FLEET UPDATE 2019-01-01
1) Puerto Pedregral, Panama
We entered Panama in Puerto Pedregal. We crossed the bar at high tide Friday morning 28-Dec at Boca de San Pedro. Using the Navionics charts in my e95 Raymarine, we slowly maneuvered the winding river for almost 2 hours. Not something that I enjoyed. When we located the Port Captain, he was very helpful. But without someone who speaks more than passable Spanish, I would be here for another 5 days. First and foremost he indicated we did not notify him of our arrival 48 hours in advance, we can be fined $1,000 each. But he would not do that to us this time. He gave us his email to send that information retroactively, so he would have it in case someone else asked him for it (hmm). moises.rios@amp.gob.pa The customs office is one block away, the agent there was in the US for many years. He doesn’t have much to do there, so he was very helpful and talkative. We needed to get a Sim card, and he drove us to the Mercado. Immigration came (probably from the airport in David) and his process was extremely easy, he meet us in the Customs office. Also the Health department meet us there. It was just myself and Geri, my Spanish speaking crew member. All of this great service was because of the Port Captain making some phone calls. We showed up in the morning and wanted to leave by high tide that night. He did roll his eyes when we mentioned two dogs. The greased wheels came to a halt when we needed to get the cruising permit. It was now noon, we were told to come back at 2 because the gentlemen was not there, when we returned, there was a line waiting for him and he still wasn’t there. It was 3:30 before we were done. Total fees for Health, Immigration, customs and cruising permit for the 4 of us was $307 ($185 for the annual permit). All in all, this was better than expected for the last business day of the year. Since we did not want to traverse that river again and the bar crossing at night, we are staying overnight until the morning tide. Wish us luck. BTW, for the dogs, we had a copy of the Panamian request for home quarantine, and an email to the appropriate Panaimaian department three days earlier of the same document. We also had an international health certificate from the States, their rabies certifications, and more Vet certifications from Mexico and El Salvador. They took a copy of each and did not give us anything in return. When asked, they said, you have all of the proper documentation you need for them. ---
Walt & Jeariene
KNOT RIGHT
(note - please always save your tracks in and out and share them in any format- for future review with dietmar@goodnautical.com )
2) Barra de Navidad, MX
Schooner Winds of the Worlds may be leaving Barre de Navidad, January 5th to head for Acapulco, from there continue around January 16 to Puerto Escondido and Chiapas at the end of the month.This is all assuming that crews show up and stay the course; that has been a struggle.Are you familiar with Marina Cabo Marques in Acapulco?
Thanks, Happy New Year.
Dan
WINDS OF THE WORLD3) Panama Posse Christmas, Holiday and New Years
Norwegian New Year's eve preparation
Finn & May Linn
LA MUSTACHE II
4) Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Wine n Down heading in over the Bar to enter the El Salvador Rally party grounds. It's like hotel California in there and very hard to leave ...
Steve & Keri
WINE N DOWN
5) Below are some of the more intriguing New Years eve rituals from PANAMA
Eat 12 grapes at midnight as you eat each one, make a wish. 12 wishes for the New Year.
They also say that the grapes will predict how your year will be.
For instance, if your 2nd grape is sour, then February will be a bad month.
But if you get a sweet grape, that month will be a sweet experience. Spit out the grape seeds and count the number of seeds.
You use the number of discarded seeds to determine your lucky lottery numbers.
The lottery is very popular in Panama.
Burn a “stuffed man” in effigy at midnight the traditions is that of the Muñecos.
These life sized effigies are an old Panamanian tradition Muñecos or Judas Dolls
They are then stuffed with firecrackers and are lit and beaten at the stroke of midnight.
According to folklore, by beating and setting the effigies aflame, the sins and evil spirits of the old year are destroyed.
Making way for good fortune in the new year. The fire crackers are said to help drive the evil forces away, since ghosts are afraid of light and noise.
The Muñecos are usually made to look like well-known politicians or movie stars from the outgoing year....
