FLEET UPDATES

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

JANUARY 28, 2024

View from southern summit Cerro del Faro, Isla Isabel 🇲🇽 Mexico 

"If something is wrong, fix it now, 
but train yourself not to worry.  Worry fixes nothing."

-Ernest Hemingway 
 

TOP NEWS  

• PICTURES OF THE WEEK
• RSVP NOW  | SHELTER BAY & OCEAN POSSE EVENT
• BOATS ON THE MOVE THIS WEEK ⛵
• AWARD NOMINATIONS: PHOTO OF THE YEAR ENTRY 🇬🇹
• RECAP CLUB DE PESCA 🇨🇴 CARTAGENA + PANAMA POSSE
• UNFORGETTABLE  ISLA ISABEL 🇲🇽  MEXICO 
• GIANT ANTEATER OF PANAMA
• POSSE PERK: INTEL IN COSTA RICA 🇨🇷 
• SY TIAMAT JOURNEY TO TIKAL  
• PAPAGAYO WINDS  🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇸🇻 
• GOOD NAUTICAL POE ⚓ PUERTO OBALDIA 🇵🇦  PANAMA
• LA DANZA DE LOS DIABLITOS 👿
• MEET THE FLEET 👨‍✈️ FORTITUDE X 
• SAFETY RECOMMENDATION: Talos Lightning Detection
• MUST SEE TEQUILA 🇲🇽 
• MORE POSSE NEWS 🌊 OTHER OCEANS
• SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 🗿  SEASON 4 REGISTRATIONS  

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

259 Yachts are signed up from 23 ensigns
 
JOIN THE POSSE

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Dawn Patrol on anchor in La Ropa, 🇲🇽

SY DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸 Laney & Mark - Outbound 46

Posse Party in Zihuatenejo, Mexico 🇲🇽 

SY LOST PEARL 🇨🇦 Onno - Hardin 45′

Friday night sunset at Dinner Key East anchorage, Coconut Grove, FL 🇺🇸

Impromptu Panama Posse meetup with S V Queso Grande in Key Largo FL 🇺🇸 

 SY CERCA TROVA 🇺🇸 Bruce & Lynette - Manta MK IV 42′

SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri - Seawind 41'

2) RSVP NOW : 

SHELTER BAY PANAMA OCEAN POSSE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2024

SAILORS AND CRUISERS NETWORKING PARTY  

RSVP HERE  https://panamaposse.com/sbrsvp

SCHEDULE

09:00 – 12:00  Swap Meet  $ 1 pp  – @ GAZEBO

12:00 – 13:00 Life raft inflation Demo – @ GAZEBO

14:00 – 21:00 Marine Trade show displays @ GAZEBO

14:30 Panama Canal best practices seminar @ SEMINAR CRUISERS LOUNGE

15:00 Panama Posse   Route – going back to Cali or sea of Cortez @ SEMINAR CRUISERS LOUNGE  

15:30 OpenCPN Sat Charts and how to get them and use them @ SEMINAR CRUISERS LOUNGE  

16:00 South Pacific Posse route presentation – beyond Bora Bora @ SEMINAR CRUISERS LOUNGE  

17:00 Destination Belize Tourism Board Seminar &  the second largest barrier reef @ SEMINAR CRUISERS LOUNGE  

17:30 Predict Wind @ SEMINAR CRUISERS LOUNGE   @ GAZEBO

17:45 OPEN BAR BY FLOR DE CAÑA @ GAZEBO

18:00 Folkloric Dance and Event Inauguration @ GAZEBO

18:26 SUNSET & INVOCATION @ GAZEBO

18:27 PIG ROAST & GALLEY GOD(ESS) POT LUCK AND THE BEGINNING OF THE POSSE FEAST @ GAZEBO 
( bring one good dish to share for 10 people ) 

19:00 DANCE MONKEY DANCE DANCE @ GAZEBO

LATER: TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT AND MEXICAN TRAIN TOURNAMENT  @ SEMINAR CRUISERS LOUNGE

Shelter Bay marina is donating 2 Pork roasts  Caja China style  !

Bartenders
and Rum Mixologists courtesy of Flor de Caña  will be pouring rum
and selling cases of rum at a discount  for those heading out !

Fun - Rum - Food - deals with local service providers and seminars and a late game of Texas Hold'em - this will be an epic evening 

 Looking
for a ride  to get to the event from Panama City ?  email
emilio@oceanposse.com for a round trip from Panama City to Shelter Bay
and back in a shared private bus ~ $ 35 pp 

EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL YACHT OWNERS

3) PANAMA POSSE ⛵
BOATS ON THE MOVE THIS WEEK

Sun rising along the costa Guatemala 🇬🇹 

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

Crossing the Tehuantepec 🇲🇽 and switched from cedar plugs to pink squid lures. 

Just before sunset a mahi donated to our freezer!

 SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

KEKADA II crossing the bar into Bahia del Sol, El Salvador 🇸🇻

KEKADA II  🇦🇺 Don & Anja - Robertson and Caine 50′

4) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

 ONE NEW PHOTO OF THE YEAR ENTRY

Ghost ship at dawn on the Ortega River, Florida

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

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

QUE VENDRA leaving Barra de Navidad for points south. 🇲🇽 

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

5) RECAP CLUB DE PESCA 🇨🇴 CARTAGENA + 
PANAMA POSSE

SAILORS AND CRUISERS NETWORKING PARTY  ° CARTAGENA ° COLOMBIA ° SATURDAY January 18TH, 2025

For a full gallery of images follow this collage above - 
23 Panama Posse vessels registered for the event 

The event started out with a briefing of the Panama Posse to the CLUB DE PESCA CARTAGENA Patrons - the Yacht club members invited all foreign flagged skippers to participate in the Caribbean Regatta 

Meet the Leader of Club de Pesca - Ileana  a
good friend to sailors who many moons ago said YES to the Panama Posse
and this new event turned out a cooperative celebration between local
and international sailors 

 How
important is the event ? The high ranking Harbor master came to the
event to support and improve relations with visiting yachts. Yachting
tourism is an important factor to Colombia's yachting industry and for
local business'. 

