FLEET UPDATE 2024-02-25

 

Panama Posse

 

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

galapagos

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

[I]t is the wine that leads me on,

the wild wine

that sets the wisest man to sing

at the top of his lungs,

laugh like a fool – it drives the

man to dancing... it even

tempts him to blurt out stories

better never told.

 The Odyssey - Homer 

TOP NEWS  

  • Exploring the Magic of the Sun in Pictures This Week 🇲🇽 🇵🇦 🇪🇨 🇧🇸
  • Season 7 Award Entries: Highest Wind Recorded
  • The outstanding Galapagos Adventures 🇪🇨
  • Posse Members help each other across many miles 🇲🇽 🇵🇦
  • Overland journey in El Salvador & Guatemala 🇸🇻 🇬🇹
  • Good Nautical: Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
  • Belize: A Tiny World Leader in Sustainable Development 🌴
  • Meet the Fleet: SY EVER AFTER  👫
  • Safety Alert: Navigating with Multiple Sources 🛰️
  • Security Alerts: Corruption in the Bahamas 🇧🇸 and beyond
  • MUST SEE: Sian Ka’am Biosphere  🇲🇽 
  • Cruising Yachts ⛵ for sale 

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

PANAMA POSSE Season 7

266 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

 

vessels's ensigns

 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Bahamas Life!  Bimini to Berry's.🇧🇸 

SY DA MMAD CAT 🇺🇸 Andrea & Danny – Lagoon 42’

DA MMAD CAT Danny
DA MMAD CAT Andrea
DA MMAD CAT Chloe

San Blas Islands , Panama🏝️lives up to the hype. Tons of “Jack approved” beaches 🇵🇦

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan -  Cal 46'

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole
image

SY SONG OF THE SEA enjoying the Giant Tortoise in the Galapagos, Ecuador 🇪🇨 

SY SONG OF THE SEA 🇺🇸  Grant & Aliona & Irina & Anastasia - Lagoon 49′

Song of the Sea
song of the sea
song of the sea
song of the sea

2) SAVE THE DATE : 

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 

@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

 

Panama Posse

 

 

RSVP
 HERE 
   

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 
@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

Placencia Yacht Club

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

CONTACT

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

Beat & Caroline
 

RSVP
   

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

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

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

SAFE APPROACH 

SAFE APPROACH

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

Docks in Belize
 

BELIZE

 

3) THE MAGIC THE SUN WORKED THIS WEEK

IN PICTURES

Panama Posse & Belize

Cayó Icacos looking at the East coast of Puerto Rico, USA  🇺🇸 sunset

SY OZ  🇺🇸  Sue & Steve - Catana 40′

OZ SusanOZ Steven
summerbreeze and cheistry

Approaching Vista Mar Marina 🇵🇦  Panama 

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

COURAGECOURAGE
Sunset by Carinthia

Sunset in San Blas 🇵🇦   Panama

SY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸  Dietmar & Susan - Lagoon 44′

Dietmar
CARINTHIA suzanne
CARINTHIA Maxi

4) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

 ONE NEW HIGHEST WIND RECORDED ENTRY

40kts on the dock in Vista Mar Marina, Panama 🇵🇦 

SY TIAMAT 🇺🇸 Stephanie & Owen – Fountaine Pajot 44’

TIAMAT - Owen
Flor de Caña Centenario 18 Year Old

Flor de Caña sponsors the Panama  Posse 

ANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:

  • BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
  • PICTURE OF THE YEAR
  • YODA OF THE YEAR
  • SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
  • THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
  • MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
  • HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
  • SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
  • GALLEY GOD(ESS)
  • GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
  • BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
  • COURAGE AWARD
  • BEST INTERPRETATION OF A CLOUD AWARD 

Dreamer

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

5) PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

land trip

WHEN 2 OR MORE PANAMA POSSE YACHTS MEET IT BECOMES A 
PPP 
PANAMA POSSE PARTY 

(1) PANAMA POSSE 

BELIZE YACHT FEST 

APRIL 6 2024

PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

🇧🇿 BELIZE

 

SAT Feb 3, 2024 Sheleter BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

 

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: 

 

Beat & Caroline
 

 

Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181


RSVP FOR CARI
Shelter Bay

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

SAT. MAY 11 '24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

 

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

 

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama.
The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City
and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast
of Panama.

Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

Cesar Buenaventura Marina

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


RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
 

Buenaventura

 

6) GALAPAGOS 🇪🇨  ADVENTURES

 

Galapagos

 

The Galapagos Islands of Ecuador

The
Panama Posse, once a handful of vessels collectively sailing south
along the Pacific Coast of the Central America, has grown to 264 vessels
and become part of a larger Posse: the Ocean Posse.  The Ocean
Posse consists of three sailing groups: The Atlantic Posse, The Panama
Posse, and the South Pacific Posse.  

SV SONG OF THE SEA is part of both the Panama Posse and the South Pacific Posse.  SONG OF THE SEA left Panama in mid December for the Galapagos.  Below are some photos of their Galapagos Adventures.  

Grant reports in short: "Galapagos has been Great."

 

Hokipa's Track

 

Grant and Irina in San Christobal, Galapagos, Ecuador

DOWN WIND MARINE AND THE PANAMA POSSE

Taking in the Galapagos by boat.

Taking in the Galapagos overland.

SY SONG OF THE SEA 🇺🇸 Grant, Irina, Aliona, Anastasia - Lagoon 50′

Song of the Sea
song of the sea
song of the sea
song of the sea

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures on the water !

 7) SHARE YOUR SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION 
is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, your
breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group
communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email
Maurisa at
editor@panamaposse.com
to share in the upcoming newsletter.  Maurisa is a sailor among
us.  She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse.
 

Da MMad Cat leaving Key Biscayne for Bimini, a lighthouse to guide them.

8) POSSE PERK: MARINERS HELPING EACH OTHER TROUBLESHOOT LIFE AT SEA IN REAL TIME
  

FLARE TESTING

The Cruisers outboard engine is a very important piece of equipment.

No
matter where a vessel is in the world, the outboard motor on its tender
is ideally performing in tip top shape for trips to and from the
mothership.  Last week a vessel in Mexico and a vessel in Panama
happened to be troubleshooting their outboard engines.  

Same issue, different location, No problem.

One vessel wrote asking for a mechanic referral while another replied, "mechanic  literally fixed this yesterday on our same outboard" and shared a picture of a corroded wire.

"The wire from battery to engine is not marine grade and needed to be replaced."  

Dietmar from CARINTHIA in Panama helping Mark from SERENITY in Mexico through the mire.

Panama Posse members have a private group chat in which they ask questions and share facts and findings.  

SY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸  Dietmar & Susan - Lagoon 44′

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

Dietmar
CARINTHIA suzanne
CARINTHIA Maxi
SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK
 

POSSE PERK 
Watch this video about  YACHT WIRE SIZING CONNECTIONS FUSES BASICS   yachts presented  by BOAT HOW TO with ABYC Standards extraordinaire  Nigel Calder 

 

https://panamaposse.com/seminars#wire

 

Marinas

9) TURTLE CAY MARINA 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

09° 35.935′ N  079° 26.3233′ W

marina

We are excited to Sponsor the Panama Posse with the following discounts !

  • 15 % discounts on slips; or stay 4 nights, pay for 3
  • Long term discounts of at least 15 %, depending on length of stay
  • 15 % discount on metered electric service
  • free delivery service to your yacht from Panama City
  • unlimited use of our large shower- change- bathrooms and full coin operated laundry
  • unlimited use of our covered social area and B-B-Q
  • free unlimited use of our beaches, beach huts and bath rooms
  • free unlimited use of our fresh water swimming pools except Saturdays or Sundays. (Unless you’re a hotel guest).
  • 15 % discount on food and drinks at our restaurants
  • 15 % discount at our hotel
  • exclusive personnel transfer service to or from Panama City or airport for $50. (Max. 3 persons)

CONTACT

Cell/Whatsapp  +(507) 6671-6625

Office +507 302 2100

info@turtlecaymarina.com

window

AMENITIES

  • Slips up to 120 feet
  • 100 amp pedestals
  • 30 miles away from San Blas
  • Fresh water
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Fuel dock
  • Yacht club
  • Beach bar
  • Restaurant
  • Laundry room
  • Bathrooms
  • Showers
  • White sandy beaches
  • Taxi service
  • 24-hour security
  • Services
  • Fuel Service
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bottom Jobs
  • Haul out
  • Stands
  • Blocks
  • Pressure wash
  • Light scrape
  • Temporary letter

10) SY EVER AFTER GOES OVERLAND IN

EL SALVADOR  🇸🇻   AND GUATEMALA  🇬🇹 

Santa Ana Volcano National Park, El Salvador

Trip Report:

Much
of El Salvador and Guatemala is rich volcanic soil and the trees and
farm land reflect its richness. It’s beautiful. We rented a car for 6
days at a cost of $260. If given the choose an SUV is more appropriate
considering all the speed bumps. We grounded out on many of them. We
began our trip at 6am. Drove to the Santa Ana Volcano national park
(in El Salvador).
We hike around for an hour or so. If we did it again we’d opt for a day
hike around the crater using a guide. (It’s mandatory). Next, we drove
to Juayua where we met our 7 Waterfalls guide (
who) took us by
combie to the head of the trail. In all we saw 10 incredible waterfall
in a total of three hours. One of them we climbed up and through so it
was quite exciting. Later that evening we met up with Steve and Lela (
SV WHATIF) and Brandon and Heather at a local Airbnb.

The next morning we drove to Lago De Atitlan (in Guatemala) about 4 hours north. Lago De Atitlan was gorgeous. Our Airbnb host was very kind. We met Eric and Kim Paulson from (SV) SPLINTERS here
as well. The home slept 10. It would be a great place to invite 3-4
other boaters to share inthe fun. We had a daily grounds keeper Edio and
a house maid Katrina. We arranged for both breakfast/dinners to be
served which was a huge treat.

https://abnb.me/Gv1uokBOoHb

The
town of Cerro De Oro is surrounded by coffee plantations. The people
are shy but friendly. Most dress in traditional Guatemalan attire. The
men all wear hats and the women wear colorful, hand woven tops and
shirts.  We saw a lot of men carrying heavy bundles of firewood on
their backs and the women with tubs of goods to sell. It was the first
time in awhile we felt like we were somewhere pleasantly different. We
explored the nearby town of Santiago by car. It had a lot of great
shopping. The next day we rented a boat to explore the town of San Juan.
There we sat through a demonstration of cotton coloring and weaving. We
learned it was a requirement for young girls to weave cotton in order
to marry. It takes roughly 1 month to weave a normal sized covering.
Everything is done by hand. We had lunch in San Pablo. It’s a hippie
town with a lot of free loving people, healthy food and yoga. We spent 3
days at Lago De Atitlan and could have easy stayed longer. Driving back
we stopped at Antigua, Guatemala. Antiqua is a tourist town with lots
of shopping, coffee and great restaurants. It was a holy holiday. We
hadn’t made any reservations for accommodations so we drove the
Guatemala City for the night. Guatemala City is huge. It was Sunday. Had
we given it more thought we would of like to explore the town to
provision or buy a few things for the boat. We did stop at Walmart in
San Salvador on our way back to Bahia Del Sol. All in all it was a great
trip which we highly recommend.

image

Meeting up with boat friends inland is extra fun!