6) Puerto Vallarta, MX
Hello All, I have a close friend/cruiser that recently had a heart attack while in Puerto Vallarta. His 42 Beneteau "Set Me Free" is still there. It has ended his cruising career so I have offered to move his boat back to San Diego where he will sell it. I hope to sail around Feb. 1 and of course, weather dependent, will bash north. If anybody is interested in helping let me know. ( captainstrickley@yahoo.com )
Otherwise have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
DAD’S DREAM
Rick & Brenda
7) Where is the 2018-2019 Panama Posse Fleet as of Jan 1 2019 ? ( to check in use your status message in LINE ) Mariah - La Paz, MX
Slow Dancer- Marina Vallarta
Nilaya - Manzanillo / Barra
Mai Tai - Tenecatita anchorage 26’ 19 18.121N 104 50.156W 28 boats here
Sea Glub - Barra - with MANY Pananam Posse Vessels
Simple Life - Ixtapa, MX
Epiphany anchored in Zihuatanejo MX at N17 38.2 W101 33.3 in 18'
Madeleine - TPec crossing en route to Chipas, MX
Sprezzatura - Marina Chiapas, MX
Coquette - Between Chiapas and Bahia del Sol El Salvador
La Mustache II - left Huatulco for Chiapas
Wine N Down - Bahia del Sol EL Salvador Toccata -Bahia del Sol, El Salvador Avant - Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Shearwater - Amapala, Honduras
Octopus Garden - Marina Puesta el Sol, Nicaragua
Knot Right - Vista Mar Marina, Panama Dad's Dream - Vista Mar Marina, Panama Carinthia - Vista Mar Marina, Panama - waiting for genset repair to start
Secret Water - Vista Mar Marina, Panama
8) Approaching the Entrance of Bahia del Sol - El Salvador
As the southern swells start to build in late winter and approach this coastline they can break heavily on the shores. Approaching from the sea, the channel is not visible. The sight of the breaking waves can be intimidating; however there is a channel which is about 10 to 12 feet deep at high tide.
Do not try to cross this bar without a guide. The bar shifts often and local knowledge is required for a successful transit. Also there are two channels that can be used depending on the swell direction. Notify the rally in advance of your arrival. Call “Bill And Jean” on VHF 16 about 3 miles out from the approach waypoint and they will advise you if the conditions are safe and the time when high tide occurs
(about +40 minutes from the La Libertad tide station; try free WXTide32 https://wxtide32.com - doesn’t work on Windows Vista).
Try to time your arrival with calm swells. Sometimes the entrance is so calm boats have entered under sail. Other times...
Reminder to boats in Chiapas coming to Bahia del Sol. Check in with Bill & Jean in El Salvador in advance. He may ask you to bring down from Mexico (paid cargo, not a a gift). He will give you valuable information on when to arrive and will arrange the pilot for the bar, customs an immigration for your arrival, and inform you of expected conditions for the crossing. Contact via email elsalvadorrally@aol.com .
Rob & Debra
AVANT
9) Pictures of the Week - SHEARWATER
Volcano Cauldron- Santa Ana - El Salvador
Amapala - Honduras
Pati & Eric SHEARWATER
10) Marina Chiapas, Mexico
Beautiful marina, nice, helpful Manager and personnel. Fantastic restaurant that was packed for late Sunday brunch.
Would not recommend coming in to Marina in dark. Channel marking lights are inadequate. Be prepared for lots of Government attention for checking in immediately when you tie up. All very courteous and professional including the dog brought on board looking for the usual and stowaways.
Intel update. Luis was a driver for a transportation company owned by Miguel who arranged for Dietmar’s van excursion last year. Luis joined another tour company that doesn’t have federally licensed vehicles and federally licensed drivers. And Luis charges more. I just spent 2 hours with Miguel (after spending 5 hours with Luis 2 days ago) and recommend using Miguel. +52 (962) 133 6820
toursdiscioverchiapas@hotmail.com
No problems with Luis, I just think Miguel is better.
There is a John Deere tractor dealer in town that has JD oil, antifreeze and diesel fuel lubricity additive needed for older Diesel engines.
Heading to Palenque and San Cristóbal for the week with Miguel transport there and return $90/2 people each way. Bus is about $30/person.
Leaving in one week for El Salvador.
Eric
SPREZZATURA
11) Security Update - Chiapas, Mexico
Thieves attack tourists traveling by bus in state of Chiapas
Six armed men stopped the vehicle and stole passengers' belongings
Friday, December 28, 2018
A bus carrying tourists from Puebla was attacked by thieves yesterday in Chiapas.
