Panama Posse

 

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

Souht Water Cay reversed

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

 “…
in 1944 when Einstein’s boat struck a rock, filled with water and capsized while sailing on Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Einstein was trapped under a sail with a rope tangled around his leg. Despite not being able to swim, he somehow managed to
free himself and find his way to the surface to be eventually rescued by a motorboat…

 yachting.com

TOP NEWS  

  • Pictures of the Week  🇵🇦 🇨🇷 🇲🇽
  • Shelter Bay Ocean Posse Event  🇵🇦
  • Micro Posse Meet ups  🇲🇽
  • Award entries
  • Season 7  Posse Seminars and Events coming up
  • 2 separate groups sail from different ports through a calm Papagayo window 🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇸🇻 🇲🇽
  • Posse Perk: Real Time Intel on Acapulco 🇲🇽
  • Culture: The Feast of Santa Maria Candelaria 🇲🇽
  • Marina Chiapas Tamale Feast 🇲🇽
  • Good Nautical: Exumas, Bahamas 🇧🇸
  • Meet the Fleet: SY CIRCUITOUS
  • Food Safety Alert: 
  • MUST SEE: Castillo de San Lorenzo  🇵🇦

🇲🇽 🇧🇿 🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇪🇨 🇸🇻 🇵🇦 🇩🇴 🇭🇳 🇯🇲 🇧🇸 🇹🇨 🇰🇾 🇬🇹 

PANAMA POSSE Season 7

262 Yachts are signed up – JOIN YOUR POSSE 

 

vessels's ensigns

 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Loving the crystal clear water in the Bahamas!  🇧🇸  

SY FREEDOM 🇺🇸 David & Sheri – Beneteau 55

FREEDOM-David
FREEDOM-Sheri

Rain squalls at sunset crossing from Costa Rican waters to Panamanian waters 🇨🇷 🇵🇦 

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

COURAGECOURAGE
image

Cutter Rig Day! 

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK

2) REPORT ON OCEAN POSSE EVENT IN 

SHELTER BAY MARINA  🇵🇦

A GREAT SUCCESS

 

 

The
annual Shelter Bay event was a huge success.  There were
informative seminars and trade show displays.  There were
attendants from all three posses,  guests contemplating joining,
and mariners passing through.  Many guests were there with their
boats and several arrived by car from the Pacific side. The seminars
were followed by an open Flor de Caña rum bar, a Panamanian traditional
dance performance, a feast, great music and a next day Mexican train
competition.  

 

Panama Posse

 

A highlight of the event was the young traditional Panamanian dance performance.

Of course there was a great spread of Potluck dishes

Joyful long time Posse members ( notice the covid icon between 2019 * 2020 ) 

Shelter Bay Marina, Panama Posse sponsor and event host, at sunset.

“Thanks
to all who attended, and special thanks to our sponsors and Juanjo and
the team at SBM for their support. Over $440.00 was raised to support
the children’s dance program that came out to perform for us and they
were ecstatic!”

Rob from SY AVANT

SY AVANT 🇨🇦 Rob & Debra – Beneteau 43.5

 

AVANAT Debra
AVANT Rob

3) MICRO PANAMA POSSE MEET UPs

IN MEXICO THIS WEEK 🇲🇽

Panama Posse & Belize

Weebles, Martini and Pause enjoying a night out in Barra de Navidad, Maxico.

MY WEEBLES 🇺🇸 Peter & Cheryll – Willard Marine 36′

MV MARTINI 🇺🇸 Mary & Bryan – Nordhavn 64′

MV PAUSE 🇺🇸 Beth & Larry – Nordhavn 55′

WEEBLES - Cheryll
WEEBLES - Chris
MARTINA - Bryan
MARTINA - Mary
PAUSE
PAUSE
PAUSE Willie
PAUSE Pebbles
 

summerbreeze and cheistry

Great company, great food, especially schnitzels!

SY FIN 🇺🇸 Michael & Susan- Lagoon 450F 45′

SY LONG WINDID 🇺🇸 Dan & Marla – Jeanneau 42′ 

SY QUE VENDRA 🇺🇸 Olena & Maciek – Outbound 46’


FIN
FIN
LONG WINDID Dan
LONG-WINDID Marla
QUE VENDRA- Maciek
QUE VENDAR Olena

Tamale Feast at Marina Chiapas Mexico 

4) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

 ONE NEW BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT ENTRY

A nice dorado as big as Lexi!

