OCEAN POSSE ๐Ÿงญ 2025-03-23 …

 

OCEANPOSSE Harifa Anchorage Fakarava

 

MY DOWNSHIFTING @ 16ยฐ 26.981′ S 145ยฐ 22.001′ W โš“Hirifa Anchorage – Fakarava ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ซ French Polynesia

โ€œLife is full of adventure.
There’s no such thing as a clear pathway.โ€

โ€” Guy Laliberte

THIS WEEK

  • Making Landfall๐Ÿ๏ธ
  • Pictures Of The Week & Award Entrie
  • Unexpected Naval Encounters
  • Going๐ŸŒดTroppo
  • Highest Wind Recorded Award Entry ๐Ÿ†
  • IGY Marinas Simpson Bay ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Sint Maatren
  • Historic Depection๐Ÿ“œ Hernรกn Cortรฉs
  • Cruising ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Las Perlas Islands Panama
  • Ocean Posse Yacht Insurance Seminar
  • Ecuador ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ Pipeline Emergency 200,000 Barrels Oil
  • Meet The South Pacific Cruising Fleet
  • ๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธmaking Sat Charts For Opencpn
  • ๐Ÿฅท๐Ÿป Hardening A Vesselโ€™s Access Points
  • Marina Di Teulada ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Sardinia Italy
  • Practical Way Finding
  • San Diego Marine Exchange ๐Ÿ”ฑsponsors The Ocean Posse
  • Mobula Rays ๐ŸŒŠ
  • The Infamous Alexander La Valley
  • Cruising in San Blas

1) MAKING LANDFALL๐Ÿ๏ธ

land ho !!!

… Nuku Hiva, 27 miles into the distance!
SY JUBEL Arrived in the MARQUESAS

 

JUBEL

 

JUBEL

LAND HO ! Sun Mar 16 2025 13:07:00

8 25.363s 139 48.320w

Land ho!

Sun Mar 16 2025 13:07:00 UTC-5 Can see nuku hiva, 27 nm into the distance!

7 32.388s 139 31.829w

92 nm left

Sun Mar 16 2025 05:01:00 UTC-5 Pushing the boat to get every bit of speed out of it so we can arrive in the daylight

6 41.734s 139 09.160w

…….

Read their full log here โ–ถ

……

8 34.282n 79 03.106w

Anchor up, heading out!

Sun Feb 09 2025 13:17:00 UTC-5 Motored out of the anchorage, put all three sails up, motor is off. Doi g 6.5 knots on a broad reach

And we’re off!

AT ANCHOR

08ยฐ 49.5366′ S 140ยฐ14.8833′ W โš“Ha’ahopu Bay FP all to our selves

JUBEL

After over a month sea we made it to French Polynesia, hearts full, and sails at rest (for a few days). Every mile was worth it in moments like this.

SY JUBEL ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Kyle & Leah – Gulfstar 44′


 

BARVO ZULU

 

2) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

MARTINI

Beautiful Santa Marta Colombia!

MY MARTINI ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Bryan and Mary – Nordhavn 63′

00

SY Paikea just crossed the equator and got a visit from Neptune

00

0ยฐ 00.030′ S 86ยฐ 00.677′ W

SY PAIKEA ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Thomas & Barbara – Bavaria 37′

big fish

Blue marlin caught on our way to Hiva Oa – 7ft 3inch long

SY ATARAXIA ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Ludwig & ETAP YACHTING 46′

Delta Swizzler

The moon setting as we were lifting anchor this morning at 6:15. The Norther winds that were blowing subsided. So, we headed North to Agua Verde. We will sit out another Norther that is predicted to blow this week before we head further North to Loreto.

On our way here today, we spotted Orcas for the first time. They were too far out to get a good picture. Plus, they didnโ€™t come very far out of the water when surfacing. You could see their spouts. At first we thought they were dolphins. But, their taller fins gave us the clue. I did catch one leaping out of the water with my binoculars! Fantastic

Puerto Agua Verde BCS ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ MEXICO

MV DELTA SWIZZLER ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Mark & Cindy – Vantare 58′

MASIONS

Sunset @ Santa Marta ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ COLOMBIA

SY MAISON DE SANTE Keenan & Nicole – Cal 46′

ACORESS THE POND

Sundowners on the beach at the beautiful Hirafa anchorage on Fakarava with Zephyr, Downshifting, Gerty and Jabulo.