Touring in the mountains.

Street Vendor

Women balancing her load and walking down the street.

Walking Street with dappled shade

Visiting colorful markets

So many colors of yarn for weaving

young weaver

One of our lovely accommodations.  Not a bad view.

Is this a fairy tale?

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

Ever After

Ever After
SAILING EVER AFTER

 

11) GOOD NAUTICAL: 

BAHIA BALLENA, COSTA RICA 🇨🇷 

GOOD NAUTICAL

Bahia
Ballena is on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica on the Nicoya peninsula.
The large bay of Bahia Ballena lies 14NM from Isla Cabo Blanco and is a
favorite anchorage for cruisers passing through Costa Rica as well as
for boats planning to explore the Golfo de Nicoya. 

BOUNDLESS REPORTS:

We
were at Bahia Ballena, on the north east side. There’s a cool little
calm Anchorage in front of a small lodge/restaurant. Highly recommended!

TIAMAT REPORTS:

We
had excellent wildlife spotting at the south anchorage there. Huge
flocks of macaws and found a surprisingly decent grocery store in the
little town!

 

Good Nautical Bahia Ballena

 

MV CRACKERJACK, SV HALO and SV SERENITY enjoying Ballena Bay, CR.


SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

12) BELIZE  🇧🇿 

A TINY WORLD LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 

Pristine Belize coastline

Belize
truly offers a diverse and stunning array of natural wonders, making it
a paradise for eco-tourists. From the world's second-largest barrier
reef teeming with marine life to the dense jungles inhabited by howler
monkeys and jaguars, Belize's landscapes are rich and varied. Exploring
Belize means discovering its mountain pine forests, palm-fringed
beaches, expansive rivers, mysterious caves, and picturesque coral
atolls surrounded by vibrant reefs. Whether you're an adventurer seeking
thrilling outdoor activities or a nature enthusiast yearning to immerse
yourself in the wonders of the natural world, Belize has something to
offer everyone. In essence, Belize is not just a destination; it's an
invitation to explore and connect with nature in its purest form.
Whether you're relaxing on a secluded beach, trekking through lush
rainforests, or diving into crystal-clear waters, every moment in Belize
is a testament to the breathtaking beauty of our planet.

 

But
what makes Belize a little more special than other top destinations?
Belize is at the forefront of sustainable development in the region.

Protected Mangroves in Belize are part of their efforts to better the planet.

FOUR OF BELIZE'S KEY EFFORTS AT 

IMPROVING HUMAN IMPACT ON THE PLANET INCLUDE:

1. Mangrove Preservation

 

Belize's
innovative approach to maximizing the benefits of its mangrove forests
is truly remarkable and sets a precedent for other coastal nations
worldwide. By recognizing the potential of blue carbon initiatives,
Belize is not only addressing climate change but also promoting economic
growth and sustainability.

 

The
commitment to preserve and rejuvenate a significant portion of mangrove
forests by 2030, based on evidence from the study conducted by Stanford
University and other international research institutions, demonstrates
Belize's dedication to environmental conservation and resilience against
climate change impacts.

 

The
concept of blue carbon, which refers to the carbon sequestration
potential of coastal ecosystems like mangroves, salt marshes, and
seagrasses, offers a nature-based solution to mitigate greenhouse gas
emissions. Belize's initiative highlights the importance of recognizing
and leveraging the carbon storage capacity of these ecosystems.

 

The
integration of scientific research with stakeholder engagement and
policymaking demonstrates a holistic approach to conservation and
sustainable development. By modelling different conservation and
restoration scenarios, Belize can predict and optimize the additional
benefits, such as reduced flood risk, enhanced tourism, and improved
fisheries, while preserving vital ecosystems.

 

Many
studies emphasize the importance of existing mangrove forests in carbon
storage, indicating that conservation efforts should prioritize
protecting these areas. Belize's commitment to safeguarding and
rejuvenating mangrove forests not only benefits the country itself but
also has global implications. By sequestering millions of tons of carbon
and enhancing key sectors like fisheries and tourism, Belize's
initiative serves as a model for other nations seeking to address
climate change while promoting economic growth and environmental
resilience.

 

Belize's
strategy not only focuses on mitigating climate change but also aligns
with sustainable development objectives, which opens up new funding
opportunities for nature-centric solutions not only within Belize but
also in other nations. Supported by organizations like the Natural
Capital Project, the InterAmerican Development Bank, and the Asian
Development Bank, Belize's approach is set to be implemented in ten
countries, showcasing its potential for global replication.

 

Belize's
efforts demonstrate that the size of a country does not limit its
capacity to make a substantial impact in combating climate change.
Through its evidence-based approach to mangrove restoration and
conservation, Belize serves as a trailblazer in blue carbon strategies,
setting a standard for coastal nations worldwide. By providing a
replicable template, Belize's initiatives have the potential to inspire
similar efforts globally, driving collective action towards a more
sustainable and resilient future.

 

Preserved Mangroves can act as carbon sinks which lessens the amount of carbon in the air.

2. Coral Restoration

The
community-based conservation efforts in Belize, particularly
spearheaded by organizations like Fragments of Hope, have yielded
impressive results in restoring and preserving the Belize Barrier Reef.
The coordinated efforts led by Fragments of Hope demonstrate the
effectiveness of a grassroots approach to conservation. By engaging
various community members, including guides, fishers, divers, and
snorkelers, in coral planting and monitoring activities, these
initiatives foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the
reef.

 

Through
decades of dedication and collaboration, local communities in places
like Placencia Village have transformed coral coverage from a mere 6% to
a remarkable 60%.This success story showcases the power of community
empowerment in environmental conservation. The significant increase in
coral coverage in protected areas off the coast of Placencia highlights
the tangible impact of these efforts. It not only enhances the
biodiversity and resilience of the reef ecosystem but also contributes
to the sustainable livelihoods of local communities reliant on tourism
and fisheries.

 

Belize's
community-based conservation initiatives serve as a beacon of hope for
marine conservation efforts globally. By harnessing the collective power
of local communities, these initiatives demonstrate that positive
change is possible, even in the face of significant environmental
challenges like coral reef degradation.

Reef restoration efforts in Belize have increased coral coverage from 6% to 60%

3. Protected Parks

 

Belize's
extensive network of protected areas, comprising 103 national protected
areas, showcases the country's commitment to conserving its natural
heritage while offering visitors opportunities for exploration and
adventure. These protected areas not only safeguard critical ecosystems
and biodiversity but also serve as eco-tourism destinations, providing
immersive experiences for travelers while supporting local communities.

 

The
evolution of protected areas in Belize reflects a shift towards
sustainable tourism practices, where conservation and recreation go hand
in hand. While the focus remains on preserving biodiversity and
habitats, protected areas now also cater to the growing demand for
eco-friendly tourism experiences.

Many
protected areas have achieved success in conservation and eco-tourism,
attracting visitors from around the world Belize's protected areas
include numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered. By exploring
Belize's protected areas, visitors not only embark on unforgettable
adventures but also contribute to the conservation of natural resources
and support local communities.

 

Belize is home to the largest living reef in the world.

4. Marine Protected Areas

 

Belize's
approach to protected areas management is comprehensive and diverse,
encompassing seven distinct types of protected areas, each with its own
set of guidelines for use. These include Nature Reserves, National
Parks, Natural Monuments, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Marine Reserves, Forest
Reserves, and Archaeological Reserves. This wide range of protected
areas reflects Belize's commitment to conserving its rich biodiversity
and cultural heritage.

 

With
26% of its territories under some form of protected status and up to
60% of its forest cover intact, Belize stands out as a global leader in
conservation efforts. By comparison, the United States, for instance,
protects only 14% of its land. This dedication to conservation is
further supported by innovative funding mechanisms, such as the
departure tax.

 

The
marine protected area scheme in Belize is particularly notable, as the
country is the only one in the world to have successfully divided all
its territorial waters, including functional fishing waters. This
groundbreaking approach to ocean protection has earned Belize
international recognition as a world leader in marine conservation.

 

The
recent expansion of replenishment or "no-take" zones in Belize's marine
protected areas from 4.5% to 11.6% underscores the country's commitment
to sustainable fisheries management and marine habitat protection. By
tripling the areas where fishing is prohibited, Belize aims to rebuild
fish populations and safeguard critical marine habitats, thereby
preventing overfishing and ensuring the long-term health of its marine
ecosystems.

 

In
contrast to other Caribbean countries where overfishing has depleted
valuable species like lobster and conch, Belize's proactive measures
help prevent such outcomes and maintain the ecological balance of its
marine environment. The Belize Barrier Reef, in particular, attracts
thousands of visitors annually, contributing significantly to the
country's tourism industry while highlighting the importance of
protected areas.

World Heritage!

 

The
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) stands as a natural wonder
of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance. Comprising seven
protected areas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the
second-largest reef system in the world, making it a global treasure.
This remarkable reef complex is lauded for its pristine condition,
hosting adiversity of marine life and serving as a vital habitat for
numerous threatened species. From majestic creatures like the West
Indian manatee and green turtle to vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish
and other marine organisms, the BBRRS is a haven for biodiversity.

 

Beyond
its ecological importance, the BBRRS holds cultural and historical
significance, as evidenced by Charles Darwin's admiration of its beauty
and diversity. Its atolls and cayes are not only home to diverse flora
and fauna but also serve as breeding grounds for endemic and migratory
birds, making it a haven for avian enthusiasts.

 

Belize's commitment to safeguarding this invaluable natural heritage.

 

Belize
is committed to safeguarding their natural heritage through collective
efforts, including government legislation, individual actions, and
organizational initiatives. Mother nature’s best best-kept secret
remains intact for future generations and visitors to cherish and enjoy.

 

Plan a trip to Belize and get inspired by the tiny world leader today!

 

M. Goodin

Sources

  • Belize Hub
  • Caribbean Lifestyle
  • Sandy Point Resorts
  • Unesco
  • The Guardian
Belize

Belize's Anchorages and safe 6 foot draft routes are in Good Nautical 

13) SAFE HARBOR VENTURA ISLE  🇺🇸 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

34° 14.7′ N 119° 15.595′ W

 

image

 

Happy to offer 50c x foot off our transient rates for

participants of the Panama Posse

We
welcome the Panama Posse to a charming mix of oceanfront lifestyle and
southern California culture embodied in the Ventura Harbor’s spirit.

Whether
you’re setting sail for Panama  or dining in the lively Ventura
Harbor Village, Safe Harbor Ventura Isle is a gateway to it all.

