FLEET UPDATE 2023-10-01

PANAMA POSSE

FLEET UPDATE

October 1, 2023

“Diesels love oil like a sailor loves rum”

– Captain Ron in the movie Captain Rom

TOP NEWS

• Season 7: Registration Is Open And 163 Yachts Have Already Signed Up !
• Thursday, October 19, 2023: PredictWind Weather routing Zoom
• Saturday, October 21, 2023: New Vessels On-boarding Zoom
• Sunday, October 22, 2023: OpenCPN Zoom
• Season 7 Burgees are ready to ship.
• Award Nominations
• Season Posse Events
• Cruising the Perlas
• Action Items: Sign up for Zulip and free vessel tracking
• Outfitting your cruising Boat
• Buddy boats transit the Canal
• Re-commisioning your boat
• New Check in Requirements in Ecuador
• Must See: Zihuatenejo
• Boats for Sale
• News from other Oceans

163 Yachts are signed up – JOIN THE POSSE >>

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Sailing south out of Bahía de Caraquez 🇪🇨 Ecuador

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′

Great spot to land the dingy on Isla Escudo de Veraguas 🇵🇦 Panama

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle – Gulfstar 44′

Buddy Boats eating out in Panama City, 🇵🇦

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

SY OZ 🇺🇸 Sue & Steve – Catana 40′

Going Up! 3 Posse boats bumper up and transit the Panama Canal 🇵🇦

SY SALACIA Peter and Donna – Santa Cruz 50’

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle – Gulfstar 44′

and SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri – Seawind 41′

2) THREE ZOOM SEMINARS THIS MONTH

SAVE THE DATE

#1 : PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE / DEPARTURE PLANNING & WEATHER ROUTING

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2023

Zoom Meeting

12:00-13:30 PACIFIC TIME

With advanced weather technology, there is no reason to get caught out in unfavorable weather conditions. PredictWind introduced the first online Departure Planning tool over a decade ago and now with new updates, it’s even more effective at finding the best weather window for departure.

Zoom link to this free and highly informative Panama Posse seminar

#2 SAVE THE DATE ZOOM SEMINAR

NEW VESSELS ON-BOARDING WITH NICOLE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023

14:00 EASTERN TIME

13:00 PANAMA TIME

12:00 MEXICO TIME

11:00 PACIFIC TIME

meet Nicole – the Panama Posse welcome Ambassador

Nicole is your welcome ambassador to help you reach new height and help you make the most of all the perks of the Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7

AHOY YOU ARE CORDIALLY

INVITED TO MEET YOUR PEERS

NEW VESSELS PP
ON-BOARDING ZOOM WITH NICOLE

Oct 21, 2023 11:00 AM

ACCESS THE ZOOM: MEETING WITH NICOLE BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK >>
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84650030777?pwd=naFyIAeGLQRhwXZk1aeUKRABaNhaI0.1

#3 SAVE THE DATE ZOOM SEMINAR

OPEN CPN ZOOM SEMINAR

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2023

13:00-15:00 PACIFIC TIME

This will be our annual pre-season OPEN CPN seminar hosted by Rob Murray and Captain Dietmar

Requirements:

Preinstalled OPEN CPN on a laptop or android tablet and running.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89462502982?pwd=NWdFekVkaVcvdk5EWHNTa1dRWEZLUT09

MORE “SAVE THE DATES IN OCTOBER”

LIVE AND IN PERSON

OCTOBER 12-15, 2023:

BELIZE TOURISM & PANAMA POSSE 🇺🇸 ANNAPOLIS SAILBOAT SHOW

OCTOBER 19, 2023:

PANAMA POSSE AND SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE @ DOWNWIND MARINE 🇺🇸 SAN DIEGO

OCTOBER 25-27, 2023:

FLIBS – FT. LAUDERDALE BOAT SHOW 🇺🇸 PANAMA TOURISM & PANAMA POSSE

OCTOBER 28, 2023:
SAFE HARBOR SOUHT BAY CHULA VISTA SAN DIEGO 🇺🇸 CALIFORNIA

3) BURGEES ARE GOING OUT

FLY OUR NEWEST SEASON FLAG

Captain Dietmar and Simone Bell of Belize Tourism Board holding Season 7 flag

at the Cannes Yacht Festival 🇫🇷 France

On display and available for pick up at Marina Chiapas Office 🇲🇽 Mexico

CEO of Sevenstar Yacht Transport with Season 7 Burgee

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO GET YOUR BURGEE MAILED TO YOU

