FLEET UPDATE 2025-04-06

CRUISING FLEET UPDATE & NEWS
2025-04-06

13°11.13′ S 176°11.9136′ W Nukula’ela’e, the land of sands Wallis 🇼🇫 WALLIS and FUTUNA

“Now is no time to think of what you do not have.
Think of what you can do with that there is.”

— Ernest Hemingway: The Old Man and the Sea

THIS WEEK

• Pictures 📷 Of The Week
• Passage To The Galapagos 🐢
• Predict Wind 💨 New Features Seminar
• Meet The Fleet Sy Potential 🇺🇸
• Festival De Diablos y Congos Portobelo 🇵🇦
• Viñales Valley🇨🇺 Cuba
• Coconut Updates From ⛵ Sy Jubel
• Safe Harbor Marathon Keys 🇺🇸 Florida
• Good Samaritan Award Nomination
• Biggest Fish Caught 🐟 Award Nomination
• Ocean Posse Meetup 🇫🇷 Cannes Yachting Festival
• Marina Di Balestrate 🇮🇹 Sicily
• The Cape Index 🔢
• Lightning Strike ⚡ Report
• Meet 🤝 South Pacific Cruising Fleet
• Yachts For Sale In 🇵🇦 Panama
• Destination Report From 🇦🇼 Aruba
• Reading 🌊 🌊 🌊 Waves
• Good Nautical Oranjestad ⚓ Surf Side Beach
• Talos Lightning Detection
• Haulout And Storage Facilities
• Whale Migration Routes 🐋
• Going Through The Panama Canal 🚀

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Jubel & Kyle Gulfstar 44′

SY DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸 Aney & Laney – Outbound 46′

2) PASSAGE TO THE GALAPAGOS 🐢

First light and first sight of land on the Galapagos !

Last stop to clean the bottom before landfall in Galapagos tomorrow !

Checked into the Galapagos …

… with a very large group of inspectors who gave us the OK to stay!

Went to shore and saw

the sea lions, our boat, happy hour and sunset.

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 J.P. & NICOLE – Lagoon 39′

Follow SY Pathfinder‘s excellent journey ▶

3) SAVE THE DATE

PREDICT WIND NEW FEATURES SEMINAR

WED MAY 14TH @
12:00 UTC | 14:00 EDT | 17:00 PDT

https://oceanposse.com/events/predict-wind-seminar/ ▶

4) MEET THE FLEET
SY POTENTIAL 🇺🇸

Derek, Grace, Cato and Alice

We are SV Potential. We are a Beneteau First 51, with two electric saildrives. We are excited about all the places this boat may take us and the potential for adventures for our growing family. Right now we are in Panama, but we came from New London, CT, USA. We’ve been living aboard since around 2018. We sailed for a few years from New England to Florida/Bahamas and back when we were based in CT. Then we added two kids (currently 3 and 1), and now we’re on our way “moving” our home to California for a new business for Derek. We have loved cruising the Bahamas!

This is a shared adventure for us as a family, but also has become our way of life since Derek now knows how to fix everything aboard and started a business with electric propulsion. The way we see the world now is experiencing the power of the weather and the ocean that makes us feel small and not in control, which to me points to God’s power and our need to rely on him. What we learned while living and traveling on SY POTENTIAL is that we thought you can’t own much while living on a boat, but you can pack away a surprising amount into a small space! It’s still easy to have too much.

It’s great to get to experience different ways of life. So far we’ve made great connections with other cruisers but I also look forward to getting to know locals and spending more time in places to build relationships. – What’s left on our bucket list ? Potentially circumnavigating, so everywhere outside of the Caribbean and US where we’ve already been.

Our Beneteau First 51 is converted from a Perkins to dual ServoProp 15s with a hybrid power supply. The whole vessel power systems was adapted to the 48vdc power with climate control, water maker, and windlass also powered from 48vdc. All systems are optimized for efficiency, within reason, allowing the vessel to cruise self-sufficiently with hydro-regen and solar or using the generator we carry all the comforts of dock life and same indefinite motoring speed as in the before times with the Perkins. With the kids on board we are in hybrid mode, motor sailing on calmer passages more then taking on the conditions that allow for enough hydro-regen to support our energy needs. But the generator is efficient and quiet and when we need to motor for hours on end a slightly slower speed mean the generator is only running a few hours a day as long as we are okay with a 5 knot minimum speed.

