Most of the Caribbean coast is in a 'shadow zone', this is because the coastline is not horizontal and almost all hurricanes transit parallel to us on the continental coast, a difference that we have with the Antilles, the Gulf of Mexico and the southern and southeastern coast of the United States. All this makes us the best option for all these countries, the ABC Islands and Panama, a strategic point for all national and international vessels to find in one place the ease of obtaining all services in a comprehensive manner without the need for move to various places.
We are please to offer a 10 % discount of our haul out fees
and a 20 % off our future marina slips
ABOUT
A full service yard we lift boats up to 90 tons, 10 meters of beam with a state of the art , electronic weight measurement, 4 wheels, equalized and driven via remote control. Its lifting mechanism uses a load-sensing hydraulic system, which is adjusted according to the special requirements of each client, in order to implement different movement and maintenance jobs safely and efficiently.
Lady Slipper, refueling, in Central Baja Californai Mexico is among some boats that head north of the Hurricane Line
The southernmost part our the Panama Posse route is below the Hurricane line.
Taking one's vessel and crew north is one option during Hurricane Season. Other options include finding hurricane holes or moving south of the 10th Parallel. Just south of the Hurricane line, the northernmost Guanacaste region of Costa Rica offers vessels a comparatively drier option during the rainy season. The northern reaches of Costa Rica are 10 degrees north of the equator and officially south of the Northern Tropical Storm Zone.
Recently the Costa Rican Government introduced a new option that make it possible for cruisers to stay in the country longer than 90 days. Now it is actually possible to make Costa Rica one’s ‘off season’ port.
Take a peek at Costa Rica's new extended Tourist TIP
The newest opportunity is called the Tourist TIP.
This TIP allows both people and vessel to:
1. Stay in Costa Rica an additional 6 months and is renewable to a max of 2 years.
2. Import boat parts duty free. *Importation requires Aduana (customs) to inspect the goods, verify the boat and TIP at time of receipt. This is inspection is to be done in a marina.
3. Move about in Costa Rican waters with National Zarpes.
The requirements for getting the Tourist TIP are as follows:
1. The application process must start at a marina as the boat will need to be inspected by Aduana (customs) in order for the TIP to be issued. Check with marinas to inquire if they are part of this new program.
2. The application process takes 2-3 weeks and must be approved before the originally issued 90 TIP expires.
3. The application must be done through an agent. Panamares can process the Tourist TIP paperwork for a fee which is discounted to Panama Posse boats. The amount of paperwork (fee) required depends on the ownership status of the vessel.
Marina Papagayo is offering a summer deal to Panama Posse members that want to make Costa Rica their extended term port
Dan, the Marina Manager and a sailor himself, at Marina Papagayo is very knowledgeable and can help Panama Posse members understand the process and get through it. Further, Dan is offering PP members an excellent discount to make his marina that much more attractive as one’s ‘off season’ port. Dan recommends starting the application process at least a month before ones initially executed 90 day Visa and TIP expire so there are no hiccups that compromise ones successful execution of the Tourist TIP.
SNEEK PEEK NUMBER 1: There are many facets and benefits to the Panama Posse. Over the years, as the Panama Posse group and benefits grow we have learned that there is a lot to absorbin order to get the most out of the Panama Posse membership.
We are please to announce that beginning Season 7 Nicole with SY MAISON DE SANTÉ will be doing Onboarding for new members :
"to help welcome new members by having a zoom call just to talk more about the posse perks and kind of walk them through thinks like the Line App and how to best integrate with other posse members/locations. There are lots of things that can be overwhelming for someone new." So, Nicole will be there to make the transition easier. 2023-2024 new participant on boarding zoom call
ZOOM Saturday July 9th 2023 @ 18:00 UTC Noon Costa Rica / Mexico
In addition to trying to catch the biggest fish of the season AGAIN,
Nicole will be helping with new Panama Posse participants onboarding.
SNEEK PEEK NUMBER 2: We will continue to share a monthly newsletter between now and the official kickoff for Season 7 inOctober 29th in San Diego. We will re-introduce weekly newsletter and celebrate the cruising season Kick off event at Safe Harbor South Bay San Diego. Over the summer months the format and scope of the Panama Posse newsletter will be evolving...stay tuned.
Our goal is to keep the spirit and flow of adventure out there to excite and energize ocean go'ers, ocean dream'ers, and readers alike. As always we seek to share beautiful, inspiring pictures, useful information, and important safety alerts to keep our community of the water safe.
Please email pictures, stories, alerts, and/or ideas to editor@panamaposse.com.
In addition to sailing near and far,
our editor, Maurisa,on SY WHIRLWIND will help the newsletter develop a new look
The Journey through the Copper Canyon by train is an experience of one of the most scenic train rides in the world. El Chepe chugs along its 405 mi of track, a journey which takes anywhere from 9 to 16 hours, it crosses over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels. It crosses the Copper Canyon, called the Barranca del Cobre.
Tarahumara of northern Mexico painted with white dots representing the stars. Well-known for producing long-distance runners and endurance races are incorporated into both work and play in their culture.
The 'Copper Canyon' is actually a series of twenty canyons, formed over the years by six rivers. The area is about seven times the size of the Grand Canyon, and has distinct topography, flora and fauna to Arizona's premier natural wonder.
13) 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
United States Notes - 50 Dollar Federal Reserve Bank Note Series 1918 St. Louis
This note is very rare as only 33 pieces are reported outstanding on U.S. Treasury books. Featuring an Ocean liner, sailing ship, and battleship from opposite sides converging on a small piece of tropical land. An allegorical female figure stands atop a pedestal inscribed “Panama”, representing the achievement of bridging the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Panama Canal was finished and officially opened in 1914
The Machineel Tree grows where mangroves grow along the sandy shores and near estuaries along the coast of the the America's from south Florida to Columbia and Venezuela. The tree is exceptionally beautiful and usually marked by broad sandy spaces dappled with small apple like fruits beneath broad overhanging branches. NOTE: All parts of this tree are poisonous to all but the large iguana who actually eat the small apple like fruits like bon bons. Know this tree and be aware not to eat, cut, or touch it's milky white sap. The poison can be airborne, in the sap, and in the fruit causing severe lesions, blisters, nausea among other symptoms.
SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′
GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
For
altering course responding to Carinthia's Pan Pan / subsequent
assistance in providing emergency bildge pumps and subsequent monitoring
of Carinthia on a 50 nm track to the boatyard.
Saildrones equipped with a range of sensors to collect a broad scope of data
Hurricane season in the Atlantic is near and Saildrones are preparing for another season of observations.