 

Garrett McKinney

 

JuanitaGarrett McKinney

General Manager

 

CONTACT:

SAFE HARBOR VENTURA ISLE

Address: 1363 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001

Tel: +1 (805) 644-5858

E: gmkcinney@shmarinas.com

AMENITIES

  • Max LOA 93′
  • Max Beam 40′
  • Boat Lifts
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Cable TV Hookups
  • Fresh Water Hookups
  • Shore Power Hookups
  • Dock Boxes
  • Pump-out
  • Drive-up Parking

 

image

 

14) POSSE SPONSOR: 

LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES

“The Journey is the Destination”

 

 

 

Ten Years Three Chapters of Sailing

 

15) MEET THE FLEET  

SV EVER AFTER

Andy & Laura

We
are Ever After. We sail aboard a Jeanneau 440 built in 2020 and
commissioned in Anacortes WA. We have our trusty 5 lb Yorkie aboard. Her
name is Lucy. She's 8 years old.

Since
setting off from Anacortes, we've made it to several great spots along
the west coast of California and Mexico. We have summered our boat in
San Carlos and Paradise Village while we've returned home to family in
N. CA. We have 4 kids and 9 grand children.

We
have a tentative transit date of May 1 for the Panama Canal. We are
leaving El Salvador and will stop over in Puesta Del Sol Nicaragua and
Costa Rica during the next few weeks.

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

Ever After
Ever After
SAILING EVER AFTER

16) POSSE SWAG

 

SHOP

 


 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

 

17)  SECURITY ALERT:

CORRUPTION IN THE BAHAMAS  

CLick to clear

There are increased reports of corruption in
the Ports of Entry in the Bahamas - Local Govt officials are "helping"
for a fee with the Click2Clear program and after hour check in fees -
all these fees are illegal and the coercion by Govt. officials.

Please
report any and all incidents by Port Officers, Customs or Immigration
officials via this form and we will publish these incidents and notify
appropriate US agencies and the USCG for remedies.


(Safely and anonymously)
REPORT YOUR INCIDENTS OF CORRUPTION 
Corruption

*** Public Announcement ***

We
have been contacted privately with a request from well placed Bahamian
government officials who are interested in corrupt practices by customs
and immigration agents.

Officially
there should not be any fees beyond what you paid via Click2Clear
regardless if the time or day of the week for your arrival. The
exception is additional exit fees if you have more than 3 people
onboard.

If
you have been subject to additional fees of any sort during the
clearing in process, especially if they were paid in cash, please submit
a report and description of the time and location, the amounts paid,
and photos of any receipts you may have been issued. Any other pertinent
information such as names and  badge numbers will also be useful.

Things
do not happen quickly  but your information will help identify
problem areas. If you wish to remain anonymous please let me know and I
will handle your submissions appropriately.

18) SAFETY ALERT:

Rocks and reefs are unforgiving:

INFORMATION FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES 

HELPS MARINERS 'SEE' MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

SV CARINTHIA'S navigation station offers a plethora of information

Navigating
along the coast, through channels, around rocky points, and among reef
strewn bays is all part of the fun of the cruising.  The modern
mariner has access to more information than ever to keep their vessel
safe while precisely negotiating the seafloor to the anchorage of their
dreams.

A GREAT NAVIGATIONAL STRATEGY:

Today
mariners can cross reference charts from their plotters and Navionics
with OpenCPN satellite images to see much more clearly where they are
going.

SV DA MMAD CAT cross referencing Open Cpn imagery with Navionics charts

SV DA MMAD CAT cross referencing Open Cpn imagery with Navionics charts

OPEN CPN

Split
Screen view between satellite chartlets and  reference charts in
OpenCpn record the tracks and share them via Good Nautical 

Panama Posse Members have access to OPEN CPN charts through the website available to download what you need for where you are going. 

OPEN CPN SATELLITE SEMINARS

 

https://panamaposse.com/seminars#opencpn

 

Panama
Posse Members have access to OPEN CPN charts through the website
available to download what you need for where you are going. 

Thanks to the diligent work by Rob Murray from SV Avant ! He spent  over 200+ hours working on these: 

https://panamaposse.com/charts >>

 

 

19) LOOKING FOR A YOUR CRUISING YACHT ?

 

 19) LOOKING FOR A YOUR CRUISING YACHT ?

 

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2008-beneteau-oceanis-9016635/

 

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1983-kelly-peterson-44-8947484/

 

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1983-kelly-peterson-44-8947484/

 

 

20)  MUST SEE: 

SIAN KAʼAN BIOSPHERE   

YUKATAN PENINSULA, MEXICO 🇲🇽

In
the Mayan language SIAN KAʼAN means “Where the sky is born”. This is
the name of the Biosphere Reserve that is located in the south – east of
the Yucatan Peninsula, which was declared by UNESCO in 1987 “Natural
Heritage of Humanity”. The Reserve occupies an area of ​​528 thousand
147 hectares, where they are home to hundreds of different species of
flora and fauna. Some species are in danger of extinction, therefore the
Reserve is a protected area.

A
dirt road starts from Tulum that, follows the coastline, and reaches
Punta Allen. The path allows you to appreciate a wonderful landscape as
well as flora and fauna. Punta Allen is a small fishing village whose
boatmen cooperative offers various tours of the Reserve.

 

sian-kaan

 

The Sky is born

In Punta Allen there is a restaurant on the beach that serves snacks and refreshing drinks as well as sea dishes.

Boat
tours through the Biosphere enter the mangroves, which are home to an
enormous biological diversity, both birds and fish, crustaceans,
mollusks, etc. The tangled channels of the mangrove lead us first to the
Laguna Negra; with a lush tropical ecosystem; to finally flow into the
Caribbean Sea. The sea is turquoise blue and as it is a protected area
you will find species in the wild such as starfish, turtles and dolphins
that can be appreciated during the boat ride.

 

explore

 

Boat Tour begins in the mangroves.

 

mangroves

 

Mangroves are full of life above and below the water

BIOLOGICAL SPECIES

  • Yucatán Black Howler Monkey
  • Yellow-Lored Amazon
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey
  • Crested Caracara
  • American Crocodile
  • Morelet’s Crocodile
  • Black Iguana
  • Spotted Paca
  • Central American Agouti
  • Tayra
  • Magnificent Frigatebird
  • Greater Grison
  • Jabiru
  • Ocelot
  • Margay
  • Ocellated Turkey
  • Wood Stork
  • White-Nosed Coati
  • White-Tailed Deer
  • Jaguar
  • Collared Peccary
  • Brown Pelican
  • Neotropic Cormorant
  • American Flamingo
  • Roseate Spoonbill
  • Kinkajou
  • Puma
 

bridge

 

The
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is also home to part of the second largest
coral reef in the world.  With your snorkel, mask, and fins one
can appreciate the corals, coral fish, manta rays and barracudas.

Five
minutes by boat from the reefs are real natural pools, the Blanquizal,
where you can relax in the crystalline and shallow waters of the
Caribbean Sea, surrounded by an enchanting natural landscape.

SIAN KA’AN VIA YACHT MAP

  https://panamaposse.com/sian-kaan-biosphere

 

https://panamaposse.com/sian-kaan-biosphere

 

 

21)  75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS 

 

Marinas

 

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle -  Ventura, USA

🇲🇽 Cruise Port Village - Mexico

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas  – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico  

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

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico 

🇲🇽 La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – Mexico  

🇬🇹 Marina Pez Vela – Guatemala  

🇸🇻 Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador  

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

🇳🇮 Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua  

🇨🇷 Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica  

🇨🇷 Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica  

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador  

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama  

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 La Playita Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Solarte  Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – Colombia 

🇯🇲 Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Jamaica 

🇯🇲 Errol Flynn Marina – Jamaica  

🇯🇲 Montego Bay Yacht Club –Jamaica 

🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina –Cayman Islands 

🇭🇳 Barefoot Cay Marina – Roatan – Honduras 

🇭🇳 Fantasy Island Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan – Honduras  

🇬🇹 Marina Nana Juana Resort & Boatyard – Guatemala 

🇧🇿 Thunderbirds Marine – Placencia – Belize 

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize 

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico 

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

🇨🇺 Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo – Cuba 

🇹🇨 South Bank Marina & Boatyard – Turks and Caicos  

🇧🇸 Romora Bay Resort and Marina – Bahamas  

🇧🇸 Elizabeth on the Bay Marina – Bahamas 

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas  

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic    

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys 

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

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

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

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

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

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah Georgia , USA  

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA  

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

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA  

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina – Portsmouth,  USA  

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, USA  

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA  

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, Virginia USA 

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA 

 

https://panamaposse.com/marina-puerto-amistad

 

 

https://panamaposse.com/marina-puerto-amistad

 

Gene Tatum !

I
would like to personally welcome you to our beautiful city. Puerto
Amistad is located walking distance from shopping, hardware stores,
medical facilities,and eating and drinking establishments.

At
Puerto Amistad we have a full service Restaurant and bar, Cruisers
area, Wifi to the Buoys, Hot Showers, Laundry service, and a spacious
dinghy dock. You will find excellent mechanics and services here. Hope
to see you soon

Gene

22)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

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

PANAMA YACHT BROKER SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

 

PANAMA YACHT BROKERS

 

23) PANAMA CANAL AGENT 
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To
arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric
Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse
and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

Erick
Panama Canal Map

24) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

Waypoint Yacht Services

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

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

Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus

Marcus Santana 
General Manager 
Marcus.Santana@waypointyacht.com

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

Phone: +507-310 9891 ext.206 
AOH: +507-310 9892 (24/7) 
Mob: +507 6427-8099

Panama Sloths

25) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SSCA

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

Pacific Posse 

Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

COCOUNTA

Coconutz – Playa Cocos  🇨🇷 Costa Rica


SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

26) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

 

atlantic posse

 

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

 

Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture, Azores

 

Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Azores

Atlantic Posse 24

Atlantic Posse '24

 

Sign up now

 

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Town of St George and Related Fortifications Bermuda
 

south pacific posse

 

27) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 


REGISTER NOW 
 

Registration Fees

 

 

SPP

 


SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4 
Come Join the South Pacific Posse

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

South Pacific Posse BUrgees

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

Million Dollar Point Vanuatu

Dive into the past @ Million Dollar Point 🇻🇺 Luganville Vanuatu 

Nawi Island PArty

Nawi Island Event FIJI August 31 2024
come party and mingle with the Cruising Fleet
& keep your vessel here during Cyclone Season  ... 

Nawi ISland Event

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

Mission

 OUR MISSION

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

OP

 


FLEET UPDATE 2024-02-18

 

Panama Posse

 

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

Souht Water Cay reversed

FEBRUARY 18, 2024

I don't like to give advice. 

I like to give people information because everyone's life is different, and everyone's journey is different. 