SY POTENTIAL 🇺🇸 Derek & Grace – Beneteau 51′

5) FESTIVAL DE DIABLOS Y CONGOS

PORTOBELO 🇵🇦 MAY 1-3, 2025

May 1- 2- 3 the port city of Portobelo, Colon, Panama holds the “Festival de Diablos y Congos.” This annual festival is one of celebration and rebellion. It is a unique local take on the widespread Carnival tradition, a five-day party with no shortage of loudspeakers, dancing — and devils wielding whips.

The Casa de la Cultura Congo is an open public space that hosts workshops and the creation of arts and crafts. Focusing on Congo art, the mission of the Casa de la Cultura Congo is to exalt and express the importance of the colonial Latin and African legacy in Portobelo, by bringing those traditions to life through different creative expressions.

Visitors can experience various forms of the Congo art and understand the importance of the colonial Latin and African historical legacy of Portobelo.

Bringing the people together through different artistic and creative expressions, distinguishing the role of the Portobelo Community and allowing visitors to experience the numerous sensations, traditions and customs this town has to offer is the main objective of Casa de La Cultura Congo.

Enjoy and tie up to the dingy dock @ 09°33.2533′ N 079°39′.4166′ W

6) MUST-SEE
VIÑALES VALLEY 🇨🇺 CUBA

Nestled in the western Cuban province of Pinar del Río, the Viñales Valley is a lush, captivating landscape that feels like stepping into another time. With its verdant tobacco fields, dramatic limestone formations called mogotes, and a rhythm of life untouched by modern haste, Viñales is more than just a valley — it’s a vibrant cultural, geological, and agricultural jewel. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the valley is both a national treasure and a quiet refuge that embodies Cuba’s rural heritage and natural beauty.

The Viñales Valley lies within the Sierra de los Órganos mountain range, part of the larger Cordillera de Guaniguanico. It spans approximately 132 square kilometers and is framed by tall limestone hills known as mogotes, which rise sharply from the valley floor and create a dramatic contrast with the flat, cultivated land below.

The Viñales Valley experiences a tropical climate with a wet season (May to October) and a dry season (November to April). This relatively stable climate has fostered a unique ecosystem. The valley is home to endemic species of flora and fauna, many of which can only be found in this part of Cuba. Birds like the Cuban trogon (the national bird) and the bee hummingbird (the world’s smallest bird) add a musical backdrop to the rustling leaves of royal palms and wild orchids.

These mogotes are a geologist’s dream. Formed during the Jurassic period, they are remnants of ancient marine limestone that has eroded over millennia. The result is a karst landscape with caves, underground rivers, and rich red soil — ideal for growing one of Cuba’s most famous crops: tobacco.

The valley is home to endemic species of flora and fauna, many of which can only be found in this part of Cuba. Birds like the Cuban trogon (the national bird) and the bee hummingbird (the world’s smallest bird) add a musical backdrop to the rustling leaves of royal palms and wild orchids.

Indigenous Roots

Before the Spanish arrived, the Viñales Valley was inhabited by indigenous peoples, most likely the Taíno. These early inhabitants lived off the land through fishing, hunting, and basic farming. Many of the area’s caves contain petroglyphs and archaeological remains from this time, offering a glimpse into pre-Columbian life.

Colonial Era

With Spanish colonization came dramatic changes. The fertile valley quickly became a key site for agriculture, particularly tobacco. African slaves were brought to work the plantations, and the area evolved into a mosaic of cultures. Today, this layered heritage — Taíno, African, Spanish — is palpable in the music, food, and traditions of Viñales.

The town of Viñales itself was officially founded in 1878, though settlers had lived in the region since the 18th century. It grew around tobacco farming and remained relatively isolated due to its mountainous terrain.

