FLEET UPDATE 2024-01-07

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

JANUARY 7, 2024

“It takes a big dog to weigh a ton.” 

—an old classic

TOP NEWS  

  • Award Nominations: Boat Yoga & Picture of the Year 
  • Season 7  Posse Seminars and Events Past and Future
  • Current Report on Acapulco, Mexico 🇲🇽
  • Getting Fuel in Huatulco, Mexico 🇲🇽
  • Buddy Boating in the Perlas Islands, Panama 🇵🇦
  • An Enchanting Journey in Belize 🇧🇿 
  • Good Nautical: Yelapa, Mexico 🇲🇽
  • Ocean World Marina, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴  
  • Clearing into San Andres 🇨🇴 and Roatan 🇭🇳 
  • Meet the Fleet: SY ISIDORE
  • Security Alert
  • Safe Anchoring Practices 
  • Must See: The Castle of San Felipe de Lara 🇬🇹 
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

250 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Humpback whale breaching in Manzanilla Bay, Mexico 🇲🇽

SY PRIYA    Brandt - Ericson 38 ′

PRYIA

SY CHALLENGE sailing in the San Blas Islands of Panama  🇵🇦 

SY CHALLENGE 🇺🇸 Olivia & Jake - Sparksman & Stephens 64′

Taboga SE

View towards Panama City from Isla Taboga anchorage  🇵🇦 

MY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸 Dietmar & Susan - Lagoon 44

Dietmar CARINTHIA suzanne CARINTHIA Maxi
image

Crossing the Bar into Bahia Del Sol, El Salvador, 🇸🇻

SY SUNDOWNER 🇺🇸 Jeffrey & Lynn - Californian 50'

SUNDOWNER SUNDOWNER SUNDOWNER SUNDOWNER

2) SAVE THE DATE : 

FIESTA NAUTICA CLUB DE PESCA CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 

PANAMA POSSE JANUARY 20th 2024

SAILORS AND CRUISERS NETWORKING PARTY  

Panama Posse

SCHEDULE

14:00 – SEMINARS

17:58 – INVOCATION OF THE FLEET

18:00 FOOD TASTING AND RUM BAR

18:45 GALLEY GOD AWARD

20:00  – CUMBIA SALSA LATIN DANCE

LOCATION

CLUB DE PESCA @ the historic Fuerte de San Sebastián del Pastelillo >>

WHAT TO MAKE & BRING:

HERE IS THE LIST OF CULINARY DELIGHTS  

BRING ONE OF THESE ITEMS ON THE LIST 6-10 SERVINGS with Serving Spoons

YOU SHOULD MAKE ONE OF THESE DISHES & BRING WITH >>

NO CANNED FOOD –  NO POPCORN – NO CHIPS !

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

FREE RUM TO SHARE UNTIL WE RUN OUT

GRAN ARROZ WITH PORK, SAUSAGE OR CHICKEN GREAT TIMES FOR EVERYONE

MUSIC – THE PANAMA POSSE LATIN PLAYLIST !

   PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM  BELOW 

RSVP NOW FOR THE CARTAGENA EVENT

Sailors will gather for a sure to be memorable event in Cartegena, 🇨🇴  

3) POSSE MEMBERS 💥 RING IN THE NEW YEAR

Panama Posse & Belize

Happy New Year Posse from Marina Ixtapa, Mexico 🇲🇽

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

tidings of joy Tidings of Joy
summerbreeze and cheistry

Banderas Bay Beach Bonfire New Years Party 🇲🇽

SY REMEDY 🇺🇸  Natalie & Karl – Leopard 45’

REMEDY Natalie REMEDY Karl

Fireworks over Downtown Panama City 🇵🇦

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

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

4) SEASON 7 AWARD NOMINATIONS:

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

Flor de Caña Centenario 12 Year Old

Winners in each category receive a bottle of rum

NOMINATION FOR 🧘  BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR  

Ahhhh… the joys of boatwork… is it beer time yet?

SY LOST PEARL 🇨🇦 Onno - Hardin 45′

NOMINATION FOR PICTURE OF THE YEAR 

Sailing north off the Mexican Mainland

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

BISOU Robin BISOU Tad

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

Share the joy

Luc & Viviane / SY O2 are heading to the South Pacific  with the South Pacific Posse after their Alaska Loop 

 
5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

panamaposse.com/cprsvp

wave

The incredible nightlife in Cartagena de las Indias

Colombia

Lush and picturesque streets

Cartagena

The small Fuerte de San Fernando - one of the 8 fortifications in the bay

(2) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 20 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For
those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in
full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and
culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

(3) 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

(4) 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:

Emilio Buenaventura Marina

Emilio Lau - Marina Manager
emilio@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 <<

Placencia Yacht Club

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

Placencia Yacht Club at Sunset
BELIZE

6)  ACAPULCO SITUATIONAL 🪇 UPDATE

ACAPULCO

Acapulco 🇲🇽 Skyline

Coming
down to the Acapulco area today the water was as smooth as a swimming
pool. The whole way. Light winds 5 to 7 knots. It was perfect for a
motoryacht. (We) anchored at La Roqueta (and were the) only yacht here.
(We saw) plenty of tourists on the beach and snorkeling. Looking across
the channel, lots of tourists at the hotels. Music is jamming. 

Good Nautical La Roqueta

  Anchorage @  16° 49 N  99° 543 W  23.00 ft 7.30 m 

Two reports on anchoring at La Roqueta this week: 

1. From MV SUMMERBREEZE heading south:

We
got there and were the only ones anchored there. Wonderful spot.
Excellent snorkeling. Felt safe. But would not recommend going into town
still. We did go over to get a bite to eat. Have pesos when you go if
you go. Very crowded. Very little supplies. But all the lights are on at
night.

2. From SY BISOU heading north:

Went
ashore at Isla La Roqueta (Acapulco) this afternoon. Busy with lots of
local visitors. There are vendors walking the beach selling quesadillas
and ice cream or you can get a menu and order drinks and food from the
waiters. Lots of tables and chairs with umbrellas available. It’s a very
worthwhile stop and we were happy to help out these hard working people
who have lost so much!

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures on the water 

MV SUMMERBREEZE & SY BISOU!

MV SUMMERBREEZE 🇺🇸  - Kurtis - Bestway 46'

SUMMERBREEZE - Kurtis

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

BISOU Robin BISOU Tad

 SHARING YOUR STORIES
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.
 