-Dolly Parton

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7  Posse Seminars and Events Past and Future
  • Pictures along the route 🇲🇽 🇧🇿 🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇨🇴 🇨🇺 🇪🇨 🇸🇻 🇵🇦 🇩🇴 🇭🇳 🇯🇲 🇧🇸 🇹🇨 🇰🇾 🇬🇹 
  • Season 7 Award Entries: Most uninvited Guest, Boat Yoga, Best Picture, Highest wind recorded
  • Disco Fred, the Marina Croc 🇲🇽
  • Posse Perk: New Seminars Available
  • Bats of Panama 🇵🇦
  • Annual Monarch Butterfly Migration Begins 🇲🇽
  • Good Nautical: Isla Uva, Panama 🇵🇦
  • NEWS at Vista Mar Marina 🇵🇦
  • Meet the Fleet: SY BOUNDLESS
  • Safety Alert: Jamaica Travel Advisery 🇯🇲
  • Security Alerts : Dinghy Theft Good, Better, Best  Locks
  • MUST SEE: Oaxaca, Mexico 🇲🇽 

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

PANAMA POSSE Season 7

266 Yachts are signed up - JOIN THE POSSE 

 

vessels's ensigns

 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

A little sunset aerial in Panama.

SV MANXI 🇺🇸 Joel & Patti – Marples 35’


MANXI

sailing north Florida to south Florida today

SY DA MMAD CAT 🇺🇸 Andrea & Danny – Lagoon 42’

DA MMAD CAT Danny
DA MMAD CAT Andrea
DA MMAD CAT Chloe
image

North bound Posse meets Southbound Posse for sundowners

SY BOUNDLESS 🇺🇸 Parker & Katy – Passport 42’

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

 

BOUNDLESS - Parker
BOUNDLESS - KatyCOURAGECOURAGE
 

2) SAVE THE DATE : 

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 

@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

SAILORS AND CRUISERS YACHT FESTIVAL 

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

 

Panama Posse

 

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 
@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

Placencia Yacht Club

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

>> RSVP HERE <<

CONTACT:

Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich  

NOTE: PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB IS ÜBER DOG FRIENDLY 

Beat & Caroline>

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

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

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

SAFE APPROACH 

SAFE APPROACH
Placnencia yacht club belize
 

BELIZE

 

Belize

3) EPIC SUNRISES AND SUNSETS

 THIS WEEK

SUNSET MEXICO

Heading North SY BISOU caught the sunrise at Cabeza Negra, Mexico

SY BISOU 🇦🇺 Robin and Tad - Fountaine Pajot 44′

BISOU Robin
BISOU Tad
sunset costa rica

Anchored at Playa Pan de Azucar anchorage, Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK

LOST PEARL capturing RUM TRUFFLE in the morning light

SY LOST PEARL 🇨🇦 Onno - Hardin 45′

ONNO

4) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

  BOAT YOGA ENTRY

Mark hanging upside down doing boat yoga while doing a wiring project!

SY DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸  Laney & Mark  - Outbound 46'

DAWN PATROL - Mark
DAWN PATROL - Laney

ONE NEW MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD ENTRY

Uninvited guests on the trip to Chiapas, Mexico

Counted 84 frigate birds landed with more in holding pattern.  We chased them off.

MY MUIRGEN 🇺🇸 Scot & Laura - Beebe 50′


Scot
>

ONE NEW MOST PICTURE OF THE YEAR ENTRY

Sunrise at the mouth of the Chagers River

SY YO-D-YO 🇺🇸  David & Mary – Hunter 45’


YO-D-YO David
YO-D-YO Mary
Flor de Caña Centenario 18 Year Old

Flor de Caña sponsors the Panama Posse

 

ANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:

  • BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
  • PICTURE OF THE YEAR
  • YODA OF THE YEAR
  • SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
  • THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
  • MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
  • HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
  • SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
  • GALLEY GOD(ESS)
  • GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
  • BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
  • COURAGE AWARD

Dreamer

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

Red Frog

HIGHEST WIND RECORDED ENTRY

CAPTAIN DIETMAR

Had to head closer to shore. Things were beginning to fly around the cockpit!

 Papagayo sailing-double reefed.

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK

5) PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

swim party

SY VIVA & SY FELICITA in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

(1) PANAMA POSSE 

🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST  

SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024
PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB
🇧🇿 BELIZE 

 

SAT Feb 3, 2024 Sheleter BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

 

 FOR RESERVATIONS

CONTACT: 

 

Beat & Caroline
 

 

Caroline Imfeld and Beat Rettich 

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181


RSVP FOR CARI
Shelter Bay

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

SAT. MAY 11 '24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

 

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

 

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama.
The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City
and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast
of Panama.

Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

Cesar Buenaventura Marina

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


RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
 

Buenaventura

 

6) INFAMOUS CROCODILE

 

PANAMA POSSE AMAZON SIDETRIP

 

Disco "Fred" at Marina Ixtapa, Mexico

Many
Posse boats have passed through Marina Ixtapa already this season and
given a name, Fred, to the local Crocodile that plies the fairways.
This animal is wild and may not be much for a pet or a snuggle,
but he is very photogenic.  

MV PAUSE, MV WEEBLES, MV MARTINI enjoying dining without Fred in Zijuatenejo

MV PAUSE 🇺🇸 Beth & Larry - Nordhavn 55′

PAUSE
PAUSE
PAUSE Willie
PAUSE Pebbles

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures!

 7) SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES  
is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, your
breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group
communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email
Maurisa at
editor@panamaposse.com
to share in the upcoming newsletter.  Maurisa is a sailor among
us.  She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse.
 

SY SOLMATE catching some keepers!

Some for now and some for later...

SY SOLMATE 🇺🇸 Adam & Jenni - Goetz Custom 40′


SOLMATE Adam
SOLMATE Jen

8) POSSE PERK: 

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS 

AVAILABLE TO POSSE MEMBERS
  

 

 

Posse
members have access to a host of seminars through the Panama Posse
website.  Seminars range from weather routing, to passage planning,
to navigational electronics.  Visit the seminar page to learn
something new, get inspired, and venture further.

https://panamaposse.com/seminars

Posse Seminars

Learn how to make your own satellite charts

Marinas

9) VISTA MAR MARINA 🇵🇦 PANAMA

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

marina

The Vista Mar Marina is please to announce 

a 25 % discount
for all participants in the Panama Posse over current rates

FOR RESERVATIONS

CONTACT: 

Marina Manager: Jacqueline Petti

If dialing from the U.S., please dial +011 prior to all calls.

Phone: (+011) 507 66118528

Email: reservations@vistamarmarina.com

 

 

BIG NEWS FOR VISTA MAR MARINA

REPORT FROM THE OFFICE MANAGER:

Our
new trailer arrived yesterday 😊 we will assemble next week with a
technician that is flying in from Italy and we will be operative around
the 25th (hoping to be able to start sooner)

 

Max 90 tons

 

Specially
design for multihulls up to 35 ft beam (from keel to keel) or around 40
ft beam total approx (depending on the vessel, the measurement to
consider is from keel to keel)

 

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to inform everyone, that we started the construction of our new pool!

 

New Vista Mar trailer being assembled at the factory.

The container where the trailer traveled 😊

Trailer being unloaded at Vista Mar Marina as I write.

10) MONARCH BUTTERFLY 

3000 MILE MIGRATION BEGINS

MEXICO 🇲🇽

Trip Report from C-YA:

To
you folks planning on anchoring and staying in Zihuatanejo. Great shout
out to Jennifer and the driver Ran for an excellent butterfly tour.
They ask do other tours.  Kaleidoscope Tours in the name of the
business and her contact information is on the web site
www.magicinmexico.com. I had a great time during the three days of
exploring and seeing the great beginning to the Monarch migration.

We
arrived up at the butterfly sanctuary and rented our horses for a 20
minute ride up to the beginning of thick forest where we walked through
the butterflies for about an hour to the end of the trail where we were
able to see millions upon millions of them hanging out in the
trees 

image

Millions of monarchs migrate annually

There is a Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve west of Mexico City.

Butterflies cluster together

SY C-YA  🇺🇸   Glenn – Island Packet 38.8’

CY-A Glenn

11) BATS OF 🇵🇦 PANAMA

 300 species of fruit rely fruit eating bats to pollinate them.

10
percent of the world’s bat species live in Panama.  Of the 120 bat
species in Panama 74 can be found on an island in the Panama Canal,
Barro Colorado Island (BCI).  Bats are especially known for their
dusky and nighttime hunting activities.  One bat can eat up to 3000
insects in a night.  They are adept nighttime hunters because they
use echolocation to navigate and find their prey.

While
bats have a bad rap in pop culture for sucking blood and killing
people, this imagery is just that : imagery.  On the contrary
scientists, for example, are finding that bats could in fact be helpful
to humans rather than harmful.  Scientists are finding that a
chemical in vampire bat saliva that acts as an anticoagulant.  This
chemical could potentially dissolve blood clots in humans with less
side effects than other medications. 

There are resident scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Station in Panama City dedicating to studying bats.  

"In
her research, Elisabeth Kalko, has found bats that live in termite
nests; fishing bats off the coast of Baja, Mexico, that forage miles
into the ocean; and bats that, unlike most, use echolocation to find
stationary prey, like dragonflies perched on leaves. And her mind is
always spinning, asking new questions and imagining how her findings can
be applied in some constructive way to everyday life. If bats and ants
can coexist with termites, do they produce something that is termite
repellant? And if so, can humans use it to stop termites from destroying
their houses and decks? Fruit-eating bats essentially soak their teeth
in sugar all the time and yet they don’t have cavities. Could an enzyme
in their saliva be used to fight plaque in humans?  One of her
latest endeavors has been to team up with engineers from around the
world on the ChiRoPing project, which aims to use what is known about
sonar in bats to engineer robotic systems that can be used where vision
isn’t feasible." 

To Read more about how Kalco conducts her research in Panama click this link: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-call-of-the-panama-bats-2845511/

The Giant Bulldog Bat lives in Panama and feeds fishes after sunset

Bats snuggling under palm fronds.  

Baby bats are called 'Pups'.

Bats are the only true flying mammals featured here in a Guna Yala mola.

Molas
are among the most iconic, colorful Panamanian art.  They were
traditionally made by and for Guna women to ward of evil spirits.
The making of a mola can take from weeks to months depending on
the intricacy of the design.   

To learn more about molas check out this link: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-colorful-history-behind-panamas-mola-180980536/

12) GOOD NAUTICAL ⚓ ISLA UVA 🇵🇦 PANAMA

GOOD NAUTICAL

Isla Uva is among the Isla Coiba islands of Western Pacific Panama.  

SY COURAGE report:

We
looked on good nautical plus google searches for bays on these islands
that would be angled optimally for winds and swell we were encountering
this morning, then drove around multiple islands looking at the choices
and this one looked like the best. water is clear, so we can see the
bottom at 40’. This is a really great anchorage with black sand beaches
and still water.  Necessity was the mother of discovery. 

If
you want to come here to Isla Uvas (one of numerous Coiba park
islands), our anchor is dropped at n 07 deg 48.911 w 081 deg 45.574.
Appears to be a good stop on the way from isla secas toward Panama
City.