4) FOUR AWARD SEASON 7 ENTRIES

#1 AWARD ENTRY: GOOD SAMARITAN AWARD

Keenan preparing to install freshly delivered watermaker membrane
🇨🇷Costa Rica

SY MAISON DE SANTE has nominated Muranda on SY FICKLE for the Good Samaritan of the year award for flying down their USCG document and a new membrane for their watermaker. Pretty much makes her a saint! Thanks Muranda!

SY FICKLE 🇺🇸 Ben & Muranda – Hunter 42′

#2 AWARD ENTRY: BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT

yahoo…a Wahoo! Nice catch Kyle!

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle – Gulfstar 44′

#3 AWARD ENTRY: UNINVITED VISITOR

Queso Grande II is being nominated for having Most Uninvited Visitor Award! Unfortunately, while anchored outside of Isla Taboga Panama (touristy on the weekends), a Jet ski crashed into their boat becoming wedged between their trampoline and the jet ski. The tour operator came via jet ski to assist with rescue and polish out the hull as best as possible and nobody was seriously hurt.

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

#4 AWARD ENTRY: UNINVITED VISITOR

Uninvited late night visitor with BIG TEETH and GLOWING EYES

SY SERENITY 🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

ANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:

BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*

PICTURE OF THE YEAR

YODA OF THE YEAR

SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD

THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD

MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD

HIGHEST WIND RECORDED

SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION

GALLEY GOD(ESS)

GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR

BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR

COURAGE AWARD

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat.

Share the adventure

5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS

We look forward to meeting you at these events – we do not sail on a set schedule to make your journey more relaxed and take into account ever changing weather conditions. Move only when the conditions are right and you feel good !

The events in Barra de Navidad / Shelter Bay / Club De Pesca and Buenaventura will have POT LUCK culinary competition so follow these rules to win the coveted

PANAMA POSSE
🏆
GALLEY GOD(ESS) AWARD

(1) ANNAPOLIS
US SAIL BOAT SHOW

OCTOBER 12 – 15, 2023
ANNAPOLIS, MD 🇺🇸 BOOTH VB 10

For discounted US SAILBOAT SHOW tickets follow this link >>
or if you have time to volunteer at the Panama Posse booth we ‘ll get you 2 free daily tickets – email registration@panamaposse.com

(2) SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA + EVENT CENTER
SATURDAY, OCT 29 2023
CHULA VISTA 🇺🇸
SAN DIEGO

LEARN + HAVE FUN AND MEET THE FLEET
13:00 – SEMINARS

18:00 – INVOCATION OF THE FLEET

18:30 – PARTY & OPEN RUM BAR

(3) PANAMA POSSE
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, ’23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX

Secundino Alvarez – Harbor Master
Vessels Must be registered with the Panama Posse prior to Oct 31st to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

(4) CLUB DE PESCA
YACHT FEST
SAT, JAN 13 ’24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

Ileana Stevenson Covo – GM
For those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in full on Latin style in Colombia – come celebrate the great food and culture that is Colombia in it’s premier yacht club.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL +57 (5) 660 6615

(5) OCEAN POSSE PARTY PANAMA + SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE

FLEET MEET UP

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

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

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

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

(6) PANAMA POSSE AWARDSFUN ACTIVITIES, GOLF, POOL, DJ LOUNGE, + MARINE EXPO

SAT. MAY 11 ’24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA 🇵🇦 PANAMA

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama. The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast of Panama.
Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

Emilio Lau – Marina Manager
emilio@bv-marina.com
Tel: +507-6616-7531

(7) NEW EVENT JUST ANNOUNCED IN BELIZE

Thank’s to Belize Tourism e have just added a 7th event for the Coral Pods an incredible celebration is brewing in Belize and a first of it’s kind
Mark your calendar and rsvp as soon as you can
BELIZE YACHT FEST ° PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB °

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′

SATURDAY April 6th, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

https://panamaposse.com/placencia-yacht-club

6) SHARING THE ADVENTURE

Sharing adventures is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse experience.