Gwen’s first sunset at sea, and my last sunset of 2023

7) POSSE PERK: INTEL

GETTING FUEL IN HUATULCO 🇲🇽 MEXICO
  

No Fuel Docks here

Report from SY BISOU:

There
is no longer a fuel dock at the marina in Huatulco, Mexico. It was
removed many years back. There is a fuel dock in Santa Cruz, but it is a
little sketchy and is best at high tide. Previously we have anchored in
Bahia Organo and taken the diesel cans in the dinghy to Santa Cruz and
filled them at the fuel dock. We timed it with a snorkel trip to Entrega
🤿.  

Alternatively,
there’s a dirt track that leads to the main road that heaps of taxis go
by on. It’s about 7km into town. My friend that regularly anchors here
said it’s the way to go.

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

BISOU Robin BISOU Tad

8) 🇲🇽 MARINA PALMIRA TOPOLOBAMPO · 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

25° 36.0166′ N 109° 03.5333′ W

marina

It
is our pleasure to welcome you to Marina Palmira in Topolobampo,
Sinaloa, México. We are please to announce our sponsorship of the Panama
Posse and offer a 10% discount of our slip rates

Nelson Quintero

Manager Marina

Palmira Topolobampo

window

In
addition to the natural beauty of the Sea of Cortez, Marina Palmira
offers our guests a convenient berth in our wet marina, safe storage and
excellent customer service.

With 40 berths we are pleased to host ships ranging from 25 ‘to 145’ yachts.

Marina Palmira is pleased to announce the participation of the new management of Hotel Marina.

Whether
you choose to relax on your boat, in the pool, or on a trip to one of
the beautiful beaches that the port of Topolobampo offers, Marina
Palmira is the most convenient shipping point for the cruise community
in northern Mexico

CONTACT

+52 (668) 862 1544

contacto_topolobampo@marinapalmira.com.mx

Leave your boat safely to visit the Copper Canyon by train:

https://panamaposse.com/copper-canon-barranca-del-cobre-el-chepe

A very nice bay on the mainland side of the Sea of Cortez, Mexico.

9) BUDDY BOATING IN THE PERLAS ISLANDS 🇵🇦

image

View from Isla Contadora

Presently,
there are a fair number of cruising vessels in the Perlas Islands.
For safety and comradery most vessels are buddy boating and/or
anchoring near other vessels.   Most are staying in the more
northern islands for proximity to provisions, and/or resorts with
amenities and guards.  Contadora is one of the northenmost islands
known as an island for the wealthy and the elite.  While many
people come on private boats, Contadora has daily ferry service and air
service to and from Panama City.  The island is absolutely
stunning: white sand beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs, and old
growth tropical trees that lean out to sea.

SY PATHFINDER, SY GALATEA, & SY WHIRLWIND on anchor off Isla Contadora

Sometimes the BEST place for the Pathfinder crew to be is the water hammock.

Walking onshore among the deer and manicured streetsides on Isla Contadora

Sundowners taste great in the Perlas

Hanging out after sundowners also works

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

SY GALATEA 🇺🇸 Sarah & Mark - Morgan 46'

PATHFINDER Jean-PhilippePATHFINDER NicoleGALATEA Sarah GALATEA Mark
WHIRLWINDWHIRLWINDWHIRLWINDWHIRLWIND
 

10) CULTURE: 

An Enchanting Journey Through Time and Space

🇧🇿 BELIZE

Prepare
to embark on an enchanting journey through time and space, to a world
unlike any other - the mystical and ancient civilization of the Mayans.
With their deep-seated beliefs in a pantheon of gods, sacred rites,
spiritual gateways, and fascinating traditions, the Mayans offer a
captivating and unique experience. Nestled in the heart of Belize, this
melting pot of cultures boasts a rich and colorful heritage that is sure
to leave you spellbound.

Although
the Mayan civilization is shrouded in mystery, its architectural legacy
- intricate temples, awe-inspiring artifacts, and fascinating
traditions - has withstood the test of time. At its zenith, the Mayan
Empire spanned from Mexico to El Salvador, with Belize serving as its
epicenter. The Yucatec, Kekchi, and Mopan Maya groups shared similar
customs and dialects, contributing to the country's cultural diversity
through their dance, traditions, and ancient temples.

Mayan
architecture is renowned for its complexity and sophistication,
surpassing even that of the ancient Egyptians. The temples and palaces
were built with precision and mathematical accuracy, allowing the Mayans
to observe and study the stars with great fascination. Today, many of
these revered temples remain well-preserved and open for exploration,
including Xunantunich, Caracol, and Lamanai.

Exploring Our Temples

Follow
the winding path westward, where the land of Belize reveals its ancient
secrets. Amongst the verdant forests and sacred hills of this land lies
Xunantunich, a sacred site of the Classic Period. Its name, "maiden of
the rock" or "stone woman" in the language of the Maya, echoes through
the ages, beckoning the curious and the mystically inclined. Though
occupying only a modest 300 square meters, its vast periphery spans
several kilometers. Behold the grandeur of its main palace, where an
astronomical frieze adorns the walls, soaring up to 133 feet, the second
tallest temple in all of Belize. Gaze upon the visage of the sun god,
etched in intricate detail upon the grand structure. Xunantunich boasts
six majestic plazas, 25 temples and palaces, and a museum, drawing
travelers from far and wide to bask in its ancient magic.

Venturing
deeper into the Chiquibul Forest Reserve of Western Belize, one
discovers the enigmatic Caracol, shrouded in mystery and myth. The
Spanish word "Caracol," meaning "shell," gives this site its name. It is
the largest known Maya site within the country, and its crown jewel is
the awe-inspiring "Canaa," or "Sky Place," standing tall at 140 feet.
Though accessing the site may prove challenging, the journey is worth
it, as the route reveals breathtaking vistas that leave a lasting
impression upon the soul.

Further
north, amidst the rustling leaves and gentle murmur of the river, lies
Lamanai, the "submerged crocodile" of the Maya language. It is one of
the largest ceremonial centers of the Maya people, its original name
retained across the ages. Explore the remnants of a bygone era, where
the echoes of ancient rituals still reverberate through the land. Take a
leisurely river cruise, where exotic birds and plants abound, or wind
your way through the villages to discover this ancient site. Behold the
Christian churches of the 16th century, and the 19th-century sugar mill,
remnants of colonial times. Lamanai's vast history spans many
centuries, from the Classic Period to the Post Classic, allowing one to
witness the evolution of Maya construction techniques over time. Let
Lamanai's magic wash over you and transport you to a time of wonder and
myth.