Lexi
caught this giant dorado on her own. While she was setting the line out
it hit and ran hard. She asks “Can the lure be this heavy?!”. She then
reeled it in all by herself!

MY NEXT CHAPTER 🇺🇸 Chris & Shawna & crew – Selene 59′


NEXT CHAPTER - Chris
NEXT CHAPTER - Shawna
NEXT CHAPTER - crew
NEXT CHAPTER - Crew

ONE NEW MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD ENTRY

Stick Bug roaming the interior of Maison de Sante

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan –  Cal 46′

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole
Flor de Caña Centenario 18 Year Old

Flor de Caña sponsors the Panama  Posse 

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

Dreamer

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

SUBMIT ENTRIES ON THE LINE AP OR EMAIL TO EDITOR@PANAMAPOSSE.COM

Share the adventure

5) UPCOMING PANAMA POSSE EVENTS

swim party

Evening view on the North side of Panama  🇵🇦  

(1) OCEAN POSSE PARTY PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST

Saturday April 6, 2024 
 @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

 

SAT Feb 3, 2024 Sheleter BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

 

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

 CONTACT
FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

Beat & Caroline

Beat,  Caroline, dogs & Heyson Garcia – YES PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB IS UBER DOG FRIENDLY 


RSVP FOR BELIZE
 

Belize

 

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

SAT. MAY 11 ’24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

 

SAT May 10-12, 2024 BUENAVENTURA MARINA 🇵🇦 PANAMA YACHT FEST

 

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:

Cesar Buenaventura Marina

Cesar – Marina Manager
cesar@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  


RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
 

Buenaventura

 

SAVE THE DATE 
 PANAMA POSSE BELIZE YACHT FEST 
APRIL 6 2024

 

 

CONTACT

 Beat,  Caroline, dogs & Heyson Garcia – 
YES PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB IS UBER DOG FRIENDLY 

Beat & Caroline

We,
Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich are running this place since January
2021. We moved from Switzerland to Belize in 2019 and found this
treasure while looking for a dock for our yacht.

Simplicity on a high level is our aim and to make our guests happy.

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

SAFE APPROACH 

SAFE APPROACH

SAVE APPROACH   @ 16° 29.9333′ N 088° 20.9266′ W

Placnencia yacht club belize
 

BELIZE

 

6) 2 SEPARATE GROUPS OF POSSE BOATS 

SHARE WEATHER WINDOW & CELEBRATE LANDFALL IN 

BAHIA SANTA ELENA, COSTA RICA

🇲🇽 🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇸🇻

 

PANAMA POSSE AMAZON SIDETRIP

 

Nothing like sundowners with friends after crossing the Pacific Nicaraguan Coast

A group of boats left Bahia Del Sol, El Salvador and made their way to
Bahia Santa Elena, Costa Rica.  This micro Posse consisted of SY
Fickle, SY Crackerjack, SY Serenity.  Meanwhile, another group of
boats, having seen the same window left Chiapas days earlier bound for
the same Bay in northern Costa Rica.  This micro posse consisted of
MV Serenity, MV Next Chapter, SV Courage, SV Boundless.  

SY FICKLE reports:

We all took the same weather window when we saw a long awaited lull in the Papagayo winds. We on SY Fickle
wanted a “boring” passage after seeing another boat arrive to Bahia Del
Sol with ripped sails from their sail north through the Papagayos.
Knowing that we, SV Serenity, and MV Crackerjack were all taking the
same weather window going to the same place, I quickly started a
WhatsApp group thread. It was so much fun texting each other nonstop for
the entire 2ish days. We joked the entire way. It was refreshing to
know that we weren’t out there alone in the big blue ocean. To our
delight, 4 other Posse boats arrived from Chiapas within hours of our
arrival into Santa Elena. I think it’s safe to say that we were all very
happy to arrive amongst each other onboard SV Serenity, the always
gracious hosts, after enduring rough seas in the beginning that
eventually ended in flat seas.