Please share pictures of your adventures, your award entries, your breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email Maurisa at editor@panamaposse.com to share in the upcoming newsletter. Maurisa is a sailor among us. She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and helpful updates to the Panama Posse.

Dinghy adventure off the mothership in Panama

7) CRUISING WITH CAUTION IN THE

ARCHIPELAGO DE LAS PERLAS 🇵🇦 PANAMA

Panga Parking at Isla Pedro Gonzales, Perlas 🇵🇦 Panama

Cruising with caution to the Archipelago de las Perlas in Panama Bay during these last summer months has been both exceptional and, to be honest, a bit unsettling at times.

First: The exceptional: The water is a warm, clear, paradise aqua marine-blue. There are whales and turtles, birds and butterflies, blossoms and fruit in abundance. The southern hemisphere humpback whales migrate to these islands to have their babies, breed, breach, and sing from July through October. There are whale shows on the daily, none to be missed; each unique. The most common sightings are pairs featuring a mama and her calf. They are in near constant contact as they swim, come up for air, loll about with their flippers in the air, and dive down again. Experiencing the mist from their exhalation in close proximity is quite literally breathtaking and truly exceptional.

Gin clear water off Isla Chapera in the Perlas Archipelago, 🇵🇦 Panama

Old growth tropical trees stand out in the jungle, home and host to a multitude of other life including wild orchids in bloom.

One among so many Picturesque beach spots with natural shade.

Thirsty? Tools help make quick work of this natural super delicious fruit.

Coconut water and coconut meat make great snacks at the beach.

Thankfully, there are coconuts a plenty on the beaches.

Second: The unsettling: There were two attacks in the Perlas on isolated cruising boats last season. Both boats were anchored alone in different anchorages on the north and east side of Isla Del Rey. While the incidents were a few months apart, both boats were caught off guard after sunset, met with aggression, and left with their boats ransacked and many items destroyed or taken. The mystery of who committed these acts is still just that…a mystery. As a visitor, wondering if the same people are nearby or not is truly unsettling and the possibility of being boarded like that is terrifying. It is sad, it is scary, it is not what I came out here for. And yet, while this is perhaps new to the Perlas, this in not new to the world. Horrible things happen. Wonderful things happen.

Ultimately, I firmly believe that I/we can be careful and NOT turn ourselves over to fear that limits our adventure and opportunities. I remind myself things I have known all along: There are risks and rewards on the water beyond the weather. Lightning can strike and more than likely it will not……..🙏please🙏. This is a stark reminder to know where we are going, trust our instincts, and cruise accordingly. Stay open, stay kind. A voice inside me advises, “Do not let fear paralyze you but inform you.”

This fear has cautioned us. We are cruising differently through the Perlas Islands. Rather than cruising freely, with or without a buddy boat, we are cruising with caution. We are staying with another boat at all times (mostly), venturing ashore less where there are towns, completely avoiding Isla del Rey and all proximal islands, and sadly but honestly, feeling much more guarded when any local goes or comes by.

Village of Pedro Gonzalez on Isla Pedro Gonzalez.

SY Whirlwind anchored off Isla Chapera. Photo taken from beside buddy boat.

And still we fish. Snapper for dinner? YES, please!

All this said, I am grateful to report that so far, cruising with these precautions has been going well. We have explored many beautiful anchorages, beaches, and coral reefs. We have harvested and eaten fresh coconut and fresh fish. We have met some locals, on the beach, on the water, and in town. More often than not the people we are meeting are kind and making their way, doing what they do whether that is motoring by on their way out fishing, waving or not, stopping by, selling fresh caught mariscos (seafood), appreciating fresh water, or swimming over to let us know there is a resident croc here and there so don’t splash too much. Yikes…right…now that adds to the fear factor!

8) SIGN UP FOR VESSEL TRACKING

Free yacht tracking courtesy of Predict Wind:

ADD YOUR VESSEL TO THIS FLEET TRACKING PAGE >>

For Help and to review the different options :

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ABOUT THE FLEET TRACKING PROCESS >>

Group Fleet Tracking is designed to give an overview of

where Posse vessels are along the route.

For specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates, changes, real time positions and specific location related questions please contact each vessel directly and follow their vessel tracker. You may track vessels via their tracker or request AIS tracking from https://www.marinetraffic.com/. Please note: that this is also not exactly accurate either. There are many reasons why a vessel’s position is not updated. It is important NOT TO conclude that a vessel has an emergency or is in need of assistance because the vessel 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.

9) Extreme Outfitting – Avant Style

courtesy of Rob Murray and bluewatercruising.org

To outfit is to “select and procure a set of equipment for a particular purpose” and cruisers relentlessly pore over lists, read books, peruse internet posts and quiz their peers to find the right selection of gear to outfit their vessel to enable safe and comfortable cruising. Anchor gear, dinghies and their associated accoutrements, navigation tools, sails, engine spares, safety equipment, lines, bedding and galley gear – the list(s) seem endless. From the shackle for the eye of the bower anchor to the lure trailed behind in search of fish, research is done, choices are made and gear is procured and stored aboard. Space is always at a premium, so many try to follow the maxim that anything aboard should be good for at least two purposes.

Here is a list of some items that we have found valuable aboard Avant that don’t appear on most outfitting lists. Some do, but most do not, have multiple uses, yet they are small and valuable enough in their own niche-use that they justify the expense and space they use to us.

Most are inexpensive (several less than a dollar, most less than five) and many can be found in our favourite chandlery, the dollar store.

Astonishingly useful, amazingly cheap. Used to mark parts,

Eye shades

When sleeping off-watch in the daytime, it always seems the gyrations of the vessel swing a beam of bright sun over your eyes, making rest an impossibility. These beams of sunshine defy the ability of any curtains to subdue them. A set of eye shades eliminate the problem. (As a side note, would-be cruisers should engage in a strict training program of day-sleeping, as this is an important skill best mastered before it’s needed. An extended regime of afternoon naps is recommended pre-departure.)

Ear plugs

You may have read of cruisers seeking out the errant wine bottle or jam jar clanking while the boat is underway, stacking provisions so they’re silent, moving things around to achieve a quiet ship while under way. While it’s worthwhile to seek a quiet ship, you will never actually achieve it, and wasting your off-watch sleep time re-stowing noisemakers only ensures you don’t get enough sleep. Ear plugs are very useful as an aid to sleep. Buy a few packets, as while they are reusable, they are not indefinitely so.

Lip balm

In hot and sunny conditions underway, with a steady wind, your lips will suffer. Get some lip balm. Also useful for treating zippers so they don’t stick.

Hand creams

Even if you wear sailing gloves, you hands will suffer on passage, as well as after weighing anchor and doing a million other tasks aboard. A dab of hand cream offers some mild relief. Get a few pocket sized ones (one for each crew member) and a big bottle to refill from.

Small but useful items to help with sleep and to protect the body.

Rob describes more useful items that one can outfit their cruising boat with in his article in bluewatercruising.org. To see more tips that help you:

• Measure
• Deal With Pests
• More Useful Stuff on the topsides and down below
• In the Galley

SY AVANT 🇨🇦 Rob & ??? – Beneteau 43.5′

 

10) 🇯🇲 ROYAL JAMAICA YACHT CLUB SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Welcome to one of the best marina facilities in Jamaica!

HISTORY

The Jamaica Yacht Club was formed in 1884 by a group of enthusiastic sailors. On the 29th of November 1889, the Club was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria following a visit by Prince Edward, then the Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VII. Until 1962, when Jamaica became an independent nation within the Commonwealth, the Commodores were all Governors of Jamaica, whether or not they were yachtsmen. In 1963 the Commodore was chosen for the first time from the membership of the Club.

CONTACT

Address: Royal Jamaica Yacht Club

Palisadoes Park, Kingston, Jamaica

Tel: +(876) 924-8685 , + (876) 924-8686

E-mail: rjycmanager@flowja.com

Web: www.rjyc.org.jm

AMENITIES

Visitor dock accommodating vessels up to 150 feet in length

120 boats berths

Lighted docks.

110/220V shore power 50Hz VAC metered to berths.

Potable water metered to berths.

Well protected marina in all conditions.

24-hour security service

Clubhouse

Bar

Restaurant

View of Kingston and the Blue Mountains

Large swimming pool

Take-Out

active in sailing, with races on weekends

Two Regattas

Jamaica Yachting Association.