MY DOWNSHIFTING ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Carine – Nordhavn 47′

PATHFINDER

Moonrise Laguna Porras, Bocas del Toro PANAMA

SY PATHFINDER ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ JP & Nicole – Lagoon 39′

tidings

Good one tonight at Big Bight Bocas del Toro PANAMA

TOILET

.. found the worst bathroom in Panama.

MY TIDINGS OF JOY ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Jeff & Joy – DeFever 52′


Serentti

MY Serenity, SY Serenity, MY Crackerjack & MY Pause get together at SBM before heading different directions

3) JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

 

HEADS

 

flags

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE
cr

Jungle staring back at you @ Golfo Dulce ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท COSTA RICA
share your secret anchorages

4) OCEAN POSSE
PICTURE OF THE YEAR
AWARD ENTRIES

Galatea at Buporgana:

Galatea at Buporgana
SY GALATEA ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Sarah & Mark – Morgan 46′

PLATINA II

Platina II – Michelle & Marty have departed Panama City. Enroute to Las Perlas islands and Galapagos. Looking forward to the first leg of our passage to FP and seeing May of you in the Marquesas Platina II enjoying a nice sail to Galapagos finally. Day 1 saw Parasailor conditions. Shot by buddies in Marelief

SY PLATINA II ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Michelle & Martin – Saturn 48′

RAMBEL ON ROSE

Entering Rio Dulce ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น Guatemala

SY RAMBLE ON ROSE ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Don & Roz – Caliber 40′

5) UNEXPECTED NAVAL ENCOUNTERS

UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS

FYI, big fishing fleet between 2 and 3 degrees south, 95 to 98 west. I wasn’t expecting this much company out here… THE CHINESE FISHING FLEET

SY EVENSTAR ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธGeorge & Giselle – Lagoon 42′

6) GOING๐ŸŒดTROPPO ?

๐Ÿง  Sailorโ€™s Troppo Test: 10 Questions

When youโ€™ve spent so much time in the tropics and time feels optional, and you start to believe that talking to geckos and birds is a valid form of social interaction. ๐ŸฆŽ๐Ÿน๐Ÿ˜Ž

TAKE THE OCEAN POSSE TROPPO TEST

1) ๐Ÿฌ Do you believe that dolphins you meet are trying to communicate (secret) messages to you?

Bonus points if youโ€™ve attempted to โ€œtalk backโ€ or wave with clicks and whistles. ๐Ÿ˜‚๐ŸŒŠ

2) ๐Ÿ‘ž Have you forgotten what putting on shoes feel like?

Bonus points if flip-flops are your “business casual” attire

3) ๐ŸŒ… Are your sunset expectations have become a bit unrealistic, with ratings like โ€œlingering Green Flashโ€ or “Spinner dolphin double axel ripple” sunset ?

Do you find yourself waiting for a whaleโ€™s tale to touch the horizon exactly when the sun dips?

4) ๐ŸŒŠ Do you consider weather or tide apps unnecessary because you can โ€œfeel it in your kneesโ€?

5) ๐Ÿน Is your cocktail garnish now just whatever random organic item you find on deck?

6) ๐Ÿ‘‹ Do you have to remind yourself of basic social etiquette when talking with โ€œland peopleโ€?

Bonus troppo points if you accidentally say โ€œaye, roger or copy that โ€ instead of โ€œyes.โ€

7) ๐Ÿฆž Have you started giving names and personalities to nearby, lobster, fish, birds or crabs?

โ€œThatโ€™s Larry. Heโ€™s a bit of a jerk, always scuttling sideways.โ€

8) ๐Ÿงญ Do you instinctively use nautical terms on land?

โ€œLetโ€™s haul out for lunchโ€ or โ€œIโ€™ll meet you on the starboard side of the coffee shop.โ€

9) ๐Ÿ“… Do you occasionally loose track of what day of the week it is?