Strong words of caution : Santa Elena bay has crocodiles and the hiking trails
are infested with ticks. Most that went to visit the tiny 4 foot tall
waterfall brought home ticks.

Otherwise, Santa Elena is a beautiful, calm, and serene pit stop that is bursting
with nature. I’m so glad that we decided to stop!

DOWN WIND MARINE AND THE PANAMA POSSE

Ticks in the toes.

Editors note:  Last May our vessel, SY WHIRLWIND,
anchored in the same beautiful bay and did the same hike.  We saw
no crocodiles and zero ticks.  Interesting to note the different
observations at different times of year.  Nonetheless, it is good
to know what to look out for.  Bahia Santa Elena is located in the
heart of the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica which is their ‘dry forest’
region.  Hence the ticks.

 

bahia sant elena

 

 Bahia Santa Elena, Costa Rica is a peaceful, serence, and beautiful anchorage. 

 SY Serenity.  MV Serenity, 

SY BOUNDLESS 🇺🇸 Daniel & Naiby – Shannon 43′

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

MV CRACKERJACK 🇬🇧 David & Nancy- King Yacht 47′

SY FICKLE 🇺🇸  Ben & Muranda  – Hunter 42′

MY NEXT CHAPTER 🇺🇸 Chris & Shawna & crew – Selene 59′

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

 

COURAGECOURAGE
FICKLE Ben
FICKLE Muranda
FICKLE Yolanda
 


NEXT CHAPTER - Chris
NEXT CHAPTER - Shawna
NEXT CHAPTER - crew
NEXT CHAPTER - Crew
SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK
SERENITY
SERENITY

 

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures on the water !

 7) WANDERLUST   
is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, 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.
 

Landing the dinghy at Playa de Coco, Costa Rica to self check into the country…

This is all part of the adventure!

 

 

8) POSSE PERK: INTEL

RESTORATION OF SERVICES IN ACAPULCO 🇲🇽

Acapuloco

REPORT FROM MY MUIRGEN:

We
are on Vicentes mooring ball in Acapulco.  We had to stop here
because we are waiting for our offshore insurance to get bound.  It
was supposed to be bound Friday, but there was a delay.  Anyway…
he was great.  We are the only ones here.  Definitely would
encourage anyone to use his services if you need them.  

MY MUIRGEN 🇺🇸 Scot & Laura – Beebe 50′


Scot
>
Marinas

9) FLAMENCO MARINA PANAMA 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

08° 54.8466′ N 079°31.2383′ W

marina

Captains and Skippers,

 

We
are going to offer you a 5% discount on our rate for temporary stays.
Each participant must identify themselves in our office as part of their
team.

 

Our rates are subject to change. Stays must be prepaid. Does not apply discount for any other service of the marina.

 

Stays must be reserved and are subject to dock availability.

CONTACT

Caridad Icaza / Gerente de Servicio al Cliente

Tel. 314-1980 / Cel. 6379-2780 / Isla Flamenco, Calzada de Amador

cicaza@fuerteamador.com

window

AMENITIES

 

 

  • Docks open 24/7
  • Security 24/7
  • Capacity up to200 feet
  • Recharge of fuel
  • Shipyard for maintenance and repairs
  • Laundry for yachts
  • Firefighters marine
  • Electric service
  • Water potable
  • Available foreign trash
  •  Charter Service
  • Pleasure yacht
  • Ice service for the boater
  • Bilingual staff and qualified
  • Customs offices, migration quarantine and Maritime Authority from Panama
 

 

10) CULTURE: THE FEAST OF SANTA MARIA CANDELARIA

CELEBRATED IN TUXTLA CHICA, CHIAPAS 🇲🇽

Marina Chiapas is a sponsor of the Panama Posse and a fabulous host to all
vessels in the southernmost port of Mexico.  Visiting vessels have
the opportunity to meet local guides Tony and Miguel to learn about the
history and culture of the region.  Last week, the crews of MV SUMMERBREEZE, MY SPLINTER, & SY EVER AFTER,
took the opportunity to join Tony and Miguel on a short trip to the
nearby town of Tuxtla Chico to experience the Feast of Santa Maria
Candaleria.  This catholic celebration that happens once a year.
Celebrations include music, dancing, fireworks, and artistry.