11) POSSE MEMBERS:

SIGN UP AND START USING

THE NEW COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM ON ZULIP

CHAT.PANAMAPOSSE.COM

Communicating with fellow boats along the route is a BIG BENEFIT of the Panama Posse. However, last seasons communications platform got overloaded with over 275,000 words from hundreds of yachts. With so many knowledgeable and fact finding participants communicating daily via our LINE chat, the sheer amount and stream of questions, comments, insight, location pins, BOLO notices, et cetera pushed the seasonal knowledge transfer to the limit. Our quest is for a little bit more organized way to discuss and share information so we can get the most out of our communications. As a result, we are forging ahead with a new communications platform .

It is called ZULIP. We are in control of the server and the open source platform. It runs on mac, pc, ios, android, etc. Zulip is a chatroom on steroids, topics are more organized, and we think (and hope) it will be a huge improvement to our communications among the fleet.

FINALLY A WELL ORGANIZED CHAT !

ZULIP is a new fleet communication tool with 2 core concepts:

STREAMS and TOPICS

You subscribe to STREAMS (organized by region, i.e. Pacific Mexico or Jamaica )

Streams are knowledge and information streams you are interested in

and TOPICS are just that, topics within each STREAM

For example:

• Clearing in and out of each country is a TOPIC within a STREAM (organized by region).
• Service providers in each country, a TOPIC within a STREAM.

There are new customizable notifications – email summaries and other neat features. So, please take a moment to view it on a pc or mac and then, once you have used it, move to the mobile app.

In our chat, streams determine who gets a message. Each conversation within a stream is labeled with a topic, which keeps everything organized.

You can read Zulip, one conversation at a time, seeing each message in context, no matter how many other conversations are going on.

If anything is out of place, it’s easy to move messages, rename and split topics, or even move a topic to a different stream.

Imagine a well-organized chat that shows each message in context, it’s easier to stay informed and connected. Everyone can follow and contribute to discussions that matter to you, without wasting time reading every message, or stressing about missing something important.

To sign up in the initial test phase please email registration@panamaposse.com to get your invitation – GESTALT PROTOCOL APPLIES

12) POSSE BOATS BUDDY UP AND LEAP FROG THROUGH THE 🇵🇦 PANAMA CANAL

Family and friends came from out of country to help Salacia and Jubel transit.

Last month five recreational sailboats, some part of the Panama Posse, some not, buddied up to transit the Panama Canal. Three boats went one day, the fourth the next day, and the fifth the following week. The boats helped one another with crew and comradery. Each transit was a safe passage from Pacific Panama to the Caribbean side.

The Bridge of the Americas on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal

Focus, Peter, Focus

Water rising in the Locks

The first set of boats started at 4pm on a Thursday. They anchored at Gatun Lake in the middle of the night and went through the second set of locks in the afternoon the following day. Hired line handlers and borrowed crew stayed aboard over night eating dinner, breakfast and lunch before the transit was complete. Following the transits all of the five boats went to Shelter Bay Marina.

A good chance to study the rigs side by side: swept back or traditional spreaders?

Over 14,000 ships transit the Panama Canal every year.

It takes 8 minutes for the canal water to fill up so that a boat can go through the gate to the next level.

13) RE-COMMISSIONING YOUR DIESEL ENGINE

Keep your engine purring

“Diesels love oil like a sailor loves rum.” Captain Ron

Have you been away from your boat during the Northern Hemisphere summer months? If so, re-commissioning and maintaining your boat with care will be an important step towards a smooth cruising season.

The optimal functioning of a diesel engine from the start of your cruising season requires attention to some key areas: filters (fuel, air, and oil), fluid levels, fresh impeller and zincs, lubricating and tightening where necessary. Always refer to and defer to engine manual for re-commissioning, maintenance, and upkeep schedule. Some basic recommendations are included below:

1. Engine Filters: Fuel, air, and oil filters. Be prepared with extra, part specific filters of all kinds that your engine requires.

Re-commissioning:

• Clean and Filtered Fuel: 9 out of 10 times diesel engine problems result from contaminated fuel. Be mindful of fuel that has been or is to be left for any length of time can lead to initial starting trouble because impurities can gel and clog filters. Check and replace fuel filters and associated O-rings regularly according to engine manufacturers instructions: every 200-300 operating hours more than likely. Most diesel systems need to be bled after a filter change. Be prepared to do this. It is good to know how to Bleed down your engine. Use clean diesel fuel.

