Fleet Update 2025-07-06
โI wanted freedom, open air and adventure. I found it on the sea.โ
CRUISING ยฐ FLEET UPDATE & NEWS โต 2025-07-06
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Pictures Of The Week ๐ท
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San Francisco To San Diego ๐บ๐ธ California Bliss
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Water Maker ๐ง seminars
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San Diego Bay October ๐๏ธ 4 Days of Cruising Seminars
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Marina Funchal ๐ต๐น Madiera
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Ocean Posse BBQย Meet Up Marina Tahina ๐ต๐ซ Tahiti
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โ๏ธ Rigging Check
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Cook Islands
Arutunga Harbor Approach
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Named Winds ๐ช๏ธ Levante
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Castillo San Marcos ๐ฐ St Augustine
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Season 9 Registration โ๏ธ Is Now Open
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FIJI ๐ GPX Tracksย Good Nautical
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Meet The Fleet ๐ SY Kaliyah
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Meet The South Pacific Cruising Fleetย ๐ Sat Aug 30
@ Nawi Island Marina broguth to you by the Yacht Sales Co
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Official Ocean Posse Events ๐๏ธ
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Musket Cove Marinaย ๐๏ธ Sponsors The Ocean Posse
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Ocean Posse Fleet ๐ฐ๏ธ Tracking
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Tidbits
โข The End of the Revolution
โข Five named storms in 1 month
โข Persistentย Malaria Hotspot in Guna Yala territory
โข Ahoy Posse Friends
โข Hammerhead Shark Migration Galapagos
PICTURES OF THE WEEK
Red Frog Marina Sunset Alert ๐ต๐ฆ Panama
SY ALICORN ย Kevin & Devona – Lagoon 440′ย
Tikehau Sunset Tuamotus ๐ณ๐ด French Polynesia
SY ILIOHALEย Allan & Rina – Lagoon 450s


Sorry I’ve missed the last few check ins. We have been a bit distracted at the all you can eat wave buffet.
SY PHOENIX Zachย โ Balanceย 52โฒ




MY TIDINGS OF JOY Jeff & Joy -DeFever 52′


Made it safely thru the wickedly awesome and magical UNESCO Naeroyfjord to Gudvangen ๐ณ๐ด NORWAY
and this place is so friendly!!!
MY HOKIPA Lucky Chucky & Lisaย – Selene 43′
SAN FRANCISCO To SAN DIEGO ๐บ๐ธ 550 NM & CALIFORNIA BLISS
DAYHOP VIA 25ย ย anchorages and marinas along the wayย
Sailing south from San Francisco to San Diego in August and September offers a generally begning blend of Pacific weather systems. August often starts with persistent coastal fogโespecially north of Point Conceptionโwhere cold water and inland heat create dense marine layers that can reduce visibility to near zero. Radar and AIS and listening for northbound ships become essential tools during these stretches.
Rain is rare this time of year, but drizzle from fog can soak sails and decks. As you move further south, the fog generally thins, giving way to sunny skies and warmer air, particularly past Point Conception. That point itself marks a climatic boundary north of it, the California Current drives cool, moist air; south of it, conditions trend warmer, drier, and more stable.
Wind is typically out of the northwest, 10 to 25 knots, building in the afternoons. Mornings can be calm, and sailing is often best timed to take advantage of the early light air or ride the afternoon push. Swells also come predominantly from the northwest, ranging from gentle rollers to short-period chop, especially near points and capes.
Santa Ana winds do not develop tillย later those are hot, dry offshore blasts, can make rare early appearances in late September. If they arrive, expect dramatic shifts in wind direction and velocity, especially near Southern Californiaโs coastal valleys. These winds can turn calm anchorages into lee shores and should be watched closely especially vessels anchoring in the Channel Islands or on moorings off Catalina Islands…
learn more here >>>
WATER MAKER ๐ง ZOOM SEMINARS
JULY 10-17-24ย ย

Topics:
How a marine watermaker works (reverse osmosis, prefilters, high-pressure pumps, membranes)
System types:
- Manual vs. automated
- AC vs. DC vs. engine-driven vs. belt-driven
- Capacity needs vs. real-world usage (liters/gallons per hour vs. cruising crew size)
- Space, power draw & installation considerations
- Top brands & comparisons (Spectra, Schenker, Rainman, Eco-Sistems, DIY builds)
- Case studies from cruisers โ real usage feedback from different boat types

Topics:
- Planning your install:
- Where to mount filters, pump, membrane
- Seawater intake, brine discharge, electrical wiring, thru-hulls
- Electrical & power considerations:
- Running on solar/wind/battery banks
- Generator integration
- Operating the system:
- Startup sequence, flushing, water testing (TDS meters)
- Manual vs. auto flush
- Tips for conserving water onboard
- Demo or video of a full operation cycle if possible

