“On a day when the wind is perfect,
the sail just needs to open and the world is full of beauty.”

– Rumi    


OCEAN POSSE LOGO

CRUISING ° FLEET UPDATE & NEWS 2025-06-08

  • 2024-2025 OP 🏆 Award Winners

  • SY Flow ⚠️ Ship Abandoned

  • Pictures Of The Week 📷

  • Snorkeling In The Sea Of Cortez 🇲🇹 Mexico

  • Puerto Viejo 🇲🇹 Costa Rica

  • Puerto Sotogrande 🇪🇸 Sponsors The Ocean Posse

  • BBQ Meet Up Marina Tahina 🇵🇫 Tahiti

  • Must See Grand Harbour 🇲🇹 Valletta Malta

  • Bora Bora 🏝️ Arii Motu Grill

  • Intel ⚡ Panama Lightning Map Details

  • Ocean Posse Partnership Marinas

  • Special Cruising ⚙️ Knowledge Series Seminar Added

  • Meet The Fleet ⛵ SY Okisollo

  • Join The Ocean Posse 📣 2025-2026 Season 9


THE OCEAN POSSE CELEBRATES THE ADVENTURES OF THE WATER WORLD WE LIVE IN
2025 AWARD  WINNERS

 


SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 KYLE & LEAH Gulfstar 44

 

award header picture of the yearPICTURE OF THE YEAR
(TIE OF TWO)

TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy – DeFever 52′

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

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

 

 

 

 approximately 14,615 miles // 12,700 nautical miles // 23,384 kilometers.
~ 12,700 nm: MY SEA XII  🇺🇸 Paul & Jamie – Nordhavn’ 72′

 

award captain ronTHE CAPTAIN RON AWARD 
brough to you by NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE 

Water Heater

MV HO’OKIPA 🇺🇸 Lucky Chuck & Lisa – Selene 46′

SY CANEL 🇺🇸 Kathya & Jeff Jeanneau 38
SY CANEL 🇺🇸 Kathya & Jeff Jeanneau 38


TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy – DeFever 52′


SY LONG WINDED  🇺🇸 Daniel & Marla- Jeanneau 42′

boat yoga

SY SUMMER BREEZE 🇺🇸 Kurtis + Sam – Bestway 46′

 


SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸JP Nicole & Crew & rescuers Lagoon 39′

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS 
Please contact registration@oceanposse.com to claim your bottles of Flor de Caña / Prize money courtesy of Novamar Yacht Insurance

Flor de Caña - Flor de Caña 12

 SY FLOW⛵️ SHIP ABANDONED

FROM https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Flow/

4 04.333n 145 32.318w
Abandon ship

Mon Jun 02 2025 14:16:00 GMT-0500 (Eastern Standard Time)

Two days ago at night we suddenly lost our rudder. Not sure why, may have hit something, may have been a fault in the rudder stock. We dropped the sails, and waited until morning to assess damage and install the emergency rudder. The next morning, we didn’t see any other damage, installed the emergency rudder, and started motoring and sailing when possible. We were almost exactly halfway between Tahiti and Hawaii, 1200 miles either way.

We contacted our buddy boat, Oatmeal Savage, 200 miles ahead, who turned around and came to meet us and assist as needed. Given our location, and the wind direction, it made the most sense to try to proceed to Hawaii.

After motoring and sailing with the emergency rudder all day and part of the night, it became clear that doing this 24/7 for 1200 miles would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. In addition, we were approaching an area of high wind and big seas, that would put us at significant risk. We met up with our buddy boat and tried towing the boat to see if that would help with steering, which was very difficult.

As a result, yesterday evening, we decided to abondon our boat, transfer as much stuff to our buddy boat as possible, and sink our boat. Definitely one of the harder decisions we’ve ever had to make.

We’re are safe and on our buddy boat heading for Hawaii about 11 days away.

We are so looking forward to being home.”

Flow
Vancouver,BC
🇨🇦 CANADA
Dehler 36′
MMSI 316027405
@🏝️FLOW⛵️Jeanne&Stuart

ON BEHALF OF SY FLOW WE WILL CONTROL AND KEEP  CONFIDENTIAL THE RELEASE OF THEIR DECISIONS.
THEIR ACCOUNT WILL BE SHARED TO THE OCEAN POSSE PARTICIPANTS ONLY VIA MONDAY’S 20:00 UTC LINE CALL. WE RESPECT THEIR DECISION TO KEEP THEIR STORY OFF THE SOCIALS. PLEASE RESPECT THEIR RIGHTS !


PICTURES OF THE WEEK 

Phoenix is leaving the Gambiers today for the Tuamotus. t took us a while, but we finally did figure out the surf spots in Gambiers. This is one of my crew on the wave of the day in last week’s big swell.

