FLEET UPDATE 2019-10-13

This is the first fleet update of the 2019-2020 Panama Posse season.
If you have something to share / ask, please simplyplease reply to this email !

1) Special offer for Panama Posse friends who can watch you sail off
- come and visit the Resort at Marina Puerto de la Navidad

Rates are per room per night valid from Dec 1 to Dec 23, 2019

Single Occupancy: $2,464 MXP (approximately $129 USD)
Double Occupancy: $2,718 MXP (approximately $143 USD)
Triple Occupancy: $2,974 MXP (approximately $156 USD)

·  Deluxe room
·  Taxes and service charge
·  Daily turn down service and bathrobes in room
·  Welcome tropical cocktail and fruit basket
·  Buffet or American Breakfast at the Grand Café restaurant
·  Wireless internet in public areas
·  15% discount on SPA treatments
·  Use of the fitness center and daytime tennis

Reservations can be made by calling
US +1 (855) 278-2683  from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Mon-Fri and 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays.

or via email at reservations@islaresort.com.mx  Just mention Panama Posse

Adrian G. Schjetnan Director  of Sales  & Marketing Grand Isla Navidad Resort

2) 98 Vessels are registered already - yippee !

This season promises to be the biggest fleet yet.
Thank you for participating and make the Panama Posse possible and so many vessels have decided to sign up again and we are truly appreciative of this !

3) The 19-20 Panama Posse Burgess are here !
There are several ways you can get yours !
- We'll have them in San Diego for you
on Sat. Oct. 26 or Tue. Oct 29 @ Downwind Marine at the Panama Posse seminars
Sun. Nov. 3 @ Baja-Haha Send off Party West Marine
- Nov 16th forward in Barra de Navidad, MX
- We can mail a few to Vista Mar Marina in Panama and hold for pickup
- We can mail them to you anywhere the world (+ S/H)

(THE 3 FALLEN COCONUTS REPRESENT THE 3RD SEASON AND THESE BURGESS HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO  )

4) Geeky boat things to purchase and bring with ...

- a USB GPS receiver that works with opencpn 5.0
GlobalSat BU-353-S4 USB GPS Receiver (Black)  ($ 25- 45 USD )  -

 

-  NMEA 0183 to USB adaptor to record your voyage in openCPN

https://digitalyachtamerica.com/product/usb-nmea-adaptor/

and our favorite - a raspberry pi 3 Model B+ with a corresponding 32GB micro sd card / noob

https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b/

A second drivers license
( as a backup if you loose your first one - you may have to loose the current one and find it somehow)

A second  or third ATM card ( in-case you loose your first / second one)

A dual-sim unlocked Android phone with watertight case
( so you can get local sim cards and turn your phone into a WiFi hotpot )
Communications are very good all the way down the coast with only a few blind spots ( more in the seminars)

A strong dinghy lock and thick long cable

Season One of the Panama Posse took the brunt and we have identified areas which are prone to dinghy and outboard theft-

but as always bring your dingy and outboard up at night and lock it with a hard lock !

ABUS 92/65 Mono-block Brass Padlock
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UMBCDW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_kUZODbHH915CZ

5) Panama Posse Seminar Schedule - it'll be fun ... REALLY !!!

We meet here https://panamaposse.com/start

Thu Dec 5th, 2019  Route planning & navigation

Fri Dec 6th, 2019   Communications,  Weather, Safety 

Sat Dec 7th, 2019  Satellite Charts / OpenCPN / Good Nautical

Sat Dec 7th, 2019 Evening  - the official Panama Posse Kick off Party - with SHOOTING OFF SAFETY FLARES  ! Sun  Dec 8th, 2019  Provisioning & What to see and do - Recap & Q&A
Introducing Harbormaster Secundino Alvarez

Please reserve your slip now as part of the 2019-2020 Panama Posse.

We'll also be in San Diego on Sat. Oct. 26 or Tue. Oct 29
@ Downwind Marine at the Panama Posse seminars
Sun. Nov. 3 @ Baja-Haha Send off Party West Marine

Your goal post is to get to Vista Mar Marina, Panama by Sat May 30th, 2020
for the Panama Posse finale Celebration at Vista Mar Marina, Panama.

and see this man (Cesar) welcoming you !

6) Crew looking for Vessels looking for Crew

We operate under international maritime law.

But we will email every crew to those vessels who have add themselves to
the "vessels looking for crew" list

To add crew go here https://panamaposse.com/crew

Results may vary

Your vessel Your Crew Your Responsibility

8) Get on the LINE app !

Please make sure to sign up with Line.me so you can participate in our weekly LINE calls on Mondays; at 16:00 UTC and be part of the 24/7 chatroom

Once you have downloaded it - find dietmarpetutschnig ( carinthia ) and we'll add you to the 2019-2020 Panama Posse group

9) Counter Posse and those further up or down the coast.

About 15% of the vessels are heading northbound - so we have added as section too address this.

If you are going through the canal be sure to contact our very own Panama Posse Canal Agent for assistance
- he can make your passage smooth ! Erick Galvez @ http://www.centenarioconsulting.com/

A lot of institutional information is at the Vista Mar Marina in Panama on the pacific Side our HQ in Panama.

https://panamaposse.com/schedule

10) GoodNautical.org

All of the nautical knowledge from the last few years resides within Good Nautical .

Good Nautical is a passion project and is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization - please consider a donation next tax season.

With your paid registration you will have received your login credentials - please login and check out your route and pints of interest.

We will have a full day of seminars to go over all the details and encourage you to share information in here.

https://panamaposse.com/route

11) Free .mbtiles for all Panama Posse participants which work deliciously with OpenCPN 5.0

Thanks to the incredible work by Rob from Avant we now have 20+Gig of mbtile satellite charts for the entire coastal route available -

Download the whole chart enchilada from http://route.panamaposse.com/charts/mbtiles_central_america/

If you are lucky to see Rob or Debra - buy 'em a beer / ice cream sundae - they deserve it having spend weeks compiling this info  !

SV AVANT

Rob & Debra

12) Golf anybody ?

We are in early stages of planning our first golf tournament for the Panama Posse
After all the Resort in Barra has an incredible 27 hole golf course
This championship course was designed by Robert von Hagge,
who utilized the amazing natural landscape, the fresh water lagoons,
and the beach to design one of his masterpieces.

- If you would like to get beaten badly let us know via email ;-) 

13) Mexican Culinary Sessions anybody ?

In response to many who have enjoyed the culinary delights of the Mexican cuisine
we also plan to offer a hands on cooking class of classic of Mexican cuisine
- please let us know if you are interested.

14) As always - keep 'em coming - next update in early November.

SV Carinthia

Dietmar & Suzanne

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by OCEANPOSSE

FLEET UPDATE 2019-06-01

This is your final Fleet Update for the 2018-2019 Panama Posse Season

1) Thank you !

2) Vista Mar, Panama Posse Finale Celebration

3) Panama Posse Shop

4) Easy Sign-up for next season & keep all your benefits

5) Next season's Dates

6) Take the Panama Posse survey 

7) Dealing with an insurance claim

8) Hurricane Season

9) Thanking all of our sponsors and partners

10) Good Bye - until we meet again !

1) Thank you for your participation , all the updates, information, pictures and camaraderie.
We hope that your vessel is in a safe place for the hurricane season.
Here is a link to watch the thank you video - https://youtu.be/xhViPrbmB_M
To download a version locally go to http://route.panamaposse.com/video/pp2019.mp4

2) Vista Mar Marina, Panama
held the fabled Panama Posse Season Finale Celebration with 11+ vessels in attendance.
Congratulations to all and thank you Vista Mar Marina for putting out such a fabulous spread.

A special thank you to Suzy ( Distant Drummer ) Jacqueline ( Vista Mar Marina) and Jaime Figueroa

3) The Panama Posse Shop to commemorate the 2018-2019 season is open until July 5th so please get your orders in for your custom gear

( all vessel names are on the back of most of the shirts )  visit http://shop.panamaposse.com

4) Sign up for next Panama Posse season

Simply reply to this email and we'll take care of it - the 2019-2020 season already has 38 vessels on it's roster.

The 2019-2020 Burgee will feature "3 fallen coconuts" to indicate season 3 ;-)

Attached is the next notice of a rally - please email it to your favorite marinas or yacht clubs for notification to all members

Please email the attached to your favorite marinas or yacht clubs.

If you do not wish to renew you don't have to do anything as by July 6th all your benefits,
of being part of the Panama Posse will fade into the sunset by July 5th
(Line / Good Nautical / Fleet Updates / Discounts / Facebook Group / etc. )

5) Here are the 2019-2020 Kick off Dates!
Thu Dec 5th  Route planning & Navigation

Fri Dec 6th   Communications,  Weather, Safety

Sat Dec 7th  Satellite Charts / OpenCPN / Good Nautical

Sat Dec 7th Evening  - the official Panama Posse Kick off Party - with SHOOTING OFF SAFETY FLARES  !

Sun  Dec 8th  Provisioning & What to see and do - Recap & Q&A

6) We need your feedback so we have a survey for you to fill out.
Please help us improve the Panama Posse by answering this 5 minuteform
https://panamaposse.com/take-the-panama-posse-2018-2019-post-season-survey
use the document password "posse2018" to access the survey !

7) Sugar Shack was struck by lightning in Herradura, Costa Rica in May 2018.
Below is a very helpful document from last season's Sugar Shack on how to deal with boat insurance companies - if you have a major claim.

Preventing and mitigating claim issues

This document is based on hindsight and our experience with our insurance carrier.