Topics:
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Routine maintenance schedule:
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Prefilter changes
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Membrane care & cleaning
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Storage & pickling
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Common issues & how to fix them:
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Loss of pressure
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High TDS water
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Pump failures
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Air leaks
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Spare parts to carry offshore
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Emergency desalination options & redundancy:
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Manual watermakers
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Portable kits
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Crew survival considerations 3liters per person per day
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ย Marina Funchal
ย Madiera PORTUGAL
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
32ยฐ38โ42.1โณN 16ยฐ54โ38.8โณW
SERVICES
- Showers
- Water
- Laundry
- Electricity 16/32 220 V
- Internet
- Port of entry
- Fuel Dock open 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 17:30 pm
- 24 hour surveillance
- Offices open MON – FRI 9:00 am to 18:30 pm
ย AMENITIES
- Bar
- Restaurants
- Historical Sites
- ย Sail Repair
- Chandleries
- Mechanics
- Supermarkets
- Bakery
SAFE APPROACH MARINA FUNCHAL
NEARBYย
๐ Waterfront & Nautical Charms
โข Stroll along Avenida do Mar & Praรงa do Povoโจ A scenic promenade lining the marina with cafรฉs, sculptures, and harbor view . Itโs ideal at sunset, offering a real maritime vibe plus glimpses of cruise liners and local boatsโฏ.
โข Funchal MarinaโจWith over 200 berths and full amenitiesโfuel, water, power, shops, barsโthis marina is a seaโloverโs hub right in Funchal Bay
๐๏ธ Historic & Cultural Gems
โข Fortaleza de Sรฃo TiagoโจA 17thโcentury yellowโwalled fort right by the marina, offering free entry and panoramic ocean viewsโalso a cultural venue today
โข Sรฉ Cathedral (Cathedral of Funchal)โจLocated a short walk uphill in the Old Town, this GothicโManueline cathedral from 1514 is a beautifully preserved jewel of Portuguese maritime heritage
๐ณ Parks & Gardens with a View
โข Santa Catarina ParkโจOverlooking the marina, this leafy 36,000โฏmยฒ public park features fountains, benches, aviaries, and a chapelโperfect for a relaxing stroll and city views
โข Madeira Botanical Garden & Monte Cable CarโจRide the cable car from the marina up to Monte, where youโll find the stunning Botanical Garden showcasing endemic flora and an exotic bird collectionโฏ Donโt miss the famous toboggan ride back down!
๐จ Old Town & Local Life
โข Mercado dos LavradoresโจA colorful Art Deco market of fresh fruit, flowers, fish, and local productsโan excellent spot to soak up local rhythms
โข Rua de Santa Maria StreetโArt ProjectโจWander through Funchalโs Old Town to see creative painted doors and wallsโan urban art initiative that brings character and charm
๐ค Sea & Adventure Excursions
โข Whale & Dolphin Watching CatamaransโจTours depart right from the marina, offering highโrating ecoโfriendly excursions to see marine life
โข Boat Trips & Evening CruisesโจSunset or private charter cruises are easy to arrange from the marina. Ideal for a relaxed maritime adventure under the stars.
๐ฅ Day Trips & Nearby Towns
โข Cรขmara de LobosโจJust 10โ15 minutes away by cab or busโthis traditional fishing village inspired Churchillโs paintings and offers authentic local ambiance
โข Cabo Girรฃo SkywalkโจOne of the worldโs highest ocean cliffs with a glassโbottom viewing platformโperfect for breathtaking views, reachable by tour or car
OCEAN POSSE BBQ MEET UP ๐ฅ
MARINA TAHINAย ย ๐ต๐ซ TAHITI
SAT JUL 12 15:00 – 18:00ย
Captain Alan of SY Cyrolia and Marina Tahina are hosting an impromptu BBQ this Sunday at Marina Tahina. ๐งญ Bring Your finest grill-worthy protein anda side dish or treat to share with the fleet
๐น Free Rum will be provided for all

SY CYROLIA Allanย Jeanneau 52
PRE SEASON โ๏ธ RIGGING CHECKย
โ STANDING RIGGING: Structural Integrity
1 Shroud and Stay Tension
โฆ Use a tension gauge or check leeward shroud slack under sail. Too tight? Overloaded; too loose? Poor support.
2 Visual Inspection for Cracks/Corrosion
โฆ Pay special attention to swage fittings, turnbuckles, and chainplates.
3 Wire/Strand Integrity
โฆ Look for broken strands, โmeat hooks,โ or bird-caging near terminals.
4 Turnbuckle Condition and Locknuts
โฆ Check for galling, seizing, or movement. Lubricate threads with Tef-Gel or Lanocote.
5 Chainplates
โฆ Check for movement, corrosion at deck level, and water intrusion inside the boat.
6 Deck Compression and Mast Step
โฆ Look for sagging decks, mast collar deformation, or cracks around the step.
7 Backstay Tension (Adjustable or Fixed)
โฆ Proper backstay tension affects forestay sag and headsail shape.
8 Forestay Sag and Headstay Length
โฆ Too much sag ruins pointing ability; too tight stresses the rig. Adjust according to sail cut.
โต RUNNING RIGGING: Control and Safety
9 Halyards (Main, Jib, Spinnaker)
โฆ Inspect for chafe, UV damage, or hard spots. Replace worn tails or frayed sections.
10 Sheets and Blocks
โฆ Check blocks for smooth rotation and shackles for seizing. Sheets should be free of core slippage.
11 Furling Gear Function
โฆ Spin the drum, inspect halyard wrap preventers, and confirm easy deployment and furling under load.
12 Boom Vang (Rigid or Line)
โฆ Check tension and operation. A failed vang can allow uncontrolled boom rise.
13 Traveler and Car Controls
โฆ Clean, lubricate, and ensure smooth side-to-side and vertical travel.
14 Reefing Systems
โฆ Test each reef point under light wind or dockside. Check for tangled lines or failed blocks.
15 Running Backstays or Checkstays (if applicable)
โฆ Inspect toggles, tails, and winch gear. Confirm proper stow and deployment practices.
ย ๐งญ MAST TUNE & ALIGNMENT
16 Mast Centering (Side-to-Side)
โฆ Measure from chainplates to mast โ both sides should be equal.
17 Mast Rake
โฆ Measured from masthead to transom; affects balance and helm pressure.
18 Pre-Bend (for Fractional Rigs)
โฆ Controlled by the cap shrouds and lowers; essential for proper mainsail shape.
19 Tuning Progression
โฆ Always adjust port and starboard evenly. Use a known tuning guide or manufacturer’s spec.
20 Final Under-Sail Observation
โฆ Check leeward shrouds, mast pumping, sail shape, and helm balance while sailing in 10-15 knots.
๐ Pro Tip:
Mark your tuned turnbuckle positions with permanent marker or rig tape once you’re happy with the settings. Itโll help you spot slippage or return to baseline settings later.
OCEAN POSSE PARTNERSHIP MARINASย
๐ฆ๐บ AUSTRALIA
๐ง๐ธ BAHAMAS
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Browns Marina
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Elizabeth on the Bay Marina
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Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina
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Great Harbour Cay Marina
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Romora Bay Resort and Marina
๐ง๐ฟ BELIZE
๐ง๐ฒ BERMUDA
๐ง๐ท BRAZIL
๐ป๐ฌ BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
๐จ๐ป CAPE VERDE
๐ฐ๐พ CAYMAN ISLANDS
๐จ๐ฑ CHILE
๐จ๐ด COLOMBIA – Caribbean
- ClubNautico Cartagena
- Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena
- Marina Puerto Velero
- IGY Marina Santa Marta
- Manzanillo Marina Club
๐จ๐ท COSTA RICA – Pacific Coast
๐จ๐บ CUBA
๐ฉ๐ฒ DOMINICA
๐ฉ๐ด DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
๐ช๐จ ECUADOR
๐ธ๐ป EL SALVADOR
๐ฌ๐ฎ GIBRALTAR
๐ฌ๐ฉ GRENADA
๐ฌ๐นย GUATEMALA – Pacific Coast
๐ฌ๐นย GUATEMALA Rio Dulce
๐ซ๐ฏ FIJI
- Copra Shed Marina
- Nawi Island Marina
- Denarau Marina
- Musket Cove
- Royal Suva Yacht Club
- Sau Bay Moorings
๐ญ๐ณ HONDURAS – Bay of Islands – Roatan
๐ฎ๐น ITALY
- Marina dei Presidi
- Marina di Balestrate
- Marina di Brindisi
- Marina di Chiavari
- Marina di Forio
- Marina di Teulada
- Marina di Policoro
- Marina di Vieste
- Marina de Procida
- Marina de Villasimius
- Marina Molo Vecchio
- Marina Salina
Venezia Certosa Marina
๐ฏ๐ฒย JAMAICA
๐ฒ๐ฝ MEXICO – Caribbean
- Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres
- Marina Puerto Aventuras
- Marina V&V – Quintana Roo
- Marina El Cid – Cancรบn
๐ฒ๐ฝ MEXICO – Pacific Coast
- ECV Marina – Ensenada BC
- IGY Marina Cabo San Lucasย BCS
- Marina Palmira Topolobampo – SI
- Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes –ย SI
- Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – SI
- Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – JA
- Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Barra de Navidad – CL
- Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – GE
- La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – GE
- Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – GE
- Marina Chiapas – CS
๐ณ๐ฟ NEW ZEALAND
๐ณ๐ฎ NICARAGUA – Pacific Coast
๐ณ๐บ NIUE
๐ต๐ฆย PANAMA – Pacific Coast
๐ต๐ฆย PANAMA – Caribbean
- Shelter Bay Marina
- Bocas Marina
- Solarte Marina
- Linton Bay Marina /a>
- Turtle Cay Marina
- IGY Red Frog Marina
๐ต๐น PORTUGAL
๐ต๐ท PUERTO RICO
๐ฑ๐จ SAINT LUCIA
Marigot Bay Yacht Haven๐ธ๐ฝ SINT MAARTEN
๐ช๐ธ SPAIN
๐ฐ๐ณ ST KITTS & NEVIS
๐น๐ณ TUNISIA
๐น๐ด TONGA
๐น๐จ TURCS AND CAICOS
๐ป๐ฎ US VIRGIN ISLANDS
๐บ๐ธ USA – East Coast
- Safe Harbor – Marathon, FL
- Pier 66ย Hotel & Marina – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Titusville Marina – FL
- Port 32 Marina Jacksonville – FL
- Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor Marina – FL
- Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. Simons Isl. – GA
- Windmill Harbour Marina – Hilton Head , SC
- Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah GA
- Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, NC
- Holden Beachย – Town Dock, NC
- Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA
- Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA
- York River Yacht Haven – VA
- Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – VA
- Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, VA
- Regent Point Marina – Topping, VA
๐บ๐ธย USA – Pacific Coast
- Safe Harbor Ventura Isle, Ventura CA
- Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA
- Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, CA
๐ป๐บ VANUATU