7) COCONUT UPDATES FROM ⛵ SY JUBEL

Bountiful Coconut Water Harvesting

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle – Gulfstar 44′

8) SAFE HARBOR MARATHON KEYS 🇺🇸 FLORIDA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

24°42.25′ N 081°06.7116′ W

We are pleased to support the Ocean Posse participants with a 20 % discount at our marina between May 1 – Nov 1

• +1 305 743 6575
• email marathon@shmarinas.com
• VHF 16

AMENITIES

• Length 25′ – 122′
• Max Height Unrestricted
• Fuel Dock 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Max Beam 24′
• Max Draft 7′
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Shore Power Hookups
• Fresh Water Hookups
• Pump-out
• Slip-Side Parking
• Haul out max width 18.5’, max depth 6.5
• Lodging
• Waterside Restaurant
• Ships Store
• Parking
• Fire Pit
• Fitness Center
• Gated Vessel Access

LOCAL SERVICES

Marathon, Florida, offers a variety of amenities and provisioning services to cater to both residents and visitors. Here’s an overview of what you can find in the town:

Grocery Stores and Markets

Major Supermarkets
Marathon hosts several supermarkets, providing a wide selection of products for your provisioning needs.

Local Markets
For fresh produce and local specialties, consider visiting the local markets in Marathon.

Marine Supply Stores

For boating essentials and equipment, Marathon offers several marine supply stores catering to the needs of mariners.

Dining and Entertainment

Restaurants and Cafés
Marathon boasts a diverse culinary scene, ranging from casual seafood shacks to fine dining establishments.

Bars and Nightlife
For evening entertainment, there are various bars and lounges offering live music and local brews.

Healthcare Facilities

Fishermen’s Community Hospital
Located in Marathon, this hospital provides emergency services and general healthcare.

Parks and Nature Centers

Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
A 63-acre tropical oasis offering nature trails, a museum, and the historic George Adderley House.

Curry Hammock State Park
Ideal for kayaking, fishing, and beachgoing, this state park showcases the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

Beaches:
Marathon offers several public beaches perfect for relaxation and water activities.

9) JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

PERKS, DISCOUNTS AND BOATLOADS OF FUN

309 YACHTS ARE PART OF THE OCEAN POSSE

BENEFITS OF JOINING

SAVE TIME – SAVE MONEY – and get the best and most up to date INFORMATION !

10) OCEAN POSSE AWARD ENTRIES

GOOD SAMARITAN AWARD NOMINATION

Responded to PAN PAN from sailing boat TEMBO

Fri Apr 04 2025 06:27:00 GMT-0500 (GMT-05:00)

“Last night we were contacted by Tahiti JRCC letting us know that a vessel near us had issued a PAN PAN. The boat name is TEMBO and they are participating in the World ARC – they are way behind the fleet.

We contacted them by VHF and turned around and motored towards them because it was getting dark. They had no functioning main engine and they had no gasoline left for their emergency generator. The batteries were almost dead and they were going dark.

We provided them with 20 litres of gas and they said they were OK. Two older people on board – not very mobile. They dropped the transfer line twice so we dropped our dinghy to bring the fuel to them.

We are currently at 10.29 south 125.30 west. We left them about 12 hours ago and they were sailing at about 5 knots. Unfortunately I made a mistake writing down their contact info so I was wondering if you thought it may be useful for following boats that see them to check with them if they are in VHF range.

We will probably meet them in Hiva Oa to retell the story from each side.”

SY COKEMA 🇺🇸 Fred & Ita – Lagoon 42

11) BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT🐟 AWARD NOMINATION

SY ZEDNA 🇸🇪 Trevor & Lena – Robertson and Caine 38′

12) OCEAN POSSE
🏆
AWARD CATEGORIES

• BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
• PICTURE OF THE YEAR
• YODA OF THE YEAR
• SPEEDY AWARD
• THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
  sponsored by NOVAMAR
• COURAGE AWARD
• CLEAN OCEAN AWARD

• MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR
• HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
• SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION AWARD
  sponsored by PREDICT WIND
• GALLEY GOD(ESS)
• GOOD SAMARITAN
• BOAT YOGA POSE
• SANDCASTLE OF THE YEAR

FLOR DE CAÑA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

Rum Old Fashioned con Flor de Caña

13) OCEAN POSSE
MEETUP 🇫🇷 CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER IN THE COTE D’AZUR

SPECIAL EVENT OCEAN POSSE & BEN TAYLOR

Networking Rum and Fun

🇫🇷 Cannes Yachting Festival

Captains & Yacht owners

have fun at the most casual Marine Industry Networking event

@ LUPITAS on THU SEP 11th ’25 18:00 – 21:30

LEGENDARY FREE Flor de Caña Rum Cocktails

and Special Tacos courtesy of Ocean Posse & Taylor Media

FLY IN OR SAIL IN BUT BE THERE !