After the regatta winners where announced it was time to get down to party business 

Discerning Panama Posse sailor Erwin SY 10IN2 🇦🇹   Jeanneau  44.9'  on hand to taste test Flor De Caña rum in the PP Carinthia mixed drink 

The mingling of local sailors and Panama Posse vessels at the historic site of
Fuerte de San Sebastián del Pastelillo 

The Panama Posse potluck protocol - best dishes on display for taste testing by restaurant chefs  

Augmented by a massive local classic rice dish ( 2.5 meter paella ) 

Chef PETRA from SY SUTJE wins the GALLEY GODDESS AWARD - hands down 
Flor de Caña 12 year old Rum 

With a big thank you to the incredible staff of Club de Pesca Cartagena !
 Hasta el próximo año !

CLUB DE PESCA, CARTAGENA 
🇨🇴 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Flor de Caña is a brand of premium rum manufactured and distributed by
Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua which is headquartered in Managua,
Nicaragua and dates back as far as 1890

(3) OCEAN POSSE PARTY PANAMA + SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 

FLEET MEET UP

SAT. FEB 3 '24
SHELTER BAY MARINA 
🇵🇦  PANAMA

IMPORTANT:
This event is in the middle of high season.  The Shelter Bay
Marina will be near capacity  so make reservations early.
Additionally, we are also going to organize a shuttle bus to get
folks to this event from alternate locations.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: 

Juanjo Boschetti - GM juanjo@shelterbaymarina.com
Tel (+507) 433-3581

(4) 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  

SAVE THE DATE 
 PANAMA POSSE BELIZE YACHT FEST 
APRIL 6 2024

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

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 <<

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

Meet mingle and share your sailing stories in Belize !

6) UNFORGETTABLE VISIT TO
 ISLA ISABEL 🇲🇽  MEXICO 

Eastern anchorage off Isla Isabel with Las Monas on the left

TRIP REPORT:

We sailed in (to Isla Isabel)from Mazatlan overnight, arriving after daybreak the next morning.  Based on great advice from C-YA
Glenn, we went right for the eastern anchorage.  There were
already 4 boats in the anchorage, but we still found room to drop our
anchor in 40’ of water.  Conditions were calm during our stay, with
light winds from the NW, dying completely at times.  Even so,
there was some swell in the anchorage, but very tolerable on our
catamaran.  

PERCEPTION in front of Las Monas on the east side of Isla Isabel

We
dinghied to the southern anchorage to go ashore.  The anchorage
itself looked a bit scary with large swell wrapping around the southern
end of the island and crashing into the rocks on the east side of the
anchorage.  There was a large motor yacht anchored here (I believe
it was another Posse boat, Sakumo Lagoon, but didn’t have a chance to
talk with them) that seemed to be doing OK.  Conversely, the dinghy
landing in the southern anchorage was very protected with no breaking
waves, much better than that on the eastern side which had low breaking
waves that scared us off from attempting to land there.  In the
southern anchorage watch out for the panga anchor lines running out to
floats in the water in front of the fishing village, they are just under
the surface in some cases.

The
trails can be a bit hard to find from the southern anchorage.  To
go on the hike to the crater and the east side of the island, you must
go through the row of fisherman houses and go right/east once behind
them.  There is a rough poured concrete staircase leading up the
hillside through several outhouses on the east side of the La Charca
pond behind the houses that gets you on the trail.  To go up to the
southern summit or the western beach you must go to the west end of the
beach, past the Isla Isabel national park signs, and through the
abandoned research center. 

Blue Footed Boobies nest on the earth along the walking trails

Nesting frigate birds with white chick also seen from the walking trails.

Lago Crater, the caldera of the extinct volcano that formed the island can be reached on foot.

Meanwhile, back onboard Humpbacks breach near the anchorage.

SY PERCEPTION 🇺🇸 Jim & Melinda & Grace - Lagoon 42'

 

Thank you SY PERCEPTION for Sharing your Adventures on the water !

 7) ANIMALS ALONG THE ROUTE:

THE GIANT ANTEATER OF PANAMA

According to Josea, age 10, on SY WHIRLWIND: 

"Anteaters
are my second favorite animal.  I love their long bushy tails and
their really long tongues.  I just learned that they live in Panama
so I am thrilled.  My very first favorite stuffed animal is an
anteater, named E.  It would be amazing to see one living in the
wild."

SOME ANIMAL FACTS INCLUDE:

Also known as the Ant Bear, the Giant Anteater is a large mammal that can weigh up to 90 pounds.

They’ve got a long, narrow tongue and long snout to match, with a sense of smell 40 times more powerful than that of humans.

These
animals can be found throughout much of Central and South America, but
in Panama they’re most often spotted in Darien National Park (a
protected UNESCO World Heritage Site) near the Colombian border. 

 8) SHARING YOUR FAVORITE 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. 

Dorado....meals for days.