SY PHOENIX 🇺🇸 Zach  – Balance  52′


gambier

SNORKELING IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ
ISLA MONSERRATE 🇲🇽 MEXICO 

 

Amazing snorkeling today near Montserrat (Loreto area, Baja),

Amazing snorkeling today near Montserrat (Loreto area, Baja),

25° 42.48′ N  111° 02.8966′ W

 


SY JOURNEY 🇺🇸   Anne-Laure and Rem – Manta 42′


PUERTO VIEJO 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA 

PUERTO VIEJO

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, located on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica near the Panama border, is a vibrant town with limited nautical infrastructure but deep cultural and historical layers.

⚓ Good Nautical Overview

Day Anchorage Location:

09° 39.3789′ N 82° 45.4978′ W

Anchoring & Entry Notes:

  • Not a formal port of entry – closest official ports are Puerto Limón (north) and Sixaola/Guabito (by land on the way to  Panama similar process applies as in Plays Cocos to go to Customs etc).

  • Anchorage is possible just offshore in settled weather, but it is not well protected. Swell can wrap around, especially in the dry season (Jan  Apr )

  • There is no marina or fuel dock in Puerto Viejo itself. Dinghy landings are beach-based, usually pulled up near the main pier area.

  • Navigation should be cautious – coral reefs and shoals fringe the coastline and there are several shipwrecks in the small bay with surfers.

  • Surf conditions are often active – the famous Salsa Brava reef break just off town can create dangerous conditions for landing small craft. This is a laid back community with noticeable recreational drugs present in the air.

Puerto Viejo GN

🌊 Current Developments

While Puerto Viejo remains without a marina, the Costa Rican government has shifted its focus to developing maritime infrastructure in other parts of the Caribbean coast. Notably, an $854 million project is underway in Puerto Limón, aiming to construct a cruise terminal and marina to boost tourism and economic growth in the region

SY CARINTHIA  🇺🇸 Dietmar, Suzanne & Maxi

puerto viejo

PUERTO SOTOGRANDE 🇪🇸 SPONSORS  THE OCEAN POSSE

36° 17.34′ N   005°162216′ W

We are excited to support the Ocean  Posse.
Our facilities await your visit and our friendly staff is looking forward to welcoming you.

We look forward to welcoming all vising yachts to Puerto Sotogrande and offer a 10 % discount off our slip fees.

CONTACT

E: administracion@puertosotogrande.com
Tel +34 956 79 00 00
VHF Channel 9

Address:
Puerto Deportivo Control Tower
11310 Sotogrande
Cádiz – SPAIN 🇪🇸

SERVICES

  • 24 HOURS SECURITY
  • FUEL PUMP
  • WATER AND ELECTRICITY
  • DIVER SERVICE
  • 1,382 SLIPS  27′ – 229′
  • LAUNDRY
  • HAUL OUT

AMMENITIES

  • GYM
  • CHANDLERY & NAUTICAL STORES
  • RESTAURANTS
  • BARS
  • SHOPS
  • HOTEL
  • HEALTH AND WELLNESS
  • CAR RENTALS
  • BANKS
  • SHIPPING

NEARBY MUST SEE

  • Gibraltar

    • The Rock, monkeys, WWII tunnels, Moorish castle

    • Duty-free shopping, British naval history

  • Baelo Claudia Roman Ruins (Bolonia)

    • Ancient Roman city with amphitheater, basilica, garum factory

    • Beach anchorage, museum, scenic views

  • Tarifa

    • Moorish old town, Guzmán el Bueno Castle

    • Windsurfing/kitesurfing hub, whale watching

  • Castellar de la Frontera

    • Walled hilltop village with a Moorish castle

    • Views over reservoir and Los Alcornocales Park

  • Estrecho Natural Park (Strait of Gibraltar)

    • Protected marine corridor

    • Rich in marine life: dolphins, pilot whales, seasonal orcas

  • Ceuta (Spanish enclave in North Africa)

    • Fortified city with Spanish-Moroccan mix

    • Cross-strait adventure, unique port stop

  • Los Alcornocales Natural Park

    • Cork oak forests, hiking, waterfalls

    • Accessible from several inland towns

  • Whale Migration Corridor

    • Best from Tarifa or at sea

    • Sperm whales, orcas (in summer), dolphins (year-round)


OCEAN POSSE BBQ MEET UP 🔥
MARINA TAHINA  🇵🇫 TAHITI
SATURDAY JUL 14 14:00 – 16:00 

Captain Alan of SY Cyrolia and Marina Tahina are hosting an impromptu BBQ this Sunday at Marina Tahina. 🧭 Bring Your finest grill-worthy protein anda side dish or treat to share with the fleet
🍹 Free Rum will be provided for all


