OCEAN POSSE | Fleet updates from the Americas, South Pacific and the Caribbean
FLEET UPDATE ย 2024-07-16 ย ย ย ย ย
โTravel
is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our
people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable
views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little
corner of the earth all one's lifetime.โย
Come meet the fleet at the Bonfire beach party Tenecatita - Mexico Dec ย 8 20204ย
NOTICE OF A RALLY
The
8th ย Ocean ย Posse Rally is a group of over 300 pleasure craft
which ย travel the coastal waters of Mexico and Central America
south to the Panama Canal, and east through the Caribbean and Gulf of
Mexico to California and the East Coast of the USA . In addition we are
establishing a route to and from Europe <-> ย Caribbean and
already have 60+ vessels underway in the South Pacific all the way to
New Zealand and Australia with a special focus on Fiji .
The
goal of the Ocean Posse is to support the seasonal movement of vessels
with up to date local information, per-established contacts and
relationships with local marinas and agents, weather reporting and
forecasting, and enable โbuddy boatingโ through introductions between
vessels.
The
Ocean Posse vessels do not travel in a single convoy, they are
distributed along the route and travel at their own pace. The rally
operates a 24/7 chatroom, hosts a weekly all-hands conference call, and
disseminates information via weekly emails and emergency bulletins.
In
the last seven years, over 1,600 vessels with approximately 4200 crew
have participated. The average size is 48 feet. Most vessels are well
equipped ocean going pleasure craft with depth sounders, GPS, Radar,
AIS, EPIRB and/or PLB beacons, VHF radios, safety equipment, Starlink /
Satphones.
Puerto Refugio @ Isla รngel de la Guardia is
a small cove within the wide bay at the northern tip of Isla Angel de
la Guardia. Isla Granito, the 1km long skinny island lying at the
entrance to the bay, blocks some of the northerly swell but the
anchorage is still very rolly when a norther is blowing. The western
cove is very well protected from all other directions. ...MORE >>>ย
The Ocean Posse uses LINE.meto
communicate within the fleet - whether it's the pin drop of marine
mechanic or the latest update for marina, taxi or taco tuesdays - the
line app pulsates 24/7 with information shared between fellow posse
participants .ย
You can control notification settings and use it on iOS / MAC / PA or Android ย .
13) IGY MARINA SANTA MARTAย ๐จ๐ด SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
IGY MARINA ย SANTA MARTAย
11ยฐ 14.5783โฒ N ย 074ยฐ13.085โฒ W
Hello OCEAN POSSE;
ย Exciting
new Posse Perk hot off the press: Marina Santa Marta is excited to be
an Ocean Posse Sponsor and be included as a destination within the
rally.
We will offer participants a 35% discount on the rate that we normally handle.
Let us know if you would need additional information from us.
A close and upfront Video of one man's experience through Hurricane Beryl on his small yacht in Carriacou.
Skipper Jason was caught in Hurricane Beryl on July 1st while aboard his small sailing yacht, Inatosha,
in the Caribbean. He tried to take shelter on the island of Carriacou,
but the hurricane devastated the area. Thankfully, Jason made it through
the storm mostly unharmed, but Inatosha wasnโt as lucky. The boat lost
its mast in winds over 100 knots and suffered significant hull damage.
Despite the damage, Jason managed to get Inatosha to
Grenada, about 40 nautical miles away. However, the boat urgently needs
repairs. Jason can do all the work himself, but the cost of materials
and replacement parts is overwhelming.
There is a GoFundMe page (primarily for friends and family to contribute) , but any contribution to help Jason restore Inatosha would
mean the world to us. Even the smallest amount will make a difference,
and we'll keep everyone updated on the progress.ย
Hurricane
Bery was a deadly and destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that
impacted parts of the Caribbean, the Yucatรกn Peninsula, and the Gulf
Coast of the United States in late June and early July 2024. It was the
earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record and the second such
storm in the month of July, the other being 2005's Hurricane Emily.
Beryl was also the strongest hurricane to develop within the Main
Development Region (MDR) of the Atlantic before the month of July.ย
21) PANAMA CANAL AGENT
CENTENARIO CONSULTINGย ERICK GALVEZ
To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric
Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Ocean Posse.