9) POSSE PERK: INTEL

BEACHES IN COSTA RICA 🇨🇷 

Enjoying the Beaches in Puerto Jiminez, Costa Rica  🇨🇷

BEACH REPORT: 

Just
like Mexico, all beaches in Costa Rica are designated as public (150
feet from the shoreline is public) so if you are anchored outside an
All-inclusive resort or 5 star hotel they can’t tell you to go away and
by law they have to allow public access through their property to get to
the beach. I discovered this when we were outside an “adults only”
resort but saw tons of kids on its beach and inquired. Only some
National Park beaches will require a park pass you get online and have
pet restrictions. I was pleasantly surprised how dog friendly most
places were.

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan -  Cal 46'

10) SHELTER BAY MARINA 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

09°22.085′ N    079°57.0013′ W

“As always Panama Posse participants will be welcomed at Shelter Bay Marina.

From January 10 till May 31st.

15% discount form the transient rates which are, 1-7 nights, 7 to 14 nights, 15 to 30 nights and 31 to 90 nights,

The
quick Haul out rate of $12.00 per feet and $16.00 per feet for Monos
and Multis will be given for vessels doing work in the yard!!”

 

 

Juanjo Boschetti  

General Manager

email juanjo@shelterbaymarina.com

www.panamaposse.com/sponsors

11) SY TIAMAT GOES OVERLAND FROM

CHIAPAS, MEXICO 🇲🇽 TO GUATEMALA 🇬🇹 

Ruins of TIKAL 

Tikal was a city and ceremonial center of the ancient Maya civilization. 

TRIP REPORT:

We
did a whirlwind tour through Guatemala, visiting Lake Atitlan, Antigua,
and capping it off with a visit to Tikal. It was fascinating to see the
living continuation of Mayan culture in Guatemala, framed against the
backdrop of the breathtaking ruins of Tikal. Honestly, I didn’t have a
lot of expectations going into Guatemala, but now I’m glad we went and I
would definitely advise everyone passing this way not to miss it!

The history of Tikal goes as far back as 900–300 BCE. 

Tikal was an important post in the great trading network in Mesoamerica 

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

12) PAPAGAYO WINDS  🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇸🇻 

 The weather behind the Papagayo wind is explained by NASA 

“The
meteorological mechanism that causes Papagayo winds is relatively
simple. In winter, cold high-pressure weather systems move southward
from North America over the Gulf of Mexico. These high-pressure systems
create strong pressure gradients between the atmosphere over the Gulf of
Mexico and the warmer, moister atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. Just
as a river flows from high elevations to lower elevations, the air in
the high-pressure system will “flow” downhill toward lower pressure, but
the Cordillera mountains block the flow of air, channeling it through
Chivela Pass in Mexico, the lake district of Nicaragua, and also
Gaillard Cut in Panama (which also holds the Panama Canal).”‘

Last
year’s fleet has plenty of experience with these "flows" that created
sustained gusts of wind up to 55 knots! The most successful strategy was
day sailing – near shore – in 20 – 30 nm hops with one foot on the
beach (less than 1/2 nm off shore). These Papagayo winds may test you,
your vessel, and your crew.  And once you make it to Costa Rica
your wind blasted faces will have some good stories to tell.  

PRO TIP: When you look at the forecast models look at the wind gusts and use those as your guide as these gusts occur 50% of the time.

there
are many anchorages to take the load of and truly gunk hole along the
Papagayo area of influence -  anchorages are outlined in Good
Nautical - use scope to withstand up to  50 knot gusts

NOTE:  If you are a vessel in transit along the Nicaraguan coast AND
you are not checking in to the country, it is a well received courtesy
to fly their courtesy flag when a vessel is within 15nm of the
Nicaraguan coast.  Vessels in transit that do not check in are
allowed to anchor in Nicaraguan waters.  However, no one aboard may
leave the vessel and a yellow Q flag is flown below the Nicaraguan
courtesy flag.  
🟨 

When
anchoring for safe harbor in a country you are not formally entering
know that naval representatives may come and check on you.  When
and if they do be gracious, respectful, and courteous.  

San Juan del Sur 🇳🇮  Nicargaua - the epicenter of the Papagayo Winds 

13) GOOD NAUTICAL 
POE ( Port of Entry ) 
PUERTO OBALDIA 🇵🇦  PANAMA

Puerto
Obaldia is located on the Eastern coast of Northern Panama.
Vessels sailing east from the Canal or west from Columbia may
enjoy Puerto Obaldia Panama

https://goodnautical.com/panama/port-of-entry/puerto-obaldia

Different Posse members have enjoyed Puerto Obaldia:

SY RUM TRUFFLE SAYS: We
really enjoyed the more unspoiled part of Panama from Puerto Obaldia up
to the more popular areas. Advantages of checking in there is that you
get all your docs on the spot (need lots of USD cash as everything is
cash only all the way through the area until Linton Bay and NO ATMs or
any way to get cash. Highlights for us were Isla Pinos, Mamitupu, Mono
Island, Playon Chico/ Snug Harbour, and then of course Green Island and
all the other more popular places. Use Eric Bauhaus’ guide for waypoints
and info.

It’s
more correct to say carry lots of small bills to pay for fruit, fish,
fees etc I went top to bottom  and $200 in small bills served me
well. No ATMs and grocery stores are very small. Most of your early
trade will be from dugouts!

SY BISOU SAYS regarding cash:  You
may wish to buy molas (we bought alot!) and lobsters, fish, fruit and
veggies, etc.  We went through USD $1000 in the 10 weeks we were
there! By the time you spend about $250 on checking in and cruising
permit, then local anchoring fees (usually $10 a time) plus buy a few
molas ($25-$50 each) and then stock up on fruit and veggies from the
boat that comes around, have an excursion to the waterfalls and maybe a
meal on Iban’s island by the Swimming Pool (Hollandes Quays) you’ll find
that cash disappears quickly!