• Clean and Filtered Air: Check air filters and keep clean. If your boat has been on the hard in a dusty yard and or if pets are aboard, air filters should be cleaned or replaced more often.

• Clean and Filtered Oil: Before starting the engine check oil level and quality. Top up or change, if you did not do this before putting your boat up. Oil changes are recommended every 100 to 200 operating hours and filters should be changed every oil change. Using High quality modern oils may accommodate longer oil change intervals.

Maintenance Regarding all types of filters:

In general, it is much easier to keep contaminants out of the system by regularly cleaning and/or changing filters than to attempt to clean contaminants out of an engine once they are inside or rectify any damage caused. Regular air, fuel, and oil filter changes are relatively simple and infinitely important.

2. Fluid levels:

Re-commissioning:

• Before starting engine Check oil and coolant levels, Top Them, Change them as needed

3. Fresh Impeller and Zincs:

Re-commissioning:

• Change your impellor. Often when a boat sits, any rubber parts will dry out and crack. This will cause issues. So, just bring a new impeller plus extra for spare/s and install a new impeller before starting your boat. Replace raw water pump impeller according to owners manual
• Zincs on the prop and Pencil Zincs on the heat exchanger should be inspected. While cruising inspect zincs regularly regardless of operating hours until the you determines the rate of electrolysis in your marine environment. Replace after 50% deterioration.

4. General once over to lubricate and tighten

Re-commissioning:

• Grease points recommended in owners manual to keep moving parts well lubricated
• Check belt and pulley tensions (moderate finger pressure should not exceed ½” movement)
• Check wiring connections, cables, hoses, and hose clamps.
• Check exhaust components particularly the elbow which can corrode through. Replace as needed.
• Check engine mount bolts
• Every time the engine is started, visually check the exhaust for raw water exiting in bursts.
• Clean raw water sea strainers weekly.
• Check the condition of coolant, hoses, and hose clamps periodically.

Re-commissioning your engine, referring to your Owners Manual, and keeping up on regular maintenance and upkeep will ensure that a marine diesel engine is in good working order stays in good working order.

14) GOOD NAUTICAL

VINCENTE’S MOORINGS 🇲🇽 ACAPULCO

Vincente’s Moorings in the heart of Acapulco bay

Meet Vincente of Vincente’s Moorings,

Besides managing mooring balls in Acapulco, he is also helped with fuel, fresh water, laundry, and local advise.

(fast response ) Whatsapp: + 52 744 439 8184

(slow response ) Email: vicen.28herrera@gmail.com

This season’s top attraction will be a sensational New Year’s fireworks extravaganza that will light up Acapulco Bay. Watch the sky light up in multiple colors from the comfort of your own yacht

15) LA MARINA ACAPULCO

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

16°50.4733′ N 099°54.43′ W

CONTACT

LUIS RAMIREZ MAGDALENO

GM

MARINA ACAPULCO

TEL: 744 483 6143

TEL: 744 483 7744

administracion@lamarinaacapulco.com

admonacapulco@jarestate.com

MOVIL: 744 131 3007

Here are the discounts

20% off daily rate

25% off if you stay for more than 2 weeks

Base rate if you stay for more than 1 month

SERVICES

Security

Scuba Center

Berths

Crew area

Storage

Water Supply

Energy Supply

Yacht Club

Small Boat Ramp

Service Dock

Check out https://panamaposse.com/la-marina-de-acapulco

16) EXTENSIVE LIMESTONE CAVES SYSTEMS 🇧🇿 BELIZE

Belize is home to an extensive network of underground caves that offer a variety of adventures for explorers, spelunkers, and visiting cruising yachts. These caves have historical significance as well, as many were used by the ancient Maya for ceremonial purposes.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave): One of the most popular caves in Belize, known for its archaeological sites including skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware left by the Maya.

Caves Branch River System: This network of caves offers opportunities for tubing and is often a family-friendly adventure.

Barton Creek Cave: Another water-filled cave, it’s often explored by canoe and is also known for its archaeological significance.