The isthmus we know of as Panama is said to have formed over millions of years with the collision of two tectonic plates in the deep ocean creating a chain of volcanoes that later emerged above the sea surface.ย El Valle de Anton is a village in the crater of one such ancient volcano surrounded by mountains and clouds just north of Vista Mar Marina and Buenadventura Marina.ย For many Panamanians that live and work in Panama City, El Valle is the 'country' where they visit their family, grow and harvest fruits and vegetables, and/or spend time on the weekends in nature.
The town is located in the flat wide caldera of the 6 km wide El Valle volcano that is inactive; there is evidence that it erupted as recently as about 300,000 years ago. Because of its elevation (600 m), it is cooler than the Panamanian lowlands.ย This cooler climate is a welcome respite from the heat at lower elevations.
Natural attractions near El Valle include the Chorro El Macho waterfall, Las Mozas waterfall, the โsquareโ trees behind Hotel Campestre, and a group of small natural thermal pools. There are many developed hiking trails to walk on.ย Birding is phenomenal.ย The area around the town is also known for being one of the last habitats of the critically endangered Panamanian golden frog. Some of the forests around the town are protected areas.
The valley is very fertile and produce grows in abundance.ย There are many people living in and around El valle that sell fresh produce at an open air market in the center of town.ย In July we found a very wide variety of fruits and vegetables.ย Some I had never even seen before like this red spikey fruit sold on a branch or by the bushel.
There are two museums in El Valle de Anton as well.ย Both highlight the history, culture, biodiversity, and uniqueness of this special place in and of itself, and as it relates to Panama at large.ย One museum is older, one is quite new; while both tell the same general story, they tell it in very different ways.
A visit to El Valle de Anton is well worth the trip.
After the success of the First 45F5 and First35F5, Bruce Farr looked to take things a step further in terms of quality, performance and comfort. The result, the Beneteau First 42s7, is a performance-oriented sailboat known for its blend of speed, comfort, and seaworthiness. The 42s7 is a fast sailboat, thanks to its Farr-designed hull and large sail area. It can easily handle a wide range of wind conditions and is known for its excellent upwind performance. This two cabin layout features a salon perfect for entertaining, with the galley that is out of the way, yet secure on passage. Nothing says pride of ownership like a pair of electric Lewmar 54ST, making sailing and getting the dinghy up a lot easier! Sail fast and in style in Alacran, this boat is dialed in for cruising with top quality gear! Load her with food and start your adventure! Stop dreaming, start sailing!
SVย AEESHAH entered Costa Rica from the south and checked in at Golfito, Costa Ricas southernmost port of entry.ย While awaiting parts they explored the area by dinghy and by car.ย Their photos and descriptions below capture their experience and the natural beauty in abundance in Costa Rica.
We wentย across to the peninsular opposite Banana Bayย had a look aroundย the bay with its amazingly, green, foliage, from the mangroves at the shoreline to the mammoth trees covering the hillsides.
To break the week up and relieve the boredom: we again rented a car.ย
The first destination:
Wilson Botanical Gardens
The Robert and Catherine Wilson Botanical Garden has a rich, internationally recognized collection of tropical plants from around the world. Over 1,000 genera in more than 200 plant families form the unique collection that is an integral part of the Las Cruces Research Station. There are hundreds of bromeliads and orchids; dozens of philodendrons and other aroids of all sizes; scores of heliconias; plus ferns, gingers, marantas, giant bamboo and close 500 species of palms well represented on the 12-hectare (30-acre) site.
The Wilson Botanical Garden is part of โLa Amistad Biosphere Reserveโ that encompasses 472,000 hectares of park land and buffer zones centered in the southern Talamanca mountain range in Costa Ricaโs South Pacific.โ
Many say that in the Sea of Cortez you can be where the desert meets the sea.ย This is truly the case in Puerto Refugio.
Puerto Refugio is a small cove within the wide bay at the northern tip of Isla Angel de la Guarda. Isla Granito, the 1km long skinny island lying at the entrance to the bay, blocks some of the northerly swell but the anchorage is still very rolly when a norther is blowing. The western cove is very well protected from all other directions.ย In the summer months this bay is a calm place to anchor and spend time exploring.ย There is a sea lion rookery and a pelican rookery in different parts of the bay.ย Many people will visit this bay as their last stop on the way to Puerto Penasco.