COOK ISLANDS ๐จ๐ฐ Aitutaki – Arutunga Harborย
The entrance is marked by a red nun buoy. The red nun should not be used for accessing the channel as it is not directly on the channel but will be well to port as you enter. Navionics has the channel correctly positioned and once lined up is straight and long. It feels very narrow and the current can be strong depending on the tides. The channel was dredged to 4 meters or more while the harbor varies between 2-4 meters. The channel is basically a square ditch carved out of the coral. The dirt berm directly to starboard as entering the harbor is known as mono alley and is more exposed but deeper. The rest of the harbor is good for drafts of around 1.3 meters or less. You will need two stern lines of 30meters or more. Fenders deployed on both sides as boats come and go and it is close quarters. Drop anchor as far forward as possible. Be sure to set the anchor before backing up the last couple of boat length to the berm. The bottom is loose mud with clay that will give good holding. The stern lines are tied to large coral rocks or old sewage culverts, depending on where you are. While we were there the wind managed to go full circle, so do not set just for the wind at the moment as it will probably change. Reach out to see if there is an active
Aitutaki welcoming committee, look on NFL and contact the boats that are there to make them aware of your arrival so they can organize dinghies and shore people. One big help was to have a dingy meet the incoming boat in the channel and grab your +30 meter lines that have been readied. The shore crew can go ahead and tie them to suitable rocks. As you are backing up your boat the dingy will hand the tied shore lines to you. We then helped subsequent boats coming in, it was a good community feeling and fun.
Formalities are the way they should be every where! In no particular order you will be visited by:
-Customs Bob – explains costs and other formalities landing fee $10nz / pp
-Bio Security – I have no fruits and vegetables $25nz
-Health – I have no sickness $25nz
When departing;
-Pay $20nz / day anchorage fee to Aitutaki council
-Pay all above charges to Customs Bob at checkout
Be sure to ask Customs Bob for his hours and Holidays so you can depart when planned.
Ashore NFL is a great resource, activities that we really enjoyed were;
-Every fortnight on Thursday 5pm there is a market on the green with a โbandโ, great local food choices, and people watching.
-Teking tours we snorkeled with giant Napoleon fish, giant clams, and had a great meal on a motu.
-Tavaโe resort happy hour 4p-5p they had good pizza and towers of beer and Jen C the server was super fun.
-Bubbles cafe for coffee and camaraderie
Aitutaki is super friendly, beautiful, English speaking, has stores that are open more than they are closed, enjoy!
Cook Islands are in he IALA AVbuoyage system, specifically Region A, red buoys mark the port side of a channel when entering from the sea or heading upstream.
SY HOMECOMING Peter & Colleen – Lagoon 45′
Primary Named Winds in the Mediterranean ๐ฌLEVANTEย
Name | Direction | Region | Effect on Sailing |
Levante |
E | Strait of Gibraltar & Alboran Sea |
Can trap boats in Gibraltar; builds large swell and fog. Long-lasting.
|
The Levante wind, also known as Levanter, is a warm, easterly wind prevalent in the western Mediterranean, particularly in the Strait of Gibraltar. It’s known for its strength and persistence, often causing rough seas and reducing visibility due to mist or dust

Sailing Implications:
โข Direction: It blows westward โ from the eastern Mediterranean toward the west.
โข Usefulness: This favors westbound sailing โ yachts heading from the Balearic Islands toward mainland Spain, or from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic (through Gibraltar), benefit from this wind.
โข Why sailors like it:
โฆ It typically creates long, steady waves, which are easier to sail.
โฆ It tends to be predictable and sustained, which is ideal for passage planning.
โฆ It supports beam reach or broad reach sailing for boats headed west โ two of the most comfortable and efficient points of sail.
Caveats:
โข In the Strait of Gibraltar, the Levante can funnel through and intensify, sometimes exceeding 30 knots and creating tricky conditions with fog and low visibility.
โข On occasion, it can last several days, impacting schedules for vessels trying to head east (against it).