Preventative Measures prior to a claim
Document, document, document everything.  With photos, receipts, affidavits, and anything that can support your future claim of repairs, maintenance, service, purchases, and upgrades.
Ask your insurance carrier to provide you with Underwriter contact information.  This will be challenging as they won’t want to provide it. But it will benefit you during a claim, if and, when you have problems.
Obtain information on how to file a complaint in the event your claim is not handled properly.  This might be on your policy, if not, ask your agent or insurance carrier.
Maintenance receipts should be provided for all professional work (even when it’s free).  Dated receipts should provide a detailed description of what work was completed.  Before & after photos are a bonus.
Our adjuster asked for proof of maintenance on our alternators.  The receipts said, “Alternator repair and replaced 3 diodes” which did not qualify as “bench testing or maintenance.”
Receipts – save all receipts (digital is best to easily prove online).  If it is not clear what item was purchased, note it on the receipt.
We bought a Deka 24M7 at Island Water World. Receipt read “Marine Dual Purpose A002401”.  We had to show “A002401” is the stated battery by linking back to the IWW website.
Inventory your boat and update every 6 months when possible.  It will be much easier to update an existing equipment list at the time of an incident than it will be to create a new one.
List should include: Item, Model & Manufacturer, Age, Cost at time of purchase, Location.
This list will help ensure that you check functionality on all parts, after an incident. You don’t want to miss something.  On a lightning strike you want to check everything with a circuit board/panel.
Every 6-12 months, photograph or video tape all electronics, mechanical equipment, anchor, chain, and high dollar or valuable items.  This provides proof of ownership and proof of state of gear.
You might need to provide before and after photos.  Lightning damaged our chain and anchor with severe ARC marks, pitting, and gauges.  Who thinks about photographing your anchor? Luckily, we had a photo, underway, of dolphins at the bow showing the anchor in foreground. 

Policy
Be clear what is and isn’t covered in your policy (housing while boat is on the hard, haul out, storage, marina, survey, surveyor, rig check).  Good to know this before you file your report.
We couldn’t stay on the boat while it was on the hard. Housing for 5 months was over $4k and insurance only covered a small portion ($1000).
Be aware of your deductibles and when they are due.
Are they due up front or deducted from amount paid to you?
Ask how claim payments are handled.  Are you responsible for all upfront expenses, then receive reimbursement from insurance company?  Or do they provide you with lump sum good faith payments based on estimates, and settle balance at the end?
Our adjuster originally wanted us to cover all expenses, then submit receipts.  Our claim was several hundred thousand dollars which would have been a huge financial hardship.  With lots of negotiating, we secured several small payments to cover the cost of equipment.
We paid the final lump sum and waited for reimbursement once invoices are balanced.
Read the fine print on your coverage.  Some companies double the deductible due to a lightning strike.

Immediately after the incident
Do whatever you need to do to minimize and mitigate additional damage to your vessel.
Document everything you do to mitigate the damage (provide photos if possible)
Temporary fixes included some navigation lights, head, water
Photograph and document all damaged items.
We ascended the mast, photographed VHF antennae where lightning struck. 
Swam on bottom of boat to ensure no holes or exit points were found, checked all bilges, etc…
Photographed and collected all smoking and burnt items.
Do not discard any damaged items.  Save everything including fuses, shards of damaged equipment. 
You (or a vendor) be required to hold on to all damaged equipment for a year.
Reporting the incident, report all pertinent information: name, boat name, policy number, date, time and location of incident, witnesses, type of damage, extent of damage, weather, parties involved, etc…
Request boat/rig survey, haul and whatever it takes to determine the full extent of damage to your boat.
Adjuster denied our request for a boat, rig survey, & haul out, for 10 days before finally agreeing.
If you are in a holding pattern (waiting for approval: move boat, haul out, survey, whatever), be proactive.
Research haul out facilities near you (rates, availability, distance from you, possible routes).
Document damaged items.  Try to do an initial damage assessment including make, model, age, type, damage incurred).  Your equipment list will come in handy if you have been maintaining it.
Again, another useful way to ensure you check and double check all components.
Research local electronic and/or mechanical vendors whom you might hire.
If you can, ask them to come out to the boat to assess damage (if at no charge).
Constantly check and recheck equipment as it may work one day and not another.
Constantly check and recheck all safety protocols.
Be proactive get estimates/quotes for any perceived costs or expenses ahead of time and get the insurance company or adjuster to approve them prior to commencing work.
Remember to include everything you can think related to the claim.  Related costs could include visa extensions, boat permit extensions, yard fees, delivery fees, duty, shipping, tax, etc…
Costa Rica does not recognize “Yacht in Transit” and therefore charged us duty on all equipment.
If your claim requires a surveyor (all lightning strikes should be surveyed), they will be provided by the insurance company.  Which means they work for the insurance company and not you.
Prior to scheduling the surveyor for the insurance company, hire your own surveyor who will work for you.  Then tell your insurance company that your surveyor will meet their surveyor at the boat at same time to ensure there are no discrepancies. Keeps everyone honest.  Yes, you will have to pay for your surveyor, but it will be well worth it in the end to ensure an honest damage assessment report.
Ensure that both surveyors see the boat for the first time at the same time.

Surveyor and damage assessment

All surveys (whether related to a claim or not) should always mention all expensive parts, components, electronics - listed out, photographed, with model and/or serial numbers.  Ask the surveyor to ensure that he includes everything possible.
Insurance denied items because they were not noted on our required standard policy renewal survey taken 2 years prior.  Our Wet Sounds Tower speakers were installed, and we provided photos and receipts on top of surveyor witnessing them on board.  But because they were not listed on the survey from a few years prior they wanted to deny them as part of the claim.
In between surveys, document maintenance, upgrades and purchases with detailed receipts and photos.
During a claim, you may need to provide a list of upgrades, maintenance, & purchases that have occurred since last survey.
If your insurance carrier sends a surveyor, do your homework and find out what you can about this surveyor and their company. (Google, LinkedIn, BBB, cruiser forums)

Our 1st surveyor had never surveyed a catamaran, nor had he surveyed any boat that was struck by lightning.  He did not provide much guidance or feedback.
The 2nd surveyor, David Morris at Morris Marine had a really bad Yelp review.  Previous insureds stated he lied about equipment state and said one thing at the survey and reported something completely different to insurance carrier.  Unfortunately, he did the same thing to us as well.
Surveyor will reach out to you to schedule the survey.  Be sure to ask them, if they have surveyed a boat like yours, in incident like yours, and what their general experience is with damage assessments.  Be aware of their experience and their limitations so you can prepare accordingly.
If you select not to hire your own surveyor, ask the insurance company’s surveyor if you can record (audio) the survey to ensure there are no discrepancies.
Our surveyor would not let us record audio (which is fishy in itself) and he said one thing at the survey and reported things differently on the report.
If they won’t let you record, document the conversation in a notebook and read it back to surveyor to ensure he/she is aware of what you understand and wrote.
The damage assessment report (or survey) will belong to the insurance company, but you can request a copy, which is highly recommended.  This will allow you to know what is covered as part of the claim.
Have surveyor photograph everything, especially if you can show damage or non-functionality.
Follow surveyor around and note what he notes.  What’s functioning or not, what meter readings are…
During damage assessment, tell surveyor everything you can think of including all repairs, maintenance upgrades, purchases. Especially if they’re not noted on last survey.
This is easier if you have a running log of repairs, upgrades, and maintenance. We did not.
We failed to mention the alternator maintenance (even though we had receipts of maintenance), they used the fact that we did not mention it during the assessment as an “issue.”
If your adjuster or surveyor states a piece of equipment is not damaged due to the claim, and you truly believe it was damaged because of your incident – take it to an expert.  Yes, you may have to pay for the test or analysis, but it will be worth it to support your claim.  Back your claim with technical expertise.
Our stainless-steel chain was damaged from the lightning strike.  The adjuster sent a sample to a “lab” to have it analyzed and the results showed a “304 composition.”  Our receipt showed 316 grade, so we sent it to a metallurgic analysis lab to prove that it was in deed 316 composition.
Our house batteries, alternators, and windlass were all damaged due to the strike.  The surveyor said they stopped working due to maintenance (yes all at once).  We had to bench test all equipment with a third-party vendor and provide a written root cause analysis.

General Notes:

Be up front, honest, and transparent.
Be proactive, professional, and persistent.
Fight your claim with technical points, written affidavits, documentation, photos, videos, and receipts.
Remove all emotion from your correspondence.  It is very easy to get frustrated and angry when you are dealing with delays and denials.  But, don’t express your feelings, fight with facts and hard evidence.
Don’t blog or post on social Media updates or information on your claim, while the claim is active – ever!
Never make legal threats against any insurers unless you are fully prepared to go to court.  Especially, with the Lloyd’s Market. Attorneys told us that they will stop payments, close your claim and force you to litigate in London (per policy).
Ensure all invoices match estimates.  Do not give them any reason to deny your claim.
Provide a spreadsheet (they will probably provide a format) with item, damage, model, manufacturer, age, repair or replace, estimate to repair or replace, cost to repair or replace, final cost to be paid. 
Our insurer also asked for links to repair parts to ensure vendor did not have too big of a markup.
Fight hard for what is right.  Being honest and don’t commit insurance fraud.
Insurance companies count on you getting tired of the fight and/or backing down.  Some insureds just settle for whatever they are willing to get despite true damage by a claim – fight for what is right.  You paid for a policy of coverage and deserve that coverage.

Matthew & Christine

SUGAR SHACK

8) Hurricane Season

It's time to batten down the hatches and find your safe port to wait for the hurricane season to pass.

Keep a close eye on NOAA'S National Hurrican Center website https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?epac

9) Thank you to the Sponsors and Partners !
We want to officially thank all of our generous sponsors and partners  for their dedication to us and the Panama Posse

• Marina Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico 
• Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Barra de Navidad – Mexico 
• Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico 
• La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico 
• Marina Chiapas – Mexico 
• Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador 
• La Palma Moorings – Bahia del Sol, El Salvador 
• Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua 
• Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica 
• Marina Pez Vela – Costa Rica 
• Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica 
• Golfito Marina Village – Costa Rica 
• Vista Mar Marina – Panama 
• Shelter Bay Marina – Panama 
• Red Frog Marina – Panama 

Official Panama Canal Agent

• Centenario & Co.S.A. Eric Galvez – Panama

Official Panama Posse Ambassadors

• Jaime Figueroa Navarro – Panama
• Bill & Jean – El Salvador Rally, El Salvador
• Ralph Hewitt – Nicaragua

Panama Posse Partners

• Vicente’s Moorings – Acapulco – Mexico
• Luis Sanchez Tours – Chiapas – Mexico
• Discover Tours Chiapas – Mexico
• Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua
• Coconutz – Annual Papagayo Victory Party – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica
• Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

10)  Thank you all - see you next season !!
And a special thank you to Chris on Seaglub for the Weather updates and Line calls a.m.o.