Police said the bus was traveling on the Ocosingo-Palenque highway when six balaclava-clad individuals carrying firearms forced it to stop.
Four of them boarded the bus and began shattering windows and threatening the passengers with their guns.
They took their phones, cameras and cash and fled the scene.
The tourists reported the theft upon their arrival in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
They had planned to spend three days traveling around the state but changed their mind after the incident, cutting their trip short and heading back home.
The highway is known for such attacks. Tour companies began traveling in convoys during Holy Week last year after 25 German tourists and their guides were robbed.
(note from Carinthia Last season we went on that road and got "stopped" by what seemed liked the entire local town with our tourguide luis swating bullets. All cars and tour buses going through this lawless town are forced to stop - a gate keeper puts down a traffic cone - and in this one small town - we "donated" 20 USD x person and all was fine - it's considered a road tax and pays for safe passage - this area is not run by the MX govt or local or federal police - so they use a road tax to fund their local needs. Sort of a Robin Hood situation - pleasant - as long as you are pleasant ... big tour buses small cars all pay a tax - my buest guess is someone om that tour bus did not want to pay that tax and things escalated ..)
(note from Octopus Garden: That’s very common in Chiapas, but’s it’s matter of luck, we didn’t have any issues. Tapachula, where the marina is, i would say is ok to go shopping.)
Chris & Monica
SEAGLUB
12) HIP HIP HOORAY
the Panama Posse Fleet is at 76 vessels and 8 Flag States
13) WEEKLY 2018-2019 PANAMA POSSE FLEET CHECK IN and MORNING NET on MONDAY'S at 16:00 UTC via LINE
Please download and install LINE https://line.me/en-US/
Works on Android / ios / Windows / MAC OS
- Register using your vessel name as the USERNAME ie MY CROSSROADS
- Next search for panamaposse and befriend us -
- wait and accept your PANAMAPOSSE GROUP INVITE
Connect every Monday at 16:00 UTC and send us your position via the message
system and listen to the vessel check ins (all free as long you have IP connectivity
which we now know is pretty much all along the coast)
The LINE system allows for up to 200 live conference call participants.
14) Please reply to this email with any updates - your vessel location -
contenders for picture of the week - your favorite song for our list -
and we'll include it in the next Fleet Update
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!
Dietmar & Suzanne
SV Carinthia
15) opt-out from the Fleet Updates simply reply with "REMOVE"
FLEET UPDATE 2018-12-28
1) Bahia del Sol, EL SALVADOR
Toccata remains in Bahia Del Sol, has become a base for inland travel. After trips to Guatemala and Rivera Maya Mexico, the admiral has decided we should do land travel to Nicaragua and Costa Rica before heading for Panama. We will probably not arrive Panama until late March. I have to admit Bahia Del Sol is a great base of operations for Central American land travel. Will also give the Papagayos to soften.
Steven & Marilyn
TOCCATA
2) Golfito, COSTA RICA
Knot Right left Marina Papagaya CR on Friday 12/21 after refueling, traveled a whole 5 nm to Bahia Hermosa. Anchored, and dinghy to shore for an early dinner with friends who are local in Cocos. With 4 people, dinghy wheels and only a 9.9 HP engine, we were a little slow. It also didn’t help that we choose the wrong wave. Yes we got wet, but didn’t loose the boat. We still had an enjoyable time.
We left the next afternoon to head for Isla Tortuga, After we rounded the corner, we had a beam reach until 10 PM, with the Jib only, we exceeded my theoretical top speed of 8.8, we actually hit 10 at one time. Later that night and the next morning we had a wind and current on the nose. The period was less that 5 seconds, so we did take a beating.
We arrived at Isla Tortuga at 9 AM and motored around to find a go spot to anchor. We wanted to stay away from the human onslaught from the mainland to the island. We found 20 ft at low tide at 9 46.7147n 84 53.8016w. Calm evening, but some rolling in the AM (I think the workers for the party goers are coming ashore and it felt like the wakes of their transports). Did some snorkelling, not very clear. Heading to Golfito at 8 AM on 12/26.
Got to Golfito early, had to motor all the way. Went to the fuel docks (at IGY) and refueled, from there they permitted us to stay while we went to Customs, Immigration and the bank (don’t push it though).
