They reflect the pride and ambition of an era that reshaped global trade.

The Panama Canal officially opened on August 15, 1914, after more than a decade of intense labor, geopolitical negotiation, and technical innovation. Cutting through the Isthmus of Panama, it connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and instantly transformed global shipping. Vessels that once had to endure the long and dangerous voyage around Cape Horn could now transit the Americas in a fraction of the time.

While no U.S. Federal Reserve Note was issued in 1914 explicitly featuring the canal, several commemorative certificates and Canal Zone related notes exist. These often depict imagery symbolic of U.S. industrial might and international reach, including allegorical figures of commerce, infrastructure, and possibly vignettes representing the locks or canal workers.
If a note was created or commissioned around this time to honor the canal, especially in denominations like 50 dollars, it would have been a prestige item, not common currency. These notes are now of interest to collectors for their historical relevance, scarcity, and often ornate design.

Here’s the updated fee structure under the new Bahamas Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill taking effect July 1, 2025, which introduces significant changes for vessels entering Bahamian waters s

🚤 Pleasure Vessel Entry Fees & Permits

1. Temporary Cruising Permits (up to 12 months)
• ≤ 34 ft: $500
• 35–100 ft: $1,000
• > 100 ft: $3,000
• Tenders > 25 ft: $500
These now include customs, immigration attendance and overtime charges

2. Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC) – valid 2 years, unlimited entries
• ≤ 34 ft: $1,500
• 35–100 ft: $2,500
• > 100 ft: $8,000

3. Fishing Permit Fees
• ≤ 34 ft: $100
• > 34 ft: $300

4. Anchorage Fees (foreign vessels not at marina)
• ≤ 34 ft: $200
• 35–100 ft: $350
• > 100 ft: $1,500

5. Passenger Tax
Additional passengers (≥ 6 years, non-residents) beyond first 3 incur $30 each

✅ What’s New
• Sharp increases compared with previous permits (e.g., ≤ 100 ft temp permit jumped from $300 to $1,000) .
• Mandatory AIS for all foreign vessels in Bahamian waters; non-compliance fines of $1,000
• New 2‑year FDCC option for frequent cruisers.

🔍 Compared to Previous Regime
Under the 2020–2024 system:
• Temporary cruising permit:
◦ ≤ 34 ft = $150 (3 mo) or $300 (12 mo);
◦ 35–99 ft = $300 (90 d) or $600 (12 mo)
• No FDCC; anchorage was a modest daily rate via park fees.
• Fishing permits: $100–$300 depending on size .
• AIS requirement is brand new

🗓️ Effective Date
All new fees and AIS rules take effect July 1, 2025

💡 What This Means for Your Ocean Posse Fleet
• Plan ahead: AIS installation and functioning system required. ( most folks have this )
• Evaluate whether the FDCC is worth the investment for frequent entrants.
• Prepare for substantially higher entry costs, particularly for larger yachts.

These fee hikes and new rules were crafted and enacted by the Bahamas Parliament via the 2025 Amendment Bill
• Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis – Serving since September 17, 2021, as the 5th PM of the Bahamas and also Minister of Finance. He leads the government and the majority in the House of Assembly
• Speaker Patricia Deveaux – The presiding officer in the House of Assembly, elected October 6, 2021. Notably, she handled a high-profile incident involving the mace being thrown during a session
• President of the Senate Lashell Adderley – Elected October 7, 2021, she oversees the upper house’s proceedings and ensures decorum
• Leader of the Opposition Michael Pintard – Representing the Free National Movement, he assumed the role on November 27, 2021, leading the minority in parliamentary debates • Dame Cynthia Pratt, the Governor‑General since September 2023, officially represents the King in parliamentary matters

THESE NEW LAWS ARE carried out through the Port Department and Ministry of Transport, with input from the Maritime Authority and Tourism Ministry.

The Minister of Energy and Transport in The Bahamas is Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis.
The leader of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is The Honourable I. Chester Cooper
Leadership of the Bahamas Port Authority
• Ian B. A. Rolle – President
 Ian Rolle, a certified public accountant and former Ernst & Young professional, serves as President of GBPA, leading its municipal operations, harbor services, and development initiatives for Freeportx

• Rupert Hayward – Co‑Chairman
 Rupert Hayward holds the role of Co‑Chairman of the GBPA board. He is a key principal and executive overseeing strategic oversight and multi-industry operations across the Port Group

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