Bonus troppo points if youโ€™re unsure of the month year or even decade.

10) ๐Ÿฉณ Do you continue wearing shorts long after theyโ€™ve developed multiple holes and stains are now part of the pattern ?

Bonus points if you claim theyโ€™re now โ€œcustom ventilation.โ€

gon troppo

so sorry Rick – we couldn’t help ourselves

โœ… Score yourself:

0-3 Landlubber โ€“ Youโ€™re still pretty grounded.

4-6 Moderately Troppo โ€“ Youโ€™re losing touch but still know what pants are.

7-10 Full Troppo ๐ŸŒดโ€“ Youโ€™ve transcended land-based reality. Welcome to the club.

7) OCEAN POSSE
AWARD CATEGORIES

* no billfish

FLOR DE CANA

FLOR DE CAร‘A SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

8) HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
AWARD ENTRY ๐Ÿ†

RAYMARINE

THAT’S A SEASONAL RECORD !
SY CAVU ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ David & Marla – Tartan 37′

9) INTRODUCING A NEW
PARTNERSHIP MARINA

IGY MARINAS SIMPSON BAY ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฝ SINT MAARTEN

 

IGY SIMPSON BAY SINT MAARTEN

 

18ยฐ02.1033โ€ฒ N 063ยฐ05.3583โ€ฒ W

We are pleased to support the Ocean Posse participants with a 10% discount at our marina.

CONTACT

Tel: +1 721-544-2309

VHF: Channel 16 & 79A

sbm@igymarinas.com


BOOK A SLIP NOW !
 

IGY SIMPSON BAY MARINA SINT MAARTEN ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฝ SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE 18ยฐ02.1033โ€ฒ N 063ยฐ05.3583โ€ฒ W

 

  • 122 Total Slips
  • 20 Megayacht Berths
  • Max Length: 190โ€ฒ (57.5m)
  • Max Draft: 13โ€ฒ (4m)
  • Max Beam: 34โ€ฒ (10.4m)
  • 30 amp, 50 amp
  • 100 amp SP, 100 amp 3P
  • Full 24hr Security
  • Shipโ€™s Chandlery
  • Crew Facilities
  • Full use of IDS Amenities
  • On-site Shopping & Dining

LOCAL SERVICES NEARBY

  • Provisioning and Supply Stores:
  • The Market & Supermarkets
  • Budget Marine
  • Dining and Bar
  • Topperโ€™s by the Sea
  • Simpson Bay Beach Bar & Grill
  • Taxis: Readily available nearby
  • Car Rentals
  • St. Maarten Medical Center
  • The Fitness Center at
  • Banking and ATMs

 

 IGY MARINA SIMPSON BAY SINT MAARTEN SAFE APPROACH

 

Fort Amsterdam

Built in 1631 by the Dutch, this fort offers incredible views of Great Bay and Philipsburg. It played a key role in the colonial battles between the Dutch, Spanish, and British. You can still see some old cannons and ruins.

 

FORT AMSTERDAM

 

SAILING AND CRUISING IN SINT MAARTEN ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
JUST GOT A LOT EASIER & AFFORDABLE

CHART 7471

10) HISTORIC DEPICTION
๐Ÿ“œ
HERNรN CORTร‰S

 

Watch Hernan

 

“Hernรกn” (2019-) is a historical drama series that dramatizes the conquest of Mexico by Spanish conquistador Hernรกn Cortรฉs, focusing on the clash of cultures and perspectives from both the Spanish and native peoples. Available on AMAZON PRIME

The series follows Hernรกn Cortรฉs’s arrival in what is now Mexico and his subsequent conquest of the Aztec Empire, highlighting the complexities of the encounter between the Spanish and the indigenous populations.

The series explores the human side of Cortรฉs, examining his motivations, relationships, and the impact of his actions on both the Spanish and the indigenous populations.