Keeping our traditions Alive

The
Mayan traditions have been kept alive through the ages, offering a
glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. The ancient sport of Pok ta
Pok, for instance, was a ceremonial ball game played in the courts of
temples, and today it is kept alive through reenactments and world cup
tournaments.

Pok ta Pok team

Tournament champion

The
Deer Dance, another unique Mayan tradition in Belize, features dancers
adorned in intricate costumes and carved wooden masks, performing to the
music of a marimba. The dance represents the Mayans' respect for nature
and animals and depicts their resistance to Spanish invasion.

Deer Dancer in ceremony

Exploring
Toledo, the cultural heartland of Belize, offers a tantalizing glimpse
into the Mayan's gastronomic heritage. The Mayans revered chocolate as a
gift from the gods, imbued with extraordinary power. Embark on a food
tour that takes you on a journey to listen to traditional Mayan
instruments, grind corn, bake tortillas, or prepare chocolate. 

For
a more authentic experience, try "Caldo," a traditional soup made from
locally raised chicken, indigenous spices, and vegetables, served hot
with corn tortillas or "poch" (masa steamed in leaf).

Whether
you choose to visit ancient temples, swim beneath majestic waterfalls,
or hike through stunning caves, the Mayan world offers a unique and
unforgettable experience. Horseback riding through the lush jungles in
the Mayan Mountains is another option for a more adventurous experience.
The Mayan civilization may have been lost to history, but its people
have persevered, preserving their customs, traditions, and religion.
Come and immerse yourself in the rich and colorful culture of the Mayans
in Belize, and discover a world that is truly enchanting - if you're
brave enough!

11) GOOD NAUTICAL

YELAPA 🇲🇽 MEXICO

GOOD NAUTICAL

#1 tip from SY MAISON DE SANTÉ :

The
most comfortable way to enjoy Yelapa is to insist on a stern ball to
keep you pointed into the swell. At night the wind usually switches and
puts the swell on the beam and it can be miserable but with it, you can
be comfortable in some swell. They’ll want to charge more to use two
balls but it’s worth it. 

Good Nautical Yelapa

There’s
about a 4 mile hike to smaller waterfalls most people don’t visit… just
follow the river, you will pass homes and donkies and might have
doggies visit you too 

Walking the beach and meeting the local dogs

Sweet water: can't beat it!

Donkeys in Yelapa can also be rented to ride and explore on Donkeyback

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

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole
JOIN THE PANAMA POSSE  

12) OCEAN WORLD MARINA 🇩🇴 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

19° 49.655′  N 070°43.9833′ W 

image

We are excited to welcome the Panama Posse to the Dominican Republic.

Enjoy our marina, services and amenities with our special welcome rates.

Jorge M. Fernandez

Jorge M. Fernandez

Director de Operaciones

www.oceanworldmarina.com

info@oceanworldmarina.com

  Mobile.: 809-669-7660

  809-970-3373  Ext. 4004

image

Ocean
World is located on Cofresi beach, near town of Puerto Plata. With an
abundance of hotel rooms and recreation opportunities that include,
golf, fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, and even white water
rafting, Puerto Plata is already celebrated as an affordable Caribbean
vacation playground. Puerto Plata’s airport (POP) is a 30 minute drive,
and has daily flights from Miami, NYC and cities in Europe. Ocean World
Marina, now the only full-service marina located between the heavily
traveled Florida/Bahamas area and the Puerto Rico/Eastern Caribbean
region.

13) HO'OKIPA REPORT

 ON CLEARNING INTO SAN ANDRES 🇨🇴 AND ROATAN 🇭🇳

As
a motor yacht we needed to take on fuel to make the passage to Roatán,
Honduras from Bocas Del Toro, Panama.  That meant a stop in Isla de
San Andrés, Columbia. (The other Columbian island relatively nearby,
Isla de Providencia, has no fuel dock and fuel is only available with
jerry cans being brought ashore.)  

On
Isla de San Andrés, fuel, the Nenes Marina, and the anchorage are found
up a well-marked and well-lit channel on the north east end of the
island, the windward side. Our approach near the mid-channel buoy was 12
32’.16N   081 41’.28W  (A word on the anchorage.   We
did not have first-hand experience, but we heard from other cruisers it
gets rolly, and when the channel is dredged the sand is disposed of into
the anchorage and thus does not pack down and holding is poor.
Boats were dragging when the winds picked up.)  

Nenes Marina -- 12 34’.714N 081 41.849W 

Nenes
Marina is connected to the Texaco gas station.  Texaco has a long
hose to reach boats at the marina.  I contacted Capt. Nenes ahead
of time via WhatsApp (+57 315 303 7643) and email
(nenesmarina@hotmail.com) to ask for availability.  He confirmed.
When we arrived, the marina was even smaller than imagined.
The depth at the dock is 11 feet.  Being windy, the dock
hands wanted us to drop our anchor while we backed to the dock and use
it to keep us from blowing into the wooden dock.  We used our
thrusters instead.  Much easier.  The dock hands used a
separate line attached to small buoys off the dock (steer clear of them
when docking) which then ran to our bow and stern to keep us off the
dock.   We would be there 36 hours.  The rate was $60/day.
Total $90.  We took on 296 gallons of diesel at $3.50/gallon.

The Agent and immigration team delivered passports and paperwork stamping us into and out of Columbia for our refueling mission.

In
Columbia, the law requires an agent be used to clear into the country.
The agent arranges all with Immigration and the Port Captain.
Prior to leaving Bocas Del Toro, Panama we contacted Rene Cardona
who came highly recommended by participants on Noonsite, Active Captain
and No Foreign Land.  We reached Cardona via WhatsApp  +57 315
680 7980 and email:  Serrana_agencia@hotmail.com .  His fee
is $70 which included clearing us in and out in one go due to our short
stay.   As he had all our documents via email in advance it was a
very easy process.  He was punctual and efficient.  He
arranged for Immigration to come to our boat at Nenes Marina where the
Immigration Officer had us sign paperwork, collected copies of our boat
documents, and took our passports back to her office to get them
stamped.  We always have multiple copies of all documents in
advance to give to everyone, which speeds the process.  Agent Rene
stayed throughout.   (Very disconcerting having our passports out
of our possession, but that’s how they roll.)  Another local
authority person came by our boat to meet our agent to collect the $35
p.p Tourist Tax. That money was given to Agent Rene who paid the man
directly.   The next day Rene returned with our Zarpe and La Señora
de Immigration returned with our Passports stamped in and out of
Columbia.  She also asked if her team, who were in tow, could come
aboard Ho’okipa so they could take a video to be used internally at
their office in celebration of their 90th anniversary.  We said,
"Absolutely."