Saildrones
have been helping scientists map superstorms at sea and collect data to
better understand rapid-intensification of superstorms for only a few
years. The Saildrone is a 23-foot craft that has been designed, built
and engineered to point into the absolute worst weather conditions a
hurricane can offer. The vessel is adorned with a host of
meteorological and oceanographic instruments powered by wind, water and
sun to collect and send data on land. The goal is to collect air,
surface, and subsea data in real time. The data is meant to help
scientists develop a more sophisticated understanding of why such
storms’ intensity has spiked over the last half-century. Storms
are going through rapid-intensification, lasting longer, tracking
further inland and farther north than they have historically threatening
millions of coastal residents in the United States from Texas to Maine.
The Saildrone is one of many tools in service collecting data
A
handful of these bright orange, unmanned , remotely piloted vessels
have been built and launched in the Atlantic ocean patrolling the
Carribean for storms. In 2021, one in particular, called Saildrone
Explorer SD 1045, with it’s a 15’ rigid carbon-fiber sail and a deep
keel managed to truly weather and help map a storm, Hurricane Sam.
Steering on the edge of the eye wall of Hurricane Sam, this
Saildrone 1045 found 143 mph gusts, measured 89-foot waves, recorded
multiple knockdowns, 360-degree capsizes and a 30-mph surf down the back
of a giant wave.
Saildrone captures images of frothy intensity near the eye of Hurricane Same
Scientists
the world over are investigating, comparing and hypothesizing about
climate changes in the past, present, and future. Scientists seek
answers that will help predict and avoid environmental and human
disasters.
More and more storms are doing what is called rapid intensification. Scientists have not known why. Of
particular interest to the scientists monitoring Saildrone 1045 in 2021
was data that indicated that as Hurricane Sam went through rapid
intensification the sea temperature was warming not cooling and the
salinity was lower. This information was so ‘off’ from what was
expected that the data put the Saildrone’s instruments in question.
However, comparing Saildrone data to nearby buoy ad satellite data
confirmed that the instruments were in fact in good working order.
Now it was not the instruments in question but rather a discovery
that led to more questions. Scientists concluded that there was a pool
of fresh water floating on the ocean surface under the eye. This
pool was obstructing ocean upwelling and evaporation beneath the
hurricane from cooling the ocean water and thereby tempering the storm. But Why? …and How did this pool form? Where did the freshwater come from?
This
image provided by the NOAA showing Transmit data from a saildrone in
(what was) real-time to operational weather prediction centers to
improve atmosphere-ocean initial conditions in forecast models.
Scientist are looking near and far for the answers to these questions.
We
live on but one planet and scientists often illuminate interconnections
on our planet that were once thought to be distant and disconnected.
Catherine McKenzie wrote in her book, Fractured,
“They
say that if a butterfly flaps its wings in the Amazonian rain forest,
it can change the weather half a world away. Chaos theory. What it means
is that everything that happens in this moment is an accumulation of
everything that’s come before it. Every breath. Every thought. There is
no innocent action. Some actions end up having the force of a tempest.
Their impact cannot be missed. Others are the blink of an eye. Passing
by unnoticed. Perhaps only God knows which is which.
All
I know today is that you can think that what you’ve done is only the
flap of a butterfly wing, when it’s really a thunderclap. And both can
result in a hurricane”
Balance
A
precious balance of forces exist in our world inspiring scientists to
question cause and effect, to look deeply at humans place in this
balance.
Many
believe humans indeed tip the scales somewhere, somehow, or in some way
and spend their life's work seeking this understanding.
The
conclusion about the freshwater pool has inspired new research around
salinity levels in the ocean, how they are changing and the causes for,
in this case, a pool of intense dilution. Rising sea
temperatures? Melting iceburgs? Increased rainfall?
Deforestation?
All
of this data and these questions are relevant in all the world’s
Oceans, not just the Atlantic. Superstorms may be billed under
different names in different oceans, IE typhoons in the Northwest
Pacific, Cyclones in the South Pacific and Hurricanes in the Atlantic,
but their trend and impacts are the same. The world over
Superstorms are growing stronger as the ocean warms beneath them and
wreaking havoc on human life and structures.
“About
a third of the world’s population has no access to
extreme-weather-early-warning systems- including a stunning 60 percent
of people in Africa.” The disproportionate impact of storms in
communities without forecasting systems let alone electricity is
staggering. “Oceanographers often point out that appropriations
for NASA’s deep-space exploration outpaces ocean exploration by more
than 150 to 1- to the point that scientists know more about the surface
of Mars than they do about our own seas, which play an outsize role in
the climate crisis and are far more important to the survival of our
species.” Some scientists refer to this as a black hole of data.
As
people that live on and spend a lot of time on the Ocean we are
intimately connected to the salty sea and the weather. It is worth
reading about this exciting and relevant research:
Saildrone
1045 location (triangle) overlaid on an infrared image from NOAA
geostationary satellite (colors) at 16:00 UTC September 30, 2021. The
saildrone track (light blue line) starts at 04:00 UTC on the same day.
Courtesy of Edorado Mazza, University of Washington.
Excellent for protection- a bonafide HURRICANE HOLE
View
from the Richmond Hill Inn (500’ above the bay) includes the Montego
Bay Yacht Club and anchorage area. The area directly behind the club is
Bogue Lagoon.
BOGUE LAGOON ANCHORAGE SKETCH-
from the FREE CRUISING GUIDE TO JAMAICA by Frank Virgintino
archived in https://panamamposse.com/books
"Once past the buoy there is a series of markers -- rusted and old, but
serviceable -- to lead you in. Do not shortcut any of them. Their colors are
faded, so you need to stay alert. Do not even think about entering at night.
This anchorage should be used in heavy “northers” or even hurricanes. It is
well protected with good holding. There is a Houseboat restaurant in the
lagoon; you can anchor close by and dinghy over to enjoy a really nice meal.
The entrance channel carries 7’ of water. If you need more, wait for a high
tide which will give you another foot. Once inside, the depth in the
anchorage area is between 15’ and 20’.
Unless you like this type of anchorage, there is nothing to recommend here
other than avoiding heavy weather. This is mangrove country so when the
wind is down, mosquitoes can be merciless. Check your mosquito screens."
Patois
is a fascinating linguistic and cultural phenomenon, reflecting the
history, resilience, and creativity of the Jamaican people. It's an
integral part of the local culture, contributing to the vibrant and
diverse tapestry of Jamaica's heritage.
The
vocabulary draws from a range of sources, including English, African
languages, Spanish, and Indigenous Taino words. Many words and phrases
have specific cultural or local meanings that may not be immediately
apparent to non-native speakers. Jamaican Patois also includes unique
idiomatic expressions and proverbs that reflect the island's history,
traditions, and way of life.
Reggae
music evolved from earlier Jamaican musical genres such as ska and
rocksteady, but it also drew inspiration from African rhythms and
religious practices. The lyrics of reggae songs often address social and
political issues, promoting messages of liberation, unity, and
resistance against oppression. Many reggae songs express themes of
empowerment, equality, and the celebration of Jamaican identity and
culture.