MV SUMMERBREEZE Trip Report:

On February 2nd of every year  the Feast of Santa Maria Candelaria
(is celebrated) in the town of Tuxtla Chico. During the festivities of
this traditional fair entire families of many generations congregate in
the streets of the city to make artistic ‘carpets’ made out of sawdust
of different colors.  (Designs include) flowers, corozo, and
cascabillo and other natural elements that are combined on the streets
of this town to make miles long carpets for a procession to go down.

At about 8 o’clock they come out of the chapel and carry the Virgin Maria
statue through the streets, with an elaborate procession behind them.
Each intersection they come to they shoot off fireworks to let you know
where the Virgin Maria is. It’s quite elaborate. I would say that there
had to be at least 100,000 to 200,000 people in this little town during
this event. I’ve never seen anything like it ever before. Anywhere. A
whole video could be made of this event. Unfortunately, it rained for
about 20 minutes rather hard and washed away a lot of the hard work that
people had done. But not much. Because, like I said, there were miles
of the streets covered with this sawdust carpet. 

It was incredible.

image

The ‘carpets’ are made of sawdust.

Each ‘carpet’ is a work of art carefully executed.

The celebration is so colorful

Upon completion the streets are ‘carpeted’ with unique and beautiful art

The Catholic Church in Tuxtla Chico.

The Virgin Statue is brought through the streets.

Three Vessels and two fabulous tour guides shared this special experience.

SY EVER AFTER 🇺🇸 Andrew & Laura – Jeanneau 44′

MV SPLINTERS 🇺🇸 Eric & Kim – American Marine Grand Banks 42′

MV SUMMERBREEZE 🇺🇸 Kurtis – Bestway 46′

Ever AfterEver After SAILING EVER AFTER SPLINTERS Kim SPLINTERS Eric
SUMMERBREEZE - Kurtis

11) POSSE PERK: PANAMA POSSE SPONSOR

MARINA CHIAPAS 🇲🇽 MEXICO

HOSTS PERIODIC TAMALE FEAST

Special Thank you Marina Chiapas & especially Rolf for a great Panama Posse Tamale party. 

Every
boat at the marina was invited so there were posse crews and non posse
crews.  All boaters enjoying a festive afternoon with marina staff
(from ground keepers to the office manager).  Plenty of food for
all. Great hosts.

The tamale feast is held poolside under a shady open air gazebo.

Kurtis and Marina Manager Rolf standing beside a mountain of tamales.

Marina Chiapas did us well.

12) GOOD NAUTICAL: WATER PIG ANCHORAGE

  Great Exuma Island – Peace & Plenty Anchorage

EXUMA, BAHAMAS

GOOD NAUTICAL

Uninvited visitors – swimming pigs in the Bahamas 

SY FREEDOM says:
The pigs are much bigger than expected. Definitely a tourist spot!
Found a couple amazing anchorages while exploring on the dinghy.

 

https://goodnautical.com/bahamas/anchorage/staniel-cay-nw-coast

 

More about this area from SY FREEDOM:

We
are not full time cruisers, but take advantage of time when we find it.
We spent 10 days in Abaco’s, mostly Hopetown in early December. The
Combustion Music Festival with singer songwriters, mostly from
Nashville, were amazing. Late January we headed out again. A couple days
in Chub Cay…which is a beautiful resort and marina. Easy check in at
the airport. You can also anchor out front. From there we headed to the
Exumas. A few nights in Highbourne Cay on anchor and beach time at the
resort. Staniel Cay, known for the swimming pigs, was a beautiful
anchorage and easy access to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club for fun with
fellow boaters. We met some great new friends and took the dingy to
several other neighboring Cays. Amazing sandbars and additional
anchorages we will be back too. One in particular of Sampson’s Cay (a
private island) was serene and quiet with access to great beaches and
sandbars by dinghy. We had agreed to meet our Florida neighbors in
Dunmore Town Eleuthera, so we had to shorten our stay and head back
north. Spanish Wells stop over was a favorite on the trip. Beautiful
water, friendly people and great food at Wreckers, the marina bar. The
water is as clear as drinking water everywhere. We arrived in the
Valentine’s Marina a day ahead of schedule, due to forecasted heavy
winds. A very expensive marina, but considering the weather we had this
week, we were very happy to be tied to a dock! Registered over 41 knots
between 1-2am. Not much sleep that night. To get to Dunmore Town, you
need to cross the Devil’s Backbone from Spanish Wells. It was highly
recommended we hire a pilot to drive us through the very shallow, coral
laden area, very close to shore. The current Navionics charts were quite
accurate, but we did hire a captain to get us through the first time.
With the winds this week coming from the north, the Devil’s Backbone is
not passable. We will be here a few extra days waiting for the wind to
shift and swells to calm down. Heading back to the Berry Islands for a
few days on our way back to Florida next week. Takeaways from this
trip…we will pick one area to explore for a 3-4 week period, not try
to cover 3, since we are not full time cruisers, I would like to come
back when the weather and water temps are warmer. I envy those who can
spend years exploring all these beautiful islands. We will be exploring
much more in the future, in 3-4 week increments. 