There is also a Super (not so big) Mega for some provisioning. The customs office is 1 KM to SE walking distance, but very humid. Have three copies of everything, but if not he might be helpful to copy some papers. I think there is a copying place across the street. The Immigration is in the other direction about 2 (total 3) KM. Take a cab from customs to Immigration (anywhere $2-4). Immigration and the National Bank (third stop) is the duty free shopping area. If you want to buy anything here, I believe you need to stand in line to purchase a prepaid card of some sort. Didn’t bother because we wanted to hustle out of here. We purchased our wine when we got our provisions at the Supermega half way between Fuel Dock and Customs. The last stop is the port captain, his Zarpe did not list the personnel, so I asked and he gave me a stamped copy of my crew list (not taking any chances). The fuel dock charges for water and trash, but Posse people pay about half of that charge. Heading out to Pedregal Panama tonight 27-Dec at 4 PM, need to get to the mouth of the river just before high tide tomorrow at 7.
Walt & Jeariene
KNOT RIGHT
Note: Clearing in and Out of Costa Rica while time consuming and paperwork laden has been documented with detailed steps and all exact Lat and long of all government offices inside of Good Nautical
Here are the links for Playas del Coco
https://www.goodnautical.com/costa-rica/port-of-entry/playas-del-coco
and Golfito https://www.goodnautical.com/costa-rica/port-of-entry/golfito
3) The Panama Posse is now 76 vessels strong
Well on our way to the goal of 100 for this season - please help spread the word !
4) Here are the latest check ins from thePanama Posse 18-19 LINE Group Members
SPREZZATURA - Huatulco, MX
FOOTLOOSE - Leaving Acapulco, MX
WINE N DOWN - Approaching Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
KNOT RIGHT - Checking out of Golfito, Costa Rica
EPIPHANY - Heading south from Barra de Navidad, MX - see long line alert below
SANS CLES - Chiapas, MX - reporting plenty of room in the Marina
SLOW DANCER - Marina Vallarta, MX - discount confirmed but only pablo@marina-vallarta.com.mx has the info
MARIAH - La Paz
LIQUID - Barra de Navidad, MX
COQUETTE - Leaving Acapulco, MX
NILAYA - Leaving Puerto Vallarta
MAI TAI - Mazatlan heading to PV by the 26th and Barra after New Years
MADELEINE - Leaving Acapulco
AVANT - Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
FLOATING STONES - Barra de Navidad, MX
PARADISEA - Leaving Zihuatanejo for Acapulco, MX
FIREFLY - Barra de Navidad, MX
SEAGLUB - Barra de Navidad, MX
XENIA - Las Perlas, Panama
CARINTHIA - Vista Mar Marina, Panama
FLEET CHECK IN and MORNING NET on MONDAY'S at 16:00 UTC via LINE 5) Huatulco Marine Park & Tehuantepec, MX
We are currently (Fri Dec 28th, 4.30 pm) in Chachacual Cove (La India), Huatulco.
How beautiful it is here! We were thinking of crossing the Gulf of Tehuantepec starting on Sunday Dec 30th.
We based our decision on Saildocs and Windy. Can you confirm Chris if that is a good time? If you please would answer in Sailmail as well as in Line that would be great. Both SSB and internet via Telcel are difficult here. We are sometimes successfull with one, and sometimes with the other system. We left Acapulco Sunday dec 23rd. Had a beautiful trip to Huatulco. 1/3 was sailing. Nights with full moon. Calm weather. Beautiful coast. Dec 25th we arrived in Puerto Sacrificios (San Agustin), Anchored 15 41.36 N 96 13.98 W in 9.6 meter, good holding, sand. Beautiful bay, much tourism during the day, restless water. Maybe not so nice for monohulls. Tried to reach the beach by dinghy, but too much swell, was no success. We left today for Chachacual, also very very beautiful and much quieter. More protected. All tourists left at 3 pm. Anchored at 15 42.61 N 96 12.18 W, in 7.1 meter. Sand, good holding.
Thanks,
Maaike & Huib
MADELEINE
5) Long Line alert - Mexico
Long Line at 19° 04.435' N, 104° 42.369 W
EPIPHANY
George & Suzanne
6) Fuel in Huatulco, MX
Due to the silting of the channel Marina Chahue is closed until further notice -
But you can use your dinghy to get it from the marina or approach the
commercial fuel dock in the next bay with lot's of fenders.