14) MARINA PUERTO ESCONDIDO 🇲🇽  MX 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

 https://panamaposse.com/marina-puerto-escondido

Hello Panama Posse – Good Afternoon

With Pleasure we would like to offer a discount of 10% of our published daily rates to the participants of the Panama Posse

Contact us below   to check for availability and please let us know your vessels dimensions to confirm your reservation

Harbor Master Javier

 

RESERVATION FORM

https://www.marinapuertoescondido.com/slip-reservation.php

CONTACT MARINA PUERTO ESCONDIDO

Tel  +52 6131318097

Email: harbormaster@marinapuertoescondido.com

           concierge@marinapuertoescondido.com

AMENITIES

• Launching Ramp & Travel Lift
• Car & Trailer Parking
•  The Market
• La Brisa Pizza + Bar
• Wifi & Conference Room
• Showers & Laundry
• Fish Scale & Fillet Station
• Rooftop Pool
• Captain’s Lounge
• Fuel
• Propane
• Repair Services
• Car Rental & Transportation

FUEL DOCK

15) LA DANZA DE LOS DIABLITOS

or

THE DANCE OF THE LITTLE DEVILS

BARUCA 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA 

Boruca,
Costa Rica is located in the mountains north of Corcovado National
Park.  The Boracun village and their sense of identity has survived
centuries of struggles dating back to the 1500’s between the native
tribes and the Spanish Conquistadors.  While many indigenous tribes
consider themselves to have been defeated by the Spanish, the Borucans
demonstrate that a tribe cannot be defeated if it’s culture is still
alive today.  “Boruca is very much alive and fighting to preserve
their identity.”

https://www.borucacostarica.org/danza-de-diablitos/ 

A group of Barucan men dressed as spirits to ward off the Spanish Conquistadors

A
celebration in Baruca which honors their history, their struggles, and
their triumph is known as ‘The Dance of the Little Devils’ or’ Danza de
Los Diablitos’.  This is a four day ceremonial re-enactment
traditionally takes place from December 30th to January 2nd.
During this four day celebration, local men dress in costumes to
re-enact the invasion of the Spanish, an invocation to the spirits for
help defending their territory, the fight, and their victory.  Most
notable and interesting are the costumes for this 4 day event.

The Barucan Warriors (right) taunt and fight the Spanish represented by the bull (left)

The
Spaniards are represented by a Bull which is made from a large
cardboard box covered in a burlap and a mask in the form of a bull’s
head.  The warriors of the village are dressed in body paint and
burlap smocks wearing various types of masks representing different
spirits.  For the first two days the “little Devils’ taunt the Bull
but the bull seems to be gaining on the Diablitos.  By the third
day the elders walk through the village making a bigger ceremony of
calling the warriors to action. On the fourth day, the Diablitos are
stronger and more determined.  Their costumes are bigger and their
masks are different.  This is the day they defeat (kill) the Bull.

The costumes for the day of defeat are much bigger.

Native Moyaguas and Xicaguas (present day Costa Rica territory) 
 tribes attack Spanish soldiers led by conquistador Diego de Sojo, 1639.

16) MEET THE FLEET  

FORTITUDE X

Stefanie & Torsten Schulz 

We
met skydiving 36 years ago and after a few years in the air, switched
to motor biking  before we were introduced to sailing. Having lived
and worked on three continents and having visited more than 40
countries on our adventurous journey together we are now aiming to reach
“50 before 60”.

Fortitude
X, a 2008 Beneteau 423 has been our home for almost three years. After
circumnavigating Vancouver Island in 2021, we left Canada in August of
last year sailing down the US coast for Mexico.

Every
day is a school day, and when you are open to learning through travel,
you are often humbled. Talking about learning: next thing on the list is
improving our Spanish, but for the time being we count on a smile as a
universal communicator. Like many of the PP Fleet members have mentioned
before, we are grateful for the life we are living, (especially in
these times of political turmoil), the friends we made, the camaraderie
we experienced and the new adventures that lie ahead on our way to the
Caribbean and beyond. Dietmar, Nicole, and the entire Panama Posse team
are trusted and reliable partners, enabling access to resources and
fellow cruisers. Thank you, now it’s up to us to explore, dream, and
discover. Life is a journey, travel it well.

SY FORTITUDE X 🇨🇦 Stefanie & Torsten - Beneteau 43′

17) POSSE SWAG

 

18)  SAFETY RECOMMENDATION:

Talos Lightning Detection

"One lightning strike will change your sailing life forever"

36% of lightning fatalities occur by or in the water.

https://oceanposse.com/talos-lightning-detection/

Watch this video ! conversation between Talos & Panama Posse Mariners. 

Talos
lightning detectors are available to add to your safety devises
onboard.  They are small, mountable devices that give an audible
and visual alert to the proximity of lightning.  There are
different models and applications.  For example:

FEATURES:

• Alerts up to 25 mile range
• The BRIGHTEST visual alerts: 3 colors to indicate distance of approaching or departing storms
• Green: 25 miles
• Blue: 16 miles
• Red:  6 miles
• The LOUDEST audible alerts
• 1 beep for Green: 25 miles
• 2 beeps for Blue: 16 miles
• 3 beeps for Red: 6 miles
• Compact design
• Auto sleep functionality**
• 1 year battery life (*based on average usage)
• Antenna auto tuning – increases efficiency
• Same technology as used in expensive weather stations
• Battery powered: requires 4 AA batteries (lithium recommended)

**When
the unit is first turned on, the unit is in “Normal Mode” and will
actively listen for lightning/storm activity. Pressing the ON button a
second time puts the unit into the auto-sleep mode. In this mode, the
detector will sleep until motion is detected, then it will turn on. If
no motion is detected for 30 minutes, the unit goes back to sleep.