The
connection between the slave uprisings and reggae music is evident in
the lyrics of influential reggae artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh,
and Burning Spear, among others. Their songs often speak to the history
of slavery, the struggles faced by the African diaspora, and the quest
for justice and equality. Through their music, they helped raise
awareness of Jamaica's history and cultural heritage on a global scale.
Furthermore,
the rhythmic elements of reggae, with its distinctive bass lines,
offbeat guitar strumming, and syncopated drumming, can be traced back to
African musical traditions brought to Jamaica during the era of
slavery. This rhythmic foundation, combined with the socio-political
messages of the lyrics, contributed to reggae's unique and influential
sound.
Painting
by Adolphe Duperly depicting the Roehampton Estate in St. James,
Jamaica, being destroyed by fire during the uprising.
The
legacy of the slave uprisings, along with the experiences of slavery
and oppression, deeply influenced Jamaican culture, providing a
foundation for the emergence of various cultural expressions, including
music. Reggae, which gained international recognition and became a
symbol of Jamaican culture, has roots deeply connected to the historical
struggles for freedom and social justice.
Chronology of Resistance in the West Indies - JAMAICA
10) PLEASE SHARE YOUR END OF SEASON STORIES AND HIGHLIGHTS
Among
the Panama Posse are great adventurers and often in
landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful, poignant, or fascinating
in some way. Please share you photos either on the Line App
for the group to enjoy or feel free to send pictures with captions or
short accompanying stories to me at editor@panamaposse.com.
Every week I assemble the newsletter with information from the
fleet and for the fleet. If you think it is newsworthy, send it to
me and I will do my best to include it.
Budding Sailor and Fisherman extraordinaire, Russell, catches an African Pompano
Bahia Santa Elena, Guanacaste, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
"I woke up at 5:30 in the morning. The sun was up and it was hot
all ready. I asked my dad if he wanted to go fishing and began
preparing our 11’ inflatable dingy while he drank his morning cup of
coffee. We went out of the small cove where we were anchored and
to the first large rock at the entrance to the Bay.
We
fished at the entrance rock for awhile and all we caught was a small
starry grouper. Then we went out to the small island in the mouth
of the bay where we jigged for a bit. After jigging for about five
minutes we noticed that the dingy was taking on water. So, we
started to troll back. Along the way we got 3 bites but no fish.
We were almost back to our mothership, Whirlwind, and wondering,
"Maybe it is the lure? Maybe the lure doesn't work?".
No
sooner had we finished asking these questions when we got a big bite!
Immediately, the rod started screamin'. After a bit of a
fight, I pulled in a big pompano. We went to the beach and started
fileting it. While we were fileting it we saw a monster roster
fish. My dad tried to catch it but know luck. We are
cooking up the Pompano up know and after that I intend to catch that
rooster...if I can."
Thanks for sharing Russell! This African Pompano met it's match.
Hurricane!
The word is both feared and respected by knowledgeable mariners and old
timers along the U.S. Coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico and the
Atlantic Ocean. Residents of Southeast Florida are constantly alert to
the news of tropical storms developing in or headed for the Atlantic
Ocean or Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico. This interest is at its
highest during the official hurricane season from June 1st to November
30.
A
hurricane is a violent tropical cyclone, with winds of 74 or more miles
per hour, which spiral counterclockwise around a relatively calm center
known as the "eye” of the storm. At full strength hurricane winds can
gust to more than 200 miles per hour as far out as 20 to 30 miles from
the eye. Winds of 39 mph and greater can extend 200 miles or more in
advance of the hurricane and trail hundreds of miles behind. The
greatest threat from hurricane wind is flying debris. Winds may also
disrupt electrical power, telephone service, gas, fresh water supplies,
and transportation. Tornados are also possible as a spinoff of the
hurricane’s winds.
The
greatest danger of the hurricane, however, is from the storm surge. As
the storm approaches and moves across a coastline, storm surge may rise
10 feet or more above normal high tide and usually is accompanied by
battering waves which will overcome coastal lowlands. In addition,
extensive rainfall associated with the storm, may cause widespread
flooding further inland. More than 23 inches of rainfall in 24 hours
have been recorded in association with a hurricane.
Hurricanes are classified by wind strength known as the Saffir/Simpson Scale:
Category : Wind
I : 74-95 mph
II : 96-110 mph
III: 111-130 mph
IV: 131-155 mph
V : 156 + mph
Tropical Depression - A circulation at the surface of the water with a sustained wind speed of 38 mph.
Tropical Storm - Distinct circulation with sustained wind speeds of 39 to 73 mph.
Hurricane - A tropical cyclone that rotates counterclockwise with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.
Tropical Storm Watch - The alert given when a tropical storm poses a threat to a certain coastal area within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning - A tropical storm is expected to strike within 24 hrs. with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.
Hurricane Watch - The alert given when a hurricane poses a threat to a certain coastal area within 36 hrs.
Hurricane Warning -
A hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours with sustained winds
of 74 mph or more accompanied by heavy rain and high waves.
Storm Surge -
A rise in tide caused by a hurricane as it moves over or near the
coastline. It can be much higher than the normal tidal rise, with
breaking waves on top.
Beyond the definitions the manual has information on
General Precautions for Boat Owners
General Precautions for Boat Owners
Specific Precautions for Boat Owners
What do do Before and After a Hurricane
General Procedures to Process Vessel Claims
Boat Owner’s Preparation Worksheet
A Template to fill in with important numbers that one would need in case of a hurricane emergency
Important Points
• Develop your hurricane plan early. Only you can be responsible for your plan.
• Make all arrangements for moving and securing your vessel prior to
hurricane season.
• There are insufficient safe havens for all vessels in the county. Those who
act early will fare the best.
• Do not stay on your vessel, or attempt to move or secure your vessel after
small craft warnings have been posted.
• Do not be fooled by the lull or calm as the eye passes. The second half of
the storm will soon strike with full intensity.
• Marine agencies will pull their vessels from the water when wind and seas
warrant. They will not risk their lives to rescue careless boaters.
• Stay tuned to all broadcasts and official bulletins until the storm has fully abated.
• Do not return to your vessel until the hurricane has cleared your area and you are told its OK to return.
• Your life is more valuable than your property. Do not allow yourself to become a hurricane statistic!
Many
fish that live in the normally cooler waters off the coast of South
America move away or die. Fishermen first called this condition of warm
coastal water and poor fishing "El Niño." El Niño means "the Christ
Child." They call it that because it typically occurs at
Christmastime.
This
information about sea surface temperature can allow scientists to more
accurately detect conditions such as El Niño while they are forming.