Anchorage
Rocks extend from the western point towards the boney finger of rock that juts out from the south side of the cove. Anchor in the northwest corner of the bay in 4.5m on a sandy bottom. The southern part of the bay is scattered with rocks and islets and a lookout on the bow is recommended if trying to enter this part of the cove. Dinghy ashore to the beach and be careful when landing if waves are breaking.
Photos taken in July and contributed by SV ARROWย and crew
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ANCHORAGE
YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE POSSE?
Send photos and description to Maurisa at editor@oceanposse.com
Mosquitoes Spread Dengue.ย Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses (dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4). The same type of mosquitoes can also spread chikungunya, Zika, and other viruses.ย If a person is infected with different dengue viruses during their life, it increases the chance of severe disease.ย Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Mosquitoes come out to feed around sunrise and sunset, but people can be bitten by an infected mosquito at any time.ย Aedes mosquitoes often like to rest in closets or other indoor locations near humans.ย Aedes mosquitoes typically lay eggs in containers with standing water, like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flowerpots, and vases.ย During the rainy season mosquitoes have many many places to lay eggs and reproduce which is why Rainy season often sees a higher incidence of Dengue.ย Presently, all members in locations experiencing the rainy season are wise to be aware and cautious.ย Avoid mosquito bites by whatever means works for you.
Avoiding Dengue:
Wear repellent to reduce mosquito bites. Repellents with DEET or picaridin give the longest protection, but there are many less toxic and non toxic effective options available.
Mosquitos are most active in the morning and in the afternoon/early evening when the sun is on the horizon.ย Be more vigilant during these hours.
Remove standing water where mosquitos may lay eggs, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Check indoors items that hold water, such as vases or flowerpot saucers.
Close windows and doors or install screens. Consider using an indoor insecticide if you have mosquitoes in your home.
Dengue Symptoms and Warning Signs
Infection with dengue virus can result in no symptoms, mild, or severe illness. Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and requires care at a hospital although this is very rare.
The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following: nausea, vomiting, rash, aches, and pains (including muscle, joint, or bone pain or eye pain, typically behind the eyes).ย There is no specific medicine to treat dengue virus infection.
About one in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue. Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death.ย If you have had dengue in the past, you are more likely to develop severe dengue when re-infected with a different serotype, though severe disease can also occur on the first infection.ย Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe dengue.
Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24-48 hours after your fever has gone away.ย Immediately seek medical evaluation if you have any of the following symptoms:ย belly pain or tenderness, vomiting (at least three times in 24 hours), bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, blood in your stool, or feeling tired, restless, or irritable. Do not delay seeking medical attention.
SV Bethania coming through the Panama Canal flying their Chilean Flag
We are Wolfgang Schulze & Paulina Troncoso.
Wolfgang began sailing when he was 12-13 years old.ย 5 years later we met and I soon started to sail with him.ย We had our first sailboat after we married: an old wooden 32 ft.ย Our second boat was a Morgan 38ft sloop.ย We sailed from Florida to Chilean Patagonia. We sailed 15 years along the Chilean coast.ย Then we decided to sail out of Chile and started from Valparaiso to Galapagos, through de Canal, Cartagena de Indias, San Andres, Providencia, Roatan, Rio dulce, Riviera Maya Mexico, Guatemala, USA, Bahamas Turcs and Caicos, Dominican Republic and BVI.ย We loved this boat and all the places we went.ย Unfortunately our lovely boat sank in hurricane Irma in St Maarten on 2017.ย We began our new adventure rebuilding a Irwin 54 ft monohull sloop for 18 months in St Peterburg, Florida.
We named this vessel Bethania.
Aboard Bethania, we recently crossed the Panama Canal with our friend, Marco.ย We went out the the Perlas Archipelago to prepare for our ocean Crossing.ย The journey from Isla Contadora to Hiva Oa, in the Marquesan islands of French Polynesia took us 32 days without any problems. We really enjoyed every day; every day was different. The wind , the sea, the sky were different. Not one of us wanted to get to the islands; we were so happy and relaxed.ย We had sailed long before, but never such a long distance.
left to right: Marco, Pauline, & Wolfgang: Their Chilean flag signed and their Pacific Crossing Complete.