Ho’okipa Report on Clearing into Roatán, Honduras

Forty-eight
hours before our arrival, as required by Honduran law, we notified
Honduras Authorities our ETA through the HonduranZarpes on-line website.
Super easy to do.  Info is on Panama Posse website but here
is the link DGMM-HN (jotform.com)In addition, however, you must go to
Immigration and the Port Captain in person to check in and get passports
stamped and Zarpe issued once in country.  

We
arrived on a Saturday morningbut a few days prior to arrival we were
told by folks at Barefoot Cay Resort and Marina where we had a
reservation, that Immigration and the Port Captain offices were closed
on the weekends.  We thought about anchoring in the bay at Coxen
Hole but decided against it.  Too busy with cargo ships, shrimpers,
and cruise ships, tricky to navigate, and our dinghy was not healthy.
Easier to go directly to the marina for a softer landing.  

On
arrival at the marina, we were informed that in fact Immigration is
open until 12:00pm.  Our crew wanted to fly the next day back to
Panama, so we headed to Immigration.  He would not be needed at the
Port Captain’s Office on Monday when we would get our cruising
permit/Zarpe.   Barefoot Cay Resort and Marina (A Panama Posse
sponsorthat offers a 20% discount on slip fees.) arranged a car to take
us to Immigration and bring us back.   $32 r/t for the 3 of us.
The Immigration office is in Plaza Mar, upstairs, in a small
office on the 2nd floor, in Coxen Hole, about a 15-minute drive from
Barefoot Cay Resort and Marina.  Immigration is Saturdays and
Sundays but it was indeed open Saturday until 12pm.  Probably to
accommodate the tourists we found there coming in on a cruise ship,
which happens regularly.  

We
were asked by Immigration for a plane ticket showing travel exiting
Honduras.  Explaining we arrived on our own boat and would be
cruising on to Belize and showing our boat documents, resolved that
issue.  We received the maximum 90-day visa stamp in our passports.
We were also informed that Honduras is part of the CA-4 Group
which consists of Central American countries Honduras, Guatemala,
Nicaragua, and El Salvador.  The CA-4 Group shares a 90-day visa
limit.  You cannot stay more than 90 days in the CA-4 group region.
You must leave the region for 72 hours and then re-enter for only
1 extension of an additional 90-day visa.

Immigration
DID ask to see our Yellow Fever vaccination cards which we had.
Our crew did not have one even though as Immigration noted we
arrived from San Andres, Columbia.  Immigration informed us
Columbia also requires it, but no one asked for it there, much to the
Roatán Immigration Officer’s surprise. (consternation.?)  When
asked, our crew and I stated he did not get off the boat in San Andres
(or barely which we conveniently omitted).  That and the fact that
our crew was leaving in the morning helped smooth the way for
Immigration to make an exception for our crew member’s oversight.
Glad it worked out.  

(FYI,
we told our crew to get a vaccination in Bocas Del Toro, which he could
do, and was going to, but then at the last minute he decided not to get
one.  Even though, as we told him, in our experience from our
conversations with the vaccination agents we have used in Los Angeles
before all trips to off-the-beaten-path places, getting a yellow fever
vaccination is not a big deal, no more than any other vaccination shot,
especially if you have no underlying conditions, and it’s a one-time
lifetime shot.By now days before departing Bocas Del Toro, we were in a
jam, so we decided to let the chips fall where they may, hoping no
authority asked for his yellow fever vaccination card which seemed
possible from what we’d heard from other cruisers, but claim ignorance
if they did.  Absolutely NOT my favorite way to handle border
crossings.  I am thankful it was resolved successfully, but it
could have been a major problem and I’m not sure what might have
happened to him and to us and our boat had Immigration pressed the
issue.  Just glad in Roatán they like and need tourists.
Roatán is reputed to be the easiest entrance to Honduras for
exactly that reason.  Crew was able to fly out Sunday morning and
back to Bocas Del Toro with no issues.)

Monday,
we had a difficult time finding the Port Captain’s Office on our own.
We asked around and no one knew where it was even though we had a
general idea.  According to one online source, “Next to a park that
is across from a bank”.  Finally, a nice man escorted us there.
We had driven past it about ten times!   We had asked the
guards outside the bank it was near, and even they had no idea where it
was when in fact it was across the street!!!  So, to be clear, the
Port Captain’s office is in centro Coxen Hole and is next door to the
Eldon’s Supermarket on Main Street.  It’s on the water in the very
back of a little tiny square that has a couple of statues and a little
clock tower that’s on Main Street.  It is NOT a park.  You
cannot see the office from the street.  It’s too well-hidden way in
the back where it sits next to a dock.  

Port
Captain’s assistant said they were open on Saturday so not sure why we
were informed otherwise.  Our Zarpe is for 90-days and includes the
crew list with our crew member’s name on it.  We told the Officer
that our crew is not with us and had flown back to Panama, but he said
it made no difference and not to worry.  When we get our exit
Zarpe, it will be changed to reflect just the two of us.  FYI, it
is possible to check in and out of the nearby island Guanaja as well.

MY 🇺🇸 HO'OKIPA  Lucky Chucky and Lisa - Selene 43'

HO’OKIPA Lisa HO’OKIPA Lucky

14) MEET THE FLEET 

SY ISIDORE

 Photo taken in Zihuatanejo, Mexico in December 2023. 

We
are S/v Isidore.  We are en route to Baja from Montreal. 2 crew,
myself and my husband, George, who took the photo. Our vessel is a 36
Tashing Tashiba. A Robert Perry design. 

SY ISIDORE 🇨🇦 Kate & George – Tashing Tashiba 36′

15) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

16)  SECURITY ALERT:

2023-12-22 – Colombia – Santa Marta – Taganga Bay – Assault

Caribbean Safety and Security Net : Know Before You Go

The
Caribbean Safety and Security net is a site that aims to keep people on
the water aware of any incidents on the water and where they are
happening.  We advise vessels to familiarize yourself with the site
and check into any incident reports in the areas plan to cruise.
Know before you Go.

There
is a report recent of an incident on the north coast of Columbia off
Santa Marta in Taganga Bay.   The vessel was anchored alone,
boarded by masked armed men that abused and stole electronics.  It
is advisable that, in light of this incident, captains may want to seek
alternative anchorages and or anchor with other boats that they remain
in radio contact with.  