Anchor down

Good Nautical ISLA UWA

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

COURAGECOURAGE

SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

13) THUNDERBIRDS MARINE 🇧🇿 BELIZE

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

 

image

 

THUNDERBIRDS MARINE is pleased to be part of the Panama Posse

 

and will offer discounts to members for various services

15% off for nightly rates

15% off weekly Rates

30% off monthly rates

20% off Haul Out services- Vessels up to 13 tons

CONTACT:

Doug Ingersoll

CEO-Managing Director

doug@hardnine.net

THUNDERBIRDS MARINE

(916) 253-3700 US Office

(916) 257-6700 US Cell

(916) 626-4434 VOIP

+(501) 670-3737 Belize Office

+(501) 624-1411 Belize Cell

VHF 12 loosely monitored

We
are located outside the village itself so access to the local stores,
bars, restaurants is typically by taxi or a golf cart rental.

It’s
important for folks to understand that we are a working marina. We
service all the local resorts boats and outboard engines. Activities
from these operations sometimes start fairly early. Especially during
the high season. Boats and vehicles begin moving around 5am. Machinery
movement typically begins around 7am. The marina itself has a lot of
traffic in and out due to the fuel station. But its very easy access
from the lagoon and larger boats have no trouble maneuvering in the
marina.  It’s a very active place throughout the day.

Due
to Covid, we are operating under reduced staff and hours. However, as
the tourism begins again, I expect to go back to normal operating hours
of 6am to 7pm every day. We are open 365 days per year. I typically
carry a staff of roughly 25-30 people during normal operations.

I
live on site and can be accessed via this email or on my Belize Cell
number. My Whatsapp is connected to my US Cell number which is
+1-916-257-6700.

My
Son Matt is my assistant Manager and his cell is +501-627-1582 he also
uses his US cell number for his Whatsapp account. The number is
+1-916-257-7773

Matt can help any time I can not be reached.

We prefer email or text over radio communication. But we do loosely monitor VHF channel 12. Please don’t rely on this though.

Max
draft is 7’6″ at high tide. We do posted max length or width only
because it’s usually the lagoon depth that is the limiting factor.
We have 2 berths for 100 feet long boats of that size. The rest
are for 45 and under.

Thunderbirds Marine

14) POSSE SPONSOR: 

LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES

SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE FOR PANAMA POSSE 

“The Journey is the Destination”

 

 

15) MEET THE FLEET  

SY BOUNDLESS

Parker & Katy

Katy at the helm.  No hands:)

Hello
my name is Parker. My partner Katy and I are new to the Panama Posse
and live aboard a Passport 42 named Boundless. We are currently in Las
Perlas.  We are cruising north over the coming months to Mexico and
the Sea of Cortez.  

We
are planning on a trip up to the Puget Sound and back before crossing
the Pacific!  Katy and I helped a friend deliver his monohull from
Seattle to San Francisco a couple summers ago and we always said we HAVE
to come back to the Puget Sound on our own boat. 

SY BOUNDLESS 🇺🇸 Parker & Katy – Passport 42’

BOUNDLESS - Parker
BOUNDLESS - Katy

So many great miles to put under your keel.  Fair WindS SY BOUNDLESS.

16) POSSE SWAG

 

SHOP

 


 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

 

17)  SAFETY ALERT:

JAMAICA TRAVEL ADVISORY 

 

 

Jamaica - US STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY 
Level 3: Reconsider Travel January 2024

Reconsider
travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services. U.S. government
personnel under Chief of Mission (COM) security responsibility are
prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk. Please
read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Country
Summary: Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies,
sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur
frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

Local
police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive
sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides
frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued
by Jamaican authorities. The homicide rate reported by the Government
of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western
Hemisphere. U.S. government personnel under COM security responsibility
are prohibited from traveling to the areas listed below, from using
public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston
at night.

Emergency
services and hospital care vary throughout the island, and response
times and quality of care may vary from U.S. standards. Public hospitals
are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized
care. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting
patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care.
Ambulance services are not always readily available, especially in rural
areas, and are not always staffed by trained personnel.

We
strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including
medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. The
Department of State does not pay medical bills.

Be
aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most
hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. U.S.
citizens with medical emergencies can face bills in the tens of
thousands of dollars, with air ambulance service to the United States in
the range of $30,000-50,000.  Read the country information page
for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:


Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes
stray rounds, shells or empty casings. The penalties for carrying
firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can
include lengthy prison sentences.

  •     Avoid walking or driving at night.
  •     Avoid public buses.
  •     Avoid secluded places or situations.
  •     Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  •     Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to
    receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. |
Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

U.S.
government personnel under COM security responsibility are prohibited
from traveling to the following areas of Jamaica due to crime:

St. Ann’s Parish—Do Not Travel - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios

St. Catherine’s Parish—Do Not Travel

    Spanish Town

    Central Village

    Areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford

All of Clarendon Parish—Do Not Travel

All of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish—Do Not Travel

Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth

Hanover Parish—Do Not Travel

Logwood and Orange Bay

St. James Parish/Montego Bay—Do Not Travel

All of Montego Bay on the inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish—Do Not Travel

    Cassava Piece


Downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and
Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads.
Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham
Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens.

  •     Duhaney Park
  •     Grants Pen
  •     Standpipe
  •     Swallowfield
  •     Elleston Flats
  •     August Town

Manchester Parish—Do Not Travel

Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, and Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville

St. Thomas Parish—Do Not Travel

    Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth

    Grands Penn

    Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs

    Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway

Trelawny Parish—Do Not Travel

    Clarks Town

Westmoreland Parish—Do Not Travel


Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of
Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2
highway/Barracks Road)

    Morgan Bay

    Kings Valley

    The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril

Jamaican
officials are pushing back on U.S. claims that their island
country is  unsafe for tourists because of rampant crime and poor
access to medical services.

 

 

 Jamaican Jerk Chicken is so good !

18)  SECURITY ALERT:

GOOD, BETTER, BEST LOCKS FOR YOUR DINGHY 

This lock is easy to defeat with a simple rock - just bang on it often enough and it will break   

Dingies,
and particularly their motors, are hot commodities in coastal
communities.  Here are some tips to keeping your tender safe and
secure no matter where you are.

1. Lock the engine bar so that the motor cannot be loosened or lifted off the motor mount (see above)

2. When ashore bring a long cable lock to lock the boat and motor to something that is not moving (for example a tree, a concrete piling, a fence...get creative with what is in your environment)

3. At night raise the tender out of the water.  (This
can be on davits, alongside, or on the cabintop)  A dinghy out of
the water is much more safe than a dinghy floating alone in the dark.

Locks

Locks in order of effectiveness from tampering from left to right 

LOCK BAR

19)  MUST SEE: 

OAXACA 🇲🇽  MEXICO 

Oaxaca
City is in the Centro District in the Central Valleys region of the
state. Heritage and cultural tourism make up an important part of the
city’s economy.  Oaxaca City has numerous colonial-era structures
as well as significant archeological sites and elements of the
continuing native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures.

 

revillafifedos

 

A city in a valley.

It
is the site of the month-long cultural festival called the
“Guelaguetza”, which features Oaxacan dance from the seven regions,
music, and a beauty pageant for indigenous women.

 

ancient volcano

 

Volcanic Islands

 

shark

 

The
city is also known as “la Verde Antequera” and the variety of
structures built from a native green stone. The name Oaxaca is derived
from the Nahuatl name for the place, Huaxyacac, which was Hispanicized
to Guajaca, later spelled Oaxaca. In 1872, “de Juárez” was added in
honor of Benito Juárez, a native of this state who became president,
serving from 1852 to 1872.

 

hammerheads

 

The
Plaza de la Constitución, or Zócalo, was planned out in 1529 by Juan
Peláez de Berrio. During the entire colonial period this plaza was never
paved, nor had sidewalks, only a marble fountain that was placed here
in 1739. This was removed in 1857 to put in the bandstand and trees were
planted. In 1881, the vegetation here was rearranged and in 1885, a
statue of Benito Juárez was added. It was remodeled again in 1901 and a
new Art Nouveau bandstand installed. Fountains of green stone with
capricious figures were installed in 1967. The bandstand in the center
hosts the State Musical Band, La Marimba and other groups

 

manta ray

 

Museo De Arte Contemporaneo De Oaxaca

The
Contemporary Art Museum is housed in the so-called Casa de Cortés. It
is one of the oldest buildings in the city and one of the most
representative of non-religious buildings.   Although it has been
modified somewhat over the years, it still conserves its basic layout
with rooms surrounding three courtyards. The architectural style is
basically Andalucian modified by Oaxaca traditions.  The main
portal is Spanish Baroque and has three levels. In the first, there are
two “tritóstila” columns that support the balcony which has wrought iron
railings.  At the top of the window is seal of the Jesuits. The
third level contains a central niche with a sculpture of an archangel as
well as the coats of arms of the Laso de la Vega and the Pinelo
families.

 

 

Narrow streets are paved with stones extracted from the nearby mountains

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo San Benedicto Island - Mexico

Serene restaurant setting in a courtyard

 

revillafgigedos

 

delectable culinary opportunities

To learn more about Oaxaca and their signature dish Mole follow this link 

https://panamaposse.com/oaxaca

 

https://panamaposse.com/must-see

 

 

20)  75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS 

 

Marinas

 

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle -  Ventura, USA

🇲🇽 Cruise Port Village - Mexico

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas  – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico  

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

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico 

🇲🇽 La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – Mexico  

🇬🇹 Marina Pez Vela – Guatemala  

🇸🇻 Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador  

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

🇳🇮 Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua  

🇨🇷 Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica  

🇨🇷 Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica  

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador  

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama  

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 La Playita Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Solarte  Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – Colombia 

🇯🇲 Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Jamaica 

🇯🇲 Errol Flynn Marina – Jamaica  

🇯🇲 Montego Bay Yacht Club –Jamaica 

🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina –Cayman Islands 

🇭🇳 Barefoot Cay Marina – Roatan – Honduras 

🇭🇳 Fantasy Island Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan – Honduras  

🇬🇹 Marina Nana Juana Resort & Boatyard – Guatemala 

🇧🇿 Thunderbirds Marine – Placencia – Belize 

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize 

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico 

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

🇨🇺 Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo – Cuba 

🇹🇨 South Bank Marina & Boatyard – Turks and Caicos  

🇧🇸 Romora Bay Resort and Marina – Bahamas  

🇧🇸 Elizabeth on the Bay Marina – Bahamas 

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas  

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic    

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys 

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

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

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

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

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

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah Georgia , USA  

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA  

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

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA  

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina – Portsmouth,  USA  

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, USA  

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA  

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, Virginia USA 

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA 

 

THE BARCADERE MARINA 🇰🇾 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

 

The Crystal Coast | Crystal Coast North Carolina

 The
Barcadere Marina, Grand Cayman, and is the perfect place to relax after
a day out on the water, unwind poolside after a day in the office, to
share your fish stories or simply hang out with good friends. The Club
is conveniently located near the airport and a is a great pit stop for
breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

Welcome To The Barcadere Marina

21)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

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

WEST MARINE PRO

 

In 2023 the Participants of the  Panama Posse spent over 105,000 USD with Westmarine Pro - as a group we saved over 18,000 USD - the average transaction was ~ 85 USD with over 1200 transactions last year alone  !