Map of Tenochtitlan and the Gulf of Mexico, from Praeclara Ferdinadi Cortesii de Nova maris Oceani Hyspania Narratio by Hernando Cortes (1485-1547) 1524

Map of Tenochtitlan and the Gulf of Mexico, from Praeclara Ferdinadi Cortesii de Nova maris Oceani Hyspania Narratio by Hernando Cortes (1485-1547) 1524

 

https://www.fundacionnaovictoria.org

 

 Mapping by Cortes

11) CRUISING LAS PERLAS ISLANDS ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ PANAMA

LAS PERLAS

Isla Contadora, Las Perlas Pacific Panama โš“๏ธN08 37.453 W070 01.841 Low Tide 4.2 meter

LA SPERLAS

One of our favorite places to snorkel, right off the boat and around the back, east side of the Suecaโ€™s beach. Decent provisions, especially after the supply ship arrives on Wednesday

pathfinder finds

Walking around the island or rent a golf cart next door to the hotel Mar y Oro.

pizza

Walkable from Hotel Mar y Oro on Playa Cacique. We left dinghy on beach without issues. Had beers on the beach at hotel beach bar with Dutch neighbor boat.

Anchoraged

Our Dutch crew, Lisa and Bart, were in good company ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Contadora has a wild history and you can see

restaurant

Great Italian dinner only restaurant at the chefโ€™s unique house, Casa Tortuga Thursday-Sunday. Highly recommend the pizza! Must reserve by WhatsApp before. +507 6715-2223 Google for location.

 Took on almost 500 gallons so saved a substantial amount of money compared to Red Frog or Bocas Marina which were in the $5.60 range. The dock is teeming with local guys who help tie you up, man the pump and take your trash for tips. Was quite a scene

NOTE: there are a few anchorages which had incidents of piracy in the past

SY PATHFINDER ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ JP & Nicole – Lagoon 39′

12) OCEAN POSSE
YACHT INSURANCE SEMINAR

 

https://oceanposse.com/events/ocean-posse-yacht-insurance-seminar/

 

OCEAN POSSE YACHT INSURANCE SEMINAR

brought to you by NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE >>
JOIN THE POSSE FOR SEMINAR ACCESS

SATURDAY APRIL 5th @ 1400 EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME

13) ENVIRONMENTAL ALERT !
ECUADOR ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ PIPELINE EMERGENCY
200,000 BARRELS OIL โš ๏ธ SPREADNG OIL SLICK

OILSPILL

State-owned oil company Petroecuador declared a state of emergency in the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE) on Tuesday and halted crude oil exports following the spill in the northwestern province of Esmeraldas, which affected 500,000 people, according to authorities.

The “emergency declaration will not last longer than 60 days and aims to (…) allocate all necessary resources to minimize the impact of the force majeure event on hydrocarbon exploration, exploitation, transportation, and marketing operations,” Petroecuador said in a statement.

On Thursday, an oil pipeline ruptured due to a collapse, leaking tens of thousands of barrels of crude oil, contaminating at least five rivers, including the Esmeraldas, which flows into the Pacific.

As a result of the spill, “we’re talking about 500,000 people (affected) because we have a water community” that brings together several towns that share the supply from the same water treatment plant, Vicko Villacรญs, mayor of the city of Esmeraldas

The government has already declared an environmental emergency in the province, which is home to a wildlife refuge.

The state-owned Petroecuador company, which operates the pipeline, is using tanker trucks to recover the spilled crude oil in the El Vergel area of โ€‹โ€‹the town of Quinindรฉ, where Mayor Ronald Moreno reported that some 4,500 families (around 15,000 people) are affected.

Agence France-Presse (AFP)

Current

Could 200,000 barrels of oil get to the Galapagos via ocean currents ?

14) SAVE THE DATE

MEET THE SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISING FLEET

SAT AUG 30 โ€™25 ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ FIJI

 

 

 

Nawi Island Marina

 

Nawi Island Marina – Savusavu ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Fiji

15) OCEAN POSSE PERK
๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ
MAKING SAT CHARTS FOR OPENCPN

 

https://oceanposse.com/op-seminars/

 

When you can not trust your charts – learn how to make your very own mbtiles and satellite charts for use with OPEN CPN using SASplanet

SAT CHARTS

SY AVANT ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Rob & Debra – Beneteau 43′

16) SAFETY & SECURITY

๐Ÿฅท๐Ÿป

HARDENING A VESSELโ€™S ACCESS POINTS
AND OTHER METHODS

Below is a compilation of security systems that different mariners employ to keep their vessel and crew safe at anchor and in remote locations.