Dietmar & Suzanne

CARINTHIA

11 ) no need to opt-out unless you sing up for next season this is your last FLEET UPDATE

notice_of_a_rally_2019-2020.jpg

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by OCEANPOSSE

ANTIGUA GUATEMALA

ANTIGUA GUATEMALA

Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance, acquired a number of superb monuments.

Antigua Guatemala means "Old Guatemala" and was the third capital of Guatemala. The first capital of Guatemala was founded on the site of a Kakchikel-Maya city, now called Iximche, on Monday, July 25, 1524—the day of Saint James—and therefore named Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemalan

After several Kaqchikel uprisings, the capital was moved to a more suitable site in the Valley of Almolonga (place of water) on November 22, 1527, and kept its original name. This new city was located on the site of present-day San Miguel Escobar, which is a neighborhood in the municipality of Ciudad Vieja. This city was destroyed on September 11, 1541, by a devastating lahar from the Volcán de Agua.[4] As a result, the colonial authorities decided to move the capital once more, this time eight kilometres (5 mi) away to the Panchoy Valley. So, on March 10, 1543, the Spanish conquistadors founded present-day Antigua, and again, it was named Santiago de los Caballeros.[citation needed] For more than 200 years, it served as the seat of the military governor of the Spanish colony of Guatemala, a large region that included almost all of present-day Central America and the southernmost State of Mexico: Chiapas.

 

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by OCEANPOSSE

FLEET UPDATE 2019-05-22

1) Panama Canal, Panama

You know the old man.

The young lady in the burgundy top is our daughter Alison

Seth with our other, granddaughter Sylvie.

FIGMENT

2) Panama City, Panama

Anyone needing a ride in Panama City or to/from shelter bay call
Carlos +507 6912 7843 he speaks good English and has a nice car
and reasonable
We also had a great experience getting our dog Snickers out of the
country, we used Family Member Vet in Panama City +507 387 7875
who rewrote the rabies certificate on her letterhead, did the
health certificate which must be done within 10 days of travel,
and went to the govt office and picked up her exit certificate ,
then we picked everything up at her office just before we left,
all for $58

Mai Tai

3) Expect very heightened SW to S swell for at least the next 10
days. Those of you in or thinking of crossing the bar in Bahia del
Sol, take extreme caution

Yes, the bar here at Bahía del Sol is closed this week due to the
swell conditions making crossings dangerous.  Bill & Jean are
able to give forecasts before you depart enroute to El Salvador. 
Best to use their resources or risk having to either cruise on by
or anchor outside until it’s safe to enter.

Tropical Weather Outlook

For the eastern North Pacific...east of 140 degrees west
longitude:,,1. Disorganized showers and thunderstorms are
associated with a broad,area of low pressure located a couple
hundred miles south of,Guatemala.  Environmental conditions could
support some slow,development of this system by the middle of the
week while the,disturbance moves slowly westward to the south of
Mexico., ,
Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.,
Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?epac

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by OCEANPOSSE

FLEET UPDATE 2019-05-14

in this update ..

Red Frog Marina - Special Panama Posse Rate 

RSVP - Saturday May 25th the official Panama
Posse End of Season Party

Beach Cleanup -Bahia del Sol, El
Salavador

"Fish On" 60 pound Yellowfin

Marina Chahue Update

Isla Naranjo Panama

Riddle of the week
Check in at Puerto Armuelles Panama

Official Dinghy Dock Petition in Zihuatanejo, MX

Remember your Panama Posse season with custom gear from our
online shop

Sign up for the 2019-2020 Panama Posse season - simply reply

1) RED FROG MARINA, Bocas del Toro, PANAMA

Special Panama Posse Rate 

Red Frog Marina would like to extend a warm welcome and invite
the Panama Posse to our tropical paradise. 

Please see our special Panama Posse rates below:

Nights	Rate per night
1-3	$1.10
7	$0.73
14	$0.70
30	$0.44

Will offer free Red Frog Marina T-shirts and hats.

Please contact our marina office
RFM@IGYMarinas.com
+507 6726-4500 or  (281) 892-1683
Marina http://www.igy-redfrogmarina.com/
Resort https://www.redfrogbeach.com/

Our Marina is nestled between mangroves on the South side of Isla
Bastimentos, full of rainforest, wildlife and beautiful beaches.

Perfect for relaxing on your vessel or enjoying activities that
the Red Frog Resort has to offer, we promise you will not grow
bored here. 
Zip lineing, snorkeling, surfing or having dinner and a cocktail
at one of the oceanview restaurants, Red Frog has much to offer. 

2) Mark your calendars Saturday May 25th,
The official Panama Posse end of season Party @
 Boga Bar, Vista Mar Marina, PANAMA

FREE
beer/wine and dinner (burgers and seafood risotto- plus live
music for all the Panama Posse folks.

A big
thank you to Jacqueline and everyone at Vista Mar for being so
supportive !

RSVP by May 22nd by following this link https://www.facebook.com/events/2167540473561231/

or simply reply
to this email with your RSVP.

Thank
you Suzy from Distant Drummer for helping out and putting this
together 

Suzy & Neil DISTANT DRUMMER

3) Bahia del Sol, El Salavador - Beach Cleanup 

Posse members along with El Salvador Rally members, the local
rotary and some select honors prisoners
cleaned up the beach area near Bahia del Sol last Saturday.  Lots
of orange bags filled!

With any swell over 3 feet the bar crossings into Bahia del Sol
are treacherous at best
The bar is closed for around a week right now - please always heed
the warnings of Bill & Jean.

Dale & Kenneth  - Jim & Laura

SLOW DANCER  - NILAYA

4) FISH ON - Picture of the week !

Destination's first yellowfin tuna. 60 pounder!

After some confusion and a night at hotel in Panama City,
"Destination" is finally legal here at Vista Del Mar as of 6am
today .
Just in time to put niece on 9am flight out of here.  We fly out
Sunday to Fla. Back in October to head to Carribean.
Thanks to all Posse members for their advice and helpful posts.
Honestly don't think our trip from Sea of Cortez to Panama
would have been as successful, reasonably priced or as safe
without belonging to such a great group. Wishing all of you safe
travels and tight lines!

Chris & AnneDESTINATION

5) Marina Chahue, MX Update

Just talked to the marina & they are still silted in. Offered
to send out send panga to do fuel.

John & TrishMARIAH

6) Isla Naranjo, Panama

Last night we anchored at Isla Naranjo Abajo, 

09 25.566 N W 079 48.182 W in 12 feet of water.

Good protection from the swell. There was no wind and way too many
mosquitos.

Juan & MichelleAY CARAMBA !

7) LONGLINES - South of Manzanillo, MX

We dodged dozens of long lines and had to coast over a few of them
in this area
just south of Manzanillo. Keep an eye out for them.

Dietmar & SuzanneCARINTHIA

8) FLAMENCO, Panama

Riddle of the week ???

Saw this anchored outside Flamenco Panama. Wondering if it’s the
modern style shrimp boat.

Rick & BrendaDAD'S DREAM

9) Puerto Armuelles, PANAMA

Taliesin Rose and Shearwater officially checked into Panama at
Armuelles today. 

Happy to report beer prices at $0.58 per can.

Pier in bad shape. 

Today's conditions were better than yesterday, but now we are
anchored in unprotected 17knots of wind riding 6' chop.

Looking forward to some island hopping...

Victoria, Rowan & Crew - Pati & Eric
TALIESIN ROSE  - SHEARWATER

10) Official Dinghy Dock Petition in Zihuatanejo, MX

We have officially petitioned Zihuatanejo to put in a dinghy
dock.DINGHY DOCK BEST PRACTICES &
ETIQUETTE
- Well maintained stable floating dock to adjust to tides
and water levels protected from waves


- Handrails from shore to the Dinghy Dock
with non skid surface on the plank

- Small strong galvanized marlin cleats
with ability to run chain through

- Long Painters on Each Dinghy &
Dipping the Eye Use only one line. Do not tie bow and
stern.

- Ability to lock dinghy to dock with a long chain and
padlock
- Do not lock out other dinghies
- Throw-able Life ring with floating line

- No fishing allowed / No Swimming / No
fish cleaning 

- Well lighted area with 24/7 video
surveillance 

- Guarded or in “shouting” range of
authorities

- In cellphone and VHF rage of the main
anchorage

- Nearby road to hail taxis, buses or uber
and walking distance to town
- Ability to load and unload packages and
provisions


- Establish a No Wake Zone


- Potable water spigot to take on fresh
water / wash dingy

- Trashcan


- Message Board for relevant
announcements


- Do not lift engine up to avoid damage to
other dinghies

11) Shop Panama Posse  - only open till July 5th

The online shop is open for a limited time (open till July 5th
only )
To celebrate the end of the season so get your custom made gear 
http://shop.panamaposse.com

Many shirts have your vessel name on the back
All profits will be donated to the future development of
Good Nautical the 501(c)3
non-profit organization focused on preserving maritime knowledge.

12)
THE LAST WEEKLY 2018-2019 PANAMA POSSE FLEET CHECK
IN and
MORNING NET on MONDAY at 16:00 UTC via LINE

Please download and install LINE  https://line.me/en-US/ 

Works on Android / ios / Windows / MAC OS

13) Please reply to this email with any
updates -
to resign up for next season simply reply letting us know you
wish to be part of the 19-20 Panama Posse

14) opt-out from the Fleet Updates simply reply
with "REMOVE"

---

by OCEANPOSSE

FLEET UPDATE 2019-05-07

in this update ..