22) PANAMA CANAL AGENT 
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To
arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric
Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse
and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

Erick
Panama Canal Map

23) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

Waypoint Yacht Services

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

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

 Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus

Marcus Santana 
General Manager 
Marcus.Santana@waypointyacht.com

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

Phone: +507-310 9891 ext.206 
AOH: +507-310 9892 (24/7) 
Mob: +507 6427-8099

the panama posse territory

24) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SSCA

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

Pacific Posse 

Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware


SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

25) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

 

atlantic posse

 

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

 

Meknes, Morocco

 

Meknes 🇲🇦 Morocco

 

Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande, Cabo Verde

 

Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande, Cabo Verde

 

port-mazagan-eljadida

 

El Jadida is a major port city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, located  south of the city of Casablanca 

 

 

SIGN UP WITH THE 
 ATLANTIC POSSE >>
FIRST 50 ENTRIES ARE FREE !

Atlantic Posse 24

Atlantic Posse '24

 

Sign up now

 

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

HEAD OUT
 

south pacific posse

 

26) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 


REGISTER NOW 
 

Registration Fees

 

 

SPP

 


SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4 
At ease in Opua

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

South Pacific Posse BUrgees

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

Marquesas

The impressive South Pacific Posse  

Amamzing locations

Some of the wonders in French Polynesia 

Nawi ISland Event

Come join us @ NAWI ISLAND on August 31st, 2024

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

Mission

 OUR MISSION

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

OP

 

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC


FLEET UPDATE 2024-02-11

 

Panama Posse

 

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

Souht Water Cay reversed

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

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

 yachting.com

TOP NEWS  

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

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

PANAMA POSSE Season 7

262 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

 

vessels's ensigns

 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Loving the crystal clear water in the Bahamas!  🇧🇸  

SY FREEDOM 🇺🇸 David & Sheri - Beneteau 55

FREEDOM-David
FREEDOM-Sheri

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

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

COURAGECOURAGE
image

Cutter Rig Day! 

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK

2) REPORT ON OCEAN POSSE EVENT IN 

SHELTER BAY MARINA  🇵🇦

A GREAT SUCCESS

 

 

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

 

Panama Posse

 

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

Of course there was a great spread of Potluck dishes

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

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

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

Rob from SY AVANT

SY AVANT 🇨🇦 Rob & Debra – Beneteau 43.5

 

AVANAT Debra
AVANT Rob

3) MICRO PANAMA POSSE MEET UPs

IN MEXICO THIS WEEK 🇲🇽

Panama Posse & Belize

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

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

MV MARTINI 🇺🇸 Mary & Bryan - Nordhavn 64′

MV PAUSE 🇺🇸 Beth & Larry - Nordhavn 55′

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

summerbreeze and cheistry

Great company, great food, especially schnitzels!

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

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

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


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

Tamale Feast at Marina Chiapas Mexico 

4) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

 ONE NEW BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT ENTRY

A nice dorado as big as Lexi!

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

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


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

ONE NEW MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD ENTRY

Stick Bug roaming the interior of Maison de Sante

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan -  Cal 46'

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

Flor de Caña sponsors the Panama  Posse 

ANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:

  • BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
  • PICTURE OF THE YEAR
  • YODA OF THE YEAR
  • SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
  • THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
  • MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
  • HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
  • SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
  • GALLEY GOD(ESS)
  • GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
  • BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
  • COURAGE AWARD

Dreamer

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

5) UPCOMING PANAMA POSSE EVENTS

swim party

Evening view on the North side of Panama  🇵🇦  

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

Saturday April 6, 2024 
 @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

 

SAT Feb 3, 2024 Sheleter BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

 

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

 CONTACT
FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

Beat & Caroline

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


RSVP FOR BELIZE
 

Belize

 

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

SAT. MAY 11 '24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

 

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

 

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama.
The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City
and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast
of Panama.

Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

Cesar Buenaventura Marina

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


RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
 

Buenaventura

 

SAVE THE DATE 
 PANAMA POSSE BELIZE YACHT FEST 
APRIL 6 2024

 

 

CONTACT

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

Beat & Caroline

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

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

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

SAFE APPROACH 

SAFE APPROACH

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

Placnencia yacht club belize
 

BELIZE

 

6) 2 SEPARATE GROUPS OF POSSE BOATS 

SHARE WEATHER WINDOW & CELEBRATE LANDFALL IN 

BAHIA SANTA ELENA, COSTA RICA

🇲🇽 🇨🇷 🇳🇮 🇸🇻

 

PANAMA POSSE AMAZON SIDETRIP

 

Nothing like sundowners with friends after crossing the Pacific Nicaraguan Coast

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

SY FICKLE reports:

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

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

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

DOWN WIND MARINE AND THE PANAMA POSSE

Ticks in the toes.

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

 

bahia sant elena

 

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

 SY Serenity.  MV Serenity, 

SY BOUNDLESS 🇺🇸 Daniel & Naiby - Shannon 43′

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

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

SY FICKLE 🇺🇸  Ben & Muranda  - Hunter 42'

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

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

 

COURAGECOURAGE
FICKLE Ben
FICKLE Muranda
FICKLE Yolanda
 


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

 

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures on the water !

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

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, your
breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group
communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email
Maurisa at
editor@panamaposse.com
to share in the upcoming newsletter.  Maurisa is a sailor among
us.  She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse.
 

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

This is all part of the adventure!

 

 

8) POSSE PERK: INTEL

RESTORATION OF SERVICES IN ACAPULCO 🇲🇽

Acapuloco

REPORT FROM MY MUIRGEN:

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

MY MUIRGEN 🇺🇸 Scot & Laura - Beebe 50′


Scot
>
Marinas

9) FLAMENCO MARINA PANAMA 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

08° 54.8466′ N 079°31.2383′ W

marina

Captains and Skippers,

 

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

 

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

 

Stays must be reserved and are subject to dock availability.

CONTACT

Caridad Icaza / Gerente de Servicio al Cliente

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

cicaza@fuerteamador.com

window

AMENITIES

 

 

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

 

10) CULTURE: THE FEAST OF SANTA MARIA CANDELARIA

CELEBRATED IN TUXTLA CHICA, CHIAPAS 🇲🇽

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

MV SUMMERBREEZE Trip Report:

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

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

It was incredible.

image

The 'carpets' are made of sawdust.

Each 'carpet' is a work of art carefully executed.

The celebration is so colorful

Upon completion the streets are 'carpeted' with unique and beautiful art

The Catholic Church in Tuxtla Chico.

The Virgin Statue is brought through the streets.

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

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

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

MV SUMMERBREEZE 🇺🇸 Kurtis - Bestway 46'

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

11) POSSE PERK: PANAMA POSSE SPONSOR

MARINA CHIAPAS 🇲🇽 MEXICO

HOSTS PERIODIC TAMALE FEAST

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

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

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

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

Marina Chiapas did us well.

12) GOOD NAUTICAL: WATER PIG ANCHORAGE

  Great Exuma Island - Peace & Plenty Anchorage

EXUMA, BAHAMAS

GOOD NAUTICAL

Uninvited visitors - swimming pigs in the Bahamas 

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

 

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

 

More about this area from SY FREEDOM:

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

Dave and Sheri swinging in the sunshine

SY FREEDOM 🇺🇸 David & Sheri - Beneteau 55′

FREEDOM-David
FREEDOM-Sheri

SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

13)MARINA BOCAS 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

9°20.140’N – 82°14.819’W

 

image

 

Hi Panama Posse members!

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

Luis Fabian – General Manager”

email: bocasyachtclub@yahoo.com

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

+50766166000″

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

15) MEET THE FLEET  

SV CIRCUITOUS

Jess and Matt

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

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


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


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

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

furry friend number 1

furry friend number 2

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

CIRCUITOUS
CIRCUITOUS 

16) POSSE SWAG

 

SHOP

 


 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

 

17)  FOOD SECURITY ALERT:

BE AWARE OF FOOD ITEMS ONBOARD 

WHEN CROSSING INTERNATIONAL BORDERS

Bananas grown in Panama

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

18)  MUST SEE: 

CASTLE OF SAN LORENZO

 AT PORT CHAGRES 🇵🇦 PANAMA   

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

 

revillafifedos

 

Mike and Maurisa with the Spanish fort in the background

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

 

ancient volcano

 

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

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

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

 

shark

 

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

 

hammerheads

 

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

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

 

 

 

Canons sat on carts

 

manta ray

 

Gunman protected the perimeter from these corner posts

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo San Benedicto Island - Mexico

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

 

revillafgigedos

 

The fort was surrounded by a moat.

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

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

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

Old Chart

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

REEF

 

19)  75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS 

 

Marinas

 

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle -  Ventura, USA

🇲🇽 Cruise Port Village - Mexico

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas  – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico  

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

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico 

🇲🇽 La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – Mexico  

🇬🇹 Marina Pez Vela – Guatemala  

🇸🇻 Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador  

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

🇳🇮 Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua  

🇨🇷 Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica  

🇨🇷 Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica  

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador  

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama  

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 La Playita Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Solarte  Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – Colombia 

🇯🇲 Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Jamaica 

🇯🇲 Errol Flynn Marina – Jamaica  

🇯🇲 Montego Bay Yacht Club –Jamaica 

🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina –Cayman Islands 

🇭🇳 Barefoot Cay Marina – Roatan – Honduras 

🇭🇳 Fantasy Island Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan – Honduras  

🇬🇹 Marina Nana Juana Resort & Boatyard – Guatemala 

🇧🇿 Thunderbirds Marine – Placencia – Belize 

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize 

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico 

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

🇨🇺 Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo – Cuba 

🇹🇨 South Bank Marina & Boatyard – Turks and Caicos  

🇧🇸 Romora Bay Resort and Marina – Bahamas  

🇧🇸 Elizabeth on the Bay Marina – Bahamas 

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas  

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic    

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys 

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

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

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

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

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

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah Georgia , USA  

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA  

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

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA  

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina – Portsmouth,  USA  

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, USA  

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA  

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, Virginia USA 

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA 

 

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

 

The Crystal Coast | Crystal Coast North Carolina

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

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

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

• No generator running while docked.

• No loud noise after 10:00 PM.

• No swimming or diving from the docks.

• No fishing from the docks.

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

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

20)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

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

WEST MARINE PRO

 

21) PANAMA CANAL AGENT 
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To
arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric
Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse
and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

Erick
Panama Canal Map

22) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

Waypoint Yacht Services

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

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

 Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus

Marcus Santana

General Manager

Marcus.Santana@waypointyacht.com

 


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

 

Phone: +507-310 9891 ext.206

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

Mob: +507 6427-8099

Making a splash

23) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SSCA

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

Pacific Posse 

Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware


SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

24) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

 

atlantic posse

 

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

 

Marakesh

 

Markets in 🇲🇦  Morocco 

Atlantic Posse 24

Atlantic Posse '24

 

Sign up now

 

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Hisroric center in Spain
 

south pacific posse

 

26) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 


REGISTER NOW 
 

Registration Fees

 

 

SPP

 


SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4 
Reef Island Culture

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

South Pacific Posse BUrgees

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

American Samoa

American Samoa

Nawi Island PArty

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

attooed Marquesan Warrior.