There
is a 60% chance for a transition from ENSO-neutral to El Niño during
May-July 2023, and this will increase to about 70% in June-August and
80% between July and September, according to the Update, which is based
on input from WMO Global Producing Centres of Long-Range Forecasts and
expert assessment
During
El Niño years, the Atlantic Ocean tends to be cooler than normal, which
can create a more stable atmosphere and increase wind shear, making it
more difficult for hurricanes to form and intensify. Therefore, El Niño
years tend to have fewer and weaker hurricanes in the Atlantic basin.
During
an El Niño year, the sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific
tend to be warmer than normal, which creates a more unstable atmosphere
and decrease wind shear, making it easier for hurricanes to form and
intensify.
As a result, El Niño years tend to have more and stronger hurricanes in the eastern Pacific basin.
HIGH WAVE ALERT PANAMA
HIGH WAVE ALERT
13) MUST SEE:
CASTILLO SAN MARCOS 🇺🇸 ST AUGUSTINE FLORIDA
The
Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental
United Statesand is located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in the
city of St. Augustine, Florida. The Castillo was designed by the Spanish
engineer Ignacio Daza and construction begn in 1672, 107 years after
the city’s founding by Spanish Admiral and conquistador Pedro Menéndez
de Avilés, when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire.
Distinct shape of Castillo San Marcos from above.
Castillo
de San Marcos was for many years the northernmost outpost of Spain’s
vast New World empire. It is the oldest masonry fort and the
best-preserved ex-ample of a Spanish colonial fortification in the
continental United States. This Fort anchored East Florida’s defenses,
which extended northward to the St. Mary's River, westward to the St.
Johns, and southward to Fort Matanzas. It protected St. Augustine from
pirate raids and from Spain’s major rival, Great Britain, during a time
when the Florida-Georgia-Carolina coastline was an explosive
international battleground.
The
roots of the Castillo’s history reach back to the years just after
Christopher Columbus’s final transatlantic voyage, when conquistadors
carved out a vast and wealthy overseas empire for Spain, first in the
Caribbean and then on the mainland of Mexico, Central America, Colombia,
Venezuela, and Peru. Products of these tropical and mountainous
territories brought high prices on the Continent, and Spanish galleons
sailed home laden with exotic dyes, sugar, tobacco, chocolate, pearls,
hardwoods, and silver and gold. These so-called “treasure fleets” made
Spain the most powerful and envied nation in Renaissance Europe.
Thanks
to the travels of Ponce de Leon in 1513, Spanish navigators knew that
the best return route from Spain’s rich Caribbean possessions was along
the Gulf Stream, through the Bahama Channel, and past the shores of
Florida. The Spanish knew they must defend this peninsula to prevent
enemies from using its harbors as havens from which to raid the passing
treasure fleets.
The
Castillo’s baptism of fire came in 1702 during the War of the Spanish
Succession, when the English occupied St. Augustine and unsuccessfully
besieged the fort for 50 days. The English burned the town before they
left, but the Castillo emerged unscathed, thereby making it a symbolic
link between the old St. Augustine of 1565 and the new city that rose
from the ashes.
CASTILLO SAN MARCOS TIMELINE
1513 Sailing from Puerto Rico, Spanish claim Florida.
1565 Spanish found St. Augustine and destroy French at Fort Caroline and Matanzas Inlet.
1672 Ground is broken on October 2 for Castillo de San Marcos.
1695 Castillo de San Marcos (curtain walls, bastions, living quarters, moat, ravelin, and sea-wall) is finished in August.
1702
War of the Spanish Succession pits Spain and France against Austria,
Great Britain, and others. Coastal Georgia missions are
destroyed by Carolinians en route to St. Augustine. Carolinians
occupy and burn St. Augustine but the Castillo successfully resists
their siege.
1738
Spanish governor at St. Augustine grants freedom to runaway British
slaves. Black families settle at new town called Fort Mose.
1740
St. Augustine successfully endures siege by British, Georgian, and
South Carolinian forces. Spanish attack and de-feat British Highland
troops camped at Fort Mose.
1740-42 Fort Matanzas is built to block southern approach to St. Augustine.
1756-62 Fort Mose re-built in masonry. Earth-works at Mose extended to complete northern-most defense.
1763 Peace of Paris gives Florida to Great Britain in exchange for La Habana. Castillo becomes known as Fort St. Mark.
1783 Peace of Paris recognizes independence of the United States and returns Florida to Spain.
1821 Spain cedes Florida to the United States.
1825 Castillo de San Marcos renamed Fort Marion.
1924 Fort Marion and Fort Matanzas are proclaimed national monuments
1933 Transferred to the National Parks Service
1942 Original name Castillo San Marcos is restored
🇹🇨 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
🇺🇸 Titusville Marina - Florida, 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
15) PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS
PREDICT WIND
SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS
FLOR DE CAÑA
SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
WESTMARINE PRO
SAILMAIL
CHRIS PARKER - MARINE WEATHER CENTER
SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
DOWNWIND MARINE
BELIZE TOURISM
PANAMA YACHT BROKER
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
SHELTER ISLAND INFLATABLES
16) 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
Panama Posse Mothers Day dinner at Restaurante Baos, 🇲🇽 Marina Chiapas.
Present were Glenn and Ashley SV C-Ya, Crystal and Kurt SV “Crystal Seas” Robin and Tad SV Bisou, and Dave and Mary SV “Yo-D-Yo”.
Mothers Day calls for vessel spa treatment
SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′
4) AWARD ENTRIES
GALLEY GODDESS NOMINEE
We on Oceananigans would love to submit our Galley Goddess nominee, Malana!
As many know, we are a full time cruising boat of 9, consisting of 5 ravenous children and two over-eating males. Rain, Shine, Calm or Rough Passages, Stocked or Bare Pantry, the galley always produces amazing meals. We on Oceananigans appreciate our Galley Goddess very much and are excited to nominate her (in secret).
SY OCEANANIGANS 🇺🇸 Ryan & Karis - Lagoon 56'
UNINVITED (JUNGLE) GUEST NOMINEE
SY JUNGLE 🇺🇸 Jim & Deb - Sea Horse Mandarian 52′
COURAGE AWARD NOMINEE
Foolish us thinking the crossing to French Polynesia was the part to be worried about. Since arriving we've been hit by an indirect lightning strike that fried all of our electronics, and then hit by a random un-forecasted storm that pounded us (onto shore) for 4 hours with sustained winds in the high 60s-70s.
We'll take the crossing any day - its French Polynesia that's scary!! ;)
But its also amazingly beautiful!!
SY KARMA 🇺🇸 Jennifer & Bryan - Catana Bali 39′
5) KING TIDES explainin'
According to NOAA: "Tides are long-period waves that roll around the planet as the ocean is "pulled" back and forth by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun as these bodies interact with the Earth in their monthly and yearly orbits."