14) INTRODUCING A NEW
PARTNERSHIP MARINA

MARINA DI BALESTRATE 🇮🇹 SICILY
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

38°03.365′ N 13°00.1883′ E

We are pleased to support the Ocean Posse

CONTACT

MARINA DI BALESTRATE

Tel. (+39) 3278245021 – (+39) 3898972164

info@marinadibalestrate.com

VHF 10

• Moorings with water and electricity (220
• 380 v, 63A)
• Mooring men (24 hours a day)
• Divers
• Firefighting services
• Dock lighting
• Bilge suction
• Waste collection service
• Security
• Video surveillance
• Water and electricity on the dock
• Bunker dispenser with CAMLOK hookup

• ATM
• Mini market Bar, Wine shop, Ice cream shop, Newsstand and Tobacconist
• Self-service laundry
• Ship chandler / Taxi
• Car rental / Scooter rental / Bike rental
• Dinghy rental / Diving / Excursions
• Catering on board
• complete technical assistance
• liquid gas refill
• laundry with dockside delivery
• Interior/exterior boat cleaning
• Maintenance of nautical electrical systems.

SIGNIFICANT SITES NEARBY

Torre di Capo Rama
A 15th-century watchtower located within the Capo Rama Nature Reserve, offering insights into the region’s historical coastal defenses.

Palazzo Aumale
Constructed in the 19th century as a winery by Henri d’Orléans, this building now houses the Museo Civico, which includes sections on ethnography, archaeology, and natural history.

Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)
Constructed in the 19th century as a winery by Henri d’Orléans, this building now houses the Museo Civico, which includes sections on ethnography, archaeology, and natural history.

SAILING AND CRUISING IN SICILY 🇮🇹 ITALY
JUST GOT A LOT EASIER & MORE AFFORDABLE

15) THE CAPE INDEX:

WATCHING THE NUMBERS

AS LIGHTENING SEASON APPROACHES

Squalls and Thunderstorms on display

PREDICT WIND CAPE

CAPE stands for Convective Available Potential Energy and is the amount of fuel available to a developing thunderstorm.

More specifically, it describes the instability of the atmosphere and provides an approximation of updraft strength within a thunderstorm. CAPE is used by weather officials to understand what the potential might be for thunderstorms and how powerful those storms might become if they do materialize.

The standard measurement of energy is represented as Joules Per Kilogram. A high CAPE value might also be expressed by weather experts by using the term “high instability”. When we talk about a highly unstable atmosphere, CAPE values are usually in excess of 2500 J/kg’s which would supply ample energy for strong updrafts and violent thunderstorms, should they develop.

How to Interpret CAPE values using a table and relative text forecast terms.

Severe thunderstorms require high CAPE values and the higher the CAPE value, the more energy available to promote thunderstorm growth. However, the CAPE variable is not a “magic number” that will predict the certainty of a thunderstorm. But if a thunderstorm does develop, and the CAPE value is high, then there is a good chance for an “explosive storm”. Below is a typical CAPE Map in the Caribbean. The Yellow/Orange areas show high CAPE values.

Example Scrolling over the colors: Yellow Cape Index

1,793 = Moderate Risk of Lightning

CAPE Value (J/kg) Storm Potential

0 – 100 Stable atmosphere; no significant convection

100 – 1000 Weak instability; small cumulus clouds, showers

1000 – 2500 Moderate instability; possible thunderstorms

2500 – 3500 Strong instability; strong thunderstorms likely

3500+ Extreme instability; severe storms and supercells

• Higher CAPE = More fuel for storms.
• CAPE doesn’t guarantee storms will happen
  —it just shows the potential energy available.
• It works best when paired with other indices,
  Lifted Index, Shear, or CIN (Convective Inhibition).

https://www.lightningmaps.org/ ▶

16) LIGHTNING STRIKE ⚡ REPORT

Date 22 July, 2024 Time: 15:00

Location Bahia Ballena, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica @ 09° 43.82′ N 084°59.89′ W

Weather Conditions: Rainy season, sunny mornings and afternoons, clouds developing during the afternoon, resulting in thunderstorms in the area, moderate to heavy rainfall, and strong winds.