MUST SEE IN FLORIDA ๐บ๐ธ CASTILLO SAN MARCOS – ST AUGUSTINE
The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United Statesand is located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in the city of St. Augustine, Florida. The Castillo was designed by the Spanish engineer Ignacio Daza and construction begn in 1672, 107 years after the city’s founding by Spanish Admiral and conquistador Pedro Menรฉndez de Avilรฉs, when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire.
Castillo de San Marcos was for many years the northernmost outpost of Spain’s vast New World empire. It is the oldest masonry fort and the best-preserved ex-ample of a Spanish colonial fortification in the continental United States. It anchored East Florida’s defenses, which extended northward to the St. Marys River, westward to the St. Johns, and southward to Fort Matanzas. It protected St. Augustine from pirate raids and from Spain’s major rival, Great Britain, during a time when the Florida-Georgia-Carolina coastline was an explosive international battleground.
The roots of the Castillo’s history reach back to the years just after Christopher Columbus’s final transatlantic voyage, when conquistadors carved out a vast and wealthy overseas empire for Spain, first in the Caribbean and then on the mainlands of Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. Products of these tropical and mountainous territories brought high prices on the Continent, and Spanish galleons sailed home laden with exotic dyes, sugar, tobacco, chocolate, pearls, hardwoods, and silver and gold. These so-called “treasure fleets” made Spain the most powerful and envied nation in Renaissance Europe.
Thanks to the travels of Ponce de Leon in 1513, Spanish navigators knew that the best return route from Spain’s rich Caribbean possessions was along the Gulf Stream, through the Bahama Channel, and past the shores of Florida. The Spanish knew they must defend this peninsula to prevent enemies from using its harbors as havens from which to raid the passing treasure fleets.
In 1513 Spain claimed Florida through the expedition of Ponce de Leon, but France gained the first foothold there by establishing Fort Caroline on the St. Johns River in 1564. Seeing this as both a challenge to Spain’s claims and a menace to the treasure fleets, King Philip II sent an expedition under Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles to eliminate the French threat and establish settlements in Florida. It arrived at the mouth of the St. Johns River in September 1565.
After attempting unsuccessfully to board the French ships anchored there, Menendez sailed to a harbor farther south and established St. Augustine as a base for further operations. Almost immediately a French fleet sailed south to attack. But the ships were driven southward and wrecked by a violent storm and the mission failed. Realizing that Fort Caroline would be lightly guarded, the Spaniards marched north, captured the fort, and executed most of the inhabitants.
The same fate befell survivors from the French fleet, whom the Spaniards captured and killed at an inlet 14 miles south of St. Augustine. The episode gave a name to the area: Matanzas, Spanish for “slaughters.”
England became Spain’s next contender for Florida. The Spanish had watched the English warily ever since Sir Francis Drake attacked and burned St. Augustine in 1586. They became even more watchful after English-men settled Jamestown in 1607. British pirates sacked St. Augustine again in 1668, and this hit-and-run attack, followed by the English settlement of Charleston in 1670, caused Spain to build the Castillo de San Marcos.
Begun in 1672 and completed by 1695, the Castillo replaced nine successive wooden fortifications that had protected St. Augustine since its founding. The fort’s commanding location on the west bank of Matanzas Bay allowed its guns to protect not only the harbor entrance but the ground to the north against a land attack.
The Castillo’s baptism of fire came in 1702 during the War of the Spanish Succession, when the English occupied St. Augustine and unsuccessfully besieged the fort for 50 days. The English burned the town before they left, but the Castillo emerged unscathed, thereby making it a symbolic link between the old St. Augustine of 1565 and the new city that rose from the ashes.
When Britain gained control of Florida in 1763 pursuant to the Treaty of Paris, St. Augustine became the capital of British East Florida, and the fort was renamed Fort St. Mark[8] until the Peace of Paris (1783) when Florida was transferred back to Spain and the fort’s original name restored. In 1819, Spain signed the AdamsโOnรญs Treaty which ceded Florida to the United States in 1821; consequently, the fort was designated a United States Army base and renamed Fort Marion, in honor of American Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion. The fort was declared a National Monument in 1924, and after 251 years of continuous military possession, was deactivated in 1933. The 20.48-acre (8.29 ha) site was subsequently turned over to the United States National Park Service. In 1942 the original name, Castillo de San Marcos, was restored by an Act of Congress.
Castillo SAN MARCOS Timeline
- 1513 Sailing from Puerto Rico, Spanish claim Florida.
- 1565 Spanish found St. Augustine and destroy French at Fort Caroline and Matanzas Inlet.
- 1672 Ground is broken on October 2 for Castillo de San Marcos.
- 1695 Castillo de San Marcos (curtain walls, bastions, living quarters, moat, ravelin, and sea-wall) is finished in August.
- 1702 War of the Spanish Succession pits Spain and France against Austria, Great Britain, and others.ย Coastalย Georgia missions are destroyed by Carolinians en route to St. Augustine.ย Carolinians occupy and burn St. Augustine but the Castillo successfully resists their siege.
- 1738 Spanish governor at St. Augustine grants freedom to runaway British slaves. Black families settle at new town called Fort Mose.
- 1740 St. Augustine successfully endures siege by British, Georgian, and South Carolinian forces. Spanish attack and de-feat British Highland troops camped at Fort Mose.
- 1740-42 Fort Matanzas is built to block southern approach to St. Augustine.
- 1756-62 Fort Mose re-built in masonry. Earth-works at Mose extended to complete northern-most defense.
- 1763 Peace of Paris gives Florida to Great Britain in exchange for La Habana.ย Castillo becomes known as Fort St. Mark.
- 1783 Peace of Paris recognizes independence of the United States and returns Florida to Spain.
- 1821 Spain cedes Florida to the United States.
- 1825 Castillo de San Marcos renamed Fort Marion.
- 1924 Fort Marion and Fort Matanzas are proclaimed national monuments
- 1933 Transferred to the National Parks Service
- 1942 Original name Castillo San Marcos is restored
GET THERE BY YACHT