The new moon was on May 19th 2023. The gravitational pull of the moon on the water at this time is its greatest of the month and tides are more extreme.
This coupled with the big swell in the Eastern Pacific occurring will make for a King Tide. A King Tide is a non-scientific term used to describe exceptionally high tides that occur during a new or full moon. The Perigean Spring Tide occurs when the moon closest to the earth and either in it's new or full phase. These tides also make for notable tidal swings to be very mindful of.
Along the Pacific coast of the Panama Posse route big swells are coming in to beaches and bays with Southern exposure. Swell will also wrap around points and affect other areas. The bar entrance to Bahia del Sol in El Salvador has been intermittently open and closed due to this high swell and secondary swell event in the eastern Pacific.
We pay close attention to anchoring depths in big swell events because waves can break in areas that are atypical.
Ocean Explorer an education branch of NOAA explains what happens to a wave when it moves into shallower water and interacts with the seafloor as follows:
When the water depth decreases to one half of a wave’s wavelength, the wave starts to “feel the bottom”. That means that the deepest water molecules set into circular motion by the wave’s energy run into the seafloor. This forces the wave to grow upwards, so wave height increases. The base of the wave is slowed down by friction against the sea bottom, while the top of the wave rushes ahead, so the wave crest begins to lean more and more forward until it topples over, and breaks on the shore.
Waves in the lonely stretches of the open sea are little noticed by anyone but the occasional sailor. But once they reach shore, they become much more interesting. When waves break, or become unstable and topple forward, they thrill beachgoers and dramatically reshape the coastline.
Measuring a Wave
The approximate speed of a wave train can be calculated from the average period of the waves in the train, using a simple formula: speed (in knots, which are nautical miles per hour) = 1.5 x period (in seconds). If NOAA reports that a gale 400 nautical miles offshore has kicked up high waves with a period of 12 seconds, when should you go to the beach?
Río Dulce is a great hurricane haven! Welcome Multihulls and Monohulls ⛵, feel free to ask about our Drydock services to repair and maintaint your boat! We have a huge work area and an awesome team! Our Dockmaster speaks perfect English, spanish and French.
We look forward to meeting all the participants of the Panama Posse.
CONTACT
ADDRESS : Km. 274 Carretera a Petén, Río Dulce
EMAIL: reservas@nanajuanariodulce.com
TEL: +502 7790 7676
WEB: nanajuanariodulce.com
RATES
BERTHING RATES (x foot x month)
MONOHULLS 40+: 49.38Q=6.41USD
CATAMARAN 40+: 65.18Q=8.47USD
CATAMARAN 45+: 75.05Q = 9.75 USD
6 months or more paying in advance: 5 % discount.
KWH consumption 3.56Q=0.46usd
(1 Q = 0,13 usd)
STORAGE RATES (x foot x month)
MONOHULLS 40+: 45.43Q=5.90USD
CATAMARAN 40+: 61.23Q=7.95USD
CATAMARAN 45+: 71.10Q = 9.24 USD
HAUL OUT RATES:
MONOHULLS: 71.10Q per ft=9.24USD
CATAMARAN 40+: 71.10Q per ft=9.24USD
CATAMARAN 45+: 86.90 per ft=11.29 USD
Pressure wash 474Q=61.57usd
As a special we will reward the Panama Posse participants with
10 % discount over Marina, Haul Out and Storage Fees (excl. Electricity)
15 % discount at the Nanajuana Hotel (subject to availability)
7) GOOD ANCHORAGE GOOD NAUTICAL ISLA CEDROS, 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA
Isla Cedros is a very beautiful island in Gulfo de Nicoya in Costa Rica. With multiple different anchorages all around the island one can easlily spend weeks gunkholing here. The western anchorages are well out of the swell and exceptionally calm.
Isla Cedros is a great spot to base out of for many many reasons.
One can land a dingy near the ferry terminal and buy supplies in the nearby town.
There are taxis there as well for trips further afield.
Additionally, one can take the ferry to Punarenas for onward travel to the capitol of San Jose.
There is a nice bar on the island
APPROACH A power line between the mainland and the SW tip of Isla Cedros hangs at approximately 44’at MHW. A second power lines runs between Isla Cedros and Isla Jesusita at a height of approximately 80’ near the shore of Jesusita. Use extreme caution passing under it, staying close to the shoreline of Isla Jesusita in depths of 4-5m.
This mangrove lined channel between Isla Cedros and Isla Jesusita is well protected from the southerly swell but can be exposed to weather from the north. The tranquility of the bay may occasionally be disturbed by the caretakers generator or a troop of howler monkeys in the trees.
8) 🇬🇹 THE CASTLE OF SAN FELIPE DE LARA
(CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DE LARA)
CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DE LARA is a Spanish colonial fort at the entrance to Lake Izabal in eastern Guatemala.
Lake Izabal is connected with the Caribbean Sea via the Dulce River and El Golfete lake. The fort was strategically situated at the narrowest point on the river. The Castillo de San Felipe was used by the Spanish for several centuries, during which time it was destroyed and looted several times by pirates
The fort is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and is a popular regional tourist destination.
The Castillo de San Felipe was built to protect the port of San Antonio de las Bodegas on the south shore of Lake Izabal from frequent pirate attacks, mostly by English pirates.
After nightfall, passage along the river into the lake was blocked by a large chain that crossed from the fort to the far bank. San Antonio was the main port for receiving Spanish shipping carrying goods for the Captaincy General of Guatemala and was responsible for supplying and garrisoning the fort. Guatemalan records contain details of captains being appointed to the fort well into the 18th century.
The position was a joint post, also including the position of mayor of San Pedro de Amatique and San Antonio de las Bodegas. The latter post was in name only, since the towns were soon abandoned due to constant slave raids by the Mosquito Zambo that left the Motagua delta and shores of Lake Izabal largely deserted, with those inhabitants that did not flee being sold into slavery in the British colony of Jamaica.
Sign up by July 4th so you receive the greatest discounted to the Posse for the season. The current Season, Season 6 officially closes on July 4th and Season 7 eases in on June 5th.
When you re-sign up everything starts fresh and you keep all your perks. You can renew between now or whenever you choose but all benefits including discounts and access to information ends July 4th so that the new Panama Posse can form and focus on building, on-boarding and improving the next season and welcoming the next season's participants. This is how the Posse stays relevant, fresh and continues to update and capture new information.
Stay connected, stay informed, save money & stay with the Panama Posse.
There are different requirements entering different countries and different ports along the route. It is important to know what you need and be prepared. Often being over prepared is better than being under prepared. Recently checking into Golfito SY Divergent reports needing a health certificate for their dog upon entry after leaving Panama. Thankfully, Divergent was prepared and has shared their experience:
Even Boat dogs need Clearance Clarence.
The first thing we did was to secure an animal health certificate before leaving Panama. This officially gave us 10 days to get checked into Costa Rica.