CALLING ALL SKIPPERS, ADMIRALS,ย CAPTAINS, ADVENTURERS + YACHTs
HEAD SOUTH THIS FALL
Sail from California to the Panama Canal and beyond Sail from Annapolis / Florida to Panama and beyond Join from the Antilles
PEACEFUL– Go at your own pace
NO SCHEDULES – just enjoy and have fun SET YOUR OWN PACEย – take as long as you like to get to the next anchorage / marina SAVE MONEYย with discounts at 75+ marinas, rental cars and service providers MEET FELLOW MARINERSย – and connect with fellow mariners STAY CONNECTED – Free Access to a 24/7 group chat focused on facts from those ahead of you STAY INFORMED – Weekly live group calls to go over weather, logistics FILL YOUR GAPS WITH SEMINARS – Online and in person CELEBRATEย at our kick off events or via ZOOM FIND your new best friends and buddy boat ! + so much more
Adventure and Explorationโฆพย The Ocean Posse offers a one-of-a-kind, epic adventure for yacht owners looking to embark on a challenging and memorable journey. Traveling through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean all the way to San Diego provides an exciting and diverse experience.
Support and Resourcesโฆพย The Ocean Posse provides valuable logistical support, including pre-departure seminars, route planning assistance, and information on local customs and regulations. This support helps ease the planning process and ensures a smoother journey. With over 1300 yachts and 5,000 participants we have a good senses of what works for this journey. We have yachts from 32- 232 feet participate.
Cultural Immersionโฆพย Yacht owners get the chance to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and destinations along the route. Exploring local communities, historical sites, and natural wonders adds a rich cultural experience to the adventure.
ย ย ย Safety and improved Securityโฆพย Traveling as part of a group enhances safety and security during the journey, especially for yacht owners who may be less experienced in long-distance cruising or unfamiliar with the waters and regions they’ll traverse.
ย ย ย Opportunities for Explorationโฆพย The rally opens up opportunities for yacht owners to discover hidden gems and less-traveled routes, adding a sense of exploration and discovery to the experience. Western Caribbean and Pacific waters includingย Belize, Bay of Islands, Jamaica, San Blas, Bocas del Toro, Las Perlas, Costa Rica, Sea of Cortes a.m.o.
Remarkable Memoriesโฆพย Participating in the Ocean Posse creates amazing and lasting memories that yacht owners can cherish for a lifetime. The combination of adventure, camaraderie, and cultural experiences, 40+ UNESCO World heritage sites makes this journey a unique and unforgettable journey.
The Ocean Posse offers manyย saving benefits in addition to validate information by fellow yacht owners >>
BENEFITS OF of joining the Ocean Posse
SAVE TIME - SAVE MONEY - and get the best and most up to date INFORMATION !
BENEFITS FOR YOU, YOUR YACHT & YOUR CREW
ย
ย
PRE SEASON
IN SEASON
โ๏ธ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts
โ๏ธ
โ๏ธ
๐ Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice
โ๏ธ
๐ฐ Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts *
โ๏ธ ( Juneย )
โ๏ธ
๐ฐ๏ธ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind
โ๏ธ
๐ฉ Free Burgee
โ๏ธ
๐ฐ Save with service providers and chandleries
โ๏ธ ( June ish )
โ๏ธ
๐ต๏ธ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing inย agents
โ๏ธ
โ๏ธ
๐บ๏ธ Free aid to navigation 150 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android)
โ๏ธ immediately
โ๏ธ
๐ฐ ย Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount
โ๏ธ
๐ฐ Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount
โ๏ธ
๐บ๏ธ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics
โ๏ธ immediately
โ๏ธ
๐น Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there
โ๏ธ immediately
โ๏ธ
๐ฉ๏ธ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker
โ๏ธ
โต Community of voyagers all are welcome, kids, single-handers, pets
โ๏ธ
โ๏ธ
โ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures
โ๏ธ
๐ย Fleet Updates via email โ free
โ๏ธย Prior Fleet immediately
โ๏ธ
๐ Fun Award Categories
โ๏ธ
๐ Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorageย reports
โimmediately
โ๏ธ
โ๏ธ Free Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group
โ๏ธ
๐ฌ Free 24/7 LINE group channel
โ๏ธend of June
โ๏ธ
๐ Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants
โ๏ธ
๐ญ Be part of a fleet of sensor for those who come behind you or meet
โ๏ธ
๐ท Always priority traffic โ for participants by participants
โ๏ธ
ย (* as long as you do not have prior contracts or reservations in place and of course subject to a marinaโs availability the longer you stay the more discount the marina may give you )
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