Dave and Sheri swinging in the sunshine

SY FREEDOM 🇺🇸 David & Sheri – Beneteau 55′

FREEDOM-David
FREEDOM-Sheri

SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

13)MARINA BOCAS 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

9°20.140’N – 82°14.819’W

 

image

 

Hi Panama Posse members!

  • We are very happy to hear that you are moving the PP once again !!!
  • Fortunately we never had to close the Bocas Marina and we are at full power!
  • We already have some previous PP members living in the marina and we are ready for new visitors
  • For that we are offering 20% off on our daily & monthly rates.
  • Not valid for longer term fees.
  • Also, our boatyard with Travel Lift 60 Ton capacity will offer 20% off in the travel lift rates.
  • Hope you guys are having a great time and looking forward to meet you all in person

Luis Fabian – General Manager”

email: bocasyachtclub@yahoo.com

Bocas Marina – 9°20.140’N – 82°14.819’W

+50766166000″

  • Bocas Marina – 9°20.140’N – 82°14.819’W
  • Bocas del Toro – Rep. of Panama
  • www.bocasmarina.com
  • www.bocasboatyard.com – Mr. Luso +50766195601- 60 ton travel lift
  • www.facebook.com/bocasmarina/
  • Land Phone: (507) 757-9800

15) MEET THE FLEET  

SV CIRCUITOUS

Jess and Matt

Ahoy, Adventurers! We are SY CIRCUITOUS, Matt and Jess.  Accompanied by our furry companions, we set sail with the ambitious goal of circumnavigating the globe.

Our
story began over a decade ago in a small town in North Eastern
Pennsylvania, where we first crossed paths. Fueled by a shared desire to
break free from the constraints of small town living, we envisioned a
life of extensive travel. Dissatisfied with the conventional, one or
two-week vacation model, we yearned for something more exhilarating – a
life untethered by the mundane.


Initially captivated by the idea of RVing, the turning point came when
Matt stumbled upon the inspiring tale of Tania Aebi in the book “Maiden
Voyage.” The seed of a grander adventure was planted – why limit
ourselves to land when we could embrace the vastness of the seas,
sailing across oceans and exploring numerous countries?


Despite initial reservations from Jess about floating on the open
ocean, the fire in Matt’s eyes ignited a passion for sailing. Over Ten
years of dedication and perseverance, we secured the boat that felt like
home. With vows exchanged, we embarked on an extended honeymoon, and we
are now three years deep into our maritime odyssey.

This
life on the waves has proven to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Meeting diverse and fascinating people, forging lasting friendships, and
accumulating a treasure trove of experiences. Matt and Jess find each
moment at sea worth the adventure. Living our dream, we wouldn’t trade
this exhilarating life for anything else!

furry friend number 1

furry friend number 2

SY CIRCUITOUS 🇻🇮 Matt &Jess – Island Packet 38′

CIRCUITOUS
CIRCUITOUS 

16) POSSE SWAG

 

SHOP

 


 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

 

17)  FOOD SECURITY ALERT:

BE AWARE OF FOOD ITEMS ONBOARD 

WHEN CROSSING INTERNATIONAL BORDERS

Bananas grown in Panama

Produce
pests know no borders, but every country does.  In fact, every
country the world over has unique and explicit guidelines regarding what
can and cannot come into their country.  Recently vessels entering
Mexico from the south have met strict produce enforcement because of
produce pests that the Mexican Government do not want hitchhiking into
their country.  Please see the link below for complete list of
restrictions.  Be aware that anything brought into Mexico that is
restricted can be taken from your vessel upon entrance.  