The location below has the working fuel dock
Eric
SPREZZATURA
7) Bahia del Sol - EL SALVADOR
Picture of the Week from El Salvador Rally - FISH VISCOUS exiting over the bar
Doug & Nancy
FISH VICIOUS
8) The Panama Posse 2018-2019 burgees are flying -
please take pictures for next weeks update of your new years celebrations !
SIMPLIFY - Robert
HALF MOON - Elizabeth & ?
CHARLY - André-Philippe & Sylvie
ARGUS - Bryan & Stephanie
Mattias and Regina of JASINA after a delightful Christmas dinner prepared by
Patrice of SONOMARA aboard FOOTLOOSE with PARADISEA
9) CROSSROADS ( from last season )
SAFETY/SECURITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS (Diane last season actually called every number)
U.S. COAST GUARD RESCUE COORDINATION CENTER
Rescue Coordination Center: (510) 437-3701. This is the number for group receiving EPIRB emergency beacon distress signals. They will coordinate with local country Coast Guards if boater is outside of the U.S. and they have translators, as the numbers at the local country Coast Guards in Central America will speak Spanish. They said it would be ok to call them in emergency.
CENTRAL AMERICA COUNTRY COAST GUARD CONTACT NUMBERS
These numbers were given to me by the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center. The individuals from these local Coast Guards will speak Spanish when you call them. If you cannot communicate with them, the Rescue Coordination Center can call them, but that will take more time.
El Salvadore Coast Guard: (505) 22500210, Extension 5103
Nicaragua Coast Guard: (504)22342507
Costa Rica Coast Guard: (506) 22314924
Panama Coast Guard: (507) 60451197
CALIFORNIA COAST GUARD OFFICES WHO COULD BE called if you cannot reach rescue coordination center, however the local coast guards will likely just go through the Rescue Center:
Coast Guard Sector LA/Long Beach: 310 521-3815
Channel Islands office: 805 985-9822
VHF EMERGENCY CHANNEL FOR MAYDAY: 16
U.S. COAST GUARD EMERGENCY SSB CHANNELS
MHZ UTC time
4.125 2300-11
6.125 24 hr.
8.290 24 hr.
12.290 1100-2300
HAM SSB NETS
World wide emergency Ham net: 14.313 24 hr.
Pacific Seafares Net 14300 @ 0300 UTC
Central America Ham net: 7.083 UTC time 1300
CENTRAL AMERICA EMBASSY CONTACT INFORMATION. Go to www.usembassy.gov/ for further information. For Central America embassies, emergency number is +1-202-501-4444, and press “0”, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. When dialing embassy numbers below probably start with “ +” depending on phone service.
COSTA RICA
+506 2519 2000
Calle 98 Via 104, Pavas, San Jose, Costa Rico
EL SALVADOR
+503 2501 2999
Final Blvd. Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuseatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador
GUATEMALA
+502 2326 4000
Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zona 10, Guatemala Cuidad, Guatemala
HONDURAS
+504 2238 5114 (after hours X4100)
+504 2236 9320 (per embassy website, but not communications received: 011-504 2236 9320)
Avenida La Paz, Tegucigalpa MDC, Honduras
MEXICO
+52 55 5080-2000
Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtenoc, 06500 Mexico, DF
NICARGUA
+505 2252-7100
Kilometer 5.5 Carreter Sur, Managua, Nicagagua
PANAMA
+507 317 5000
Bldg 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Ave, Clayton, Panama
REPORT U.S. CITIZEN MISSING ABROAD: 1-888-407-4747
GLOBAL MARINE DISTRESS SAFETY SYSTEM: 1-888-407-4747, press “0” for overseas citizen emergency services.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MARITIME ADMINISTATION, OFFICE OF MARITIME SECURITY.
They provide information on piracy and safety and security, and you can sign up for alerts by going online.
Emergency: 1-202-501-4444 (8-8 EST, M-F)
Stan & Diane (we wish you a speedy recovery Diane)
10) HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!
Please reply to this email with any
updates and we'll include it in the next Fleet Updates.
Please take pictures of your new years celebrations.
Dietmar & Suzanne
SV Carinthia
11) Opt-out from Fleet Updates simply reply with "REMOVE"