Remember your Panama Posse season with gear from the online
shop

Isla Otoque, Panama

Special Summer Rate in Marina Puerto de la Navidad

Chiapas, MX

Alert Entering Panama

Alert Mexican Fuel
"shortages"

Panama Posse Party at
Banana Bay Marina Golfito, Costa Rica

Picture of the Week
Mango
Festival, El Salvador

Shipwreck
found in Zihuatanejo, MX

END
OF SEASON PANAMA POSSE PARTY AT VISTA MAR MARINA 

Santa Teresa Hot Springs, Bahía del Sol, El Salvador

1) Shop Panama Posse

The online shop is open for a limited time (open till July 5th
only )
To celebrate the end of the season so get your swag 
http://shop.panamaposse.com

Several shirts will have your vessel name on the
back.
All profits will be donated to the future development of
Good Nautical the 501(c)3
non-profit organization focused on preserving maritime
knowledge.

2) Isla Otoque, Panama

We anchored at Isla Bona (just south of Otoque) AFTER transiting
the canal and used it as a head start for Punta Mala and beyond.
The bay on the west side was an attractive, calm anchorage, but
remote-feeling with no services. Prior to transiting the canal
it would be helpful to be closer to Panama City for the required
measuring and other paperwork, plus provisioning. Canal transits
are often crack of dawn starts, another reason to be in the
anchorage at Playita or the Balboa Yacht Club. Hope this helps.
S/V
Bill & Katy

KLICKITAT II

3) Special Summer  Rate @ Marina Puerto de
la Navidad, Barra de Navidad, MX

For
your info  Secundino Álvarez has
extended a special low rate
to all Panama Posse vessels.

$10.40 x foot + taxes and electricity x
month

plus as an added benefit  Alaska Air
flies non-stop between LAX and Manzanillo twice a week
at a ~ $330 pp summer rate round-trip.

Reserve
your summer slip

Harbormaster
Secundino Alvarez

4)
Chiapas, MX

The entire staff at Marina Chiapas are all helpful and most
accommodating. There is a small convenience store and one
higher end restaurant on site. The estuary and wooded areas
provide a birdwatcher many interesting specimens. The marina
is a bit isolated from town, but it is easy to catch a taxi or
van by walking to the main road at the marina entrance. If you
go south, you'll find "Playa Linda" with some small eateries
and some small hotels along the beach. One of the first you
will encounter is Villa Veleros and the Canadian owner allows
you to come in to order food and drinks for use of their pool
or beach. If you go north on the main road, you can choose to
go to the airport, Puerto Madero or Tapachula.

Madero is a small town with the usual small hardware stores,
fishing supply, restaurants, and markets. You can buy seafood
directly from the boats at the fishing dock (also Pemex fuel
dock-so accessible from your boat or dinghy) or from stores in
town. It's difficult to walk between the port and town so
you'll have to catch another van if you stop to buy at the
port.

In Tapachula, you will first encounter the Sam's Club and then
WalMart shopping mall with a Telcel for phone service, auto
parts store, fabric store and a bank. Further into town there
is an Office Deport then another large market called Chadraui
and next door is a Bodega warehouse market. In the area are
many papelerias where you can get copies and office supplies.
Besides the restaurants in the mall, in the neighborhood are
some small eateries. There are other services such as FedEx
and cooking gas. Just ask the marina staff for info on
whatever you need. Good seafood is found at what's called a
Cocteleria. Our taxi took us to Mariscos de Tiberon near the
bicentennial park. They had excellent food and drinks. There
were other similar places along the same street.

In order to get back to the marina, as two people, the cost
was 300 pesos for a taxi or grab a van for 15 pesos to get
back to Chadraui, then a van 50 pesos to the marina (should
say either Playa Linda or Zona Naval). You decide what your
time and hassle is worth.

As many other Posse members before us, we partook of some
tours while at the marina. Both guides, Luis and Miguel, do
similar tours for similar prices. We chose Miguel and were
very pleased. Tours are actually his hobby but he is very
passionate and knowledgeable. On our Chocolate Tour, we were
with two other boats staying at the marina for a total of 6
people, so he rented a tour van. It was modern and
comfortable.

We first visited two sites of Mayan ruins. Miguel had many
interesting stories regarding the discovery, history and local
impact.

After the archeological sites, we went to the town of Tuxla
Chica where many families harvest Chocolate, so the town is
nicknamed "Chocolate Town". In many of the family homes, they
have a chocolate retail store.  We were shown how they harvest
and process the cocoa beans to make different varieties of
chocolate, along with peanut treats, all done on a wood fire.

The chocolate ladies also prepared an excellent meal for us
that included home made tortillas, quesadillas, black refried
beans, cheese, salsa, and tamales. For beverages, they served
a refreshing drink of combined spices including cinnamon and
achoite (commonly used as a red coloring) and of course, hot
chocolate! There were sweet breads to dip in the chocolate.
The ladies kept making more of everything until we said to
stop.

Next stop was just down the street from where we ate, to visit
the ladies who made the tamales we were served. They had
enclosed in the corn masa; stewed chicken meat, hard boiled
egg, olive, prune, mole seasoning all wrapped and steamed in a
green banana leaf. Everyone rated them as the best they had
ever tasted.

We then returned to Tapachula and spent an hour provisioning
at WalMart. It's obvious Miguel knows cruisers. It was an
enjoyable and interesting day, all included for $40 US per
person. Prices will vary depending on the details of your tour
and number of people. There are tours to coffee plantations
and other sites, and some that cover a span of days, so talk
to one of the guides and decide what works for you. We highly
recommend Miguel, Discover Chiapas 962 133 6820 toursdiscoverchiapas@hotmail.com.
We also did a self planned tour to Mexico City and the
mountains near Morelia to see the monarch butterflies. Let us
know if you would like details of our trip.

Laura & Jim

NILAYA

5)
Alert Entering Panama

Please be advised that you are obliged to check into Panama at
the first possible port of entry .
You can not put this off for 3 weeks after checking out from
Costa Rica and hang out go ashore etc.
The authorities may let it slide if you come directly to Vista
Mar after having left Golfito with a few stops along the way.

But
to be certain and avoid fines check in in Puerto Armueles or
Pedigral on a weekday -
announcing your arrival with the port captain in advance
following the well outline protocol in Good Nautical.

The recent presidential elections in Panama will most likely
bring changes to these procedures.

6) Alert Mexican Fuel "shortages"

If
you feel like you are not getting all the gas you pay for in
Mexico - you may be right - according to several recent
articles in Mexico News Daily

Around
10% of all Pemex stations use plug-in to distort sales volumes
and sell stolen fuel
Scores of gas stations in Mexico allegedly use an illegal
software plug-in that allows them to manipulate the sales
figures they
report to Pemex and tax authorities, and conceal the sale of
stolen fuel. Known as El Rastrillo (The Razor)
the plug-in allows the pumps’ volume controls to be altered,
with gas station owners choosing
between options that enable them to report sales that are 5%,
10% or 15% below their real level.

Ask
the local taxi drivers which gas stations they use to avoid
them.

7)
Golfito, Costa Rica

Looks
like a great gathering in Golfito -
A big Thanks to Maikol, Claudia and the staff at Banana Bay
Marina for hosting the Panama Posse
ATA MARIE, SHEARWATER, PARADISEA, SONAMARA, SECRET WATER,
TALIESIN ROSE, a.m.o.

8)
PICTURE OF THE WEEK

r-c

Ay
Caramaba selfie checking out the Locks at the Panama Canal.

Michelle & Juan

AY CARAMABA !

9)
Mango Festival, El Salvador

Two
weeks in El Salvador, local food, land travel, get togethers
with the small  but amazing cruiser community here in Bahia
del Sol. Today Bill and Jean organized a bus for the cruisers
to attend the Mango festival. We were the only gringos I saw.
Packed with people, swimming pools, entertainment and of
course everything Mango, plus Chocolate filled Churos , this
is @SeaGlub’s kind of event. $10pp for the luxury air
conditioned bus. $3 to get into the festival. Beer $1
Annual event...plan on a stop next  year if you missed this
one.

Festival Grounds

Mangos and fruits

Mango Queen

Live Music

And delicacies

Barry
& Kathy

BLUE OASIS

10)
Shipwreck found in
Zihuatanejo, MX

Here's a moment of frustration, sorry, but this is a true
side of cruising. We have been more than disappointed in
Zihuatanejo, there's just so much trash everywhere and the
ocean water is disgusting and we're so anxious to leave that
we were going to do so starting tonight.... Until we learned
our anchor had fouled a sunken panga. Our friend and great
crew mate took in on himself to dive and try to figure it all
out but alas our underwater light didn't last long enough and
now we're stuck here until the sun comes up and we can try to
free the anchor again. The best part is the water is so filthy
and polluted I begged my friend to not try this but he
insisted. Fingers crossed he doesn't contract some disease or
virus or bacteria. #zihuatneveragain
90 minutes of swimming around with our holiday hookah. The
chain had wrapped three times arrive what's left of a sunken
sailboat hull and keel. Then the chain got wedged under the
keel. So for 90 minutes I was (thankfully only 15') under
water digging around the rocks and gravel to get the chain
loose.  Then in order to avoid it happening again before we
could pull it up I went and found the anchor, picked it up and
walked it (underwater) about 30 feet past the the wreck... I
should've taken pictures but the clarity was only about two
feet and I was just more interested in getting out of there

SEAGLUB

Chris, Monica & Penny

11)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
May 25th, 2019 

END OF
SEASON PANAMA POSSE PARTY AT VISTA MAR MARINA 
Please RSVP Suzy Carmody <suzy@carmody-clan.com>
FROM SV DISTANT DRUMMER

12)
Santa Teresa Hot Springs, Bahía del Sol, El Salvador

-
One of the highlights of El Salvador is the hot springs near
the volcanos in the country.  The best place to enjoy the hot
springs is probably “Termales de Santa Teresa” http://www.termalesdesantateresa.com

While it *might* be possible to get there by bus from Bahía
del Sol, we rented a car through the hotel for $30/day and
visited the springs as part of a 5-day, big circle drive
around the country.  When you arrive at the springs, the first
person you meet tries to get $10 per person from you as
payment for a day visit to the pools.  If that’s what you
want, then fine, but if you plan to stay at the resort, then
you’ll have to insist that you’re only going to the
“restaurant”.  For some reason, he understands a visit to the
restaurant better than the hotel.  Anyway, the best room in
the place is only $75/person per night.  For that you get a
room in a duplex suite with two semi-private pools and
lounge.  It’s great for a single couple and would be fabulous
for two couples to chill-out in the private outdoor lounge and
hot pools.