St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park: This park features not only St. Herman’s Cave but also the Inland Blue Hole, a collapsed sinkhole filled with sapphire-blue water.

Rio Frio Cave: Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, this is one of the most accessible caves, with a huge entrance and easy-to-walk paths.

more details https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/bringing-to-light-mysterious-maya-cave-rituals

The Chiquibul Cave System is one of the most extensive and significant cave systems in Central America. Located in Belize, it is a part of the greater Chiquibul Forest Reserve, which serves as an invaluable ecological and hydrological resource for the region. This cave system plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity, as it is home to unique species of flora and fauna that have adapted to life in this underground realm.

The Chiquibul Cave System is not just ecologically important but also culturally significant. Evidence suggests that the ancient Maya civilization once used this intricate network of caves for ceremonial and possibly settlement purposes.

From a hydrological perspective, the Chiquibul Cave System contributes to the health of the Chiquibul River. It acts as a natural filter, contributing to the quality of water that flows through this critical waterway.

Due to its immense ecological, historical, and hydrological significance, conservation efforts are in place to protect the cave system. These efforts are led by various organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation of this natural wonder and the unique biodiversity it supports.

Overall, the Chiquibul Cave System is a place of wonder and scientific importance, a hidden gem in the lush landscapes of Belize that serves multiple roles from being a natural habitat to an archaeological treasure trove.

Some of the some types of archaeological findings discovered

Human Remains: Skeletons, sometimes in a fairly well-preserved state, have been discovered. These remains provide valuable insights into the rituals and ceremonies of the Maya. For instance, the “Crystal Maiden” in Actun Tunichil Muknal is one of the most famous examples.

Ceramics: Pottery shards or even whole vessels have been found, often intricately designed. These ceramics might have been used for storing food, water, or used in ritualistic activities.

Stone Tools: Various stone tools, including blades, scrapers, and arrowheads, provide evidence of the day-to-day activities that might have taken place within or around the caves.

Inscriptions and Wall Art: Cave walls sometimes feature petroglyphs, inscriptions, or even full murals that depict deities, ceremonies, or historical events, offering a rich tableau of Maya cosmology and history.

Ritual Items: Objects like incense burners, altars, and offerings have been found, suggesting the spiritual or religious significance of these caves to the ancient Maya.

Textiles and Wood: While less common due to the perishable nature of these materials, some caves with specific conditions have preserved organic material like textiles and wooden implements.

Minerals: The presence of minerals like obsidian and jade indicate trade or specialized ritual activities, as these materials were highly valued by the Maya and other Mesoamerican cultures.

Fauna: Occasionally, remains of animals such as bats, birds, or rodents have been found, which can provide insight into the biodiversity of the past and human-animal interactions.

17) MEET THE FLEET

Song of the Sea is cruising in Panama & planning to cross the Pacific this season.

We are Song of the Sea. Two teens on board: G17, G15. Planning to go to the Galapagos and the Marquesas. Happy to join the group. We are still in California, we’re flying back on the third, planning to come to Las Perlas once our daughter arrives on the 11th. Still waiting for parts and repairs before continuing our journey.

SY SONG OF THE SEA 🇺🇸 Grant & Irina & Aliona – Lagoon 49′

18) LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES:

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19) POSSE SWAG

PANAMA POSSE SWAG ON SALE NOW

 

20)
⚠️
NEW ENTRY AND EXIT REGULATIONS IN ECUADOR

New laws instituted in August 2023 require all foreign flagged vessels to obtain permission to enter Ecuadorian Ports. This permission is called an autografo. Autografos require 30 days for processing. If you wish to come to Ecuador ports either in the Galapagos or the mainland you must apply 30 days prior to your estimated arrival date. This document is processed by a Marine Agency. Prior laws allowed vessels under 50 tons to be processed by the ship’s captain directly with the Port Captain. That has changed. If you arrive at an Ecuadorian port without an autografo you face the possibility of being refused entry.

21) MUST STOP: ZIHUATANEJO 🇲🇽 MEXICO

Zihuatanejo’s Playa Ropa

Zihuatenejo is a wonderful place to pause and take in on your way north or south along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. There are multiple beaches, islands to visit, a lively downtown area, with a beautiful malecon (beachfront walkway), a large conche (central court), a wild assortment of dining options from beachfront palapas to clifftop gourmet restaurants, and practical places, like marine hardware stores…to name a few highlights.