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

          

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

Mission

 OUR MISSION

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

 

OP

 


FLEET UPDATE 2024-02-04

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

Souht Water Cay reversed

FEBRUARY 4, 2024

"Life is uncharted territory.  

It reveals its story one moment at a time"

-Leo Buscaglia

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7  Posse Seminars and Events Past and Future
  • The Wolf Moon over the Water: Same Moon, different Location 🇵🇦 🇲🇽
  • Season 7 Award Entries: Biggest Fish Caught, Picture of the Year
  • SY FREEDOM in the Bahamas 🇧🇸
  • Some of the Best Outings are Short Inland Trips 🇲🇽
  • MV TIDINGS OF JOY Goes to North into Oaxaca 🇲🇽
  • Good Nautical: Melaque, Mexico 🇲🇽
  • Meet the Fleet: Dog of the Week: Jack
  • Safety Alert: Long Lines Catch and Kill: What to Know and Look Out For
  • MUST SEE: Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico 🇲🇽 

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

PANAMA POSSE Season 7

261 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Killing it with the spinnaker today! SOG 7.7!  Pacific Coast of Mexico 🇲🇽 

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

FIN FIN

2) ZERO LATITUDE REPORT

ZERO LATITUDE crossing the equator!  Bravo ZULU 🇪🇨 

MV CELT 🇺🇸 Gerry & Angela - Nordhavn 43′

CELT CELT
BRAVO ZULU
image

On anchor in Portobello, Panama 🇵🇦

SY YO-D-YO 🇺🇸 David & Mary – Hunter 45’

YO-D-YO David YO-D-YO Mary

3) THE WOLF MOON OVER THE WATER

Panama Posse & Belize

Glowing Wolf Moon rising over Taboga Island, Panama 🇵🇦 

SY MIETTE 🇺🇸 Eric & Shawn – Island Packet 32’

MIETTE MIETTE
maison wolf moon

Wolf Moon over Bocas Del Toro, Panama 🇵🇦 

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan -  Cal 46'

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

Wolf Moon over Punta Mita, Mexico 🇲🇽  

SY PERCEPTION 🇺🇸 Jim & Melinda & Grace - Lagoon 42'

 

4) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

ONE NEW BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT ENTRIES

 SY PRIYA catches two nice Mahi-Mahis back to back Manzanillo Bay, Mexico 🇲🇽 

SY PRIYA 🇺🇸 Brandt - Ericson 38′

PRYIA

ONE NEW PICTURE OF THE YEAR ENTRY

Starfish Beach, Bocas del Toro, Panama 🇵🇦 

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan -  Cal 46'

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

Flor de Caña sponsors the Panama  Posse 

ANNUAL AWARDS INCLUDE:

  • BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
  • PICTURE OF THE YEAR
  • YODA OF THE YEAR
  • SPEEDY AWARD – SEVENSTAR AWARD
  • THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
  • MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
  • HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
  • SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
  • GALLEY GOD(ESS)
  • GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
  • BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
  • COURAGE AWARD

Dreamer

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

5) PANAMA POSSE MEET UPS & EVENTS 

swim party

SV Fin, SV Voyager, and SV Bisou meet up in Marina Ixtapa, Mexico 🇲🇽

(1) OCEAN POSSE PARTY PANAMA + SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 

FLEET MEET UP

SAT. FEB 3 '24
SHELTER BAY MARINA 
🇵🇦  PANAMA

SAT Feb 3, 2024 Sheleter BAY 🇵🇦 PANAMA

IMPORTANT:
This event is in the middle of high season.  The Shelter Bay
Marina will be near capacity  so make reservations early.
Additionally, we are also going to organize a shuttle bus to get
folks to this event from alternate locations.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: 

Juanjo Boschetti

Juanjo Boschetti - GM juanjo@shelterbaymarina.com
Tel (+507) 433-3581

RSVP FOR CARI
Shelter Bay

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

SAT. MAY 11 '24 BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦  PANAMA

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

This is a very exclusive signature event in the Hamptons of Panama.
The upscale resort Buenaventura is just 80 minutes west of Panama City
and is one of the most charming and reserved places on the Pacific coast
of Panama.

Only 60 nm from the Las Perlas.

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

Cesar Buenaventura Marina

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

RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
Buenaventura

SAVE THE DATE 
 PANAMA POSSE BELIZE YACHT FEST 
APRIL 6 2024

PANAMA POSSE 🇧🇿 BELIZE YACHT FEST 
@ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

BELIZE PLACENCIA YACHT FEST 🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club

Saturday April 6, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

Placencia Yacht Club

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ W

>> RSVP HERE <<

CONTACT

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

Beat & Caroline>

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

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

 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOORINGS @ PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB

info@clearwaterexploring.com

www.placencia-yacht-club.com

T: +501 639 8555

Whatsapp   +41 78 605 5181

VHF 68

SAFE APPROACH 

SAFE APPROACH

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

Placnencia yacht club belize
BELIZE

6) SY FREEDOM IN THE BAHAMAS 🇧🇸

PANAMA POSSE AMAZON SIDETRIP

The Exumas are stunningly picturesque.

Hokipa's Track

Chub Cay, Bahamas

Sharks in crystal clear water 

DOWN WIND MARINE AND THE PANAMA POSSE

FREEDOM crew

SY FREEDOM 🇺🇸 David & Sheri - Beneteau 55

FREEDOM-David FREEDOM-Sheri

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures on the water !

 7) SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES  
is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries/nominations, your
breathtaking sunsets, and picturesque anchorages on our group
communications platform for others to enjoy in real time and/or email
Maurisa at
editor@panamaposse.com
to share in the upcoming newsletter.  Maurisa is a sailor among
us.  She is part of the Ocean Posse crew and enjoys writing fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse.
 

SY COURAGE sailing into the Sunset 

Chiapas, Mexico 🇲🇽 to Bahia del Sol, El Salvador  🇸🇻 

8) POSSE PERK: INTEL

SOMETIMES THE BEST OUTINGS 

ARE SHORT TRIPS INLAND
  

 Mirador el Posito, Mexico 🇲🇽 

MV NEXT CHAPTER quick trip report:

"Mirador
el Posito in Chiapas and it was a beautiful drive and felt totally
safe, a local guide helped us find a place to park our car rental and
walked us down to “the Hand”. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a
close to the marina adventure. It was about 1hr 30min drive"

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

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

9) BANANA BAY MARINA  🇨🇷 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE 

CENTRAL AMERICAN RALLY

8° 36.2433′ N 083° 11’26.4333′ W

marina

BANANA BAY MARINA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

We are very happy to extend our Sponsorship and discount to the Panama Posse

 Mauricio Arburola Banana Bay Marina

Mauricio Arburola

Administrador/ Manager

mauricio@bananabaymarinagolfito.com

Banana Bay Marina

Sales: (506) 2775-0003

Office: (506) 2775-0255

Cel (506) 87061075

www.bananabaymarinagolfito.com

Marina, Sport Fishing, Hotel, Restaurant, Travel Agency

window

AMENITIES

Dockage

  • Our docks accommodate vessels up to 120’.
  • 20 feet of water at low tide
  • Shore power {110/120V}
  • Fresh potable water

Mooring and Anchoring

  • Secure deep draft moorings
  • Dinghy docking area
  • Dry Dock Facility
  • Minor repairs service shop
  • Full outboard motors service and repairs
  • Electronic equipment repairs
  • Fuel Dock
  • Diesel at competitive pricing
  • Available daily
  • Boat Services
  • Minor Boat Maintenance/Repair
  • Boat washers
  • Bottom scrubs
  • Interior cleaning
  • Woodworking
  • Canvas Repair
  • Government-Approved In-Bond Customs Area

Additional Services

  • 24/7 Security
  • Wireless Internet
  • Cable TV
  • Telephone, and copier access
  • Ice
  • Local grocery access
  • Clean bathrooms and showers
  • Laundry Service
  • Trash and Recycling Disposal
  • Street Access

Sundowner in Golfito, Costa Rica 🇨🇷

10) MY TIDINGS OF JOY GOES NORTH IN OAXACA, 🇲🇽

Trip Report:

We
went on a five night road trip to Oaxaca City, about 700 km roundtrip.
We rented the car from Europcar in La Crececita after conveniently
reserving it online.  On the way to Oaxaca we stopped for a 3 hour
tour of Mezcal Real Minero which is considered by many to be the best
small batch Mezcal maker in Oaxaca.  

image

Here
we are with the founders great granddaughter Adriana in their welcome
center and research facility where they are trying to save endangered
agave species.  

We
stayed at the Casa de Sierra Azul hotel in the middle of the Centro
district which was a very nice, clean, charming boutique hotel within
walking distance of most of the major tourist attractions and great
restaurants.  

Inner courtyard at hotel.

Notable attractions we visited were:

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman. 

The Zocolo or Independence square.

Museo de las Culturas

Mercado de Benito Juárez and 20th of November.  

Local Oaxacan favorite.  Dried and seasoned grasshoppers.  

Walk the charming Jalatlato neighborhood.

Jardín Etnobotanico

Cathedral de Oaxaca.

Monte Albán (a short drive from the Centro)

Touring back, we ate at some great restaurants

Gorgeous view of the Templo from rooftop table at Casa Oaxaca. 

We loved the architecture and the beautiful charming streets as well. 

MY TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy - DeFever 52′

tidings of joy Tidings of Joy

11) GOOD NAUTICAL: MELAQUE 🇲🇽 MEXICO

GOOD NAUTICAL
MELAQUE

Melaque is in the Bay that hosts the entrance to Barra de Navidad, Mexico. 

https://goodnautical.com/mexico-pacific/anchorage/melaque

Gorgeous anchorage.  Recommend it easy beach access with kayaks. Great markets in town.

MY MUIRGEN 🇺🇸 Scot & Laura - Beebe 50′

Scot
>

SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

12) ERROL FLYNN MARINA 🇯🇲 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

18° 10.825’N  076° 27.215’W

ERROL FLYNN MARINA 🇯🇲 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE 18° 10.825’N 076° 27.215’W

Hello Panama Posse,

The Marina is prepared to offer all participants the following rates:

50ft and under US$0.70

50 -99ft              US$1.15

Above 100ft      US$2.00

We will not be able to discount the utilities as those charges are based on usage.

Looking forward to hosting you.

Regards,

Donna

CONTACT

Christine Downer

Acting General Manager

Errol Flynn Marina

P. O. Box 188

Port Antonio, Portland,

Jamaica.

Tel: 876-715-6044 & 876-993-3209

dsamuda@portjam.com

info@errolflynnmarina.com

VHF Channels 16/68

Coordinates: 18°10’8” North, 76° 27’ 2” West

Jamaica
operates on Eastern Standard Time the year ’round. (GMT-5) For
Approaches to Port Antonio charts, use DMA Chart 26129 or Admiralty 458

OVERVIEW

Errol
Flynn Marina has a designated helicopter landing area with parking for
up to four helicopters. Coordinates are 18°10.7’N, 76°27.3′ W,
Elevation, sea level. The landing area is located at the south end of
West Harbor adjacent to the launching ramp.