The details of the incident can be found at the link below:

https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/incident-3176/

  SAFETY MESSAGE:

SAFE ANCHORING PRACTICES

Ketches like SY WHIRLWIND can sit on anchor with their mizzen mast as a steadying sail

Safe
anchoring practices are exceptionally important for cruising vessels.
Anchoring a vessel is not rocket science however, one is wise to
pay attention to some key aspects in order to anchor safely every time
you drop the hook

1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The
location an anchor is dropped is very important.  We want wants
large open, muddy or sandy spot that can accommodate 360 degree
swing.  When looking for a safe spot to set the hook, we consider
all wind shift and current changes as possibilities and imagine how they
could effect the boats location.  We allow for space between all
other vessels in the anchorage.  Beware of mixed rocky bottoms and
coral structures. We try to  not anchor anywhere your anchor or
chain will wrap around rocks or touch any coral .  Coral is fragile
and easily destroyed.The ocean floor where we plan to anchor does often
provide   chart notes from multiples sources. So we sometimes take
a motor through the area   looking for any structures underwater,
and avoiding them.  

Anchoring with others: allow space for everyone to swing & listen to their own music.

2. DEPTH AND SCOPE

When
our anchor is fully set and stretched you ideally want anywhere from a
5:1 to 7:1 ration between the amount of rode and/or chain and the depth
of water the vessel is in so we get good holding power from your anchor
burying into the seafloor.

Our
scope used is often related to the amount of wind and current affecting
our vessel on anchor. The holding power  in different conditions
varies.  According to Fotress Anchor, "A good rule of thumb to
remember – as the wind speed doubles, the holding requirement
quadruples!"  

2. SETTING THE ANCHOR 

In
general, we come into your spot head to wind and proceed one to two
boat lengths ahead of where we want your vessel to sit.  Boat speed
near  zero as the hook lowers into the water.  Some people
use the anchor as a reference.  As soon as it looks like we are
drifting backwards we drop the anchor to the bottom and stop the chain
from falling when the anchor lands.  As our vessel slowly backs
down on the seafloor we lay the chain down and letting out  more
and more scope    Depending on the wind and conditions, we
either motor slowly in reverse or just let the wind do the work of
setting the hook into the seafloor..

3. VISUALLY CHECK THAT THE ANCHOR IS SET WHEN BACKING DOWN HARD  

After
anchoring, take visual sightings of onshore objects or buoys in the
water to help you know where your boat is positioned. While at anchor,
recheck these sightings frequently to make sure the anchor is not
dragging. you can also use your dodger as a visual reference between the
shore and if there is a visual difference or change in angle - you are
dragging  

dragging refrences

3. ANCHOR ALARMS

There
are different anchor alarms available.  Some are integrated into a
vessels electronics, many are available as apps.  Set an anchor
alarm 4 to 1 range (so in 20 feet we do 80 foot radius) so that if the
boat moves outside this field you are alerted to hop up top and assess
the situation.  Another setting is related to know obstacles in the
circle - run a radar sweep to the shoreline - measure and set your safe
zone based on this 

Anchor Alarm

A handheld anchor alarm next to you even if you are sleeping soundly
 will alert you to dragging or major changes in your relative position to shore

17)  MUST SEE:  UP THE RIO DULCE

🇬🇹 THE CASTLE OF SAN FELIPE DE LARA

(CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DE LARA)

Museo Nacional de Antropología Mexico City

The Castillo de San Felipe 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.

 Correlation with Panama Posse Route

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.

The calendar

A
tower already existed on the site by 1604, when it is recorded as
having been destroyed.  The fort was built in 1644 under the orders
of Diego de Avendaño, then governor of the Kingdom of Guatemala. At the
time it was known as Fuerte Bustamente (“Bustamente Fort”) and the
Torreón de Defensa (“Defence Tower”).

The
fort was redesigned in 1687 by Diego Gómez de Ocampo in the style of
the French military architect Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. The
modified design was implemented in 1689. Three bastions were functioning
by 1697.

https://panamaposse.com/museo-nacional-de-antropologia-mexico-city

https://panamaposse.com/castillo-de-san-felipe

 

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 

https://panamaposse.com/marinavv

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  
     

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

ATUN HA

one of the many significant Mayan carved crafts along the Panama Posse route

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 
FOR YOUR CROSSING

JANUARY PILOT CHARTS

 ATLANTIC CROSSING PILOT CHART - JANUARY

Atlantic Posse 24

Atlantic Posse '24

Sign up now

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Anchorages in the Eastern Caribbean
south pacific posse

25) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

EARLY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN 
JOIN THE SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE

At ease

SIGN UP FOR SPP
SEASON 4 
SPP
South Pacific Posse BUrgees

South Pacific Posse burgees available after January 15  

Song of the Sea

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

oceanposse.com
OP

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC

 


Shootngof expired flares in Barra

FLEET UPDATE 2023-12-10

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

DECEMBER 10, 2023

"Once you accept the fact that queso and margaritas taste better than being skinny, the second half of your life begins"

- someone, somewhere along the way in Mexico

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7:  Registration Is Open  231 Yachts From 21 Ensigns Signed Up !
  • Season 7  Posse Seminars And Events Past And Future
  • Photo Of The Year Nominations
  • Meeting The Captain And Crew Of A 1940's Recommissioned Navy Ship In Costa Rica 🇨🇷
  • Discover Hidden Treasures In Belize: Atolls 🇧🇿
  • Red Tide: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
  • Land Trip To The Highlands In Chiapas, Mexico 🇲🇽
  • Good Nautical: San Blas Islands, Panama  🇵🇦
  • Meet The Fleet: Mark And Cindy On Mv Delta Swizzler
  • Grenada, Nicaragua 🇳🇮
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

231 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Barra de Navidad Season 7 Kick off Event

Barra Marina filling in for the Kick-off Weekend Seminars and Festivities 🇺🇸 

barra marina

http://xk5ki.mjt.lu/img2/xk5ki/9bb61beb-a1dc-4af7-8419-10d116ddc851/contentMY TIDINGS OF JOY 🇺🇸 Jeff & Joy - DeFever 52′

tidings of joy Tidings of Joy

Flying their Spinnaker south along the Mexican coast, 🇲🇽 

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

CY-A Glenn
image

Travelling from the York River to Lake Worth Inlet 🇺🇸 

SY FIDO 🇺🇸 Yolanda – Leopard 44'

Sundowner and Serenity are neighbors in Marina Ixtapa, 🇲🇽

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸  Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

MY SUNDOWNER 🇺🇸 Jeffrey & Lynn - Californian 50'

SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK
SUNDOWNERSUNDOWNERSUNDOWNERSUNDOWNER

2) SAVE THE DATE :  TOMORROW
Presentation

South Pacific Posse and Panama Posse Pacific Route 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico  🇲🇽

Dec 11, 2023

15:00 pm – 17:30

Panama Posse

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK:

Posse Boats en route to the Kick-off Weekend

Panama Posse & Belize

Entrance to Barra de Navidad, Mexico 🇲🇽

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

TIAMAT - Owen
image

Rounding Cabo Corrientes 15-17 knot & 5' swell.  Not a bad ride at all.

