find out more ▶ | renew ▶ | sign up now ▶ | forward to a mariner ▶ | subscribe ▶

Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

— Mark Twain

CRUISING ° FLEET UPDATE & NEWS ⚓ 2025-09-28

Name: ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 🇺🇸 MARYLAND USA
Start: 2025-10-09
End: 2025-10-12
Location: ANNAPOLIS

Ocean Posse Will Be at the Annapolis 🏛️ Sail Boat Show at Vb9
Pictures of the Week
Ocean Posse ⚓ Route Pods
Meet the Fleet 🇺🇸 Song of the Sea
Musket Cove Marina 🇫🇯 Sponsors the Ocean Posse
3 Weeks Left to for the Annuck Yach Tsurvey
Papagayo Winds 💨
Official Ocean Posse Events
4 Days Cruising Seminars 🇺🇸 San Diego Oct 14 – 17 2025
Must See – Altun Ha 🇧🇿 Belize
Grand Pavoise⛵ La Rochelle 🇫🇷 France
Ocean Posse Sponsors
Media Partners
Ocean Posse Fleet 🛰️ Tracking
Marina Sponsors
Ocean Posse Panama 🇵🇦 Canal Agents
Panama Canal Turbulance
Ocean Posse Merchandise | Made to Order Only
💬 Tidbits
— Fisheries Supply Fall Swap Meet

OCEAN POSSE @ THE ANNAPOLIS 🏛️ SAIL BOAT SHOW AT VB9

This annual celebration of sailing features floating docks lined with sailboats from manufacturers around the world. Multihulls, monohulls, cruisers, racers, sailing dinghies and more. Show tents line the shore, stocked with the latest in nautical gear and accessories, electronics, communication equipment, sails, rigging, education, charter companies, clubs and more. Seasoned and novice sailors alike are invited to expand their horizons and connect with fellow sailors during this internationally acclaimed show. Meet us at VB 09 and pick up your burgee !!!

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

18° 42.8116′ S 174°02.45′ W
Nuku Beach Vava’u 🇹🇴 TONGA

SY ILIOHALERina & Alan – Lagoon 450F’

The Vava’u group in northern Tonga is one of the South Pacific’s finest cruising grounds, a maze of over 50 emerald islands and limestone islets ringed by turquoise waters. For sailors, it offers a near-perfect blend of safe anchorages, short passages, and unspoiled beauty. The islands are compactly arranged, meaning most anchorages are only an hour or two apart, yet each feels distinct—ranging from lively village harbors to remote, deserted coves.

Beyond the natural beauty, Vava’u offers cultural warmth. Villagers greet sailors with a smile, and Sunday feasts or kava ceremonies provide authentic encounters with Tongan traditions. With steady trade winds, clear waters, and abundant marine life, the Vava’u islands is a incredible archipelago that rewards those seeking a relaxing environment.

37°06.8016′ N 008°31.275′ W
Praia Grande – Ferragudo, Portugal

SY LA OLA 🇩🇪 Axel & Brit – Lagoon 45′

Praia Grande, set at the mouth of the Rio Arade in Ferragudo, Algarve, is a wide golden-sand beach sheltered by breakwaters and overlooked by the medieval Castelo de São João do Arade. Unlike some of the rugged coves along the coast, Praia Grande offers a long, flat stretch of sand, making it ideal for sailors seeking a calm anchorage nearby. The protective jetties create relatively gentle surf, so swimming and paddleboarding are usually safe, while beach cafés and restaurants line the dunes.

For sailors with tenders, Praia Grande makes an inviting landing spot – a place to stretch legs, enjoy a meal, or climb into Ferragudo’s narrow streets for a taste of authentic Algarve life.

THE OCEAN POSSE ⚓ ROUTE PODS

This season it’s time for you to choose your Pods – or mini Posse’s think of them as your route tattoos for your voyage ahead.
Each pod has its own emoji tag so you can mark your cruising plans and spot kindred spirits. If you invent a new route you can pick your own symbol and pod name.

⚓ 👉 Each pod = your Route Tattoo : just drop the emoji in chat to tag yourself and show your season’s cruising vibe.
Extra DIY points for stitching or painting your emoji on this season’s burgee . Your annual membership of $ 349
gives you full support along any of these routes and your membership gives you full access to resources in 50 + maritime areas !

The Ocean Posse is extremely pet friendly – bring your best friend along !

MEET THE FLEET 🇺🇸 SONG OF THE SEA

We are currently sailing in Maupiti, French Polynesia. We loved every place we have visited in our journey of 5 years. Grant dreamed of sailing since he was 5. We love being free. Seeing places, meeting people. It is an amazing life.

For us this journey is a shared adventure for our family. The time we have spent together, making bonds, are truly unbelievable. One way that changed the way we see the world is that there is a difference now between disaster and inconvenience. We are floating, everybody is healthy – all is good. All else is inconvenience.

The most unexpected lesson we’ve learned while living and traveling on our vessel is that People are much more alike than we think. We try to visit local churches and make friends and hope to continue on our circumnavigation.