 

plan a

 

Stainless Steel Bars across over hatch entries

 

security plan b

 

Deny entry to your vesselโ€™s companion way with removable stainless steel bars

Motion Sensor Detects and records any Human Movement day and night โ€“ and stores it in the cloud for later review

Motion Sensor Detects and records any Human Movement day and night
โ€“ and stores it in the cloud for later review

 Remote keychain for Audible alarms and sirens

Remote keychain for Audible alarms and sirens

LED STROBE LIGHTS FOR YACHTS

LED STROBE LIGHTS FOR YACHTS –
Add blue flashing lights to evoke the sense of law enforcement

LED Marine Flood Lights & Spreader Lights

LED Marine Flood Lights & Spreader Lights

 A proper 12 Volt โšก fence charger hooked up to the house bank and rigged across yacht Yacht Stanchions will create an electrifying welcome at night

A proper 12 Volt โšก fence charger hooked up to the house bank and rigged across Yacht Stanchions will create an electrifying welcome at night

 

 

Dogs that bark ( and wake up ) can be a deterrent.

 take pictures of every small local vessels near your vessels โ€“ use a flash so they know you are taking pictures of them โ€ฆ

Take pictures of every small local vessels near your vessels โ€“ use a flash so they know you are taking pictures of them โ€ฆ

Tack Mat with Spikes Deterrent Outdoor makes transom boarding painful โ€“

just ask Joshua Slocum

NERF tactical laser attachment โ€“ paintball filled with chlorine โ€“ maybe spray paint NERF black

Bear spray GEL (which is more targeted than spray) part of the boats security toolkit โ€“ not just in Alaska.

AIR HORNS draw attention to problems

 

 

Watch a video online at https://www.piratelights.com/

Old Cellphone with expired sim

Stash an old 4g cellphone into a secret hiding spot – unplug the battery
Yes, you can call 911 without a carrier plan or even a SIM card, although you’ll still need to be within range of cellphone towers

17) INTRODUCING A NEW
PARTNERSHIP MARINA

MARINA DI TEULADA ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น SARDINIA ITALY
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

 

MARINA DI TEULADA ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

 

38ยฐ 55.6433โ€ฒ N 008ยฐ 43.1933โ€ฒ E

We are pleased to support the Ocean Posse participants with a 10 % discount at our marina.

CONTACT

  • Tel: (+39) 0709283705
  • info@marinaditeulada.com
  • VHF 09 and 16
 

MARINA DI TEULADA ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

 

AMENITIES

  • Continuous access hours
  • VHF service h. 24|24 Channel 09 and 16
  • Marina Management
  • Office hours 8.00 | 20.00
  • Electricity 220 โ€“ 380 volts, 125 amps
  • Dock lighting
  • Mooring
  • Divers (on-call service)
  • Fire-fighting service
  • Drinking water dispenser
  • Bilge suction
  • Rental Car
  • Taxi
 

MARINA DI TEULADA ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

 

Nearby must see

 

Spiaggia di Tuerredda

 

Spiaggia di Tuerredda

 

 Capo Spartivento

 

Capo Spartivento

 

Italy is now in the OCean Posse

 

18) PRACTICAL WAY FINDING

โœ‹ vs ๐Ÿงญ

 

Dragons, Memory & Navigating the Globe Using Only Your Wits - Nautilus

 

This navigation technique comes from the knowledge passed down through generations of Polynesians, who were among the worldโ€™s greatest navigators and explorers.

The origins of Polynesian way finding can be traced back to the seafaring cultures of the Pacific Islands, including the regions of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. These navigators used a deep understanding of stars, wind patterns, cloud formations, ocean currents, the flight patterns of birds, and other signs of nature for long-distance voyaging.