Benefits

• Early warning alerts
• Provides distance estimation of storm
• Antenna audio tuning – increases efficiency
• Easy to mount
• Easy to detach

What’s Included in the Box:

• TALOS Lightning Detection Device
• Mounting Base
• User Guide

How it Works

When
lightning is first detected (up to 25 miles), the detector will flash
all 8 LEDs for 5 minutes. To save battery life, after 5 minutes of
lightning detection, the detector switches to blinking every other LED
for the remaining time that lightning is detected (red, blue, or green
depending on distance of lightning).

Where to Mount Lightning Detector

The
lightning detector detects low-level signals from lightning and must be
mounted a minimum of 3 feet away from cell phones, wearables, or any
other devices emitting electrical noise. If the detector goes through a
sequence of all colors, this indicates that it is detecting electrical
noise.

Battery Instructions & Installation

It
is necessary to replace batteries as soon as the lightning detector
indicates the batteries are almost dead. The detector will beep and
flash the LED twice indicating that batteries need to be replaced. This
alert is given every 10 seconds. If you are not using the lightning
detector, make sure you remove the batteries prior to storing the
detector.

Panama Posse get a generous discount from Talos to order Lightning detectors directly 

19)  MUST SEE: 

  TEQUILA 🇲🇽 

The
official town of Tequila – a 3 hour drive from the Coast – offers a
Museum with how Tequila is produced, and Tequila Tastings.

Tequila, Mexico

The
34,658 ha site, between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the
deep valley of the Rio Grande River, is part of an expansive landscape
of blue agave.  The landscape has been shaped by the culture of the
plant and used since the for at least 2,000 years to make fermented
drinks and cloth.  More recently, the production of the Tequila
spirit has been a specialty of the region since the 16th century.

fields of agave.

Within
the landscape are working distilleries reflecting the growth in the
international consumption of tequila in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, the agave culture is seen as part of national identity. The area
encloses a living, working landscape of blue agave fields and the urban
settlements of Tequila, Arenal, and Amatitan with large distilleries
where the agave ‘pineapple’ is fermented and distilled.

Church in Tequila, Mexico

Tequila
is produced by removing the heart of the plant in its seventh to
fourteenth year.  Harvested piñas normally weigh 80–200 pounds
This heart is stripped of its leaves and heated to convert the
inulin to sugars.

Harvested piñas

True tequila is made from blue agave (right). 

The
production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking,
fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling.  Then comes
consumption.  

Salud.

https://panamaposse.com/tequila

 

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 PAPAGAYO 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

The Papagayo Peninsula  Costa Rica

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  
   

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

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

24) 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

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 

26) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

A warm welcome to the the Marquesas  🇵🇫 French Polynesia 

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

Marquesas Locals 

Haatuatua Beach Nuku Hiva

of Paradise Anchorages in the landfalls

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

ocean posse llc 
 @ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA
This e-mail has been sent to dietmar@52hertz.com, Click here to UNSUBSCRIBE

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC

 

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

JANUARY 21, 2024

We don't take a trip. A trip takes us.

-John Steinbeck

TOP NEWS  

• Season 7  Posse Seminars and Events Past and Future
• Micro Posses Here and There 🇲🇽 🇸🇻 🇵🇦
• Season 7 Award Entries: Biggest Fish Caught, Most Unwanted Guest, & Photo of the Year
• Posse Kids (Big and Little) Fishing and Catching 🇲🇽 🇨🇷 🇵🇦
• Seeking Shelter From the South Swell Little Known Coves in the Perlas, Panama are Revealed 🇵🇦
• Good Nautical: Ipala Mexico 🇲🇽
• Posse Perk: Free Tracking: Sign up!
• Meet the Fleet: SY PATHFINDER
• Security Alert: 3 steps to keeping your dinghy safe
• MUST SEE: Copper Canyon, 🇲🇽 

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

254 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Sunset in Chacala, 🇲🇽

MV MARTINI 🇺🇸 Mary & Bryan - Nordhavn 64′

Whale watching, Fun times on the Pacific coast of Mexico, 🇲🇽 

SY COURAGE  🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

It is not every day you see four sloths at once outside the Marina 🇵🇦 !  

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan -  Cal 46'

Key West, Florida welcoming committee 

SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri - Seawind 1260 41′

2) SAVE THE DATE : 

SAT Feb  3 2024,   SHELTER BAY PANAMA 🇵🇦 

SCHEDULE

09:00 – 12:00  Swap Meet at the gazebo $ 1 pp 

$1 DONATIONS GO TO EVENING DANCE TROUPE ENTERTAINMENT*

12:00 – 13:00 Liferaft inflation Demo –

14:00 – 21:00 Marine Trade show displays

14:30 Panama Canal best practices seminar

15:00 Panama Posse   Route – going back to Cali or sea of Cortez

15:30 OpenCPN Sat Charts and how to get them and use them

16:00 South Pacific Posse route presentation – beyond Bora Bora

17:00 Destination Belize Seminar &  the second largest barrier reef

17:30 Predict Wind

17:45 OPEN BAR BY FLOR DE CAÑA

18:00 PIG ROAST POT LUCK AND THE BEGINNING OF THE POSSE FEAST

18:26 SUNSET & INVOCATION

DANCE MONKEY DANCE DANCE

TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT AND MEXICAN TRAIN TOURNAMENT

Sailors will gather for a sure to be memorable event in Shelter Bay 

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK:

MICRO POSSES HERE AND THERE

The crews of MV WEEBLES and MV MUIRGEN, & SY FORTITUDE X enjoying Mazatlan together before their next bump south.