SY SONG OF THE SEA 🇺🇸 Grant, Irina, Aliona and Anastasia – Lagoon 49′

TikTok: G Family SuiteLifeOnSongOftheSea
Instagram: Songofthesea2020
Facebook: Song of the Sea Public Group
Youtube: @GFamily_SongoftheSea

MUSKET COVE MARINA 🇫🇯 SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

We welcome any of the South Pacific Posse to Musket Cove at any time.

We’re pleased to offer a Free Berthing Day for 5 Paid Days to all of your Posse Members.

Login for this info

www.musketcovefiji.com

AMENITIES

At Musket Cove you’ll find the pace of life smooth and unhurried. The resort is owned
and operated by Fiji’s oldest resort company, with 400 acres of palm fringed beaches
and tropical gardens. You will be hosted by 150 extremely warm and dedicated staff,
who will endeavour to ensure your visit is one to cherish. Take a moment to familarize yourself
with the following;

No animals are allowed on shore.
We care for our environment so please help with careful disposal of waste water, pollutants
and rubbish. Rubbish bins are located behind the Marina Office.

Charge It! Yacht visitors are welcome to open an account at the Marina office for all
transactions. Including, the

Trader General Store
Dick’s Place Bistro & Bar
Trade Cafe
Island Bar
Dive Shop
Fuel

Marine Sanctuary: All waters in and around Musket Cove, including moorings are a Marine
Sanctuary with all fishing prohibited.

The Trader General Store is open daily between 8am -7pm.

Laundry – token operated washing
machines and dryers is located in the ablutions building opposite the Trader Cafe. Tokens can be
purchased from the Trader General Store.

Musket Cove Yacht Club Island Bar: The iconic Island Bar is a great meeting place. With coin
operated BBQ’s available.

Open 10am till late. BBQ Packs can be purchased at the Trader Cafe

Bottle Shop: Bulk discount Beer, Wine & Sprits can be purchased from Dicks Place Bar between
the hours of 9am till 11am & 3pm to 5pm

Dick’s Place Bistro & Bar: Open daily Breakfast:7.00am – 1100am, Lunch: 11.30am –2.00pm,
Dinner: 7pm – 9pm. Daily a la carte and check out our famous Theme night buffets. Reservations
required.

Swimming Pool: You are welcome to use the pool, excluding Regatta Week. Resort guests
have priority on sun lounges. Lounge and restaurant area is for wining and dining only. Please do
not use these areas to place your belongings. You must follow the pool rules.

Makare Spa: Our dedicated spa offers a full range of beauty and relaxation treatments. The Spa
is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Scuba Diving: Subsurface Fiji specializes in making diving fun for all. They offer a full range of
PADI Scuba Diving. Check out Fiji’s famous and fantastic dive spots, day trips departing daily
from Musket Cove Marina.
Ducks & Dingies: Please tie up at the end of the marina towards the MCYC Island Bar so that
they are not in the way of vessels berthed at the Marina.
Drinking Water: Available at the Marina for 10 cents per liter.
Mail: Incoming mail is kept at the Marina Office. The outgoing mail bag is in the
boutique where stamps are available

Malolo Cat: The Malolo Cat operates 4 times daily. Purchase tickets at the resorts front
office and be ready for boarding 30 minutes prior to departure
WIFI: Paid WIFI is available throughout the resort and MCYC Island Bar via Tomizone
and can be purchased from Front office and the Trader General Store
Note: Musket Cove is a functioning resort and all visitors must respect the comfort of all. Shirts
and appropriate clothing must be worn in public areas and children must be accompanied and
well behaved. Poor or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated and Management reserve
the right to deny service for infringements deemed unacceptable

RATES

MARINA BERTHING
DAILY BERTHING RATE
F$4.80 PER METRE MONOHULLS
F$8.50 PER METRE MULTIHULLS
PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR MONTHLY AND LONG TERM BERTHING RATES
SWING MOORINGS – VESSELS UPTO 25 TONS
F$25.00 PER NIGHT
PAID IN ADVANCE & NON-REFUNDABLE
Rates expressed in Fiji Dollars and Include VAT.

SAFE APPROACH TO MUSKET COVE MARINA

LOCATION

only 3 weeks left for a chance to win $250
TAKE THE Annual Ocean Posse Survey ⚓️

Ahoy Captains and Crew,There’s nothing quite like a good survey to get your day started – a little honesty, a little embarrassment, and a whole lot of truth. We’re excited (yes, really excited) to hear what you really think.