Event Description

On the afternoon of 22 July, we moved Fortitude X across the bay closer to the cell phone towers in the village as we watched the clouds developing. Steffi and I were sitting below deck and made sure not to touch any metal. The thunderstorm drew closer, and within minutes it looked like night time. We experienced a sudden flash with no delay between the lightning and thunder and we knew immediately that we were hit. Additional crackling sounds from the electrical cabinet and sparks from the oven, where we kept our handhelds, IPads, and cell phones, indicated a strike. Seconds later, another lightning bolt, followed by immediate thunder resulting in a second hit. Again, the electrical equipment we stored in the oven lit up through the shake but stayed functional as we later discovered. Two hits while at anchor, let’s review the damage: one strike impacted the VHF antenna on top of the mast, the second strike put a hole in the solar panel and the bimini, causing electrical- and potential structural damages.

Immediate Effects

Crew Safety
No injuries were reported among crew members.

Fire Risk
No immediate fire observed, but potential overheating of electrical components.

Electrical Systems Damage
Navigation and communication systems ceased functioning. Solar, Battery, and wiring damage observed.

Structural Impact
First inspection revealed no mast- and hull damages.

Initial Response

1. Crew assessed vessel for safety hazards.

2. Emergency power systems were checked.

3. Inspection for visible structural and electrical damage.

4. Distress call was not necessary.

5. Documentation of incident with photographs and logs.

Insurance Reporting Process

1. Notification to Insurer broker:

• Contacted insurance broker via email.
• Provided policy number and preliminary details of the incident

2. The broker reported the incident to the Underwriter and they appointed an adjuster.

The entire communication from that point on was through the adjuster.

3. We reported all the damaged systems and requested to move the vessel to Golfito,
a 175nm trip for further review and repair of the alternator and regulator.

4. There are no trained marine technicians in Golfito, and the supply of equipment would be lengthy and costly. We requested to take Fortitude X to Panama City. Another 375nm of hand steering since the autopilot was part of the damaged equipment.

5. Submission of Required Documentation

• Incident report detailing time, location, and damages
• Photographic evidence of damage
• Statements from crew or witnesses
• Copy of maintenance records and recent surveys

Inspection and Assessment

The adjuster scheduled a surveyor immediately after our arrival in Panama City with Marine24, a renowned company, who performed a thorough review including mast and rig. They confirmed all of our reported damages and added some more.

• Our insurance requested that we engage our own independent marine surveyor to verify the findings of the initial survey and to provide an evaluation of the damage.

• Once the reports were reviewed, we submitted our budget to the adjuster. Their insurance surveyor had a few comments which could be addressed easily from our side. Once the budget aligned; we received the go ahead to start the repairs based on policy coverage.

For lightning strikes the deductible doubled as per policy terms (in our case CAN$5,000 times two.)

Repair and Reimbursement

• Repairs carried out by GPSMarine and Narval Marine in Panama City (2.5 months)

• We discussed and received an interim payment from the insurance company

• Final invoices submitted to insurer: February 5, 2025

• Reimbursement processed per claim agreement. Funds received March 18, 2025, this was delayed by our broker not the insurance.

Resolution and Outcome

Total Damage Cost: US$ 70,900

Insurance Coverage: US$ 63,900

Out-of-Pocket Expenses: US$ 12,000

Repair Completion Date: February 19, 2025, nearly 6 months after the incident.

Boat Status: Fully operational with minor calibration of new equipment still needed.

Lessons Learned

• Enhanced insurance coverage, review to ensure adequate protection, i.e. before the incident we had no lighting cover for Panama, kind of lucky the incident happened in Costa Rica.

• Keep good and timely communication with the adjuster, and request confirmation in advance, not after the fact.

• Stay involved with the design and repair at any time, especially if major network repair and installation is required. In our case, we merged two networks to one NMEA2000.