The public pools between the suites are a terraced series of 7
or 8 pools beginning with scalding hot at the top and
overflowing from one to the next until tepid is reached at the
bottom.  So it’s easy to be Goldilocks and find just the right
temperature.

The rooms include a dinner and breakfast for each person and
we found the meals to be above average.  We really enjoyed our
stay there.

Robert & Carol

SINGULARITY

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 -

Dietmar & Suzanne
SV Carinthia

15) opt-out from the Fleet Updates simply
reply with "REMOVE"

---

by OCEANPOSSE

FLEET UPDATE 2019-04-29

This weeks fleet updates - Headlines

Golfito, CR - Panama Posse Party Tuesday

New Panama Posse Marina Sponsor - Marina Ixtapa, MX

Pets in and out of Panama via Airplanes

Marina Papagayo, Costa Rica
Leaving the boat in Golfito, Costa Rica

No sail repair in Chiapas, MX - where to next ?
Departing Huatulco - Tehuantepec, MX
Anchoring at Isla Otoque / Panama Bad fuel in Golfito, CR ?

Panama Canal Transit (Southbound - no issues)

Panama Canal Transit (Northbound - damages)
Green Island, Jamaica

Rio Cacique- Pta Matador, Panama
Santa Ana Department, El Salvador
Mayor of Zihuatanejo, MX

1) Golfito, CR Panama Posse Party
SV Taliesin Rose I may miss the call this morning, so I wanted to formally announce that the Golfito Party will be this
Tuesday, April 30th at Banana Bay Marina at 5pm. If you are planning swoop in at the last minute...swoop a little faster. Taliesin Rose, Shearwater, Secret Water, Paradisea, and Sonomara, Ata Marie will be there - anybody else?

Victoria & Rowan

TALIESIN ROSE

2) New Panama Posse Marina Sponsor - Marina Ixtapa, MX

Happy to announce Marina Ixtapa just signed on as an official Panama Posse Sponsors -
20% discount on daily rates
25 % off rates if you stay 2 weeks or more

to make a reservation contact

Lic. Elsa Zuñiga Loeza
Manager Marina Ixtapa
Tel.+52 755 553-0222 /
Tel +52 755-553-2180 ezuniga@marina-ixtapa.comreservations@marina-ixtapa.com
3) Pets in and out of Panama via Airplanes, Panama

This is the link to what you need to do to bring your pet into Panama: https://www.aphis.usda.go/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/petravel-panama
We did not get the paper work "approved" by a Panamanian Consulat but we had no problems when we checked into Pedregal. We DID have email evidence of sending the paper work to cam@minsa.gob.pa three days prior. I think that is a must. Our Panamanian Vet indicates that all you need to pay is $3/day for the 40 days of home quarentine plus $10 to a Vet for a verification exam. BUT we also did not do that. We just filled out the paper work and emailed it and showed the Port Captain that we did so.
This is the link to what you need to do to remove your pet from Panama: https://wwww.minsa.gob.pa
We used our Panamanian Vet in Coronado (Vista Mar) that we heavily recommend. He did everything for us. He created the appropriate certification and dated it for us to have it be within 10 days of our exit. He also went into Panama City to get export permit for us, which you need. Our issue was for some reason the Airline we are using (United) thinks Panama will not permit pets on a plane and a third party has to be set up to ship (as cargo) your pet. If we did that, it was going to cost twice as much as our airline ticket. Our Vet said we should have used Copa Airlines. Don't know if that works or not, but if I had to do it all over I would have checked their flight schedules first.
Out dogs are 10 and 15 pounds, they have flown with us under our seat many times. But we had to make them our "emotional support animals" in order to get them on the plane out of Panama. For United, they have three forms which you can read about and download: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/special-needs/disabilities/assistance-animals.html The three forms, one for you, one for the vet and one for the licensed mental health professional.  For the Medical, We used an online service called CertaPet. After Jeariene finished her "certification" with them, she refered me and received a $15 Amazon reward for the referral. So if you want to go this route, I can submit your email (lol), or just try them yourselves. This also means you don't have to pay the airline for the pet travel, but I would still gladly fork over the $125, that wasn't our purpose.  Our Vet is in Coronado (Vista Mar) Panama on Tuesday, Thursday and most Saturdays. His english is excellant, and his front desk staff also is semi fluent in english. Dr. Jorge E. Barriga F.  +507 240-1468 jbarriga@cwpanama.net Good luck
Walt & Jeariene

KNOT RIGHT

4) Marina Papagayo, Costa Rica

Marina Papagayo long stay. On our way thru Culebra we took fuel at Marina Papagyo.  The staff were very nice and helpful.  It should be noted at that time around March 24th.  The floating break water at the marina was not intact.  The staff informed us that a tropical depression last summer created enough sea state that the breakwater broke apart and there was severe movement in the docks.  We were surprised at the amount of fetch developed by a mild Papagyo blow while in the bay.  Something to think about if leaving your boat there. 
Timothy “Jake”, Burgandy & Violet

SASSAFRASS

5) Leaving the boat in Golfito Costa Rica I have an addition to SV Nirvana great info on bonding the boat in Costa Rica. We just went through the process and Maikol from Banana Bay Marina explained that Golfito is the only place in Costa Rica that has special permission to bond boats for 90 days and Customs does not charge a fee. There are three marinas here Banana Bay, Fish Hook and the new Golfito Marina. This 90 day bond also stops your original 90 day entry visa and your boat is treated as if it is not even in the country so when you come back any time after 90 days you will receive another 90 days to remain and travel in Costa Rica. Maikol at Banana Bay wants you all to know that if you have any questions not to hesitate to contact him at Banana Bay Marina. He has been wonderful to us and is a great guy that loves to help and definitely knows the system here, having worked for Customs for many years himself. His number: +506 876 1938 maikol@bananabaymarinagolfito.com We love the Golfito marina which is one of the best we have ever stayed in 22 years of cruising. Great service, friendly staff, help with checking in and out with Shuttle drive to all the offices. They make sure you are happy here.
The marina is currently going through a management change but will stay open during the transaction. The fuel dock is temporary closed until further notice and the restaurant has limited menu for the time being. But you can get fuel at Banana Bay has fuel. If you hear rumors the marina is closing that is just a that a rumor. The marina is in a quiet neighborhood. You can hear the howler monkeys in the morning and see the scarlet macaws fly over you boat, occasional Toucans. Dolphins skirting the docks and turtles taking a breath of air right next to your boat and yes you will see an occasional 1 or 2 crocodiles. The sunsets can be spectacular.  A short 5 minute walk will take you to a Pharmacy and Mega Super Grocery story which in my opinion has by far the best veggies. I don't buy my meat or eggs from Mega Super, just a few stores passed after the bakery is a great butcher, best pork ribs ever, plus eggs, plus fresh milk from the cow.  Right next to the Pharmacy is Cocoa Bar, that is only open from 3 pm on, but on Friday at 11 am they open for the Ex Pats here and it's always a lot of fun and nice to meet the locals. Ladies if you need a spa day, Rosi at Casa Roland is wonderful, you can find her on FB Rosibel Barboza or call Casa Roland and they will connect you with her.  We love it here. Happy sailing

Sid & Manuela

PARADISE

6) Chiapas, MX
Hola, spinnaker blew out near Chiapas, MX. No good sail repair resource here in Puerto Chiapas. Heading south from Puerto Chiapas, what will be next good opportunity for a significant sail repair? While Top Cider is here for the summer we are getting fresh bottom paint, mast pulled and painted, anchor chain regalvanized. We’re liking marina Chiapas. Enjoyed touring with Miguel locally and will probably do more extensive in the fall. 
Note: 18:52 SeaGlub Sorry about the Spinnaker, worst case you could have it shipped to Puerto Vallarta since you're still in Mexico it shouldn't be that complicated. There are two good sail repair shops in PV and one outfit near Playa Cocos in Costa Rica

Chuck & Sharon

TOP CIDER

7) Departing Huatulco - Tehuantepec, MX
Good morning all. Kachina departed  Huatulco this morning, headed for Chiapas. Weather looks good but may have to motor most of the way. Light winds through Thursday. It’s like a lake out here right now. Making 7-7.2 with full main and engine. Just enough wind to keep the main pulling a little but not enough to support the jib. Want know actual wind speeds, as the Frigate Birds destroyed the wind instruments on the mast, in Acapulco. Have new ones that I’ll put up in Chiapas maybe. 08:25 SV Kachina Bill and Jean’s contact info please? 08:27 sv Singularity Bill & Jean Elsalvadorrally@aol.com 08:27 Rob Murray @SV Kachina phone +503 7490 6894 email elsalvadorrally@aol.com 08:31 sv Singularity Join their rally here and help support their cruiser help at Bahía del Sol http://elsalvadorrally.com
Robert

KACHINA

8) Isla Otoque, Panama
Has anyone anchored for the night at isla otoque, Panama ? Looks like a waiting point before the canal? 10:55 SV Knot Right I anchored close to the beach on the west village side. Pangas use the destroyed pier area for transit to the mainland. We hopped a ride in,  walked the town. No stores or restaurants. We didn't launch the dinghy because it was way too choppy. Very cute but nothing there.  We think the east town has something but we didn't stop.  It might not have the protection,  but if you do go into town, please let us know if anything commercial is there.