SEASON 9 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN >>>

NEW VESSEL ON BOARDINGย ZOOM CALL
ย ย SATURDAYย JULY 26, 2025
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO MEET YOUR PEERS
MONTHLY ON-BOARDING ZOOMโจ CALL
@โจ20:00 UTC
16:00 EASTERN
15:00 PANAMA
14:00 MEXICO
13:00 PACIFIC
โข Introductions
โข Meet your peers
โข Meet Nicole
โข Values, goals and expectations
โข Resources and perks
โข Ongoing information
โข Participation and involvement
โข Social events and activities
โข Check-ins and feedback
โข Meet the editor
โข Milestones & Awards
โข Ongoing learning
โข Q&A
โข Blue Sky
FIJI GPX TRACKS ๐ซ๐ฏ GOOD NAUTICALย ย
With 24+ tracks in the Fiji Lau Group and Kadavu added by SY Seaglub ย everyone is empowered to see this amazing part of Fiji avoiding treacherous reefs and coral heads.
With many ย tracks in the Fiji Lau Group and Kadavu added by SY Seaglub ย everyone is empowered to see this amazing part of Fiji avoiding treacherous reefs and coral heads –here is the track >>>ย ย DETAILS : https://goodnautical.com/route/fulaga-lagoon-malokua-anchorage

The underlying chart data of FIJI including existng coastlines, seabed details, positions for the Lau Group dates back to 2012. However, safety-critical changes (e.g. submerged hazards, buoy relocations) are incorporated continuously through NTMs. To be fully compliant and safe, mariners should use the latest print-on-demand or digital version, ensuring it has the most recent NTM corrections applied.
There havenโt been more recent large-scale multibeam bathymetric surveys published for Lau since that original 2012-era data. Some deep-sea geological mapping (like Lau Basin tectonics) has been updated, but no public nautical-grade bathymetric update for navigation in the Lau Islands.
1. Hydrographic Operations by Fiji Hydrographic Service (2023)
In September and August 2023, the Fiji Maritime Safety Authority reported hydrographic survey operations in Vanua LevuโSavusavu โNakama CreekโNawi Islandโ and Nadi Waters (including Yakuilau Island & Denarau) These missions used modern multibeam sonar vessels to update coastal charting and navigation data.
2. Beqa Lagoon Conservation Mapping (2024โ2025)
A recent collaborative bathymetric survey of Beqa Lagoon was conducted in 2024, led by organizations like Map the Gaps and the Pacific Blue Foundation, working alongside Fijiโs Hydrographic Service. The aim was to develop high-resolution, community-shared seabed models for conservation. This initiative was highlighted in reports published in early 2025
3. Ongoing Hydrographic Capacity and Seabed 2030 Projects
As of early 2025, Fijiโs Hydrographic Service is operating up to IHO (International Hydrographic Organization) standards, boasting new vessels equipped with multibeam echo sounders, and actively contributing to the Seabed 2030.
2024 Fiji Yachting Tourism Data
MEET THE FLEET
SY KALIYAH

One year ago today (July 3rd,2024) we launched Kaliyah in Somes Sound, Maine. The boat was new to us, so we spent those early days getting familiar with all the systems and quirks โ while also finding time to explore some beautiful parts of Maine.
Of course, the journey wasnโt without its challenges. Just one month in, we snagged a lobster buoy line around our prop! That was one of many โlearning momentsโ โ and definitely a story best told over a beer when we see you! ๐
Our original plan was to sail south toward the Eastern Caribbean. As we made our way down the East Coast, we enjoyed exploring different harbors and towns. But delays with our new sails ended up shifting our plans. By the time everything was ready, we were already in Florida โ and not keen on taking the infamous โthorny pathโ to the Eastern Caribbean
Along the way, we joined several sailing clubs, including the Salty Dawgs, Seven Seas Cruising Association, and Ocean Posse. It was a pleasure meeting fellow cruisers from these groupsโtheir experiences and knowledge were truly inspiring. Some even became close friends, making our journey all the more meaningful.ย They suggested heading for the South Pacific instead-and the idea stuck. It sounded like the kind of adventure we were looking for .
After leaving Florida, we sailed to the Bahamas and set our sights on Panama. But the Windward Passage had other ideasโฆ Rough weather forced us to divert to Jamaica and then Colombia. That stretch brought one of the most intense experiences yet โ a gale with winds over 40 knots and 15-foot seas! Definitely another story for cocktail hour! ๐น๐
We spent a couple of months in Panama before making another big move: we transited the Panama Canal and began exploring the Pacific coast โ from Panama and Costa Rica all the way up to Mexico. After leaving Chiapas, Mexico, we encountered a fierce lightning storm squall along the Pacific coastโit was intense and terrifying! Right now, weโre in Baja, heading north to haul out and do some work on our rudder.
Come October, weโll head south again, with our sights set on the South Pacific!
SY KALIYAH Greg & Dieu – Kelly-Peterson 46′ย


SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE – MEET THE CRUISING FLEET – SAT AUG 30 – NAWI ISLAND MARINA
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15:00ย YACHT MARKET OVERVIEW FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS PRESENTED BY
THE YACHT SALES CO -
15:30ย THE PASSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND โ PRESENTED BY OCEAN TACTICS
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16:00 MEET AND MINGLE AND FREE RUM
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17:00 LET THE FEAST BEGIN โฆ
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19:00 KAVA AND RUM AFTER HOURSย
ย
OFFICIAL OCEAN POSSE EVENTS
THE OCEAN POSSE WELCOME โจ๏ธ BBQ & RUM ๐น FรTE @ MARINA TAINA ๐ต๐ซ TAHITI
Marina Taina ๐ต๐ซ Tahiti, Puna'auia, French Polynesia
SOUTH PACIFIC CROSSING PARTY AT Nawi Island Savusavu ๐ซ๐ฏ Fiji
NAWI ISLAND MARINA & RESORT, SAVUSAVU FIJI
OCEAN POSSE & BEN TAYLOR STREET PARTY @ CANNES ๐ซ๐ท YACHTING FESTIVAL
TAQUERIA LUPITA, 72 Rue Meynadier, Cannes
OCEAN POSSE ๐ช๐ธ KICK OFF PARTY @ YACHT PORT CARTAGENA
YACHT PORT CARTAGENA SPAIN, MURCIA SPAIN
ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW ๐บ๐ธ MARYLAND USA
ANNAPOLIS, Annapolis Town Dock Booth VB 9
OCEAN POSSE ๐บ๐ธ SAN DIEGO BAY 4 DAY CRUISING SEMINARS SERIES @ SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY
SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY EVENT CENTER, CHULA VISTA, SAN DIEGO, CA
OCEAN POSSE KICK OFF ๐ฒ๐ฝ BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO December 3-7 2025
MARINA PUERTO DE LA NAVIDAD, BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO
MUSKET COVE MARINA
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