Allan
SY CYROLIA 🇺🇸 Allan  Jeanneau 52


NEXT ZOOM EVENT 🐳 THE WHALE WHISPERER 

THU JUN 12
@ 17:00 LISBON TIME 12:00 EDT 13:00 PANAMA 09:00 PDT

 


MUST SEE 🔭 ⚓ Grand Harbour – Valletta 🇲🇹 Malta

For sailors whop reason to discover this harbor

  • Continuously active harbor since Phoenician times (over 2,500 years of maritime history)

  • Strategic importance in every major naval era: Roman, Arab, Norman, Crusader, Ottoman, British

  • Home to the Knights of St. John, whose naval dominance in the 16th–18th centuries made this one of the most fortified harbors in the world

  • Site of the Great Siege of 1565, one of the most pivotal sea sieges in European history

  • British Royal Navy stronghold during the 19th and 20th centuries; critical in WWII Mediterranean operations

  • Still operational today as a commercial and cruise port, superyacht marina, and naval dockyard

Coordinates:
📍 35°53.85′ N   014° 30.89′ E

  • Fort St. Angelo

and Fort Ricasoli guard the entrance

malta historic docks
  • Historic drydocks, bastions, and shipyards still visible

  • Heritage-rich neighborhoods like Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua (“Three Cities”)

     


Bora bora  🏝️  arii Motu grill

16°32.003′ S   151°42.2783′ W

When In Bora Bora, come to Arii Motu grill. They have homemade rum punch, cold beer, beautiful setting. They will make you a custom dinner with one day notice. BBQ chicken or pork, or fish, 3 course meal. They’re suuuuper nice people and you can walk through their property to the ocean side with a beautiful shelling beach

aari motu

OCEAN POSSE SHARING INTEL
PANAMA LIGHTNING MAP DETAILS 

A note from SY MAISON DE SANTÉ:

(This week) marks the beginning of hurricane season in the Atlantic. Wishing everyone the best as we find safe (and hopefully beautiful) spots to tuck away in. It’s been a great season and looking forward to
the next one 💕

For those on the Atlantic Side of the Canal this link has last years monthly atmospheric and lightning maps as a reference for what one could expect:

https://www.imhpa.gob.pa/uploads/documentos/mapas_de_descargas_elctricas_atmosfericas_por_km2_ao_2024-1343352720.pdf

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



OCEAN POSSE PARTNERSHIP MARINAS 

MARINAS

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA   🇧🇸 BAHAMAS   🇧🇿 BELIZE   🇧🇲 BERMUDA   🇻🇬 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   🇨🇻 CAPE VERDE   🇰🇾 CAYMAN ISLANDS   🇨🇱 CHILE   🇨🇴 COLOMBIA - Caribbean   🇨🇷 COSTA RICA - Pacific Coast   🇨🇺 CUBA   🇩🇲 DOMINICA   🇩🇴 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 🇪🇨 ECUADOR   🇸🇻 EL SALVADOR   🇬🇮 GIBRALTAR   🇬🇩 GRENADA   🇬🇹  GUATEMALA - Pacific Coast   🇬🇹  GUATEMALA Rio Dulce   🇫🇯 FIJI   🇭🇳 HONDURAS - Bay of Islands - Roatan 🇮🇹 ITALY   🇯🇲  JAMAICA   🇲🇽 MEXICO - Caribbean 🇲🇽 MEXICO - Pacific Coast   🇳🇿 NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇮 NICARAGUA - Pacific Coast   🇳🇺 NIUE   🇵🇦  PANAMA - Pacific Coast 🇵🇦  PANAMA - Caribbean   🇵🇹 PORTUGAL 🇵🇷 PUERTO RICO 🇱🇨 SAINT LUCIA 🇸🇽 SINT MAARTEN 🇪🇸 SPAIN   🇰🇳 ST KITTS & NEVIS Port Zante Marina 🇹🇳 TUNISIA   🇹🇴 TONGA   🇹🇨 TURCS AND CAICOS   🇻🇮 US VIRGIN ISLANDS   🇺🇸 USA - East Coast   🇺🇸 USA - Pacific Coast   🇻🇺 VANUATU  

SPECIAL CRUISING  KNOWLEDGE SERIES
SEMINAR ADDED

WATERMAKER DIAGRAM

Marine Watermakers Seminars Part 1 ▶

Marine Watermakers Series PART 1 JULY 10  Segment 1: Watermaker Fundamentals & Choosing the Right System

Marine Watermakers Seminars Part 2 ▶

Marine Watermakers Seminar Series Segment 2: Installation & Operation at Sea
Goal: Walk through real-world installation examples and BEST PRACTICES

Marine Watermakers Seminars Part 3 ▶

Marine Watermakers  Segment 3: Maintenance, Repairs & Emergency Workarounds
Goal: Equip participants with the knowledge to keep their system RUNNING
watermakers part 3

PRESENTED BY RICH
Rich


MEET THE FLEET SY OKISOLLO

Dan & Jeanne

We live aboard Okisollo, an Island Packet 485 named after the channel in BC “Okisollo”, famous for its tidal rapids that run over 10 knots. We used to cruise a lot up in desolation sound and had some land adjacent to the Octopus Island Marine Park. Okisollo channel might be the first nation translation for ‘passageway’ or it might be some old guy & his hollow –aka Oki’s hollow. We prefer the former.