The
Errol Flynn Marina offers 32 fixed dockage berths (European) and
excellent facilities for a superior yachting experience in one of the
world’s most beautiful and protected harbors.

Errol
Flynn Marina has the distinction of being the only Caribbean marina
capable of handling the largest yachts in the world.  Our face dock
accommodates vessels to 350′ and 24′ draft Med style. However, our
“giga-yacht” dock can accommodate a vessel to 600′ and 32′ draft
alongside. In addition, our turning basin can accommodate yachts of any
size. Smaller vessels can use our slips or select from a mooring.

image

13) POSSE SPONSOR: 

LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES

The
#1 Cruising Lifestyle publication on the planet just keeps getting
bigger and better! Incredible destination articles and features by the
cruisers themselves, including how-to’s, DIY and exciting new products!
You could say it’s like a gorgeous buffet just waiting for you to dive
in! Access and download each digital issue now for only $14.99/year.

All subscribers receive:

10% off at the Lats & Atts Store

Download the digital magazine for easy offline access!

Invitation to Cruisers Parties

Upcoming Issue featuring a cruising story from Panama Posse editor

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SHARING YOUR STORIES OF ADVENTURES ON THE WATER?

LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES IS SEEKING TO SUBMISSIONS FROM PANAMA POSSE MEMBERS.

CONTACT MAURISA AT EDITOR@PANAMAPOSSE.COM FOR DETAILS.

14) MEET THE FLEET: DOG OF THE WEEK

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ

Jack

Jack-
also known as “Jack Jack” or “Jack Sparrow” by the locals. At first
glance you would never know he turned 10 in January 2024. Jack loves to
balance on the bow of the dinghy and pretend to swim and paddle-board
with Nicole, his human mom.  

Jack
likes to swim, chase shadows on shore but mostly chase little fish at
the shoreline ALL day long, and try to pounce on little crabs. He was
bred to be a working dog on a farm and has found new ways to use his
skills while living his best life at sea.

 If
you have a mouse or rat on board, you can borrow Jack and he will find
it and take care of it for you. When not “working” he is a great
cuddle-buddy and a professional beggar of treats. He is a big fan of
little kids, especially ones that have leftover lunch on their fingers.
Like most sailboat dogs, he has pooped in more exotic beaches than many
people have traveled to in a lifetime. 😂 If you have met Jack you know
he is quite the personality and makes our life on a boat that much more
fulfilling.

SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Nicole & Keenan -  Cal 46'

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

15) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

16)  SAFETY ALERT:

⚠️ LONG LINES CATCH AND KILL:

WHAT TO KNOW AND LOOK OUT FOR

LONG LINES ARE ILLEGAL AND/OR RESTRICTED AROUND THE WORLD…

WATCH OUT FOR THEM ALONG THE CENTRAL AMERICAN PANAMA POSSE ROUTE 

There
is a longline database on the Panama Posse website where members record
longlines.  This link can give people a sense of where there may
be more or less longline activity:

By definition, a long line is a monofilament fishing line stretched

between two buoys (which, depending on size and sea state, may or may not

be visible) with smaller lines hanging from the main line. Each smaller

line terminates at a baited, sometimes lighted or floating, hook.

According to NOAA, the average longlines in the US (where

longlines are illegal) are 28 miles long with 1000’s of these smaller

lines and can soak for hours to days.  The lines are hung at

different depth depending on the target species the fisherman aim to

catch.  

Long
lines disrupt the ocean balance by first catching fish on the lower end
of the food chain such as sardines, mackerel, squid, shark meat, or
scad for bait.  Excluding shark meat, the animals used as bait play
a vital role in the marine

ecosystem
providing food to larger fish and pelagic invertebrates. The animals
that prey on the sardines are predator species of increasing size and
strength.  When the bait fish are harvested larger fish that are
prey to even larger fish struggle to survive.

Longlines are a lethal weapon to the fish they seek and other marine animals

because they catch and kill marine life indiscriminately.  Most

longline crew are professional fisherman whose livelihood depends on

working well together in a highly coordinated to maximize their catch

and get as much to market as they can.  Recently, people have begun

using drones to spot fish and more precisely drop longline where fish

are.  Along the Pacific Coast between Mexico and Panama target

species include: tuna, halibut, swordfish, and sablefish.

Byproducts include highly sought after mahi-mahi.

Gas

How did these fish get to market AND what can cruisers do?

1. Knowing and sharing information about what longlines are and what to look out

for helps bring awareness to the pressures that the fishing industry is

putting on our oceans.  Report Longlines here:    

https://panamaposse.com/longlines

2. Knowing where the fish in you fish taco comes from can help too.  Buying

fish directly from fisherman or fish markets that you know how they get

their catch will support better fishing methods.  Do not support

longlining with the fish you consume.  The most sustainable fishing

method to support is rod and reel fishing.

3. Some private vessels choose to install longline cutting devises to their boats:

17)  MUST SEE: 

🇲🇽 MONTE ALBÁN - OAXACA, MEXICO 🇲🇽 

17°02.7833 N 096°45.9533 W

🇲🇽
Monte Albán is a large archaeological UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site in the
southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. The site is located on a low
mountainous range rising above the plain in the central section of the
Valley of Oaxaca. 

revillafifedos

The
partially excavated civic-ceremonial center of the Monte Albán site is
situated atop an artificially leveled ridge. It has an elevation of
about 1,940 m (6,400 ft) above mean sea level and rises some 400 m
(1,300 ft) from the valley floor, in an extremely defensible location.
In addition to the monumental core, the site is characterized by several
hundred artificial terraces, and a dozen clusters of mounded
architecture covering the entire ridgeline and surrounding flanks.

ancient volcano

Besides
being one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica, Monte Albán was
important for nearly one thousand years as the pre-eminent Zapotec
socio-political and economic center. Founded toward the end of the
Middle Formative period at around 500 BC  Monte Albán had become
the capital of a large-scale expansionist polity that dominated much of
the Oaxacan highlands and interacted with other Mesoamerican regional
states.  The city was largely abandoned after 800 AD. Small-scale
reoccupation, opportunistic reuse of earlier structures and tombs, and
ritual visitations marked the archaeological history of the site into
the Colonial period.

shark

VISIT THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE: https://panamaposse.com/monte-alban

hammerheads

 

18)  75+ PANAMA POSSE MARINA SPONSORS 

Marinas

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor South Bay – Chula Vista, USA

🇺🇸 Safe Harbor Ventura Isle -  Ventura, USA

🇲🇽 Cruise Port Village - Mexico

🇲🇽 IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas  – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Marina Puerto Escondido – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Palmira Topolobampo – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina y Club de Yates Isla Cortes – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina el Cid – Mazatlan – Mexico

🇲🇽 Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Mexico  

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

🇲🇽 Marina Ixtapa, Ixtapa – Mexico 

🇲🇽 La Marina Acapulco, Acapulco – Mexico  

🇲🇽 Vicente’s Moorings, Acapulco – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas – Mexico  

🇬🇹 Marina Pez Vela – Guatemala  

🇸🇻 Marina Bahia del Sol – El Salvador  

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

🇳🇮 Marina Puesta del Sol – Nicaragua  

🇨🇷 Marina Papagayo – Costa Rica  

🇨🇷 Banana Bay Marina – Costa Rica  

🇪🇨 Marina Puerto Amistad – Ecuador  

🇵🇦 Buenaventura Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 PANAMA POSSE PACIFIC HQ Vista Mar Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Shelter Bay Marina – Panama  

🇵🇦 Bocas Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 Linton Bay Marina – Panama 

🇵🇦 La Playita Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Flamenco Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Solarte  Marina – Panama

🇵🇦 Turtle Cay Marina – Panama

🇨🇴 ClubNautico Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Club de Pesca Marina Cartagena – Colombia 

🇨🇴 Manzanillo Marina Club – Colombia

🇨🇴 Marina Puerto Velero – Colombia

🇨🇴 IGY Marina Santa Marta – Colombia 

🇯🇲 Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Jamaica 

🇯🇲 Errol Flynn Marina – Jamaica  

🇯🇲 Montego Bay Yacht Club –Jamaica 

🇰🇾 The Barcadere Marina –Cayman Islands 

🇭🇳 Barefoot Cay Marina – Roatan – Honduras 

🇭🇳 Fantasy Island Marina – Roatan – Honduras

🇭🇳 Jonesville Point Marina -Roatan – Honduras  

🇬🇹 Marina Nana Juana Resort & Boatyard – Guatemala 

🇧🇿 Thunderbirds Marine – Placencia – Belize 

🇧🇿 Placencia Yacht Club – Belize 

🇲🇽 Marina Makax – Isla Mujeres – Mexico 

🇲🇽 Marina V&V – Quintana Roo – Mexico 

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

🇨🇺 Marina Marlin Nautica Cayo Largo – Cuba 

🇹🇨 South Bank Marina & Boatyard – Turks and Caicos  

🇧🇸 Romora Bay Resort and Marina – Bahamas  

🇧🇸 Elizabeth on the Bay Marina – Bahamas 

🇧🇸 Great Harbour Cay Marina – Bahamas

🇧🇸 Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina – Bahamas  

🇩🇴 Ocean World Marina – Dominican Republic

🇩🇴 Marina Puerto Bahia – Dominican Republic    

🇺🇸 Marathon Marina – Marathon Keys 

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

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

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

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

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

🇺🇸 Coffee Bluff Marina – Savannah Georgia , USA  

🇺🇸 Hazzard Marine – Gerogetown, North Carolina , USA  

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

🇺🇸 Portside Marina – Morehead City, North Carolina USA  

🇺🇸 Tideawater Yacht Marina – Portsmouth,  USA  

🇺🇸 Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, USA  

🇺🇸 Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Virginia USA  

🇺🇸 Regatta Point Marina – Deltaville, Virginia USA 

🇺🇸 Regent Point Marina – Topping, Virginia USA 

https://panamaposse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/OCEAN-WORLD-MARINA-1-1024x568.jpg
OCEAN WORLD MARINA 🇩🇴 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE 19° 49.655′ N 070°43.9833′ W

19)  PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS 

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

20) PANAMA CANAL AGENT 
CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ

To
arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric
Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse
and the Pacific Posse

Erick Gálvez

info@centenarioconsulting.com

www.centenarioconsulting.com

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

Erick
Panama Canal Map

21) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES

Waypoint Yacht Services

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

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

 Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus

Marcus Santana
General Manager
Marcus.Santana@waypointyacht.com

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

Phone: +507-310 9891 ext.206
AOH: +507-310 9892 (24/7)
Mob: +507 6427-8099

Panama Birds

22) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SSCA

Park Avenue Villas – San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua

Coconutz – Playa Cocos – Costa Rica

Abernathy – Chandlery – Panama

Pacific Posse 

Atlantic Posse

Advertising Partners – Las Vegas

Safe-Esteem.com – Delaware

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23) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

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SAN JUAN
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24) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

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South pacific Anchorages

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

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

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The impressive Solomon Islands

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 OUR MISSION

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