MV PAUSE 🇺🇸 Beth & Larry - Nordhavn 55′

PAUSE PAUSE PAUSE Willie PAUSE Pebbles

Multi Day Passage Ocean Sunset between La Paz to Barra de Navidad.

Can't beat it!

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

COURAGECOURAGE

4) SEASON 7 AWARDS

Editor Nominations for PICTURE OF THE YEAR:

sunset leaving savannah

Quite a view leaving Savannah, Georgia 🇺🇸

SY CERCA TROVA 🇺🇸 Bruce & Lynette - Manta MK IV 42′

NO REGRETS Bruce NO REGRETS Lynette

Flat calm morning in La Cruz, Mexico 🇲🇽 

MY MOCEAN SICKNESS 🇺🇸 Jim & Lynda - Med Yacht 50'

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

Share the adventure

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

 
5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

events

(1) PANAMA POSSE 
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, '23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

BARRA RSVP 
Secundino Harbormaster

Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master
Vessels
Must be  registered with the Panama Posse  prior to Oct 31st
to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

GOlF Course

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

Barra

(2) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 13 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For
those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in
full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and
culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

(3) 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

(4) 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:

Emilio 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 <<

Placencia Yacht Club

CONTACT

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

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

Watch this video on how to grab life in Belize ! 

BELIZE

6) PRE-KICKOFF POSSE MEET UP 

HOSTED BY MV DELTA SWIZZLER

Adventure is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse.  Diving deeper one will find that Comradery is in the heart and Reverie is in the soul of Posse gatherings.

MV
Delta Swizzler has been posted up in Barra for several months now and
generously hosted a potluck meet and greet on their vessel.. The
invitation was simple: 

PRE-POSSE
CHRISTMAS KICK OFF PARTY. Gates open around 5 and as long as  the
lights are on I guess we’ll keep going.  Please bring great
appetizer to share and your drink of choice. We will have ice as long as
it last, also with music and stories. We have been with the Posse 5-6
years and just returned from Panama last year. So there will be a few
skippers around who can answer some of your questions. If you have boat
cards grab a few as you meet Your fellow cruisers.  We are the lit
up Christmas boat on C dock, just ask anyone directions.

Suffice to say, fun was had by all!

Letting the good times roll on MV Delta Swizzler

Host: MV DELTA SWIZLER 🇺🇸 Mark & Cindy - Vantare 58′

DELTA SWIZZLER MarkDELTA SWIZZLER Cindy

6) MEETING THE CAPTAIN, CREW 

OF A 150' 1940'S NAVY SHIP

& THEIR EARTHRACE CONSERVATION MISSION 

mv MODOC

MV MURDOC on anchor in Costa Rica 🇨🇷 

We (SV MAISON DE SANTÉ) were invited onboard a 150 foot Navy ship, MV MURDOC,
from the 1940s recently.  This vessel has been recommissioned as a
conservation boat targeting illegal fishing and wildlife poaching in
Costa Rica and Panamanian waters.  Captain Pete is known for his
anti-whaling conservation efforts with the group Sea Shepherd and his
eco-Trimaran (that he built!) that was hit by and tragically sunk by a
Japanese fishing vessel that was engaged in illegal fishing/whaling
activities. To say this guy is a badass is an understatement. 

DOWN WIND MARINE AND THE PANAMA POSSE

Art, passion, & maritime eco mission rooted to mother earth

Jack inspecting the Command Center

Their ships outdoor space to relax and refresh.

See
what he does now with Earthrace Conservation at the link below. Captain
Pete is looking for energetic volunteers to help so if you know someone
who would be interested in the cause and could commit to a month
onboard, contact him through the website. In February they have plans to
monitor the Galápagos Islands.  

LINK to:  https://www.earthrace.net  

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

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures SY  MAISON DE SANTÉ !

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

Please
share pictures of your adventures, your award entries, 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.
 

BRAVO ZULU

7) DISCOVER HIDDEN TREASURES IN BELIZE 🇧🇿

TURNEFFE ATOLL & 

LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL

tracking

The Blue Hole

This
landmark is one of Belize’s most historic marine sites since Jacques
Cousteau explored it in 1970. The Blue Hole is a deep, circular sinkhole
within the Lighthouse Reef atoll with a depth of almost 400 feet.
According to several studies, this site dates back to more than fifteen
thousand years; tectonic shifts and rising sea levels caused the cave to
collapse and form a sinkhole. Here you can find many species of sharks,
algae, sponges, and other immobile lifeforms. The interior wall is
decorated with coral growths and a variety of marine species just beyond
the underwater wall. The Blue Hole is a must-see for divers but even
non-divers can find some appreciation of its majestic beauty; Which can
be viewed from a helicopter, plane, or on the surface with a boat.

At,
30 miles long and 10 miles wide, the Turneffe Atoll is the largest
atoll in Belize and the Mesoamerican Reef System. Turneffe Atoll,
located 20 miles east of Belize City, is a destination you must visit
while exploring Belize. The Turneffe Atoll is a remote, destination
famous for its vibrant blue beaches, and crystal-clear water with an
wide variety of marine wildlife. Escape and explore this natural and
diverse marine ecosystem in Belize!

The
atoll is a network of flats, creeks, and lagoons with over 150 mangrove
islands and cayes with savannah and littoral forests. The mangrove and
seagrass provide a nursery to numerous species of fish, crocodiles,
lobster, conch and other small aquatic life. The atoll boasts three
known fish spawning aggregation sites that have been identified
(Turneffe Management Plan, Belize Department of Fisheries).

Queen Angel Fish

Vibrant and mysterious Marine Life home in the Atoll waters

Sea Turtle

The
Turneffe Atoll consists of a tropical climate, with warm temperatures
year-round. The best time to visit the atoll is during the dry season,
which runs from December to May. During this time, visitors can expect
sunny days and pleasant temperatures, perfect for outdoor exploring.

Take
a picturesque journey to Turneffe Atoll, which takes about an hour via
boat ride from Belize City. The Atoll boasts a variety of resorts and
lodges to cater to a wide variety of travelers, from luxury resorts to
budget-friendly eco-lodges.

Tropical Tern

Or...