18)  MUST SEE: 

CASTLE OF SAN LORENZO

 AT PORT CHAGRES 🇵🇦 PANAMA   

Shelter
Bay Marina is a great location for exploring the mouth of the Rio
Chagres and tapping into the long standing history of trade moving
through the region from the Atlantic to the Pacific.  El Castillo
de San Lorenzo is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  This
historic Spanish Fort is a short 10 minute drive from the marina.
The Castle was built as a fort by the Spanish and ransacked by
pirates several times over many many years in an effort to control the
access to and the movement of goods (treasures and gold).  We,
aboard SV WHIRLWIND had a fascinating trip into the site after the Ocean Posse Party.

 

revillafifedos

 

Mike and Maurisa with the Spanish fort in the background

The
Castillo de San Lorenzo overlooks a bay leading into the river Chagres
some 100 feet down a cliff. The river leads inland about 2/3 of the way
across Panama to Panama City. A dam was built as part of the canal
construction around 100 years ago. This created a big inland lake (Lake
Gatun). The Panama Canal locks are used to lift boats up into this lake,
sail across to the other side and then through a 7 mile long trench in
the rock to the locks on the Pacific side where the boats go back down.

 

ancient volcano

 

The Fort is on a cliff overlooking the mouth of the Rio Chagres.

By
1534, the Monarchy of Spain had, following its conquest of Peru,
established a rainy-season gold route over the isthmus of Panama —Camino
Real de Cruces— using mule trains and the Chagres River.

The
trail connected the Pacific port of Panama City to the mouth of the
Chagres, from whence Peru’s plunder would sail to Spain’s storehouses in
the leading Atlantic ports of the isthmus: Nombre de Dios, at first;
and, later, Portobelo. The dry-season, overland route—the Camino
Real—connected Panama City with those ports directly. Attracted to the
treasure, pirates began attacking Panama’s coast around 1560.

 

shark

 

The site is a UNESCO heritage site and well signed to learn about the history in both Spanish and English.

 

hammerheads

 

The fort was well protected…and yet the pirates ransacked it a number of times.

Captain
Morgan the pirate came along about 300 years ago and captured the fort
from the Spanish. He then took his boats and men inland as far as he
could. He then found 500 mules and transported guns and canons and
supplies another 7 miles to Panama City where he plundered all the gold
for himself and men that the Spanish had plundered from local Indians.
It is hard to tell who was the bad guy here.

 

 

 

Canons sat on carts

 

manta ray

 

Gunman protected the perimeter from these corner posts

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo San Benedicto Island - Mexico

The Spanish officers has quarters in the middle of the fort that are being restored.

 

revillafgigedos

 

The fort was surrounded by a moat.

To learn more and see more pictures of the fort as it is and as it was click the link below.

By 1534, the Monarchy of Spain had, following its conquest of Peru, established a rainy-season gold route over the isthmus of Panama —Camino Real de Cruces— using mule trains and the Chagres River.

Notice the Reef under the nose of the fortification even noted int he old chart below 

Old Chart

Historic Reef @  09° 19.37′ N  080° 00.3066′ W

REEF

 

19)  75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS 

 

Marinas

 

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle –  Ventura, USA

🇲🇽 Cruise Port Village – Mexico

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas  – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico  

🇲🇽 PANAMA POSSE HQ  – Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico 

🇲🇽 La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – Mexico  

🇬🇹 Marina Pez Vela – Guatemala  

🇸🇻 Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador  

🇸🇻 La Palma Moorings – Bahia del Sol – El Salvador

🇳🇮 Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua  

🇨🇷 Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica  

🇨🇷 Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica  

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador  

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama  

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 La Playita Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Solarte  Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – Colombia 

🇯🇲 Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Jamaica 

🇯🇲 Errol Flynn Marina – Jamaica  

🇯🇲 Montego Bay Yacht Club –Jamaica 

🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina –Cayman Islands 

🇭🇳 Barefoot Cay Marina – Roatan – Honduras 

🇭🇳 Fantasy Island Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan – Honduras  