Any time of year one can experience a festival, holiday, or celebration of some kind. Zihuatanejo has an annual sailing festival and guitar festival that are both very popular among cruisers. Both are run by volunteers that welcome support so, feel free to reach out and plan to jump in either are a volunteer or a participant to help these events continue to be joyful and successful.

Sailfest

Guitarfest @ Zihuatanejo

Christmas in Zihuatanejo Bay

22) PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽 Mexico

*37′ Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10′ dinghy with 6hp motor, safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below. Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or offshore.

Ready for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy, live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras. As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.

Arrow was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$36,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 36k USD

SY SEAGLUB IS ALSO FOR SALE

1999 Hylas 46 – SEAGLUB – $290,000 USD

This 1999 Hylas 46 is a beautiful world voyager in amazing, turn-key condition. She is completely equipped for comfortable cruising under any conditions as well as living aboard. It is no wonder that the Hylas 46 is such a popular choice for modern cruising couples.

This is an extremely sought-after vessel. Designed by the renowned German Frers and built by Queen Long Marine, this luxurious-center cockpit, two-stateroom vessel with a longer waterline and beam carried aft, improves sailing performance, comfort at sea and interior volume. The Hylas 46 has the accommodations you want with all the characteristics that make sailing safe, easy and very enjoyable.

This particular Hylas 46 has had only two owners and has been meticulously maintained evidenced by an excel spreadsheet maintenance log book dating back to 2001. SeaGlub is cutter rigged and complete with new in 2020 B&G radar, autopilot and navigation electronics, Selden in-mast mainsail electric furling system, Furlex headsail furler, Harken staysail furler (new 2023), cockpit enclosure, watermaker, electric toilet, Dometic 16,000btu air conditioning system with reverse-cycle heat, dedicated compressors for refrigerator and freezer, dinghy on arch with electric lift winch, flatscreen TV and Fusion stereo sound system, and more. With a 64 hp Yanmar diesel and added 180 amp secondary house alternator, an 8kw Fisher Panda genset, 1,000 watts of solar and a 350 watt Superwind wind generator, SeaGlub is equipped with abundant sources for power generation.

The Hylas 46 has a wonderful aft owner’s private stateroom and ensuite, plus a lovely pullman berth stateroom on the port side with large head forward for guests. The walkthrough galley to starboard is classic with huge top and front-loading fridge and freezer, four-burner stove/oven, incredible counter space, and the galley is safe and secure when sailing or at anchor. The navigation station is on the port side. The salon and the entire interior is pleasing with varnished teak joinery and custom upholstery. The cabin house has generous windows to create a light and bright interior. Custom cabinetry provides even more storage and makes the vessel extremely liveable!

The numerous hatches have screens in the fore and aft staterooms. The quality and luxury is apparent and you will appreciate the attractive appointments from the high-quality fixtures to the all-LED lighting throughout the boat.

For more information, please contact:

36 Degrees NZ

Rob Hielkema robbs@36degrees.nz

LINK: https://www.36degrees.nz/yacht-boat-sales-auckland-new-zealand/boat/hylas-46

SY SEAGLUB 🇺🇸 Chris – HYLAS 46′

23) 75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS

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25) PANAMA CANAL AGENT
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

26) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION

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27) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM
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23) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 3
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HISTORIC PORTS ⚓LAHAINA HAWAI’I

⚓ Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre 🇳🇨 New Caledonia

Designed by Renzo Piano and opened in 1998, the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center (Centre Culturel Tjibaou) was built to mimic the villages of the local Kanak people.

It is named in honor of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, who died in 1989 while leading a fight for freedom from the French government, and dedicated to exploring the culture of New Caledonia and the South Pacific.

Although a wonder of modern architecture and green building innovations, it is also deeply connected with the area, from its exterior of local iroko wood to its utilization of traditional building techniques. The building was designed to “sing” as it vibrates with the strong ocean winds, which are also allowed through the building as natural ventilation, so that the center is not just in harmony with nature, but a part of it. The double layered exterior forces warm air up and out of the building. It was also created to be stable in violent winds and earthquakes.

The huts of the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center contain a center for art, a museum, theatres, and a library.

New Caledonia Art and artifact Types

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