We welcome any of the Oceanย Posse to Musket Cove at any time. Weโre pleased to offer a Free Berthing Day for 5 Paid Days to all of your Posse Members.
Wayne Deed
- Director of Sales & Marketing
- Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
- Malolo Lailai Island
- Fiji Islands
- m| +64 21 824266
- P |ย +679 666 2215
AMENITIES
At Musket Cove youโll find the pace of life smooth and unhurried. The resort is owned
and operated by Fijiโs oldest resort company, with 400 acres of palm fringed beaches
and tropical gardens. You will be hosted by 150 extremely warm and dedicated staff,
who will endeavour to ensure your visit is one to cherish. Take a moment to familarize yourself
with the following;
No animals are allowed on shore.
We care for our environment so please help with careful disposal of waste water, pollutants
and rubbish. Rubbish bins are located behind the Marina Office.
Charge It! Yacht visitors are welcome to open an account at the Marina office for all
transactions. Including, the
- Trader General Store
- Dickโs Place Bistro & Bar
- Trade Cafe
- Island Bar
- Dive Shop
- Fuel
Marine Sanctuary: All waters in and around Musket Cove, including moorings are a Marine
Sanctuary with all fishing prohibited.
The Trader General Store is open daily between 8am -7pm.

Musket Cove Yacht Club Island Bar: The iconic Island Bar is a great meeting place. With coin
operated BBQโs available.
Open 10am till late. BBQ Packs can be purchased at the Trader Cafe
Bottle Shop: Bulk discount Beer, Wine & Sprits can be purchased from Dicks Place Bar between
the hours of 9am till 11am & 3pm to 5pm
Dickโs Place Bistro & Bar: Open daily Breakfast:7.00am โ 1100am, Lunch: 11.30am โ2.00pm,
Dinner: 7pm โ 9pm. Daily a la carte and check out our famous Theme night buffets. Reservations
required.
Swimming Pool: You are welcome to use the pool, excluding Regatta Week. Resort guests
have priority on sun lounges. Lounge and restaurant area is for wining and dining only. Please do
not use these areas to place your belongings. You must follow the pool rules.
Makare Spa: Our dedicated spa offers a full range of beauty and relaxation treatments. The Spa
is open daily from 8am to 5pm.
Scuba Diving: Subsurface Fiji specializes in making diving fun for all. They offer a full range of
PADI Scuba Diving. Check out Fijiโs famous and fantastic dive spots, day trips departing daily
from Musket Cove Marina.
Ducks & Dingies: Please tie up at the end of the marina towards the MCYC Island Bar so that
they are not in the way of vessels berthed at the Marina.
Drinking Water: Available at the Marina for 10 cents per liter.
Mail: Incoming mail is kept at the Marina Office. The outgoing mail bag is in the
boutique where stamps are available
Malolo Cat: The Malolo Cat operates 4 times daily. Purchase tickets at the resorts front
office and be ready for boarding 30 minutes prior to departure
WIFI: Paid WIFI is available throughout the resort and MCYC Island Bar via Tomizone
and can be purchased from Front office and the Trader General Store
Note: Musket Cove is a functioning resort and all visitors must respect the comfort of all. Shirts
and appropriate clothing must be worn in public areas and children must be accompanied and
well behaved. Poor or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated and Management reserve
the right to deny service for infringements deemed unacceptable

RATES
MARINA BERTHING
DAILY BERTHING RATE
F$4.80 PER METRE MONOHULLS
F$8.50 PER METRE MULTIHULLS
PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR MONTHLY AND LONG TERM BERTHING RATES
SWING MOORINGS – VESSELS UPTO 25 TONS
F$25.00 PER NIGHT
PAID IN ADVANCE & NON-REFUNDABLE
Rates expressed in Fiji Dollars and Include VAT.

SAFE APPROACH TO MUSKET COVE MARINA

NEARBY
1. Cloudโฏ9 Floating Bar & Surf Spot
A vibrant platformโbar anchored over the lagoon where you can sip cocktails, enjoy pizza, and soak in island vibes. Just 20โฏmin boat ride from Musket Cove, itโs a social hub for surfers and sailors ( and couples )
2. Surf Breaks: Cloudbreak & Restaurants
Worldโclass surf breaks accessible via dinghy from Musket Cove. These legendary breaks are only ~20โฏminutes away .
3. Sandbank Snorkelling and sunset drinks
Daily lowโtide trips out to a nearby sandbank for snorkelling in clear lagoons
4. Island Hiking & Nature Trails
Explore kilometers of paths winding through tropical gardens, coconut plantations, and along ridgelines with views across the Mamanucas. Look out for local birdlife and medicinal plants on guided โmedicine walksโ
5. Fijian Cultural Experience at Shell Village
Visit a nearby Fijian village, learn traditional crafts like coconut husking, basketโweaving, join in a kava ceremony, and support the community often throughย arranged excursions
6. Cycling & Organic Garden Tour: Rent a bike to cruise island trails and visit Musket Coveโs organic gardens
7. Golfย next to Musket Cove is Plantation Island’s 9 hole golf course complete with sand crabs who will move your ball around before you can putt.
OCEAN POSSE SPONSORSย
OCEAN POSSE SPONSORSย
- ABERNATHY – PANAMA
- BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
- BOAT HOW TO
- CABRALES BOAT YARD
- CENTENARIO CONSULTING – PANAMA CANAL
- CHRIS PARKER โ MARINE WEATHER CENTER
- DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
- DIGITAL YACHT
- DOWNWIND MARINE
- EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
- FLOR DE CAรA
- HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
- HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
- HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
- LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
- MARINA PAPAGAYO
- NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
- PANAMA YACHT BROKER
- PREDICT WIND
- SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
- SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
- SAFETY ONBOARD COSTA RICA
- SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
- SHAFT SHARK
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OCEAN POSSE FLEET ๐ฐ๏ธ TRACKING
This page is designed to give interesting partiesย an overview. For specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates, changes, positions and specific location related questions please contact each vessel directly.ย Due to privacy we do not provide vessel contact information. You may track vessels via itโs own tracker or request AIS tracking from https://www.marinetraffic.com/ please note that this is also not accurate. There are many reasons why a vesselโs position is not updated and please do not conclude that a vessel has an emergency or is in need of assistance because it has not reported in lately. Sometimes they may just want to get away from it all and not tell you where they are. It is the responsibility of each vessel to file a float and check in plan and escalation procedures.
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In Panama, sloths can swim faster than they can walk.
While they may be famously slow on landโmoving at just 0.24 km/hโthree-toed sloths are surprisingly agile in water. Thanks to their long arms and natural buoyancy, they can move three times faster while swimming. In the jungles near the coast or in mangrove estuaries, you might even spot one crossing a river or drifting along the tide.
So if you’re anchored off Isla Bastimentos or exploring the waterways of Bocas del Toro, keep an eye outโyou just might catch a sloth doing the breaststroke!
PANAMA POSSE CANAL AGENTS
To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact our dedicated Panama Canal agents and sponsors of the Panama Posse and the Pacific Posse
CENTENARIO CONSULTING
Erick Gรกlvez
info@centenarioconsulting.com
www.centenarioconsulting.com
Cellphone +507 6676-1376
WhatsApp +507 6676-1376