 

Polynesian Voyaging Society Commemorates Hลkลซleสปaโ€™s 50th Birthday at Kualoa

 

Polynesian way finding is closely associated with the renaissance of traditional voyaging that began in the 70s with the construction and voyage of the Hลkลซleสปa, a traditional double-hulled voyaging canoe. The Hลkลซleสปa and its voyages played a pivotal role in reviving and preserving Polynesian navigation techniques. Mau Piailug, a master navigator from Micronesia, was instrumental in this revival, sharing his knowledge with Hawaiians and other Polynesians, thereby bridging the gap between ancient and modern Polynesian cultures.

20) GOOD NAUTICAL โš“

Sawa-I-Lau โš“ Yasawa Islands ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ FIJI

SAWA I LAU

The ancient limestone formations, carved by constant wave action are hidden within an attractive little island. According to legend, a young chief once hid with his betrothed in the cave after her family threatened to marry her off to a rival chief.

 

SAWA I LAU

 

Sawa-i-Lau anchorage, in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji, is a stunning and well-known stop for sailors cruising the region. Hereโ€™s what you should know:

Location: Near the famous Sawa-i-Lau limestone caves, in the northern Yasawa Islands.

The seabed is mostly sand with some patches of coral, so good holding can be found.
Depth 5-10 meters, but some areas have shallower spots with coral heads to watch out for. Protection: Offers decent shelter from all but strong westerlies Access the lime stone caves from this anchorage

Sawa i Lau

โš“ 16ยฐ 50.8951′ S 177ยฐ 27.9740′ E

APPROACH

21) SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE ๐Ÿ”ฑ
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

 

SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE

 

The San Diego Marine Exchange (SDMX) is a vital hub for mariners, providing marine supplies, equipment, and expert services to commercial and recreational boaters. Established in 1950, SDMX serves the thriving maritime community of San Diego, offering everything from navigation tools and safety gear to maintenance essentials. As a trusted resource, it supports the Navy, fishing fleets, yacht owners, and shipyards, ensuring vessels are well-equipped for safe and efficient operations. With knowledgeable staff and a commitment to customer service, SDMX plays a crucial role in keeping the local maritime industry running smoothly, making it an indispensable asset for mariners.

22) OCEAN POSSE
HAUL OUT FACILITIES

 

HAULOUT

 

Follow this link for an ever increasing list of haul out facilities

 

https://oceanposse.com/base-nautica-trapani/

 

23) MOBULA RAYS ๐ŸŒŠ

Aerial Acrobats of Costa Ricaโ€™s Pacific Coast

Off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, particularly in areas like the Nicoya Peninsula, the Gulf of Papagayo, and the Osa Peninsula, a spectacular marine show often unfoldsโ€”mobula rays leaping high above the oceanโ€™s surface. These agile rays, sometimes called “flying rays”, are famous for their incredible jumps, often launching several feet into the air before belly-flopping back into the sea.

MOBULA RAY

Mobula rays belong to the same family as manta rays but are smaller, with wing-like pectoral fins that allow them to glide through the water gracefully. Their leaping behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, though researchers believe it could be linked to mating displays, predator evasion, or parasite removal. Some have even suggested that the loud splash they create upon re-entry may serve as a form of communication within their schools.

MOBULA RAY

These mesmerizing creatures are most commonly seen at dawn and dusk, when they gather in large numbers near the surface. Lucky boaters, surfers, and divers may witness dozens of rays breaching in rapid succession, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Certain times of the year, particularly during seasonal plankton blooms, bring even larger congregations, as mobula rays follow food sources along the coast.

MOBULA RAY

For those exploring Costa Ricaโ€™s Pacific waters, spotting a mobula ray in flight is a reminder of the oceanโ€™s wild beautyโ€”an awe-inspiring moment that blends mystery, elegance, and raw energy. Whether seen from a boat or while snorkeling in the clear blue shallows, these leaping rays add to the magic of Costa Ricaโ€™s vibrant marine ecosystem.