We obtained the certificate from a veterinarian that was a 25-minute rental car ride southeast of Buenaventura marina. It would be a much shorter drive from Vista Mar Marina. The clinic was Mia Vet Clinic in Gorgona beach plaza, Nuevo Georgona, Panama. The phone / WhatsApp number is+507 6608 7214. This number is for Linda, and she speaks fluent English.
Once we arrived in Golfito, we obtained a form from the agent at Fishhook Marina, Bruce Blevins, to fill out before contacting the SENASA office (servicio national de Salud animal). When we went to immigration, I explained we had a pet onboard. The customs officer phoned the SENASA office and arranged for the inspector to visit our boat. The inspector's name was Ramon Camacho. His number is +506 8820 5021. When he arrived at the boat, he reviewed our health certificates from entry and exit of Panama, asked a few questions, filled out more documents, and told us we had to make a bank deposit of 56,518 Colons ($105.15 USD) and deliver deposit receipt to his office the following day. Then things took another turn. He wanted to check all refrigerators and freezers for contraband animal products. Well, come to find out, you can not have any pork of any kind brought into Costa Rica. He confiscated all our bacon and bratwurst. It was not difficult, just one more step. I hope some of you will find this information helpful.
All of this is totally do'able and best to be on top of. Some ports will ask and some ports will not. Check in on the Line Ap to access reports on port specific entry experiences to stay up to date.
For details on how to enter each country with your pet please visit
The data represents 16 years of satellite derived lightning observations from the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite.
Lightning Density in June
Lightning Density in September
15) TIKAL NATIONAL PARK 🇬🇹 GUATEMALA
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE CENTER
Located northwest of Rio Dulce, Guatemala, Tikal is the ruin of an ancient city. Tikal is located submerged in the northern rainforests in the Petén Basin in Guatemala. It is one of the largest archeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tikal, an ancient city.
Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Tikal showcases monumental architecture. The site dates back as far as the 400 BC. Between 00 to 900 the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarilly. From Tikal people traded throughout Mesoamerica as far north as Teotihuacan in current day Mexico.
6.2 sq mi of this city, Tikal, has been mapped.
The city itself was located among abundant fertile upland soils, and may have dominated a natural east–west trade route across the Yucatan Peninsula. Conspicuous trees at the Tikal park include gigantic kapok the sacred tree of the Maya; tropical cedar , and Honduras mahogany.
Tikal was abandoned by the 10th century.
Much of the history here is being discovered, preserved, and made accessible.
We welcome the Panama Posse with a 15 % discount on slip rates !
17) PANAMA POSSE SPONSORS
PREDICT WIND
SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
HOME DEPOT PRO MEXICO
HERTZ RENTAL CARS MEXICO
YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS
FLOR DE CAÑA
SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA EVENT CENTER
WESTMARINE PRO
SAILMAIL
CHRIS PARKER - MARINE WEATHER CENTER
SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
DOWNWIND MARINE
BELIZE TOURISM
PANAMA YACHT BROKER
LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
DELTA MIKE MARINE SUPPLY PANAMA
SHELTER ISLAND INFLATABLES
18) 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
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
― Hunter S. Thompson
TOP NEWS
Panama Posse Awards Entries
🏆 Come Join The Panama Posse 🇵🇦 Awards Party
💨 More Award Entries
🛰️ Predict Wind : Ais Sat Data
🌊🏝️ Submerged Island Re Discovered
Manzanillo Marina Club Cartagena
Los Gatos, Baja Del Sur 🇲🇽 Mexico
Canal Wait In 🇨🇴 Cartegena
Passing The Barrel Of Hope
Volcano, Waterfall And Hotsprings 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Meet Jack
⚠️ Security Update Las Perlas / El Niño
Sumidero Canyon Chiapas 🇲🇽 Mexico
Panama Posse Next Season Benefits Schedule
1) Season 6 AWARD ENTRIES 🪝
BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT
current lead ? Kyle on SY JUBEL or Nicole on Maison de Sante ?
Current lead ?
GALLEY GODDESS
WINNER SELECTED BY THE SECRET FOOD JUDGES
THE COUSCOUS SALAD
SY HULA KAI 🇺🇸 Richard & Kathleen –Tayana DS 48′
YODA OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE
14 new safe tracks through the Belize reef system shared in Good Nautical
SY ISLAND BOUND 🇺🇸 Bill & Melissa Kelly - Peterson 44′
SPEEDY AWARD NOMINATIONS
Ensenada MX to Annapolis
SY DA MMAD CAT 🇺🇸 Andrea & Danny - Lagoon ’42
Canada BC to North Carolina
SY PELERIN 🇨🇦 Michael & Shirley - Alubat 43′
NOMINATIONS FOR THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
SY LADY SLIPPER 🇺🇸 John & Kathryn – Dufour 41′
SY SALPARE 🇺🇸 Jeff & Fran – Fountaine Pajot Orana 44′
SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′
SY DIVERGENT 🇺🇸 Gary & Ena
GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
For altering course responding to Carinthia's Pan Pan / subsequent assistance in providing emergency bildge pumps and subsequent monitoring of Carinthia on a 50 nm track to the boatyard.
SY ENJOY 🇺🇸 Don & Nina - Lagoon 42′
BOAT YOGA 🧘 POSES OF THE SEASON
SY YO-D-YO 🇺🇸 David & Mary – Hunter 45′
SY ENJOY 🇺🇸 Don & Nina –Lagoon 42′
SY DA MMAD CAT 🇺🇸 Andrea & Danny – Lagoon 42′
SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′
SY AIR BENDER 🇺🇸 Mike & Colleen – Lagoon 42′
MY SEEKER 🇺🇸 John & Tammy – Selene 62′
double entry fo
SY C-YA 🇺🇸 Glenn & Ashleigh – Island Packet 38.8′
SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri – Seawind 41′
SY LA VIDA GYPSEA 🇺🇸 Kurt, Linda & Rigby – Catana 47′
SY TIDEWALKER 🇨🇦 Alan – Nordhavn 57′
SY WILDFLOWER 🇺🇸 Steve, Roan & Karrie – Beneteau 54′
PredictWind, the leading provider of weather forecasting and routing services for sailors, has announced the launch of a new feature that will revolutionize the way sailors and yacht enthusiasts monitor ship and yacht movements around the world. The company's new real-time satellite and terrestrial AIS display offers users the ability to view vessel positions and movements anywhere in the world over any satellite connection.
The AIS data is available on the PredictWind website, PredictWind App, and Offshore App, and provides a wealth of information for sailors, yacht enthusiasts, and maritime professionals. The Offshore App is the world's first app to provide AIS data via satellite, allowing users to download vessel positions within a 300 Nm radius.