Bad fuel in Golfito, CR
FYI bad gas at Banana Bay Golfito, after 4 hrs had our 10 micron raycor filter blocked and shut the engine down  15:56 Mai Tai Johnson Put in 15 gal in a 59 gal tank  15:59 SeaGlub Water in the fuel or dirty?  16:02 Rhapsody We got fuel there, it was fine.  45 gallons, 15 hours motoring. We asked them about filters before fueling and showed us the filters on the pump. 16:08 Mai Tai Johnson My gauges say dirty, I have never had a problem with fuel until now, I should have used my Baja filters but have plenty of raycors on board  16:18 Footloose L When did u buy fuel?
MAI TAI

Argan & Gloria

9) Panama Canal Transit (Southbound)
Great crossing! We’re now in the Pacific! Everyone is awesome! Jamie Figueroa has been a wonderful host and Erick Galvez a great support! There was an ACCIDENT yesterday coming through the canal. Our friend/linehandler cruising full-time last 7 yrs and been through Canal on another boat last month. (this being his last and on way home to Houston to live on the land) is now In hospital had one surgery reconnecting his foot last night and another in 3 days if no infection. Comedy of errors starting with a boat that nested to us not paying attention to advisor. We need to stay in Panama City  whole he’s in  the hospital.. we also will go back to Shelter Bay to put their boat in storage as he won’t be able to walk for 3 months. They’ll be going back to Houston next week after clearance from drs. Question is - what marina can we safely leave the boat for a few days  while in Shelter Bay ?  15:53 Mai Tai Johnson Location  : https://maps.google.com/maps?q=8.4082489013671857,-83.149002075195284
Karen & ?

KOKOPELLI

10) Panama Canal Transit (Northbound)
 We transited the Panama Canal on Saturday the 20th. Figment is now in Linton Bay. We had our entire family on board during the transit. It as special for all of us. We are now trying to get a few days in Kuna Yala with one of our daughters and her family before they all head back to New Orleans.

While checking in at Linton Bay Marina today I asked Brian Davis – seems to run the office or admin side of things – about Panama Posse. He’d not heard of the group. After my brief description he asked that he be contacted if/when the posse extends to the Caribbean side. So with that background I’m sending along his phone number. Brian Davis +507-6676-5967.

As noted in my Line comments we have a number of photos with the PP burgee on the bow pulpit with various PC background scenes. They are mostly in my children’s phones so will get what I can to you when I can get them sent my way.

Finally, since we’ve moved to the Pacific side we’ll not be attending any of the celebrations scheduled in May. Our plans are to leave Figment (and Blessed) at Shelter Bay for most of the summer. I think Blessed is planning some summer trips to Cartagena and Kuna Yala. Figment may make another/longer run to Kuna Yala as well. Then we’ll head north and east in the fall.

During our prep and transit of the PC I recall thinking at times – for all the research I’ve done, I didn’t realize … and thinking I should share it. However, at the moment those details escape me. I’ll reflect on the whole experience and see if I think I’ve any value to add to the group of those following.

I’ll relate one detail that caught us by surprise and in the end resulted in damage to our vessels. In our transit Figment and Blessed were nested together in each chamber. To refresh your memory – Figment is a 48’ Kadey Krogen and Blessed a 43’ Nordhavn. We’ve been running together since leaving Barra. The ACP (or the pilot on the large cat ahead of us) decided Figment and Blessed would nest together at the aft end of the chambers. Going up through the Miraflores/Piedro Migel chambers we made up just as we approached the lower Miraflores Lock sliding to the starboard side of the channel to do so. We stayed nested through all three chambers including crossing Miraflores Lake. Figment managed the propulsion. All went well.

As we reached the Gatun Locks we had to wait for a tub/barge unit to catch up with us. It was late afternoon. We finally received instructions to nest the two boats. We nested Blessed on the starboard side of Figment as we had earlier and started to move to the Gatun Lock ahead and to port to position ourselves to enter the chamber first. Just after beginning to move toward Gatun an ACP launch went by on Figment’s port side perhaps 50 - 75 yards off running at that speed they make where they throw a fearsome wake. I saw them pass us. There was no time to change heading to take the wake on the bow. Consequently we ended up with the two vessel rolling violently side to side – and of course out of synch. At one point I understand Blessed’s port gunnel was above Figments upper deck coaming as Blessed rose on the wave and Figment fell into the hole behind the wave.

The result was a series of enormous impacts between the two vessels. Damage was:
    Figment

o    teak cap rail dent and varnish removed

o    stern hawse cleat forward ear folded 90 degrees from its cast position as it failed before the stern line parted

o    we’ve decided to not pursue a claim though the cost may well be significant

    Blessed

I’ll leave it to John to describe in detail the damage to Blessed if he cares to do so and say only there was some distortion to metal fittings and a crack in some fiberglass. Figment stands taller and is a heavier vessel

To my knowledge it isn’t yet known if the crack is superficial or deeper

The advisers on both Figment and Blessed were very angry and got on their radios identifying the offending vessel and so on. We were instructed to report any claim issues to Erick Galvez – our agent. Frankly, he has gone very formal and skimpy with the info seeming to take a position that he doesn’t want to advocate for anyone as though it might compromise his position as an agent with the ACP even indicating in his email that his line handlers couldn’t server as witnesses should a hearing occur. One of those line handlers was Erick’s son Juan who indicated to me he’d discuss the whole event with his father. I think if he were allowed to speak freely he would be a credible witness.

Fortunately there were no personal injuries.

Since this event I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what we could have done to avoid such damage. A bit more background – while anchored four days in La Playita I was regularly stunned at how close the ACP launches would run to our anchored vessel with no reduction in speed throwing those fearsome wakes. Fortunately Figment has some at rest stabilization equipment which was deployed to counter some of this abuse. It only served to moderate the resulting movement. However, that wasn’t possible on Gatun Lake. Same type launch, same type inappropriate behavior. My present conclusion were I to do the same thing again is to object to the advisor’s decision to make up the nest as far from the Gatun Lock entrance as we did and insist on getting very close in before doing so to minimize the kind of wake exposure we experienced. The ACP vessel operators have no concept of wake damage to others or simply don’t care.

I’d like to thank you for the value you and the group added to our journey to Panama.

Figment Figment is now in Linton Bay Marina after a week in Kuna Yala

Don & Jan

FIGMENT

11)  Green Island, Jamaica
Sprezzatura @ Green Island, Jamaica Between Negril n Lucea! (Lol) Hanover Hanover Parish Jamaica : https://maps.google.com/maps?q=18.397542965372139,-78.271098525440706

Eric

SPREZZATURA12) Rio Cacique- Pta Matador, Panama.
We're in 24 feet of water at +11 high tide right now. It is well protected and beautiful. N 8 18.220 W 78 54.161.  09:49 Ay Caramba! - Juan We broke shifting cable,  fixed it. On to Pta Matador N 8 29.547 W 78 51.547 21feet  At +7. Good protection from N wind and moderate protection from S swell. Fishermen use the spot to collect water bathe and wash clothes. We bought lobster from Pune Indians.

Juan & Michelle

AY CARAMBA  !

13) Santa Ana Department, El Salvador
Santa Ana Department, El Salvador : https://maps.google.com/maps?q=13.886457869404097,-89.534567383542054 22:03 SV BlueOasis Blue Oasis on a land tour in El Salvador @ Mikiteria lake resort on Lago Coatepeque https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coatepeque_Caldera#/media/File%3ATeopan.jpg Very cool B&B on the lake which is a volcano caldron. A bit hazy so the scenery is not as vibrant, but the El Salvadoran people are so friendly. We also visited a small artsy town of Suchitoto.

Barry & Kathy

BLUE OASIS

14) The mayor of Zihuatanej, MX Great meeting with the mayor of Zihuatanejo today. Mayor Jorge Sanchez Allec, thank you so much for taking the time to tell us your great stories and plans for Zihuatanejo!! We're looking forward to many years of bringing the Panama Posse to Zihua!
The public dock will be remodeled over the next 6 months and hopefully we'll get a floating dinghy dock.

Chris, Monica & Penny

SEAGLUB

15)Please reply to this email with any 

updates and we'll include it in the next Fleet Updates.
Please take pictures of your celebrations.

Dietmar & Suzanne
SV Carinthia

16) Opt-out from Fleet Updates simply reply with "REMOVE"

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by OCEANPOSSE

FLEET UPDATE 2019-04-20

1) ABOUT AIS - Zihuatanejo, MX

Hailing Commercial Ships
When cruising from Isla Mujeres to Corpus Christi, we were hailed by a “Crane Ship” captain who had seen us on AIS. He was a “good ole boy” from the south and he was quite chatty.  In the process of talking to him, he gave us this advice…whenever you are in the vicinity of a commercial ship, cruise ship or anything a whole lot bigger than you, hail them on Channel 16 because they are so big and you are so small (and they are often not watching), that they won’t even see you on their radar or on their AIS.
When you hail them, there is a record of your conversation and you alert them to your existence.  Ask them if they see you on radar and AIS.  If necessary, be ready to give them a definition of where you are in relation to them. i.e. 2 miles off your port bow.
We do this on a regular basis and have actually had some nice conversations with some ships, especially cruise ship captains.  We also find that they respond more often to a woman’s voice, so I am generally the one that does it. 

On the way south from Bahia Hadras, we were traveling loosely with three other boats, all of whom had AIS, but one only had receiving AIS, not sending.  He was under sail and was very difficult to see in the dark.  There was a commercial ship bearing down on all of us, so I hailed it and asked if he could see us.  It took him awhile and then he finally said that he did.  I alerted him to the fact that we were four sailboats in the vicinity and asked him if he saw all four of us.  That took awhile longer, he said that he did see us and that he would take evasive action given that we were all under sail.
I really enjoy hailing ships both because it is a safety issue and it if fun if you get a chatty captain, but also because it breaks up the night watch a bit.  I used to be hesitant to chat on the radio, but since I started hailing ship captains who don’t know me from Adam, my confidence has increased to the point that I can’t wait for a ship to come in range so that I can yak away.

John & Trish

MARIAH

2) Barillas Marina Club, El Salvador
13° 15.6562 N  088° 29.4645 W
(503) 632-1802 info@barillasmarina.com

It's not just an anchorage - the have mooring, fuel dock and not a big river bar to cross and only 30 nm from Bahia del Sol 

Moorings are $ 45 for the first night and $ 16 after that - they have custom facilities and immigration

And a  lovely Restaurant, Transportation

Plus they provide transportation to go shopping, get to the airport, laundry, showers and a pool

It's very relaxing and pretty

The also have fuel and water

Launch ramp next to fuel dock 

Oscar & Nellita

MI PANGA  🇨🇷

3) Chiapas, MX Here is an overview of our tour. If it's already been done by others, just pitch this.
The crews of Slow Dancer and Blue Oasis joined Miguel in Marina Chiapas for a day tour. 
First we went to the ruins at Izapa. Miguel was super knowledgeable about the ruins themselves as well as the Mayan and Aztec peoples.