SY FORTITUDE X  🇨🇦  Stefanie & Torsten - Beneteau 43′

MV WEEBLES and MV MUIRGEN bump south to Isla Isabella,  🇲🇽 

MY WEEBLES  🇺🇸 Peter & Cheryll – Willard Marine 36′

MY MUIRGEN 🇺🇸 Scot & Laura - Beebe 50′

>

Happy hour  on MY NEXT CHAPTER

 Summerdreams, Courage, Boundless, and Next Chapter anchored together @ Isla Roqueta

MY NEXT CHAPTER 🇺🇸 Chris & Shawna & crew - Selene 59′

 We’re dominating the slips here!  Bahia del Sol, El Salvador 

Serenity, Crackerjack, Fickle and Sylvia of Wasa and SV Crystal Seas 

4) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

ONE NEW BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT ENTRY

Monster Mahi-mahi Karl caught aboard SY REMEDY

SY REMEDY 🇺🇸 Natalie & Karl – Leopard 45’

Nice catch Chris on MY NEXT CHAPTER

Note * Billfish is excluded from Biggest Fish Award BUT WE CAN STILL BE IMPRESSED BY THEIR SIZE. 

MY NEXT CHAPTER 🇺🇸 Chris & Shawna & crew - Selene 59′

ONE NEW 

"MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR(s) ONBOARD"
AWARD ENTRY

These birds hitched a ride from Cabo to La Cruz.  What a mess?!

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

No Moths were hurt in the removal of this guest.

SY FELICITÀ 🇺🇸 Gretchen & Tim – Catalina 42′

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

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share your adventure

THREE NEW PICTURE OF THE YEAR ENTRIES

Sun setting in Jacksonville, FL at our PP sponsor Port 32 Marina.  

Haven’t had many of these, but this took our breath away!

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

TIDINGS OF JOY en route to Puerto Angel

MY TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy - DeFever 52′

The sky was on fire in Chácala, Mexico tonight

MY MUIRGEN 🇺🇸 Scot & Laura - Beebe 50′

>

5) PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

WANDERLUST gets their burgee.

(3) OCEAN POSSE PARTY PANAMA + SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 

FLEET MEET UP

SAT. FEB 3 '24
SHELTER BAY MARINA 
🇵🇦  PANAMA

IMPORTANT:
This event is in the middle of high season.  The Shelter Bay
Marina will be near capacity  so make reservations early.
Additionally, we are also going to organize a shuttle bus to get
folks to this event from alternate locations.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: 

Juanjo Boschetti - GM juanjo@shelterbaymarina.com
Tel (+507) 433-3581

(4) 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  

SAVE THE DATE 
 PANAMA POSSE BELIZE YACHT FEST 
APRIL 6 2024

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

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 <<

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

6) POSSE KIDS (BIG AND LITTLE) 

FISHING AND CATCHING

Lexi on MV NEXT CHAPTER catches a monster Mahi-Mahi in Mexico, 🇲🇽.

Russell on SY WHIRLWIND fishing from the dinghy

Success!  Dinner for four: Pacific Cubera Snapper 

Emma from SY BASIK , when she was 6 with her first fish: a small mouth bass.

Emma now with her latest catch: a mahi mahi or dorado.

Emma
loves to fish and has an ongoing competition with Teal on who can reel
in more fish.  She's been fishing since she was 6. First fish she
caught was a small mouth bass on Lake Union. She wanted to eat it, but
we made her throw it back. Lol  Now she is looking to land a wahoo.
She is not afraid to get in there and get dirty. I'm teaching her clean
and fillet a fish. 😊

 QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

How many Panama Posse KID boats have kids fishing?  Want to share your catch?

Please send your photos to editor@panamaposse.com

Thank you kids 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 on the LineApp
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. 

Nicole, below, manages the Ocean Posse Instagram page.  

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ successfully went through the Panama Canal last week 🇵🇦.  Let the next Chapter BEGIN.

8) POSSE PERK: 

INTEL: WIDE BEAM HAUL OUTS
  

SY KAHSI is a multi-hull with a wide beam now en route to the South Pacific  

Where will they Haul when they need to?

https://panamaposse.com/haulout

The Panama Posse is partnered with many marinas and haul-out service providers along the route.

9) MARINA FLAMINGO 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

10° 26.3833′ N  085°47.3166′ W

We
are happy to confirm that for your event: Panama Posse to offer a 20%
discount on all the Transient Dockage Rates and to offer a special
tender tender service fee at $50+IVA.

CONTACT

Email:

Morgan Osborne

morgan@visitmarinaflamingo.com

marina@visitmarinaflamingo.com.