Stocking Island ย 23ยฐ31.3683′ N 75ยฐ45.4733′ W
Just off the cruising epicenter and harbor of George Town on Great Exuma ๐ง๐ธ Bahamas, is a narrow, nearly three-mile-long barrier island famed for its pristine beaches, marine life, and ecoโrich landscapes.
Tidbits

1 month 5 named storms
- This June, the Eastern Pacific saw five named tropical cyclones, with four forming and peaking entirely within the month โ Barbara, Cosme, Dalila, and Erick (a powerful Category 4 hurricane). Flossie also formed at monthโs end, pushing the count even higher.
๐ That makes June 2025 one of the most active Junes on record, tying with 1985 and 2018 for the highest number of named storms ever recorded in the month in over a century of data. For seafarers in the Eastern Pacific, itโs a clear signal: the season is off to a fast and furious start.

๐ฉบ GunaโฏYala: A Persistent Hotspot for Malaria in Panama
- โข Endemic and persistent regionโจThough Panama overall has largely eliminated malaria, the Comarca GunaโฏYala remains a notable persistent focus. Less than 3% of the national population lives there, yet it accounts for nearly 90% of Panamaโs malaria casesโprimarily from Plasmodium vivax
โข Interventions underwayโจThe Ministry of Health has piloted expanded use of longโlasting insecticideโtreated nets, including hammock nets and community health workers equipped with rapid diagnostics and treatmentโactively engaging Guna leaders to boost acceptance and effectivenessGunaโฏYala remains one of the most vulnerable malaria zones in Panamaโmarked by high levels of asymptomatic infection, entrenched transmission driven by outdoor mosquitoes, and incomplete coverage by prevention measures. However, culturally respectful programs, are now being implemented to tackle these challenges head-on.

THE END OF THR REVOLUTION in BOCAS DEL TORO
- The government lifts the state of emergency in Bocas del Toro;
Security forces have maintained surveillance in Changuinola. EFE/Bienvenido Velasco ย This was announced by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Security, Juan Carlos Rodrรญguez, during a press conference. In the same appearance, the Director General of the National Police, Jaime Fernรกndez, explained that Operation Omega will continue throughout the country until viability and public order are fully restored nationwide .


Ahoy Posse Friends
We have been quietly healing and still waiting on insurance to respond to our loss ofย ย Path finder in French Polynesia. All of you have been in our thoughts especially as we try different types of water therapy to help us look forward. Weโre currently staying on our friendโs boat at the Cabrillo Marina in San Pedro, California to feel at home again. We were invited to sail for the start of the TransPac race and even enjoyed exploring the local aquarium to get a glimpse of our beloved ocean neighbors.
We miss all of you and we miss Pathfinder deeply. Grateful to be here to celebrate life in every way.
n i c o l e & j p

ย YOUTUBE NUGGET :
Tracking a hammerhead shark in the Galapagos reveals a possible migration to Panama to give birth.
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Explore hidden destinations, experience new cultures, and discover the freedom of life at sea or near shore โ on your terms. - Get VIP Perks & Discounts at marinas, chandleries and boatyards
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2025-2026 VESSEL CONTACT SHEET
AHOY !
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AWARD WINNERS 2025
AWARD PICTURE OF THE YEAR 2025
TIEย
11)