After the ruins, we visited the small town of Tuxtla Chico. We walked through a beautiful old church and shopped a bit at the local market. Miguel is also knowledgeable about the plant life in the area and had us taste several fruits from the trees that we passed.

Next up was lunch. What an amazing feast! La Parra is owned by Josefina. This amazing woman has won competitions in several countries for her wonderful chocolate that she grows, roasts, grinds by hand and packages. We enjoyed tamales, quesadillas,  rolls and hot chocolate. We enjoyed watching the making of tortillas over a wood burning stove. We also watched them make the chocolate. Next we traveled to Dona Petra's kitchen to see the tamale making process. Best tamales in the state according to Miguel. We thought so too!

Lastly, Miguel took us to see the Guatemala border and then to Walmart for some last minute provisions. 

We highly recommend Miguel as a tour guide. His English is great and his knowledge of the area is amazing.  Plus he's a really nice guy!

Dale & Kenneth

SLOW DANCER

4) Long Term Stay in Costa Rica

Hi All,
Here’s the info re leaving your vessel in Costa Rica beyond the 90 day basic temporary import.

There is a process called Exoneration, which provides for importation of the boat into The country for up to two years, with no import tax consequence. The proviso is that you must enter into a contract with a marina in order for this to occur. The contract need not be for two years, but for a period of time that you work out with the marina. The vessel must be physically in the marina with which you enter into the contract, while the Exoneration paperwork is completed which takes between 14-18 days. 

When the Exoneration process is completed you surrender your original 90-day TIP, and henceforth the boat is in the country under the exoneration permit. With that in place, you can now leave the marina, under a zarpe that the marina puts in place and sail anywhere in Costa Rica and even out of the country and thereafter return, all under the auspices of the Exoneration. The obvious kicker is that you will still be paying whatever marina fees apply vis a vis your contract, assuming you don’t leave the country permanently, i.e., terminating your marina contract and commensurate with that, your Exoneration Permit. It is permissible to change from a one marina to another during the two year period and your Exoneration permit transfers from one contract to the next. The Exoneration Cost, which is primarily an Agent Fee to put the paperwork in place, with the Agent we’ll use through Marina Papagallo is approximately $800. BUT, Marina Papagallo offers to offset the Exoneration fee which some very attractive marina fee reductions in order to have our marina business. For a six month contract, the cost to us, net, is about what we’d pay on a monthly long term basis for Marina La Cruz, Marina Vallarta, Marina Paradise Village, and the three marinas in La Paz, or El Cid in Mazatlan.

For us, it makes great sense to do this, so we are. We’ll fly out of Liberia airport non-stop to LAX on Alaska Airlines at a very affordable fare. Liberia airport is a taxi ride from this marina. This region of Costa Rica is considerably drier than, for example El Salvador, or even Golfito, and the bottom growth comparatively is negligible. So, boat issues should be less than in Chiapas, or El Salvador, or even Golfito, and anywhere in Panama. And the bonus is, we can in the meanwhile and upon our return, sail throughout the country at will until northbound to Mexico weather suits our fancy.

I’m certain that Contract Offers differ from marina to marina, and probably even agent to agent, so all is negotiable. For those in Golfito, Miguel at Banana Bay, who used to be at Marina Golfito, was in a former employment capacity, a Costa Rican Customs official, and undoubtedly knows the ins and outs of this on par with Marina Golfito.

So, there it is. We’ll leave here in late October/early November and make Barra de Navidad for the annual Cruisers’ Thanksgiving fete,😎
If any questions, shoot an email back and I’ll clarify. Ciao,

Bob & Sherry

NIRVANA

5) Sumwood Channel, Bocas del Torro, Panama

Sumwood Channel is a convenient connection between Bahia Almirante and Laguna de Chiriqui.
It is also a beautiful ride between the mangroves. We cruised it from South to North.

We planned our route on Navionics charts. We checked the route against positions obtained from grid on Bauhaus’ photos and the ferry route indicated on Google Maps’ (!) sat images. Critical areas could be easily identified by lookout. Minimum depths recorded on approach was 8.5 m.

In the canal sometimes becomes shallow in the midst. If your attention is not distracted by the beautiful landscape, it may be easier to stay in max depths (bottom is mud ...).

North of canal Navionics and grid from Bauhaus photos shows discrepancies. Nacionics Sonar Charts are of great help.

And for those, who still rely on Pat Rains ten year old revised edition 2017:
There are no buoys anymore in the Boca del Toro Canal (as correctly reflected on the chart in Bauhaus‘ book).

Jochen

MORNING HAZE

4) Casco Viejo, Panama

The gifts of Living in Gratitude 🙏🏻 continue in abundance as we met with JAIME FIGUEROA the Tourism Ambassador of Panama and Alva, the proprietor of Panama House Bed & Breakfast this morning at the most quaint and personal B&B we were honored to spend time whilst in Panama City .. thank you Alva for sharing your home and family and hospitality with us . Thank you Jaime for your welcoming spirit to your Country and the stories, knowledge and passion you share. We look forward to coming through the Canal Sunday with the added information you enlightened us with. We also look forward to visiting with you soon. You live and share a fascinating life and we’re honored to call you a friend. Till next time - Carpe Diem - live love and laugh 

Fantastic meeting with Our ambassador in Panama, jaime Figuero ! Beautiful person!
Jaime is sharing so much of his life and experiences and his passion for Panama !

To contact him email jaime@panamaposse.com

Ron & Karen

KOKOPELLI

5) LINE / FACEBOOK / FLEET UPDATES 
Every Monday UTC 16:00 LINE GROUP CALL

Our cruising season in the area and for the Panama Posse is NOV - MAY based on the hurricane season.
Most participants will be staying put after June 1. Thus our last weekly LINE  call will be held Monday May 20. At this time the plan is to leave the LINE chat room open and but it will no longer be actively managed.   Everyone will have the choice to remain in contact with each other thru the chat room. When we start the new season in November we will open a new LINE chat room for the next seasons' members. Download from https://line.me/en-US/

We will fade out the Panama Posse  Facebook group over the summer and start the new FB group page in September.
Fleet updates will stop June and start up in October for next season's posse. SO  it's time for you to ....

6) SIGN UP FOR NEXT SEASON - THE 19-20 PANAMA POSSE
16 vessels have done so already https://panamaposse.com/2019-2020-vessels

If you are ready simply reply with an email and re-register (no new registration form to fill out)
and we'll take care of the rest - or sign up here
https://www.panamaposse.com/sign-up

We'll meet in Barra de Navidad in October / November for an early  December kick off ( right after Thanksgiving)

7) Las Perlas, Panama

Ay Caramba ! is in Isla Parida, two different anchorages. In the N, a good first stop at N 8 07.183 W 82 20.888 un 25 feet at +7 tide.

It was rolly in the evening.  The second spot near Playa Socorro at N 8 07.679 W 82 19.427 under 21 feet of water at +10. It turns out I Gamez is probably the better place for the current conditions. There's an annoying swell that seems to be wrapping around the island, we're exposed to it here. Isla Gamez at around N 8 07.722 W 82 19.062 ( just across) seems to have good protection for that.  SV Octopus Garden is there. They reported a little rolliness only when the wind went to the East.
03:40 Ay Caramba! - Juan A note to vessels leaving Golfito, you will benefit significantly from timing your departure with the ebb .. ;-) + 1.5 kts.

Juan & Michelle

AY CARAMBA !

8) Panama Posse Swag ... coming this summer ...

9) Please reply to this email with
any updates - songs - pictures - alerts and we'll include it in the next Fleet Updates

Happy Easter & Happy Passover to all from

Dietmar & Suzanne

CARINTHIA

10) opt-out from the Fleet Updates simply reply with "REMOVE"

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by OCEANPOSSE

FLEET UPDATE 2019 - 04 - 13

1) La Marina, Acapulco, MX

Happy to announce our latest addition to Sponsors of the Panama Posse

16° 50.4790' N  099° 54.4468' W - deep draft and length up to 200 feet

20% discount of daily rate ( $1.00 x foot  x day - 20% discount) up to 60 feet
20% discount of daily rate ( $1.20 x foot  x day - 20% discount) up to 61-100 feet

25% discount for 2 weeks stay ( $1.16 x foot  x day - 20% discount) up to 60 feet
25% discount for 2 weeks stay ( $1.29 x foot  x day - 20% discount) up to 61-100 feet

Base  Rates for 1 month+ stay 

$ 11   35-39 feet
$ 15   40-50 feet
$ 17   51-60 feet
$ 25   61-80 feet
$ 34   81-100 feet

5 MXD x kwh

+16% Tax IVA on all fees
For reservations please contact

LUIS RAMIREZ MAGDALENO
GERENTE MARINA ACAPULCO
TEL: +52 744 483 6143
TEL: +52  744 483 7744
MOVIL: +52  744 131 3007
email : marinaacapulco@jarestate.com

24/7 Security and friendly dockworkers
30/50 AMP electricity
300 TSS Water
Small Store 
Small Chandlery
Wifi (in the office only)
Showers / Bathrooms (9 AM - 6 PM)

Amazing Superama (owned by Walmart) grocery store right across the street
ATM inside the Supermarket (so probably one of the easiest places to provision from in all of Mexico)
Lavanderia in walking distance and
Bus stop right outside the gates for the $1 yellow air conditioned bus which takes you all around the bay of Acapulco
Lot's of collectivos and taxis stop on this bus stop too and are happy to take you to see the cliff divers or

For 500 MX x day we hired the very dedicated and extremly hard working
Jose Miguel Carbajal Leyva to help us get the "Tehuantepec salt" off
+52 744 2058184  AND +52 744 263 7112

We had fuel brought to the dock in Jerry cans by Vicente
or you can go to the main Pemex fuel dock
⌖ 16° 50.8644 N 99° 54.3474 W  (they all charge between a 12-18% premium for fuel)

2) Tamarindo, Costa Rica

We finally unglued ourselves from the comforts of Playa El Coco to begin again our journey southward. We popped up to Marina Papagayo for some fuel. As we had already checked into the country there were no issues, but we wouldn't have been allowed if we were not already cleared through immigration and customs.
The fuel pumps did their work quickly and as the sport fishing fleet are the main customers, the fuel was clean, no need for a baja filter. As we headed out of Bahia Culebra we saw hundreds of jumping Mabula Rays trying to catch flight in hopes of catching a mate, apparently. Yet again, the the breezes were allowing for pleasant sailing.