• If possible, order long delivery items prior to the insurance approval, if the equipment is needed it does not matter who pays for it.

• We claimed 35 hours at 80% of the contractor rate for minor items installed by us to speed up the process. This was communicated prior to the work commenced by ourselves.

Conclusion

This report outlines the factual sequence of events following the lightning strike on Fortitude X. The insurance process was followed as per policy guidelines, and necessary repairs were completed. Global Yacht Cover is an A+ rated insurance company and we can honestly say that our dealings with them were all but professional. As we don’t wish anyone to go through the pain of dealing with repairs and paperwork, having good partners, like the Ocean Posse community, along the way makes the entire ordeal a bit less painful.

Feel free to reach out directly for any further questions or details.

Godspeed!

Alternator regulator burned out

Battery Monitor Vaulty reading 12 Volt system

Fume detector faulty reading

Inverter Faulty reading

resetting Water maker

Solar Panel hit by lightning

VHF Antenna socket

SY FORTIUDE X 🇨🇦 Stefanie & Torsten – Beneteau 43′

17) SAVE THE DATE

MEET THE SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISING FLEET

SAT AUG 30 ’25 🇫🇯 FIJI

https://oceanposse.com/nimrsvp/ ▶

Nawi Island Marina @ Savusavu 🇫🇯 Fiji

18) YACHTS FOR SALE IN 🇵🇦 PANAMA

Tayana Custom 55 1984 $ 125,000 ▶

Custom Watson 72 2002 75ft $ 1,686,806 ▶

Hunter Legend 35.5 1994 35.4ft $ 51,500 ▶

19) REPORT FROM 🇦🇼 ARUBA

Aruba is a small 20nm island located in the southern Caribbean just north of the Venezuelan coast. White sand beaches are one of the island’s primary draws. Over 300 cruise ships visit Aruba every year. It is known for its turquoise waters, constant and often elevated trade winds.

Marinas and Anchorages

1. Renaissance Marina

2. Varadero Aruba Marina and Boatyard

3. Aruba Nautical Club

4. Anchorage at Spanish Lagoon

Clearance Procedure

Aruba has different procedure for clearing in and out as other islands in the Caribbean: At arrival, all vessels are required to go to an official port of entry first! The vessel will have to be cleared both by Immigration and by Customs.

For your convenience you can print and fill in the necessary clearance forms (three copies for Immigration, two copies for Customs).

Skippers and crew can initially stay 30 days. For yacht crew this can be extended to two times 90 days. 180 days per year maximum. Yachts can stay on the island up to 180 days. After this they will need to be imported. Exception: Yachts in dry storage at Varadero Aruba. While in storage the 180-day count is stopped.

Visa Requirements

None for citizens of the USA, Canada or the EU. Other nationalities please download: http://www.aruba.com/sigma/Entry_Req-Eng.pdf ▶

Visas must be specifically for Aruba. Visas for the Netherlands Antilles or the Netherlands are not valid for Aruba.

Visitors can stay up to a total of 180 days per year in Aruba but might get limited in to how long for each stay depending on the nationality. A vessel can stay 180 days in Aruba.

MV MARTINI 🇺🇸 Bryan and Mary – Nordhavn 63′

20) READING THE (SET OF) WAVES
🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊 (🌊 🌊 🌊) 🌊

Making a safe dinghy landing or exit ( easier ) —especially in surf or exposed beaches with large southern ocean swells where mistiming can flip the boat, damage or submerge gear and negines, or hurt people. Here’s how to read and time a landing when facing elevated, crashing waves:

🌊 1. Observe Before You Act

• Spend at least 10–15 minutes watching the wave sets from a safe distance before attempting your landing.
• Waves come in sets: Typically, 3–7 large waves followed by a lull with smaller waves.
• Count the waves in a set: Note how many large ones roll in before the lull.
• Time the interval between sets: Use a watch or count slowly
  (“one one-thousand…”) to estimate how long the lull lasts.
• Look for patterns: Sometimes there’s a rhythm—e.g., every 5 minutes a bigger set comes in.

⏱ 2. Time Your Approach During the Lull

• The safest moment to land is usually just after the last big wave of a set.
• Once a big set has passed and smaller waves follow, that’s your landing window.
• You want to be riding behind or on the back of a small wave, not in front of a crashing one.
• Row / Throttle assertively during the lull—hesitating mid-break zone is dangerous.