🇬🇹 Marina Nana Juana Resort & Boatyard – Guatemala 

🇧🇿 Thunderbirds Marine – Placencia – Belize 

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize 

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina El Cid – Cancún – Riviera Maya – Mexico  

🇨🇺 Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo – Cuba 

🇹🇨 South Bank Marina & Boatyard – Turks and Caicos  

🇧🇸 Romora Bay Resort and Marina – Bahamas  

🇧🇸 Elizabeth on the Bay Marina – Bahamas 

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas  

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic    

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys 

🇺🇸 Pier 66  Hotel & Marina – Ft. Lauderdale, USA

🇺🇸 IGY Marina at Ortega Landing – Jacksonville, FL , USA 

🇺🇸 Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor Marina – FL , USA  

🇺🇸 Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. Simons Isl. – Georgia, USA  

🇺🇸 Windmill Harbour Marina – Hilton Head South Carolina , USA  

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah Georgia , USA  

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA  

🇺🇸 Holden Beach  – Town Dock, North Carolina , USA 

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA  

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina – Portsmouth,  USA  

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, USA  

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA  

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, Virginia USA 

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA 

 

HOLDEN BEACH SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE 🇺🇸 33°54.9388′ N 078°16.1848′ W | ICW Mile 324

 

The Crystal Coast | Crystal Coast North Carolina

Advanced reservations can be made online at hbtownhall.com, or by visiting Holden Beach Town Hall.

• Sign in at Town Hall across the street upon arrival. (After house please see Police Dept.)

• Boat welcome for 72 hours in any 30 day period.

• No generator running while docked.

• No loud noise after 10:00 PM.

• No swimming or diving from the docks.

• No fishing from the docks.

• No open flames on the docks or adjacent green space.

• Anyone less than 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

20)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

  • BELIZE TOURISM
  • CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
  • DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
  • DOWNWIND MARINE
  • FLOR DE CAÑA
  • HERTZ RENTAL CARS  MEXICO
  • HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
  • LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES  
  • PANAMA YACHT BROKER
  • PREDICT WIND
  • SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER  
  • SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
     
 

WEST MARINE PRO

 

21) 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

Erick
Panama Canal Map

22) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

Waypoint Yacht Services

“Our
vision is to provide a top tier service to our customers while covering
every potential need they may have when approaching shore. 

Small
yachts (up to 38.1 meters LOA) are expected to experience substantial
delays, and in the meantime, we will be able and willing to help you
mitigate this impact and serve you.

 Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus

Marcus Santana

General Manager

Marcus.Santana@waypointyacht.com

 


International Business Park
Building 3855, office 201
Panama Pacifico / Panama

 

Phone: +507-310 9891 ext.206

AOH: +507-310 9892 (24/7)

Mob: +507 6427-8099

Making a splash

23) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SSCA

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

Pacific Posse 

Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware


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24) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

 

atlantic posse

 

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

 

Marakesh

 

Markets in 🇲🇦  Morocco 

Atlantic Posse 24

Atlantic Posse ’24

 

Sign up now

 

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Hisroric center in Spain
 

south pacific posse

 

26) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 


REGISTER NOW 
 

Registration Fees

 

 

SPP

 


SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4 
Reef Island Culture

The Amazing 🇨🇰  Cook Islands just a quick sail west from French Polynesia 

South Pacific Posse BUrgees

South Pacific Posse burgees available now in Panama & soon in FP 

American Samoa

American Samoa

Nawi Island PArty

Nawi Island Event August 31 2024 – come party and mingle with the Cruising Fleet 

attooed Marquesan Warrior.

“Tattooed Marquesan Warrior.” 
Engraving
of Noukahiwa in N. Dally’s Customs and Costumes of the Peoples of the
World, T urin, 1845. Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.

          

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

Mission

 OUR MISSION

  • Make traveling for yacht owners easier, transparent and better informed.
  • Generate group buying power with discounts in marinas and with service providers
  • Pass on relevant information to help fellow participants in a timely manner without personal opinions
  • Identify, document and reduce risks
  • Allow for flexibility and reduce pressures due to schedules
oceanposse.com

 

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