We pulled into Bahia Portrero for a quick overnight, with the crew of Shearwater over for dinner on board. The lights in the mooring field are bright, supposedly to prevent theft. We had no issues at all in our spot between the two groups of fishing boats and pangas. We we're up in the morning to get a head start and pop around the corner to Playa Conchal. Due to the name we had dreams of some shell collecting but the shells had already been ground up to make the beautiful light color sand. A walk along the beach revealed a few souvenir vendors on the side of the gravel path. And the beach clubs for two hotels. Not open to the public, unfortunately. But we had planned to picnic anyway, and not long after we picked our lunch spot, a man with a cooler came by, offering ice cold beers and coco frios. It was a perfect lunch-hook stop-over. The afternoon graced us with more good sailing weather and we enjoyed snapping pictures of Shearwater flying full canvas.

We pulled into Tamarindo just as the sun was setting behind us. We picked a spot near the mooring field. We spent the next week taking full advantage of all Tamarindo has to offer with our buddies, Pati and Eric. We took the dink and anchored outside the lineup at Playa Grande and caught some fun party waves at the beach break near the river.  We beached the dinghy and headed into town most days. We found the best landing at the jet ski launch. We did lock the two dinghies together but never had any issues. Each time we found our dinks just the way we had left them. We sampled the microbrews at Witches Rock Surf Camp. We found a street off the beaten path that had a coffee shop called Breaking Bread that Walter White would approve of, Nacho Libre tacos at Little Lucha, and the open air El Mercadito with lots of options including poke bowls and a bar in a sailboat. The roadside BBQ skewers near the beach were cheap and delicious. We had a great meal at the beautiful Bamboo Sushi Club.

We checked out the funky shops more for the air conditioning than anything else and came away with some cool shirts from the five dollar bin. Pati arranged an estuary tour and we saw a ton of birds and a few crocodiles. If you go at high tide you can see monkeys as well. The Papagayos were still howling and at one point we were slowly dragging along the rock bottom and had to reset at the edge of the mooring field and a little closer to the beach, but there was no fetch to speak of so it was still pretty comfortable even in the high winds.

We got to meet up with Dietmar and Suzanne as they pulled into the bay to deliver a Posse Burgee to the Shearwater crew. Tamarindo is pretty busy with a lot of crispy gringos escaping the snow and soaking up some rays. But even with the crowds, the vibes are mellow and there are plenty of chilled out spots to find a lounge chair or hammock and an umbrella drink.  We almost skipped it since we had been before, but from the water, Tamarindo is a real treat!

Pura Vida!

Tamarindo Swings for Crew

Tamarindo Beach Bar

Tamarindo Sunset

Captain Rowan celebrating his birthday in Golfito with a cold imperial and a beautiful sunset,
before meeting up with fellow cruisers for happy hour at Fishhook!
Victoria, Rowan & Crew

TALIESIN ROSE

3) The 2018-2019 Panama Posse now stands at an amazing 120 vessels !
HIP HIP HURRAY to all of you from 14 different nations !

but WAIT THERE IS MORE !!!

2019-2020 Registrations are open
www.panamamposse.com/sign-up/
and there are already 11 vessels signed up for next season
including  3 "re-posse" vessels ;-)

4)  We wish to thank all of our
Official Panama Posse  Sponsors, Partners and Ambassadors

• Marina Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico
• Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Barra de Navidad – Mexico
• La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico 
• Marina Chiapas – Mexico 
• Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador 
• La Palma Moorings – Bahia del Sol, El Salvador 
• Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua 
• Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica 
• Marina Pez Vela – Costa Rica 
• Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica 
• Golfito Marina Village – Costa Rica 
• Vista Mar Marina – Panama 
• Shelter Bay Marina – Panama 
• Red Frog Marina – Panama 

Official Panama Canal Agent

• Centenario & Co.S.A. Eric Galvez – Panama

Official Panama Posse Ambassadors

• Jaime Figueroa Navarro – Panama
• Bill & Jean – El Salvador
• Ralph Hewitt – Nicaragua

Panama Posse Partners

• Vicente’s Moorings – Acapulco – Mexico
• Luis Sanchez Tours – Chiapas – Mexico
• Discovery Tours - Tapachula - Mexico
• Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua
• Coconutz – Annual Papagayo Victory Party – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica
• Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

5) Acapulco & Marina Chiapas, MX

Blue Oasis used the main Pemex fuel dock in Acapulco by the cruise ship docks. Very helpful staff. We took on 370L of fuel successfully. The dock has a big surge, and angle bracket underwater perpendicular to the float. The surprise was a commission/docking fee that was a percentage. Since our Spanish is not up to negotiation skills. We paid ~14%!very pricey diesel indeed all in 25pesos/L . On our way South this am to Puerto Angel, MX. Entrance to Tehuantepec.

Blue Oasis arrived safely in Marina Chiapas this afternoon. We had a brilliant crossing of the Tehuantepec: sailing starting Thursday morning until 2 in the morning Friday. Off the wind, fast beam ride. Seas were following and not too churned up, current with us from the afternoon through the night to Chiapas. We did catch 2 long lines as we left Bahia Huatulco about 12 nm off shore. We were very careful, but were sailing a a good clip. We had to cut one stuck on the keel, the second one slipped off. Tons of Sea turtles and  several mating pairs in the middle of the Bahia de Tehuantepec. All toll about 32 hours crossing. Predict Wind Offshore was spot on PWG was a little closer than PWE. Slow Dancer we’ll be over to say hello after some rest.

BLUE OASIS

Barry & Kathy

6) Clearing in Panama

Simple Life UK Thank you all....final question: is the Cruising Licence the equivalent of a TIP?  We plan to leave the boat in Vista Mar, dry storage, leave the country next Wednesday, return in October. So must I procure the cruising licence now, or can I defer until October?

Figment Reply: Just looked at our Cruising Permit. It expires one year from date of issue. Says it must be renewed prior to expiration or we will face a fine if found to be navigating in Panama with an expired permit.  So no TIP in the MX sense.
Immigration was more fully staffed the Sunday we visited. The Port Capt's office - not so much it seemed. When we arrived at the building - before we met up with Erick Galvez - we asked one of the local employees for directions. He started to take us in then noticed a lady sitting outside with a uniform of some sort. Seemig to recognize her he spoke with her about going to the Port Capt's office and she shook her head no and he then changed his attitude and wasn't going to take us to the Port Capt'ns office. About that time Erick showed up.
We managed to get in on Sunday. Both offices are located on the second floor of the Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina Building (Flamenco Marina). When we were there the stair was roped off. We gained access. But don't know if we would have been allowed to pass without the presence of Erick Galvez. We retained him as agent to assist with the canal transit - we did get our requested date - and he also then worked the clearing in process. So rambly response - open on Sunday but for walkins - don't know.

A small adder. The Panama Cruising Permit takes 1 day or 2 or 3 to process at the Port Captains office.  My advice is this.

1. Don’t go to Vista Mar and make multiple trips (you CAN or stay in Panama City and tour a bit). Go directly to La Playita anchorage, pay the $50/week dinghy dock charge and get all your paper work done by walking to the building across the street near Flamenco. Then go to Vista Mar.
2. Vista Mar haul out capabilities are not great. You load onto a “trailer” and they tow it up the lunching ramp that looks dicey. Maybe it’s ok but your bit best be shallow and light. On the plus side Marine Tech Ollie is setting up shop at Vista Mar and he’s excellent for mechanical work.
3.  Flamenco is a Great Yard for haul out if you need it. Manager Alejandro is the best I’ve met. Not sure they have dry storage though.

Eric

SPREZZATURA

7)
A different adder from Carinthia (if you are not in a hurry to go through the Canal like Eric or plan to spend the season in Panama) Go to Vista Mar - get settled in - take a bus to Albrook Mall and Uber to Flamenco -
pack a light bag for 3 days and go to Panama - check in with Port Captain at Flamenco spend 1 -2 nights in a cute boutique hotel - celebrate a great meal at Tio Navajo
at the Casco Viejo District and tour this stunning city.

then pick up your cruising permit and head back to Vista Mar.

https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/panama/articles/the-best-boutique-hotels-in-casco-viejo-panama-2/

8) Playa la Ropa Anchorage, Zihuatanejo, MX 20' but need to deploy a  Stern anchor.
Much cleaner water than the municipal anchorage near downtown

http://www.goodnautical.com/mexico-pacific/anchorage/zihuatanejo-bay-playa-la-ropa
Chris, Monica & Penny

SEAGLUB

9) Panama Posse Weekly Line Net - we currently have 78 vessels taking part

MONDAY'S at 16:00 UTC via LINE  and open 24/7 to all !
( go to line.me and download the app works on WIN/MAC/IOS/ANDROID )

- Register using your vessel name as the USERNAME SV CARINTHIA
- Search for panamaposse or SV Carinthia or Seaglub and be friend us
- wait and accept your panamaposse GROUP INVITE
-  send us your position via the message system and listen to the vessel check ins
- the LINE system allows for up to 200 live conference call participants  !

To Drop your location and share it in the Panama Posse group simply click on (+) and drop your location PIN

10) Call for testimonials and feedback

We are about 6 weeks from finishing this season - can you believe it ?
so please take a little time out from your grueling cruising schedule reply to this email with
any testimonials or what we could all do to make next season's Panama Posse better.

- your updates
- contenders for picture of the week
- relevant blog posts - and of course your valuable suggestions and testimonials

Keep em 'coming

Dietmar & Suzanne

CARINTHIA

11) Opt-out from Fleet Updates simply reply with "REMOVE"

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