This is your chance to weigh in – anonymously – and help shape the course of the Ocean Posse fleet. No names, no judgments, just your salty insights.Grab a coffee, drop anchor, and take a few minutes to fill it out. 👉

Take the Survey Now

We’re counting on you – and there might just be a $250 prize at the end of your honesty.Stay informed, The Ocean Posse Team

PAPAGAYO WINDS 💨

The Papagayo winds are powerful seasonal gusts that sweep across Central America, most notably through Nicaragua and Costa Rica, where low mountain passes funnel trade winds from the Caribbean toward the Pacific. These winds occur mainly from November through March, often reaching gale force and creating rough seas in the Gulf of Papagayo. For sailors, they pose both challenge and opportunity: demanding careful timing and seamanship, but also offering swift passages when managed properly. Local fishermen and mariners have long adapted to their rhythm, and cruising yachts must prepare with secure anchoring, reefed sails, and vigilant weather routing when transiting.

The Papagayo Winds are strong, seasonal winds that blow across the Pacific Ocean near Central America, particularly off the coasts of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. These winds can significantly affect sailors in the region, especially those traveling near the Gulf of Papagayo.

What Causes Papagayo Winds?

The winds are caused by a combination of:

Pressure Differences: High-pressure systems over the Caribbean and low-pressure systems over the Pacific create a pressure gradient, funneling winds through gaps in the Central American mountain ranges, particularly around Lake Nicaragua.
Topography: The gap between the mountains accelerates the winds, sometimes reaching gale force.
Seasonality: Papagayo winds are most common during the dry season (December to April), coinciding with the northeast trade winds.

Characteristics of Papagayo Winds

Strength: Winds can reach 20-50 knots, with occasional gusts exceeding 60 knots.
Duration: They can last for hours or days, creating rough seas with steep, short-period waves.
Direction: Typically blow from the northeast to the northwest, affecting coastal waters and up to 300 miles offshore.

You’ll have a chance to enter in the highest wind recorded award – just snap a picture of the wind gusts experience .

How to Deal with Papagayo Winds

1. Planning

Monitor Forecasts: Use reliable marine weather services to anticipate wind and wave conditions. The Gulf of Papagayo is a known hotspot, so check regional forecasts regularly – look for gusts forecasts (not wind) forcasts GFS / PWE .
Seasonal Awareness: If possible, time your passage outside the peak wind season (April- May- November early December is typically calmer but you can encounter thunderstorms higher CAPE index and squalls).

2. Timing

Sail Early: Winds are often strongest in the afternoon. Plan to sail in the early morning when they are likely to be weaker.
Wait It Out: If winds are exceptionally strong, consider delaying your passage until conditions improve. Anchor with plenty of scope and recover.

3. Navigation

HUG the Coast: If conditions permit, keep as minum a safe distance from the coastline to avoid the square waves of the wind acceleration near land.
Seek Shelter: Anchor in protected bays or marinas. The Gulf of Papagayo and the coast of Nicaragua has some anchorage where you can anchor but be prepared to deal with 35+ knots

4. Adjust Your Sailing

Reef : double ripple reefed mains Reduce sail area before the winds pick up to maintain better control
Pointing: Sail at an angle to the wind to minimize the pounding from waves.
Balance the Load: Properly trim your sails and adjust weight distribution to improve stability.

5. Safety Precautions

Secure Gear: Ensure all loose items are stowed, as rough seas can toss unsecured items around.
Crew Preparedness: Keep your crew briefed and equipped with safety gear, including harnesses and life jackets.
Engine Check: Be ready to motor if necessary, as high winds and waves may require additional power.

6. Resources

Look at the WIndgusts forecats these winds are gusts and will blow 70 % of the time – gusts +10knots is what you can plan for
Apps and Tools: Use wind forecasting tools like PredictWind NOAA or WIndy

Witches rock is a Pacific Coast Costa Rica surf spot easily reachable from Marina Papagayo

OFFICIAL OCEAN POSSE EVENTS

Thu - Sun October 2025

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW 🇺🇸 MARYLAND USA

ANNAPOLIS, Annapolis Town Dock Booth VB 9

View Detail

Tue - Fri October 2025

OCEAN POSSE 🇺🇸 SAN DIEGO BAY 4 DAY CRUISING SEMINARS SERIES @ SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY

SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY EVENT CENTER, CHULA VISTA, SAN DIEGO, CA

View Detail

Sat October 2025

OCEAN POSSE MARINE INSURANCE SEMINAR

ZOOM, ONLINE

View Detail

https://oceanposse.com/events/ocean-posse-kick-off-week/

Wed - Sun December 2025

OCEAN POSSE KICK OFF 🇲🇽 BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO December 3-7 2025

MARINA PUERTO DE LA NAVIDAD, BARRA DE NAVIDAD, MEXICO

View Detail

Sun January 2026

FIESTA NAUTICA CLUB DE PESCA CARTAGENA 🇨🇴

CLUB DE PESCA, CARTAGENA COLOMBIA

View Detail

Sat January 2026

OCEAN POSSE AT SHELTER BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

SHELTER BAY MARINA, FORT SHERMAN, PANAMA

View Detail

Thu September 2026

OCEAN POSSE & BEN TAYLOR STREET PARTY @ CANNES 🇫🇷 YACHTING FESTIVAL

TAQUERIA LUPITA, 72 Rue Meynadier, Cannes

View Detail