Address

Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica

Phone

+506-8977-9360 | (833 MF-YACHT)

Whatsapp

+506-8765-6006

AMENITIES

• Fuel Station
• In Slip Pump Out
• Dock Boxes
• Heli Port
• Concierge
• Electricity
• 24-7 Security
• Restrooms & Showers
• Parking
• Fiber Optic Internet
• Trash and Recycling
• Emergency Services
• Coast Guard Station
• Fuel Station
• In Slip Pump Out
• Dock Boxes
• Heli Port
• Concierge
• Electricity
• 24-7 Security
• Restrooms & Showers
• Parking
• Fiber Optic Internet
• Trash and Recycling
• Emergency Services
• Coast Guard Station

Flying the Costa Rica and Panama Posse flag, SUNDOWNER enters Marina Flamingo, Costa Rica 🇨🇷 

MY SUNDOWNER 🇺🇸 Jeffrey & Lynn - Californian 50'

10) SEEKING SHELTER FROM THE SOUTH SWELL: 

 LITTLE KNOWN COVES IN THE PERLAS  🇵🇦 PANAMA

ARE REVEALED

Trip Report:

We
have been making a great loop of the Perlas Archipelago in Panama, 🇵🇦
with four other vessels.  Anchoring in the Southwesternmost bay of
our loop we found ourselves exposed to a south swell that was less than
ideal.  Boats were pitching fore and aft, swinging, and rocking
beam to beam.  One by one, the fleet began to part ways.  By
the second morning on the south side of Isla San Jose we were down to
two boats: SY PATHFINDER & SY WHIRLWIND.  We
tried sticking it out, hoping the northwind would pick up and lay the
south swell down but by mid afternoon we decided to weigh anchor and
check out a little pocket anchorage around the bend.  With any luck
we could weigh anchor and drop our hooks around the corner sheltered
from the swell.

Little known pocket sized anchorage on the SE side of Isla San Jose

Luck was on our side and we managed to anchor two boats just around the bend.    SY PATHFINDER managed to squeeze into a very special spot with a personal pocket beach and walking access to cascades.

The beach at low tide

The blues of paradise.

The Cascades had little pools to dip in.

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

12) GOOD NAUTICAL: IPALA 🇲🇽 MEXICO

Ipala is just on the South side of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.  

Anchorage:
Quiet.  Little bit of a swell but we are a little further out from
shore. If we were staying I'd go closer to shore but we are leaving in
the am. Anchor grabbed first try. Have out 4:1.

https://goodnautical.com/mexico-pacific/anchorage/punta-ipala

SY REMEDY catching the sunset on the hook in Ipala

SY REMEDY 🇺🇸 Natalie & Karl – Leopard 45’

13) GREAT HARBOUR CAY MARINA 🇧🇸 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

25°44.8216′ N 077°52.11′ W

https://panamaposse.com/great-harbour-cay-marina

We are excited to welcome the Panama Posse to The Great Harbour Cay Marina!

We
will celebrate your stay with an extra 10% over our low rates and look
forward to tucking you into one of our 65 slips which are nestled inside
a serene harbor. We have accommodated yachts up to 150 feet. Our
“Hurricane Hole” is one of the most protected marinas in The Bahamas.
Our service oriented, well-trained staff, is on hand 7 days a week to
accommodate all your yachting and personal needs.

Steven Johnson

GM

CONTACT:

Reservation: +1 242-367-8005

Tel:+1 242-367-8005

Cell: +1 242-457-4216

Email: king@greatharbourcay.com

General Inquiries: steven@greatharbourcay.com

VHF 16 and 14

Great Harbour Management Limited, Berry Islands, The Bahamas|

RATES

The Marina and Dock Office are fully staffed 7 days

​a week from 7am-7pm.

General Manager, Steven Johnson, is available 24/7 at 1(242)457-4216.

​

Dockage Rate per foot

$ 2.00 x day

$ 10.00 x week

$ 20.00 x month

Electric: $0.75/kwh

Water: $0.50/gal

Wash-down Water: FREE

14) POSSE PERK:

FREE TRACKING

https://panamaposse.com/tracking-23-24

To Sign Up your vessel for free tracking:

ADD YOUR VESSEL TO THIS FLEET TRACKING PAGE >>

For Help and to review the different options :

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ABOUT THE FLEET TRACKING PROCESS >>

About Tracking:

This
page is designed to give interesting parties  an overview. For
specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates,
changes, positions and specific location related questions please
contact each vessel directly. The Panama Posse is not responsible for
the accuracy, frequency or validity of any individual vessel’s report.
This report is not accurate. Due to privacy we do not provide vessel
contact information. You may track vessels via it’s own tracker or
request AIS tracking from https://www.marinetraffic.com/ please note
that this is also not accurate. There are many reasons why a vessel’s
position is not updated and please do not conclude that a vessel has an
emergency or is in need of assistance because it has not reported in
lately. Sometimes they may just want to get away from it all and not
tell you where they are. It is the responsibility of each vessel to file
a float and check in plan and escalation procedures.

15) MEET THE FLEET  

SY PATHFINDER

Nicole and Jean-Phillippe

Downwind sailing SY PATHFINDER is a dream

Travelling inland is a shared passion for Nicole and Jean-Phillipe

Nicole and Jean-Philippe have been cruising together on SV Pathfinder,
a Lagoon 39, for 5 years. Mexico was their home base for several
seasons. After joining the Panama Posse they expanded their horizons,
literally, and cruised all down the Pacific coast of Central America to
South America. They made Ecuador their home base for 7 months and
enjoyed the full year sailing season because of the Southern Hemisphere.
Nicole and JP share a passion for traveling and both speak Spanish
which is a special bond in their relationship. They met because of an
airplane flight so they believe in magic and continue to believe in it
while living on the water. Pathfinder is their full time home. But also
they absolutely love land travel and meeting people in new countries.
The Panama Posse is their source for current, invaluable information and
discounts that enhance and extend their boat lifestyle. This enables
them to continue sailing and making the world their home. Taking the
time to discover each location, this is Pathfinder!