TIDINGS OF JOY
Jeff & Joy โ DeFever 52โฒ
35)
SY PATHFINDER J.P. & NICOLE โ Lagoon 39โฒ
AWARD WINNER SPIRIT OF EXPLORATIONย
2025 AWARD WINNER
GOOD SAMARITAN AWARD
4)
We were heading back to Shelter Bay Marina for the upcoming Ocean Posse rendezvous when we heard a distress call come across VHF channel 16. A boat was sinking and needed immediate assistance. My chart plotter was littered with targets of other boats yet no one responded. Marla and I answered the call. The boat was a 1984 Tanaya 37 with water egressing rapidly. The owner was standing in ankle deep water on his cabin sole as he gave me his position. We immediately doused the sails and turned back. I motored as fast as I could pushing Long Windid thru steep waves towards the distressed boat.
We were approximately 8 miles away and were in constant contact with the distressed boat. Eric, on Cruzon was now involved yet could not contact the vessel directly due to his distance, so I was the relay. The owner was tired, panicked and frustrated. He was emotionally ready to abandon ship and let the boat sink. Eric suggested to run it on to the sandy beach. Finally, as I got closer, he was able to slow the water by stopping his motor. He later told me the bellows on his dripless gland failed and by stopping the rotation of the shaft it slowed the water flow. Fortunately, by the time we had arrived, the Tanaya had her head sail up and was limping towards Turtle Cay Marina. We stayed around to shepherd the boat thru the narrow cut at the entrance of the marina. There we met up with Curzon who was waiting at the entrance. That evening the owner and his wife came over to our boat and expressed their extreme gratefulness for both Eric and our assistance. He noticed the Ocean Posse flag flying. He said he has been with buddy boats in the past that would not have turned around. It did not surprise him that the two boats that came to his assistance were Ocean Posse boats. His interaction with other Posse boats has always been positive.
LONG WINDEDย
2025 AWARD WINNER
BOAT YOGA POSEย ย
6)
SY SUMMER BREEZE Kurtis + Sam โ Bestway 46โฒ
WINNER OF THE 2025
COURAGE AWARD
2)
ย SY PATHFINDER TAKES ON WATER THIOUGH ESCAPE HATCH AND
Capsizes South of Tahuata
ย FRENCH POLYNESIA
On Sunday, May 19, 2025, at 10:40 AM, the French Polynesia Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC Tahiti) received a distress alert from a satellite PLB beacon associated with the pleasure craft โPathfinder,โ registered under the U.S. flag, with four people potentially on board, located south-southwest of the island of Tahuata.
While deploying maritime resources, the JRCC also utilized a privately available aircraft, a Cessna, which located the capsized vessel at 1:44 PM but did not observe any survivors nearby.Fishing vessels โMoite,โ โPoeani,โ and โNelckaelโ were dispatched to the area. The โMoiteโ found the wreckage and various floating debris but did not locate the castaways.Subsequent signals from the distress beacon indicated movement inconsistent with drifting, suggesting a trajectory toward Tahuata Island. Around the same time, the โPoeaniโ reported rescuing the four castaways, who were struggling to reach land using stand-up paddleboards.
The survivors were brought ashore at Hiva Oa and attended to by firefighters.
The swift identification of the distressed vessel was facilitated by the ownerโs registration of the beacon in the appropriate databases, allowing JRCC Tahiti to quickly correlate the information and coordinate the rescue efforts.
SY PATHFINDER CAPTAIN CREW AND LOCAL FISHERMEN WHO RESCUED THEMย NEAR THE SSW COAST OF TAHUATA
HONORABLE MENTIONย
1)
ALL STATIONS ยท FLEET ALERT ยท PIRACY ATTACK โPan Pan Pan Pan, my friends on SV Supernova were boarded and attacked by pirates near Islas Los Frailes 11ยฐ27.976โฒ N 063ยฐ23.585โฒ W reported by SY DARK HORSE |
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the position where the incident occurred is shown in the black image and the chart track shows where they were and their position around 1400 local. |
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SY SUPERNOVA |
AWARD WINNER 2025
HIGHEST WIND RECORDEDย
WINNER 2025 CAPTAIN RON AWARDย
lats
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testcountrues
๐บ๐ธ ๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐ฌ๐น ๐ธ๐ป ๐ญ๐ณ ๐ณ๐ฎ ๐จ๐ท ๐ต๐ฆ ๐ช๐จ ๐จ๐ด ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐พ ๐ง๐ฟ ๐น๐จ ๐ง๐ธ ๐จ๐บ ๐ฉ๐ด ๐จ๐ฑ ๐ต๐ณ ๐ช๐จ ๐ต๐ซ ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐บ๐ธ ๐จ๐ฐ ๐ณ๐บ ๐ฆ๐ธ ๐ผ๐ธ ๐ผ๐ซ ๐น๐ด ๐ซ๐ฏ ๐ป๐บ ๐ณ๐จ ๐ธ๐ง ๐ณ๐ฟ ๐ณ๐ซ ๐ฆ๐บ ๐ช๐ธ ๐ฌ๐ฎ ๐ฒ๐ฆ ๐ต๐น ๐ฎ๐จ ๐จ๐ป ๐ฒ๐ถ ๐ฉ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ต ๐ฒ๐ธ ๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ณ๐ฑ ๐ป๐ฎ ๐ต๐ท ๐ฉ๐ด
HOW TO - Steering without a rudder
Navigating Without a Rudder
Loss of steering is among the most frequent challenges sailors encounter offshore and is even more common closer to shore, where floating debris poses a greater risk. While an emergency rudder is a potential solution, its practicality is often hindered by cost, bulk, and the challenges of deploying it in adverse conditions. For catamarans, disconnecting a jammed rudder is straightforward if it's stuck straight, but what if itโs jammed hard over? This was the unfortunate scenario faced by the Alpha 42 catamaran Be Good Too in 2014.
Steering with drogues, however, offers a viable alternative. Tests have shown that even with a jammed or locked rudder, drogues can be used to effectively control a boat, enabling sailing to windward in moderate conditions. By adjusting sail trim and drogue position, directional stability and control can be restored. But questions remain: What if the rudder is jammed at an angle? Are all drogues suitable for this purpose? What size and setup work best?
Testing Drogues for Steering
Our tests involved the Seabrake GP24L, Galerider 30, Delta Drogue 72, and a towed warp, using a 34-foot catamaran to simulate rudder failure scenarios. Drogues were deployed on 100 feet of polyester double-braid rope with an 8-foot chain weight, allowing us to assess their drag characteristics at different speeds. We tested each setup in various wind conditions, adjusting bridle positions and sail trim to evaluate performance across multiple points of sail.
Key Findings
Drogue Selection: A drogue that generates too much drag slows progress, while one with insufficient drag offers poor control.
Galerider 30: The most stable and effective in moderate conditions but overpowered in winds above 15 knots. A larger model (Galerider 36) is recommended for stronger conditions.
Seabrake 24: Effective in winds over 20 knots, particularly with a jammed rudder. Its stability diminishes on shorter rodes, but longer scopes improve performance.
Delta Drogue 72: A robust and proven design, though prone to skipping at shorter scopes. It quickly re-engages, maintaining directional control.
Towed Warps: While warps and chains can serve as makeshift drogues, they generally lack the drag needed for effective steering without extensive additions.
Deployment: Effective control often depends on deploying the drogue from a bridle, with spinnaker sheets or lines adjusted for optimal positioning. Experimentation is key, as boat characteristics greatly influence performance.
Practical Considerations:
Steering with a drogue is slower and more labor-intensive than conventional sailing.
While pointing ability is reduced, a drogue allows a stable course to be maintained, even enabling progress to windward in moderate conditions.
Practicing deployment and adjustment in calm conditions is essential to ensure preparedness in an emergency.
Conclusion
Drogues are not just for storm survival; they are invaluable tools for emergency steering, particularly in coastal waters where steering loss is a significant risk. While they cannot replicate the precision of a functioning rudder, drogues offer a practical solution to regain control, stabilize the vessel, and navigate toward safety.
Every sailor should consider carrying a drogue suitable for their vesselโs size and practice its use to build confidence and skill in this critical seamanship technique.
RSVP SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINAR
RSVP SOUTH PACIFIC SEMINAR JANUARY 15
Please fill out the form and we'll send you your ZOOM INVITE LINK TO JOIN
๐ด Dreaming of the South Pacific? ๐
Join us on January 15 for an exclusive seminar about navigating the South Pacific route and the best strategies for making your way back.
๐ Discover:
- Key destinations and hidden gems of the South Pacific.
- Tips for safe and efficient route planning.
- Insights on weather patterns, provisioning, and customs.
- Expert first hand accounts from seasoned mariners and licensed captains.
๐๏ธ Date: January 15
โฐ Time: 16:00 ET
๐ Location: ZOOM
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Here are the benefits (pre-season aka during hurricane season) vs in season ) explained
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