With the new feature update, users can search for vessels by name or MMSI number and add them to their favorites list, allowing for easy tracking of friends or vessels of interest. The real-time satellite AIS feature allows users to view any vessel anywhere in the world, while the terrestrial AIS provides land-based AIS position feeds.
The system identifies all vessel types and allows users to filter by vessel type, providing greater control over what types of vessels are displayed on the map. Additionally, users can view speed, direction, draught, destination, and ETA information for any vessel on the map.
PredictWind's CEO, Jon Bilger, said, "We're excited to launch this new feature, which will provide mariners with a comprehensive and accurate view of ship and yacht movements around the world. With real-time satellite AIS and terrestrial AIS, our users can access a wealth of information that will help them make more informed decisions about their sailing or boating plans and adjust accordingly wherever they are."
PredictWind has also taken the integration of the DataHub with the AIS network even further. The DataHub collects AIS data from all surrounding vessels and transmits it back to the PredictWind servers via the existing satellite/cellular connection, improving the quality and safety of the global AIS network.
The AIS data feed can also be shared via wifi to compatible devices or apps on board, such as the Navionics Boating App, and recorded to the DataHub's SD card. This creates an accurate log of all nearby vessel positions, which is crucial for an insurance claim in the event of a collision.
PredictWind's CEO, Jon Bilger, said, "The integration of the DataHub into the AIS network will enhance the entire AIS network making the seas safer for all. The ability to share the data feed via wifi and record it to the DataHub's SD card will also help sailors and maritime professionals in the event of an insurance claim."
The new features are available now on the PredictWind App, PredictWind website, Offshore App. DataHub features require a DataHub. Users can sign up for a free version or purchase a subscription to access the full range of AIS features. For more information, please visit www.predictwind.com.
5) SUBMERGED ISLAND RE-DISCOVERED 🌊🏝️
OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA
Devon Fogarty, a University of Miami graduate student, examining the headstone of John Greer, which was found underwater during a survey at Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida in August 2022.
Credit...C. Sproul/National Park Service, via Associated Press
About 200 years ago there were 11 islands in the Dry tortugas, now there are 6. Flying over them in 2016 marine archaeologist Joshua Marano noticed a strange pattern beneath the surface of the water. Time and investigation have led to the discovery of a submerged island. The side is about 70 miles west of Key West off the coast of Florida thought to have once been part of Civil War Era Fort Jefferson in the Dry tortugas. This discovery has been a great inspiration for maritime archaeologists prompting much investigation and hypotheses.
This image provided by the National Park Service shows an unsigned watercolor painting depicting a hospital and cemetery on an island in the Dry Tortugas.
One theory is that the island was like the watercolor above with a hospital and a cemetery.
An image provided by the National Park Service shows the headstone of John Greer, which was found underwater by archaeologists during a survey at Dry Tortugas National Park in August 2022, in Florida.
Credit...C. Sproul/National Park Service, via Associated Press
Thank you for choosing to visit our marina, Manzanillo Marina Club.
We would like to offer a special discount to all members of your company's Panama Posse program. We are providing a
15% discount on mooring fees for up to two months 10% discount on travel lift maneuvers 15% discount on land parking for up to two weeks. 10% discount on in-water hull cleaning.
We pride ourselves on providing top-notch facilities and service to our guests. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and hope that you will consider us for future visits.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Maurice Lemaitre de la Espriella
7) GOOD ANCHORAGE ⚓ IN GOOD NAUTICAL
LOS GATOS, BAJA DEL SUR, 🇲🇽 MEXICO
Los Gatos, Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽 Mexico
Gorgeous scenery at Los Gatos anchorage in the SOC. Love the colors. Like melting strawberry swirl ice cream.
Red Rocks in the Sea of Cortez
SV SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′
8) WAITING TO TRANSIT THE CANAL? 🇨🇴
VISIT CARTEGENA.
Above and below: Colorful streets of Cartegena, 🇪🇨 Columbia
Old fort overlooking the modern downtown.
Above and below: Visiting Cartagena makes waiting for canal transit easy.
MY SEEKER 🇺🇸 John & Tammy– Selene 62′
1763 Vanni Map or Plan of Cartagena, Colombia
9) PASSING THE BARREL OF HOPE
AT MARINA PAPAGAYO 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA
Andaz has great mixology cocktails (walking distance from papagayo marina) with ocean and marina views.
And with that, the Barrel is passed on from Maison de Santé to Queso Grande. Thank you both for all your help with the Barrel of Hope.
SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Keenan & Nicole AND SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri
10) LAND TRIP IN 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA
VOLCANO, WATERFALL AND HOTSPRINGS
Tenorio Volcano Waterfall 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Notice the color of the water due to the minerals.
When two non-colored waterbodies Rio Buenavista (Buenavista River) and Quebrada Agria (Sour Creek) meet and mix the colors are incredible..
SY ROCHAMBEAU AND SY SALACHIA went on a land trip in northern Costa Rica.
It was really cool to wake up each morning and hear monsoon-like rain. We also went on hikes and saw tiny frogs, volcanoes, lush trees with symbiotic relationships of other things growing on them, without killing the trees, and a variety of tropical flowers.
SY 🇺🇸 ROCHAMBEAU 🇺🇸 Bev & Rolf – Lagoon 39′ AND SY SALACIA 🇺🇸 Peter & Donna - Santa Cruz 53'
11) ADVENTURE MEDIA PARTNER LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
Subscribe Now to the Lats & Atts Online Magazine!
For those who want digital kewlness only here’s some love for ya:
Access all 4 Digital Issues for only $14.99/year! (That’s only $3.75/issue!)
Summer season is upon us…. If the ground/sand is hot for our feet then it’s probably hot for our pets too! Also, dog shoes make great conversation starters with the locals.
SY MAISON DE SANTÉ 🇺🇸 Keenan, Nicole, and Jack – Cal 46′
The Panama Posse is continuing to meet and discuss the importance of safety for foreign flagged vessels in Panama following the attacks this year in the Las Perlas Islands and in Portobello, Panama. These security forums are being held on a regular basis on several levels from the local level to higher governmental officials within Panama.
Unfortunately, while many people are involved and concerned, the recent attacks in Panama are still not resolved meaning the attackers are still out there.
Senan has increased their patrols and rotations.
The current safety recommendation is that the Perlas Islands are 'CLOSED'.
If you do decide to go 1) stay in anchorages with other vessels 2) stand night watch 3) only anchor in areas which have VHF coverage and 4) cell # coverage ( dial 108 from a panama cell #) 5) take pictures of all fishing vessels in the area
The goal is the open these islands up again once the attackers have been found and are in custody. Only then vessels are safe to cruise in the Las Perlas. Recently, we were very encouraged to extend our discussions, most notably, with the US Coast Guard.
Thanks to a member of the Panama Posse with operational and professional ties to the US Coast Guard, the USCG has taken a keen interest in the threat to US flagged vessels in Pacific Panama.