You
can opt for a fun day trip as the Turneffe Atoll offers tons of
activities for travelers to enjoy. Visitors can choose to sign up for a
deep-sea dive and explore the majestic aquatic life or surface
snorkeling. The atoll boasts some of the best diving sites in Belize
with an amazing diversity of marine life such as nurse sharks, turtles,
and rays. Turneffe is a perfect place to spend the day sailing and fly
fishing. Here you can try your hand at catching bonefish, tarpon, and
permit; Chase a grand slam or spend your day fishing for snappers and
barracuda. The atoll is one of the most legendary fly-fishing spots
filled with fishing sites with local fishermen as your guides.

Turneffe
Atoll attracts both novice and experienced Flyfishers, and the guides
here have years of experience in finding the perfect spots to cast. The
fish in this area is typically found in large schools and appear to be
quite relaxed. This means you can approach them in a shallow-draft boat
to get an up-close look or even get the chance to make multiple casts
towards the same school!

Turneffe
Atoll is a well-managed Marine Protected Area which resonates with the
quality of flyfishing experience. All flyfishing guides adhere to the
"Keep Fish Wet" principles, designed to minimize stress and injury for
fish. These principles apply to catching, handling, and releasing fish.
The Turneffe Atoll is a protected marine reserve, home to a diverse
array of marine life and coral reefs. As such, visitors are encouraged
to practice responsible and sustainable tourism to help protect the
fragile ecosystem. The Turneffe Atoll was declared a national marine
reserve by the government of Belize in 2012.

Nice Tarpon!

For
those who wish to explore the landscape, the atoll is home to a wide
diversity of wildlife; a variety of bird species and exotic flora and
fauna. The Turneffe Atoll also boasts rich culture and history, dating
back to the ancient Maya civilization. You can explore via a guided
tour, visit art exhibits and cultural events. You can also explore the
atoll on a guided nature hike or take a long stroll along the scenic
beaches. Whichever activity you choose, Turneffe Atoll is an exotic
paradise for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders
of Belize.

Further East...

Further
East, lies the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, 50 miles off the coast of Belize
City. This atoll is similar in size to Turneffe, 30 miles long and 8
miles wide, offering an amazing marine experience. The famous Blue Hole
sits right in the center of this atoll along with the 45-acre national
park, Half Moon Caye. Lighthouse Atoll is home to five small islands,
lighthouses, and a wide variety of marine life.

Half Moon Caye

Half
Moon Caye, named for its moonlike shape beach is home to over 4,000
endangered red-footed boobies. This is truly a Birders Paradise with
almost 100 species of avian life. There is a lookout tower in the center
of the nesting grounds, allowing visitors to get a clear view of the
different kinds of birds nesting on the island. If you wish to explore
the nearby waters, Half Moon Caye offers a shallow drop-off with a
series of underwater tunnels that is home to many species of fish and
rays.

Ready
to fish or explore? Take the bait, visit the largest atolls and try for
a grand slam at one of Belize's premier flyfishing destinations! You
are guaranteed to take back a great fishing or birding story!

Half Moon Caye

Turneffe Atoll

Ready
to fish or explore? Take the bait, visit the largest atolls and try for
a grand slam at one of Belize's premier flyfishing destinations! You
are guaranteed to take back a great fishing or birding story!

Contribution by M.Goodin

Sources

Belize.com

Belize Hub

Turneffe Island Resort

Bluewild Ecoadventures

Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association

8) RED TIDE:

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY OF THIS

NATURAL ALGAEL BLOOM

Richard Spindler in 2009

Red Tide is a harmful algae growth that blooms seasonally in the ocean

Currently,
Posse Members on the Pacific Coast of Mexico are seeing red tide moving
into some anchorage and clear in others.  This is an annual and
totally natural occurrence.  In fact, Algae Blooms have been
observed in the oceans of the world since before the Spanish were out
exploring new to them lands.  Most algal blooms are not harmful.
Most are part an integral part of the ocean food web.  The
tiny plants that make up the bloom harness light energy to grow and
become food for animals in the ocean.  Such blooms therefore a
major source of energy that sustains ocean life.

Having
said that, Red tide is a seasonal and harmful algae bloom that occurs
worldwide.  Presently, red tide has been observed in Banderas Bay
Mexico and south to Paraiso in Bahia Chamela.  

Red Tide can cause massive fish die offs

The
Colonies of algae  that produce what is called red tide grow out
of control, or ‘bloom’ producing toxins that effect people, fish,
shellfish, marine mammals and birds.  The bloom turns the water red
and depletes the water of precious oxygen that marine life requires.
Most marine life scatters as fast and far away as they can to
clear waters.  However, often smaller fish die, shellfish become
toxic, and humans report skin irritation.  studies suggest that
harmful algal blooms are increasing in frequency, likely due to climate
change and nutrient pollution from farming and landscaping.

Posse Members along the route are advised to please share with one another where they see Red Tide and where they do not.  

9) PORTSIDE MARINA MOREHEAD CITY, NC 🇺🇸 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

34° 43.1183′ N   076°42.34′ W

We are please to welcome the Panama Posse to the Portside Marina and to celebrate their journey offer a 15% discount

Lee / Shelby / Tylor

CONTACT

209 ARENDELL STREET

MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557

 VHF CH16

+1 (252)726-7678​

info@portsidemarina.com

Portside
offers over deep water slips for vessels up to 125’feet. Immediate
access to the ICW and Atlantic Ocean without height restrictions.

Our full compliment of marine repair, refueling and transient facilities are best in class.

SERVICES

Water Hookup

Fuel Dock / 24hr Availability

Electric 30/50/100

Diver & Marine Repair

Transient Slips

Pump-Out

Dry Dock

Fuel Polishing / Dive Serv.

Yacht Brokerage

AMENITIES

Eateries within Walking Dist

Ice & Potable Water

Ship’s Store

Restrooms

Laundry Facilities

Shower Facilities

Regional Airport Access

Cable-TV

Wi-Fi / Internet

FedEx & UPS

MUST SEE

  • Fort Macon (don’t fire the canons)
  • Nature walk and Wild Horses on Carrot Island  (take dinghy)
  • North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores  (don’t feed the fish)
  • Shortway Brewing Company (don’t drive back )
  • North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort with Booty and gear from Pirate Blackbeard (as tempting as this sounds don’t loot)
Fort Macon

10) LAND TRIP TO

THE HIGHLANDS IN

CHIAPAS 🇲🇽 MEXICO 

image

A walking street in SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS, Chiapas, 🇲🇽 Mexico   

A beautiful and Culturally rich city nestled in the Highlands of Chiapas.