MOBULA RAY

23) THE
ALEXANDER LA VALLEY

When the Panama canal officially opened on August 15, 1914, the first ship to officially pass through was the SS Ancon. However, the honor of being the first vessel to ever cross the canal actually goes to a small, rather unimpressive dredging boat called the Alexander La Valley, which completed the journey in January 1914, months before the grand opening.

So, while the Ancon got all the fame and fanfare, the humble Alexander La Valley quietly made history first! ๐Ÿšข๐Ÿ˜Ž

first vessel
Erick

Erick Gรกlvez

OCEAN 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

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

PANAMA CANAL

24) OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS ๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ TRACKING

 

Tracking Ocean Posse

 

 

Predict Wind sponsors the Ocean Posse

 

Please be on the lookout for John Jones, single handing on Quiet, a Tayana 37, lost his mast about January 27 after departing El Salvador. He has fashioned a jury rig and is making for Nuku Hiva, FP. His AIS is non functional, but his tracking link works at: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Quiet/
To conserve power he does not run his tracker 24/7.

Underway making way for over 60 days now –
His Last known position as of
Last Update 2025 MAR 22 @ 19:08

Boat Speed: 1.9 kts

Location: 10 21.990 s 125 46.230 w

JOhn Jones

John Jones

 

Marina with Ocean Posse Discounts

 

  1. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Safe Harbor Ventura Isle, Ventura CA, USA
  2. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Vintage Marina , Oxnard, CA, USA
  3. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, CA, USA
  4. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ECV Marina – Ensenada Mexico
  5. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas – Mexico
  6. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico
  7. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico
  8. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico
  9. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico
  10. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Puerto de La Navidad – Barra de Navidad – Mexico
  11. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico
  12. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico
  13. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico
  14. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Chiapas – Mexico
  15. ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Pez Vela – Guatemala
  16. ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ป Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador
  17. ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ป La Palma Moorings – Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
  18. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua
  19. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica
  20. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica
  21. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Flamingo Marina – Costa Rica
  22. ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ Marina Puerto Amistad, Ecuador
  23. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Buenaventura Marina – Panama
  24. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina – Panama
  25. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Flamenco Marina – Panama
  26. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ La Playita Marina – Panama
  27. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Shelter Bay Marina – Panama
  28. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Bocas Marina – Panama
  29. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Solarte Marina – Panama
  30. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Linton Bay Marina – Panama
  31. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ Turtle Cay Marina – Panama
  32. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ IGY Red Frog Marina – Panama
  33. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia
  34. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia
  35. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia
  36. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด IGY Marina Santa Marta – Colombia
  37. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia
  38. ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Jamaica
  39. ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Errol Flynn Marina – Jamaica
  40. ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Montego Bay Yacht Club – Jamaica
  41. ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡พ The Barcadere Marina – Cayman Islands
  42. ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Barefoot Cay Marina – Roatan – Honduras
  43. ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Fantasy Island Marina – Roatan – Honduras
  44. ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan – Honduras
  45. ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Nana Juana Resort – Guatemala
  46. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Hummngbird Marina – Placencia – Belize
  47. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Placencia Yacht Club – Belize
  48. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟ Hakim Marina & Boatyard – Belize
  49. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico
  50. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico
  51. ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Marina El Cid – Cancรบn – Mexico
  52. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡บ Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo – Cuba
  53. ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡จ South Bank Marina & Boatyard – Turks and Caicos
  54. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Romora Bay Resort and Marina – Bahamas
  55. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Elizabeth on the Bay Marina – Bahamas
  56. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas
  57. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas
  58. ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic
  59. ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ด Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic
  60. ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฎ ST. Croix Yacht Club – USVI
  61. ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฎ Geen Cay Marina – USVI
  62. ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ฌ Virgin Goda Yacht Harbour- BVI
  63. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ท Marina Pescadaria – Puerto Rico
  64. ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฝ IGY Simpson Bay Marina- Sint Maaarten
  65. ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Dominica Marina Cente – Dominica
  66. ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ณ Port Zante Marina – St Kitts & Nevis
  67. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Safe Harbor – Marathon, FL, USA
  68. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Pier 66 Hotel & Marina – Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
  69. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Titusville Marina – FL, USA
  70. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Port 32 Marinas – Jacksonville, FL , USA
  71. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor Marina – FL , USA
  72. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles St. Simons Isl. – Georgia, USA
  73. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Windmill Harbour Marina – Hilton Head South Carolina , USA
  74. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah Georgia , US
  75. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA
  76. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Holden Beach – Town Dock, North Carolina , USA
  77. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA
  78. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Tideawater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA USA
  79. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA USA
  80. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ York River Yacht Haven – Virginia , USA
  81. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – VA USA
  82. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, VA USA
  83. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Regent Point Marina – Topping, VA US
  84. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฒ Pier 41 Marina – Bermuda – Bermuda
  85. ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฒ Caroline Bay Marina – Bermuda
  86. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Marina De Cascais – Portugal
  87. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น Marina Funchal – PORTUGAL
  88. ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Alcaidesa Marina – Spain
  89. ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Marina Del Odiel – Spain
  90. ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ IGY Mรกlaga Marina – Spain
  91. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina dei Presidi – Italy
  92. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina di Balestrate- Italy
  93. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina di Brindisi- Italy
  94. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina di Chiavari – Italy
  95. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina di Forio – Italy
  96. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina di Teulada – Italy
  97. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina di Policoro – Italy
  98. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina di Vieste – Italy
  99. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina de Procida – Italy
  100. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina de Villasimius- Italy
  101. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Molo Vecchio – Italy
  102. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Marina Salina – Italy
  103. ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ณ Marina Bizerte – Tunisia
  104. ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Puerto Sotogrande – Spain
  105. ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Yacht Port Cartagena – Spain
  106. ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Ocean Village Marina – Gibraltar
  107. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ป Marina Mindelo – Cape Verde
  108. ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Roaring Forties Marina – Chile
  109. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡บ Niue Yacht Club – Niue
  110. ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Copra Shed Marina – Fiji
  111. ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Nawi Island Marina – Fiji
  112. ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Denarau Marina – Fiji
  113. ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Musket Cove – Fiji
  114. ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Royal Suva Yacht Club – Fiji
  115. ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Sau Bay Moorings – Fiji
  116. ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Vuda Point Marina – Fiji
  117. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Gulf Harbour Marina – New Zealand
  118. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Marsden Cove Marina – New Zealand
  119. ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ด Vava’u Boatyard – Tonga
  120. ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡บ Yachting World – Vanuatu
  121. ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Rivergate Marina – Australia