EL NIÑO
There is a 60% chance for a transition from ENSO-neutral to El Niño during May-July 2023, and this will increase to about 70% in June-August and 80% between July and September, according to the Update, which is based on input from WMO Global Producing Centres of Long-Range Forecasts and expert assessment
During El Niño years, the Atlantic Ocean tends to be cooler than normal, which can create a more stable atmosphere and increase wind shear, making it more difficult for hurricanes to form and intensify. Therefore, El Niño years tend to have fewer and weaker hurricanes in the Atlantic basin.
During an El Niño year, the sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific tend to be warmer than normal, which creates a more unstable atmosphere and decrease wind shear, making it easier for hurricanes to form and intensify.
As a result, El Niño years tend to have more and stronger hurricanes in the eastern Pacific basin.
Sumidero Canyon Cañón del Sumidero is a deep natural canyon located just north of the city of Chiapa de Corzo in the state of Chiapas, in southern Mexico. The canyon’s creation began around the same time as the Grand Canyon in the U.S. state of Arizona, by a crack in the area’s crust and subsequent erosion by the Grijalva River, which still runs through it.
Sumidero Canyon from the rim.
The canyon is surrounded by the Sumidero Canyon National Park, a federally protected natural area of Mexico which extends 53.000 acres.
At the north end of the canyon is the Chicoasén Dam opened in 1980.
It's artificial reservoir is one of several on the Grijalva River, which is important for water storage and the generation of hydroelectric power in the region.
19) 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
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
TOP NEWS
PICTURES OF THE WEEK
PANAMA POSSE AWARDS PARTY 🎆
PANAMA POSSE TRANSITION: FROM SEASON 6 TO SEASON
SEASON 6 REFLECTIONS FROM SY FREEDOM
BOAT YOGA AND BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT ENTRIES
EMMY KATE GOES THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL 🇵🇦
TURTLE CAY MARINA 🇵🇦 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE
GOOD NAUTICAL ANCHORAGE ISLAS SECAS 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA
OPENCPN RELEASES UPDATED VERSION
GOING UP! FROM SEA LEVEL TO 4000M; BREATHTAKING CULTURE FOUND IN QUITO 🇪🇨 ECUADOR
LAND TRIP TO THE FLOR DE CAÑA DISTILLERY EL VIEJO 🇳🇮 NICRAGUA
MAY DEALS FROM MARINEU
MEET BOAT DOG SOPHIE
MUST SEE: LA RUTA DEL CAFÉ CHIAPAS, 🇲🇽 MEXICO
1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK
"Land Ho" 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
SY SALACIA 🇺🇸 Peter and Donna - Santa Cruz 53'
Flor de Caña distillery tour in Chichigalpa, 🇳🇮 Nicaragua
SY FIREFLY 🇺🇸 Brenda & Ted - Catalina 47′
Pathfinder officially cleared into Port in Puerto Amistad, 🇪🇨 Ecuador
SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole – Lagoon 39′
End of season award celebrations will be held at Vista Mar Marina
@ Panama Posse Pacific Headquarters
Sunday May 21st 16:00 – 22:00
AWARD CATEGORIES
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
2 X GALLEY GOD(ESS) ✔
GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
COURAGE AWARD
*no bill-fish entries ✔winner announced already
Vista Mar Marina, 🇵🇦 PANAMA
3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK:
MAY: THE RAINY SEASON BEGINS
First rain for Navigator since November. Now in 🇵🇦 Panama
MV NAVIGATOR 🇺🇸 Dave - Nordhavn 46′
Rain in Santa Marta 🇨🇴 Columbia. Barley see the Cruise Ship that is in Port today.
SY TOKETEE 🇺🇸 Dar, Diane, & Kimberly - Skookum 53′
4) PANAMA POSSE TRANSITION
🚩
FROM SEASON 6 TO SEASON 7
Lucky number 7 is nearly upon us as the Posse nears the transition from Season 6 to Season 7. June is our official overlap month when all systems (chats, tracking, etc…) and benefits (marina discounts, good nautical access, etc…) are available to all members that have been a part of Season 6 and new members signing on with the Posse for Season 7.
Season 7 registration fee is $299 for new participants. There is a $50 discount for all prior participants who renew in June for $ 249.
As of July 5th Season 7 begins. Be sure to renew by July 4th 2023. Current Posse members that renew in June will enjoy the greatest discount and find their access to exclusive Posse systems and benefits uninterrupted. We are continuing to expand our relationships with sponsors, vendors, and service providers along the route and in the boating world to make the Panama Posse membership valuable to those who explore this amazing route.
The Panama Posse began as a resource…Having never “Cruised”, we set out to move our boat from Southern CA to Southern FL, with 4.5 months to prepare. The Panama Posse website was and continues to be an amazing source of information. From logistics planning, understanding country procedures, access to additional resources for anchorages, marinas, and tours; the website is the most comprehensive tool we have found when planning our trip. The San Diego Launch party was the first of many opportunities to meet fellow cruisers, that are now lifelong friends. As we left southern CA, the information and contacts made through the line app was incredibly valuable. With boats in front and behind us sharing information, we always seemed to have information delivered to us with impeccable timing. Although much of this was available on the website, it was efficiently delivered as we approached our next location through the shared real-time experiences of other members.
What the Posse has become for us is an incredible group of people that have shared experiences, meals, cocktails and much more together. When members needed help, information or services, the group was incredibly responsive with providing options. Boaters in general have a Corinthian spirit. This group takes that to a whole new level. With each member planning their trip/adventure according to their specific needs/schedule, it allows a much larger group to be involved with broader perspectives and value. You can participate in as much or little as you desire. Although, the interactions online and meeting other Posse members was one of our favorite memories of the season resulting in. So so many new friends, with similar interests and experiences. We are still not fulltime cruisers, but plan to spend time exploring the Bahamas, Florida Keys and East Coast over the next few years.
We hope to continue building relationships and knowledge through the Panama Posse!
SY FREEDOM 🇺🇸 Dave & Sheri - Beneteau 55′
6) PANAMA POSSE TWO ENTRIES INTO BOAT YOGA AWARDS
How did you get here?
SY YO-D-YO 🇺🇸 David & Mary - Hunter 45'
Not your standard inverted yoga pose, but clearly working the balance.
SY ENJOY 🇺🇸 Don & Nina -Lagoon 42′
7) ENTRY INTO BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT
When one really DOESN’T want a contender for biggest fish caught!
This catch bent our gaff! This was a catch and release (alive).
SV SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn - Antares 44'
8) EMMY KATE GOES THROUGH THE 🇵🇦 PANAMA CANAL
Standing by in one of the locks
Stress Free Transit
Mario, one of our professional line handlers, actually caught a fish IN the Lock!
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