🧠 3. Understand Wave Mechanics

• Waves slow and steepen as they approach shallow water.
• The moment when they start to peak and curl is when they’ll break.
• Steep beach = more abrupt breaks, often dumping waves.
• Gentle beach slope = spilling breakers, which are easier to land through.

🚤 4. Position the Dinghy Correctly

• Bow pointed directly at shore: Don’t come in at an angle, or you risk broaching (sideways spin and capsize).
• Balance weight evenly, keep people low.
• Rowing in? Best to back in during bigger surf (stern-first) so you can see the waves.
• With an outboard? Cut the engine just before hitting the shallows to prevent prop damage.

🏃‍♂️ 5. Prepare for a Quick Exit

• Assign roles ahead of time: one person hops out to grab and pull the dinghy up as soon as you touch.
• Unload passengers just beyond the break zone if safe—then bring the dinghy in light and alone.
• Lift or tilt the outboard before you’re in ankle-deep water.

⚠️ 6. If You Mistime It… If you’re caught in a breaker:

• Face the wave head-on with the bow.
• Lean back slightly to keep the bow high.
• Hold on and bail fast once through.

Pacific Coast Mexico can become treacherous with beach landings turning hazardous if big swells arrive

21) GOOD NAUTICAL

Oranjestad 🇦🇼 Surf Side Beach ARUBA

⚓ 12° 30.5100′ N 070° 2.0100′ W

Anchoring is possible in 3 to 10 meters, with a mix of sand, seagrass, and hard ground—check the bottom carefully to ensure good holding. A few sandy patches hold well. Generally exposed to wind, which helps air out the boat, though some swell is generated by constant water cab and jet-ski traffic, especially between the marina and Renaissance Island. The anchorage is well sheltered from swell otherwise.

The spot is close to the airport—very convenient for picking up guests, though plane noise can be a bit much during the day. Dinghies can be moored either in the harbor or at the Pinchos Bar restaurant (stern anchor required there, per restaurant policy).

It’s a noisy area overall, with bars and traffic, but offers easy access to town, a few supermarkets within walking distance, and expensive but decent restaurants (especially in the evenings). It made us want to explore the city more, though we only stayed a night under the yellow flag on our way to Panama.

22) TALOS LIGHTNING DETECTION 🔱
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

Real-World Test

Capt. Steve, BoatTEST’s director of testing and resident tech-head, evaluates the SFD-1000 using SiriusXM weather and a popular weather app for aviation as backup. With a storm approaching, the SFD-1000 indeed began flashing green with the first lightning strike 25 miles away. A little while later, the flashing changed to blue with the audible beeps indicating the approaching front was 16 miles away. If we had been out on the water, it would have been time to head to shore. As a storm closes in, it often picks up speed and it wasn’t long before we heard three beeps and the SFD-1000 flashed red.

https://oceanposse.com/talos-lightning-detection/

Observations

Thunder can only be heard from 10 miles away, but lighting can actually strike when a storm is as far away as 25 miles. That’s why the Talos Lightning Strike Detector is worthwhile, especially for the cost of $139. Lightning ranks second as a cause of weather-related injuries and fatalities. The SFD-1000 was nominated for an Innovation Award at the 2021 Storm Expo.

There are numerous benefits to the SFD-1000 for boaters, especially fishermen and long-range cruisers. It works in the background and stays on. It needs no attention to keep a user apprised with real-time data. Comparatively, an app or a chartplotter needs to be changed to the proper mode to provide the information. For the cost of a dinner date at a good restaurant, a boatowner can enhance his/her family’s safety. “

23)
HAULOUT AND STORAGE FACILITIES ALONG
OCEAN POSSE ROUTES

Hakim Marina & Boat Yard 🇧🇿 BELIZE
SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
with a 15 % discount

17° 32.8416′ N 088°15′.525′ W

200 gross metric tons | 30 feet wide Travel lift

22) WHALE MIGRATION ROUTES 🐋
ALONG THE EASTERN PACIFIC

Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)

They migrate from North and South America to breed and give birth in Central American waters.