Nicole loving life afloat

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

16) 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

https://digitalmagazine.latsatts.com/winterissue#section-pxf8HNiLCD

16) POSSE SWAG

 

17)  SAFETY ALERT:

PROTECT YOUR DINGHY FROM THEFT

IN THREE IMPORTANT WAYS

FIRST: RAISE YOUR DINGHY EVERY NIGHT WITHOUT EXCEPTION

Motors that are raised are much less likely to be lost to theft

SECOND: KEEP YOUR MOTOR LOCKED AND CONSIDER A SHOP BIKE LOCK TO LOCK YOUR DINGHY UP WHEN LEAVING HER ASHORE

THIRD: DRESS YOUR MOTOR UP OR DOWN

Motors
are a prime target for theft on the water.  Motors can be
deliberately scratched or painted to look ugly or stand out.  

THIRD: DRESS YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR UP OR DOWN

Motors
are a prime target for theft on the water.  Motors can be
deliberately scratched or painted to look ugly or stand out.  You
can even spraypaintit neon pink or green - unforgettable ...

19)  MUST SEE: 

🇲🇽  COPPER CANYON – BARRANCA DEL COBRE – EL CHEPE

The
train journey through the Copper Canyon, called the Barranca del Cobre
by Mexicans, is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The
train, El Chepe, chugs along its 653 km (405 mi) of track.  The
journey takes anywhere from 9 to 16 hours, crosses over 37 bridges, and
goes through 86 tunnels. 

The Copper Canyon is one of Mexico’s lesser-known gems.

Copper
Canyon is a group of six distinct canyons in the Sierra Madre
Occidental in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua.  It
is 65,000 sqk  / 25,000 sqm  in size.  

The
canyons were formed by six rivers that drain the western side of the
Sierra Tarahumara (a part of the Sierra Madre Occidental).

All
six rivers merge into the Rio Fuerte and empty into the Gulf of
California. The walls of the canyon are a copper/green color, which is
the origin of the name.

The
Spanish arrived in the Copper Canyon area in the 17th century and
encountered the indigenous locals throughout Chihuahua. For these
Spanish explorers, America was a new land to explore for gold and silver
and also to spread Christianity. The New Spanish named the people
“Tarahumara”, they encountered derived from the word Rarámuri, which is
what the indigenous people call their men. 

During
the 17th century, silver was discovered by the Hispanics in the land of
the Tarahumara tribe. Some were enslaved for mining efforts. There were
small uprisings by the Tarahumara, but to little avail. They eventually
were forced off the more desirable lands and up into the canyon cliffs.

THE FULL JOURNEY TAKES BETWEEN NINE & SIXTEEN HOURS

If
you travel on the Chepe Express (Los Mochis to Creel and vice versa),
your journey time will be nine hours, with the train leaving from Los
Mochis at either 6am or 3.50pm. On the Chepe Regional (Los Mochis to
Chihuahua and vice versa), the journey is around 16 hours from start to
finish and the train leaves either Los Mochis or Chihuahua at 6am.

CLIMATE

The
alpine climate of the mountainous regions of Copper Canyon has moderate
temperatures from October to November and March to April. The bottom of
the canyons are humid and warm and remain that way throughout the year.
During the warmest months, April through June, drought is a chronic
problem with little rainfall until July when the rainy season begins.

https://panamaposse.com/copper-canon-barranca-del-cobre-el-chepe

20) GESTALT 👻 /ɡəˈSHtält/ noun

We use the Gestalt theory for communicating with each other IN THE FLEET

[
GESTALT in modern German to mean the way a thing has been “placed,” or
“put together.” There is no exact equivalent in English. … “Form” and
“shape” are the usual translations; in psychology the word is often
interpreted as “pattern” or “configuration.” ]

Hold on it’s not a cult thing it’s a communication protocol.

Here is how this protocol works:

Speak from your own experiences rather than giving advice or opinions

Use “I” statements instead of “You” statements – 

IE: We sailed from A to B and … this is what happened to us

DON’T: “you should sail from A to B and you could do this … ” 

Don’t speak in generalities  be specific share a relevant past experience – both good and bad.

PLEASE SHARE EXPERIENCES and FACTS  NOT  OPINIONS

 

 

Why do we use GESTALT ?

Everyone
who is a skipper, captain, admiral, crew or master of his or her ship
has a high level of authority, independence and leadership.

When
opinions come to the surface there is a natural instinct to doubt, feel
threatened, judge and to question “advice / opinions”.

As an example and to make this point look at how many FB postings, or comment sections on websites or even news sites

 become a runaway freight train leading to huff and puff, figthclub, bruised egos and unanswered questions and arguments.

So
since we are not a social media company and our KPI is not looking for
screen time spent, we try to avoid getting sucked you into “discussions”

 

Panama Posse is about facts and experiences

Your experiences are important for the fleet and  vessels  will make decisions on your factual reports.

Advice
given ( solicited or not ) by it’s very nature is tainted,  not
validated, skweed and may even have an unforseen angle that has little
actual informational value.

 

Even if you have made a mistake and are sharing that experience – that is valuable.

WE DO NOT … LIKE / DISLIKE / OMG HOW COULD YOU / WHY DID YOU NOT …  comment.

 

Yes it’s hard – after all FB has trained you to have opinions –  but this protocol is how you can help another vessel.

This way no one is judged and everone’s ego stays intact.

 The Gestalt Language Protocol is core to the Panama Posse  everyday communication strategy.

JUST THE FACTS PLEASE !

 

21)  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 

PORTSIDE MARINA 🇺🇸 Morehead City NC USA

34° 43.1583' N 076° 42.300' W 

Bogue Banks & Morehead City is also know as  the Crystal Coast North Carolina 

22)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

• BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
• 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  
   

WEST MARINE PRO SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE 

23) 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

24) 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

25) 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

26) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

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voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

26) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4