We first cruised from Seattle to New Zealand in 1999–everyone thought we were a bit crazy in our 20’s. But then we worked, had a kiddo and worked some more and we turned out mostly normal. The cruising life builds resilience like nothing else that we know. We have to be creative, don’t give up until the problem is solved, leverage the skills of the community and laugh to keep spirits up when things are rough. We’ve both used this throughout our life-to-date and have managed to keep calm under the most extreme pressures.

For us being on the boat is something that we enjoy doing together. We each have our boat hobbies….Dan likes to cook & fix all the things. Jeanne likes to navigate and plan all the things. We are learning that we have to balance boat time with ‘off boat time’ so as to spend enough time with family & friends. We like to keep moving when we are on the boat and yet we appreciate standing still when a place is just what our soul needs.
What’s one moment at sea that changed the way you see the world?

On our first voyage to New Zealand, on our first ‘offshore’ leg, we had a hose pop off of the cockpit drain. With a following sea, we started taking on water. We were about 2 days out. We sprung into action and worked the problem — but before we identified the problem, we had a few minutes of ‘oh $h!t, are we done for?’ When I stand in line at the DMV (or anywhere else equally as frustrating) and everyone is complaining about how long it takes or what isn’t right, I just think to myself — well at least the boat isn’t sinking — and if it is, I’m sure we can figure a way to mcgyver our way out…keep calm and carry on!

While it is amazing to have a huge bay to ourselves and/or the awe inspiring tranquility of sunset on a deserted beach — we really do love cruising with a few other boats. The community is key for us. The people we’ve met sailing, or have sailed with are our most treasured friends.

WHERE TO NEXT ?

We’ve got to get around the world (Dan’s bucket). I’m learning Italian…so perhaps the med?

 

 

SY OKISOLLO 🇺🇸 Jeanne & Dan – Island Packet 52′

 

https://oceanposse.com/italy/


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
  • SAFETY ONBOARD COSTA RICA
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • SHAFT SHARK
  • SUN POWERED YACHTS
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS

 

NOVAMAR YACHT INSURANCE


MEDIA PARTNERS
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES


https://oceanposse.com/latitudes-and-attitudes/

OCEAN POSSE FLEET 🛰️ TRACKING

 


 

 

 

 


 

JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE

 

MEET UP @ BOAT SHOWS AROUND THE WORLD
SAVE MONEY, TIME AND REDUCE BOAT STRESS
 

✔️ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts ✔️
📊 Communications focused on facts, not opinions or unsolicited advice ✔️
💰 Save real money at 70+ Marinas with discounts * ✔️
🛰️ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind ✔️
🚩 Free Burgee ✔️
💰 Save with service providers and chandleries ✔️
🕵️ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in agents ✔️
🗺️ Free aid to navigation 150 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android) ✔️
💰 Save Money on parts with a Westmarine Pro Discount ✔️
💰 Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount ✔️
🗺️ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics ✔️
📹 Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there ✔️
🌩️ Top weather routing avail by Marine Weather Center Chris Parker ✔️
⛵ Community of voyagers all are welcome, kids, single-handers, pets ✔️
⚓ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures ✔️
🛈 Fleet Updates via email – free ✔️
🏆 Fun Award Categories ✔️
📍 Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage reports ✔️
☎️ Free Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group ✔️
💬 Free 24/7 LINE group channel ✔️
🌊 Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants ✔️
🔭 Be part of a fleet of sensor for those who come behind you or meet ✔️
🚷 Always priority traffic – for participants by participants ✔️

 

 


SIGN UP TODAY


Extraordinary Cruising °°° Join the Fleet

  • Access vetted local knowledge, safety resources, and prior experiences to make your passage safer and more enjoyable.
  • Unlock a Life of Adventure
    Explore hidden destinations, experience new cultures, and discover the freedom of life at sea or near shore – on your terms.
  • Get VIP Perks & Discounts at marinas, chandleries and boatyards
    Get exclusive discounts, priority access, and personalized support at partner marinas across the globe.
  • Observe the actions of Experienced Captains
    Tap into a wealth of tips, tools, and real-world know-how from seasoned mariners to grow your skills and gain confidence.
  • Make Every Nautical Mile Memorable
    Join events, meetups, and shared journeys that turn you voyages 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.

 

 



Privacy Preference Center