 

MARINAS

 

27) DISCOVERING SAN BLAS

Chilling at Nabadup:

The Galatea and Rawhiti crews meet on Banedup San Blas

San Blas

Sunset in San Blas

Chilling at Nabadup:

Chilling at Nabadup San Blas

SY GALATEA ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Sarah & Mark – Morgan 46′

28) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

  • 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 CAร‘A
  • HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
  • HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
  • HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
  • LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
  • MARINA PAPAGAYO
 

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE

 

  • NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE
  • PANAMA YACHT BROKER
  • PREDICT WIND
  • SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
  • SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • SHAFT SHARK
  • SUN POWERED YACHTS
  • WIKUS MARINE AUTO
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

 

OCEAN POSSE

 

MISSION

  • Foster Maritime Camaraderie: Unite yacht owners and sailors in a global community driven by the love of exploration and the sea.
  • Promote Safe Cruising: Share resources, local knowledge, and best practices to ensure safe and enjoyable maritime journeys.
  • Encourage Adventure: Inspire participants to embrace the call of the sea, explore new horizons, and discover diverse cultures.
  • Marina Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with marinas to offer exclusive benefits, services, and discounts to members.
  • Enhance Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate the exchange of tips, skills, and experiences within a supportive fleet of cruisers via facts.
  • Celebrate the Journey: Create lasting memories through events, meetups, and a shared passion for life on the water.
  • Support Sustainability: Advocate for eco-friendly cruising practices to preserve our oceans and coastal ecosystems.