Hotspots:

• Costa Rica: Marino Ballena National Park, Golfo Dulce.
• Panama: Coiba National Park, Gulf of Chiriquí.
• Nicaragua & El Salvador: Sightings are increasing as ecotourism grows.

Best time to see them:

• Northern Hemisphere humpbacks: Dec–Apr.
• Southern Hemisphere humpbacks: Jul–Oct.
• Yes, there’s overlap—this coast gets both migrations.

Bryde’s Whales (Balaenoptera edeni)

• Resident species – meaning they’re around year-round.
• Shy and fast-moving, often mistaken for dolphins.
• Feed on small schooling fish and plankton near the surface.

Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus)

• Occasional visitors, mostly off the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama.
• The Eastern Tropical Pacific is a lesser-known blue whale foraging area.
• Usually seen farther offshore.

False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens)

• Not a true whale, but part of the dolphin family.
• Highly social and sometimes seen in mixed pods with dolphins.
• Known to interact with fishing boats and even surf boat wakes.

Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)

• More likely spotted in deeper offshore waters.
• Central America’s continental shelf drops off fast, so sightings can occur relatively close to land.
• Travel in matrilineal groups, known for deep, long dives to hunt squid.

25) THE THINGS YOU SEE 🚀
GOING THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL

A barge carrying a huge fuel tank used by a NASA space shuttle transited the Panama Canal back in 2016.

Assisted by a tugboat, the barge carrying the Endeavour’s enormous external propulsion unit is headed for Los Angeles, California. It entered the Gatun Locks on the Atlantic Ocean just before noon yesterday and passed through the Miraflores Locks today.

Hundreds of tourists at the Miraflores Visitor Center took advantage of the unusual vessel’s presence to take pictures with their cell phones.

The tank is reportedly as large as a 15-story building and weighs approximately 66,000 pounds.

Upon arrival in Los Angeles, its road trip to the museum will require an 18-hour road closure due to its enormous size. Furthermore, it is the last surviving external propellant tank, built for the Endeavour shuttle missions.

26) OCEAN POSSE CANAL AGENT

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

Erick Gálvez

27) OCEAN POSSE FLEET IS 🛰️ TRACKING

Tracking the Ocean Posse … MORE ▶

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.

Boat Speed 2.9 kts

13 58.798s 137 28.315w

Last Updated5 Apr 2025, 16:11 (GMT)

John Jones’ Slow Odyssey

28) MEDIA PARTNERS

LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES

OCEAN POSSE HAS A SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE
FOLLOW THIS LINK ▶

29) SPONSORSHIP MARINAS
WITH OCEAN POSSE DISCOUNTS

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

Check this map for 120+ Ocean Posse friendly marinas near you

3

30) OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS

• ABERNATHY – PANAMA
• BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
• BOAT HOW TO
• CABRALES BOAT YARD
• CENTENARIO CONSULTING – PANAMA CANAL
• CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER
• DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
• DIGITAL YACHT
• DOWNWIND MARINE
• EL JOBO DIST. COSTA RICA
• FLOR DE CAÑA
• HAKIM MARINA AND BOAT YARD
• HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
• HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
• LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
• MARINA PAPAGAYO

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

31) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

• SSCA
• Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica
• Advertising Partners – Summerlin, LV – USA
• Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

BAHIA CULEBRA 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU

• Connect with a Global Crew
  Join a worldwide network of yacht owners and sailors—build friendships, share experiences, and never cruise alone again.
• Cruise with Confidence
  Access trusted local knowledge, safety resources, and expert advice to make every passage safer and more enjoyable.
• Unlock a Life of Adventure
  Explore hidden destinations, experience new cultures, and discover the freedom of life at sea—on your terms.
• Enjoy VIP Perks & Discounts at marinas, chandleries and boatyards
  Get exclusive discounts, priority access, and personalized support at partner marinas across the globe.
• Learn from the Best
  Tap into a wealth of tips, tools, and real-world know-how from seasoned cruisers to grow your skills and confidence.
• Make Every Nautical Mile Memorable
  Join events, meetups, and shared journeys that turn solo sails into unforgettable stories and lasting memories.
• Cruise with a Conscience
  Gain insights into sustainable practices and join a movement that protects the waters you love to explore.