San
Cristóbal is considered to be the “cultural capital” of the
southernmost state of Chiapas, Mexico.  In 2003, this city was
designated a “Pueblo Mágico” (Magical Village).  Then Mexcian
President, Felipe Calderón, recognized San Cristóbal as “The most
magical of the Pueblos Mágicos”.  San Chris, to locals, is located
inland in a small valley surrounded by hills in the mountains with a
2,200-meter elevation 7,218 feet which gives the city a crisp and cool
climate year-round.  The town boasts a vibrant and wide variety
gastronomical choices from regional to worldwide cuisine.  Walking
the Spanish cobblestone streets, there is impressive and historic
architecture, modern murals, and artistic handicrafts rooted in the
traditions of the region for centuries around every bend.  San
Chris truly is magical. 

One of the multiple markets specializing in various traditional handicrafts

Many
indigenous and automnomous communities are similarly nestled in the
highlands nearby.  Notably close and yet a world away from this
international city is a smallvillage called San Juan de Chamula

City Center and Church in San Juan de Chamula

This
church is particularly interesting as it is a site of religious
syncretism, or the blending of two different religious systems into a
new religious system that appears to blend different aspects and
traditions of the two dispirit religions.  For example in this
church one will find indigenous people chanting and speaking an
indigenous language that far predates the Spaniards, a tomb of Jesus and
chickens being sacrificed to the gods.  It is a stunning almost
shocking intersection of two very different religions being practiced by
dedicated and spiritual people.  The experience is one to see to
believe.

Every Sunday the Street and Square across from the church has a bustling market.

Cemetery nearby on the grounds of a roofless church

A
land trip into the Highlands of Chiapas is profoundly moving as one
feels like they are both stepping back and forward at the same time.

11) GOOD NAUTICAL:

THE SWIMMING POOL ANCHORAGE ON THE 

NORTH SIDE OF ISLA BANEDUP

SAN BLAS ISLANDS, PANAMA 🇵🇦

GOOD NAUTICAL

We
are anchored in a place called the swimming pool right now and it's 10'
deep, chrystal clear water with white sand beaches as far as you can
see.  There is a massive reef that is blocking 9' waves on the
outside and it is flat calm in here.  The trade winds blow strong
so we can sail from Anchorage to Anchorage with predictability and there
is always a cool breeze at night that keeps the bugs away.  

10/10 I recommend this area for cruising.

Good Nautical San BLas best anchorages

Buddy boats SV Salaccia and SV Jubel protected by a reef in the distance.

color contrast: a feast for the eyes

A calm anchorage on the edge of the ocean

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

JUBEL KyleJUBEL Leah
SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

12)MARINA EL CID

CANCÚN – RIVIERA MAYA   🇲🇽   

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

image

Marina El Cid is happy to support the Panama Posse with a

 20% discount over our rates

As
the only Riviera Maya resort with its own professional boating
services, Marina El Cid Cancún features a wide and deep channel ––
providing safe harbor to yachts and other large boats. Experience Cancún
/ Riviera Maya from a truly breathtaking point of view, then drop
anchor and enjoy the luxurious accommodations and world-class services
of our oceanfront resort hotel and spa. Considered one of Mexico’s
finest boatyards by experienced Puerto Morelos boaters and fishermen,
our marina accommodates vessels ranging from 25 to 120 feet in length.

Harbor Master

José Viruega Mangín | Harbor Master

Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort.

Mazatlan – Riviera Maya – Cozumel

+52 (998) 872 8999 EXT. 17060

Cel. (984) 117 0064

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo | México

jviruega@elcid.com.mx

www.elcidmarinas.com

 

TOLL FREE  USA& CAN: 1-888-870-3010

image

AMENITIES

  • Floating concrete docks, built to rise with the tide
  • Marina Slip Fees
  • Dock carts, locker boxes, drinking water, 30, 50 & 100 amp power, TV cable, fire stations, and 24-hour security
  • Diesel and gasoline fuel dock and pump out station
  • Transient Port Captain check-in facilities are onsite; marina monitors VHF channel 16
  • Inlet and marina depth is 9 to 12 feet (3 to 4.5 meters)
  • Breakwater protects the moorage from north, east, and southeast winds, providing comfort and safety for the yachts
  • Moderate rates for car, motorcycle, and bicycle rentals
  • 24-hour taxi service
  • Ice machines and bait & tackle shop
  • Launching ramps
  • Long-term parking facilities
  • Snack bar
  • Weather services
  • E-mail service
  • Laundromat
  • Restrooms & showers
  • Sportfishing
  • Dive shop
  • Snorkeling, sailing, day cruises, and ecological tours departing daily
  • Marina updates on VHF Channel 16

13) MEET THE FLEET: MARK AND CINDY

ABOARD MV DELTA SWIZZLER

Working
in northern California for 30+ years we started our boating adventures
in a 36 foot Gibson Houseboat, going out on the Sacrament Delta
Tributaries weekends for 21 years. In retirement we decided to buy a
bigger boat and find a bigger pond. So our timing with the Panama Posse,
was just about excellent. We have now been members for 6 years.

36' Gibson Houseboat: our first boat.

In
May of 2015, we left Alameda, Ca and began our adventure. Over the next
few months we explored the California Coast and islands. In late
November, we left with the 2015 CUBAR (a power boat version of the Baja
HaHa) for the run from San Diego Yacht Club to La Paz.

We
spent the next two years exploring all the options in the Sea of
Cortez. Then we made our way down to Barra de Navidad and joined the
Panama Posse, trying to learn as much as we could. Our plan was go that
next year 2018-19 to Panama. We had made our way down to Zihuantanejo,
when Covid hit. We decided to ride out Covid in Barra. So we returned
north to Barra for nine months. In December of 2020 we headed South
again, with a several Posse boats.

We
did finally make it to Panama, went through the Canal and over to Bocas
Del Toro and the San Blas Islands. An incredible journey so far, but
the ride is not over. After spending time there enjoying the sloths,
howling monkey and clear warm water, we found we missed many things from
our days in Mexico and decided to return.

Now
eight years into cruising and logging over 15,000 miles we still love
the sound of the anchor coming up before the sun and moving to a new
anchorage and look to continue for at least another 10 years.

Mark & Cind

MV DELTA SWIZLER 🇺🇸 Mark & Cindy - Vantare 58′

DELTA SWIZZLER MarkDELTA SWIZZLER Cindy
SHOP
 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

15)  SAFETY ALERT:

https://panamaposse.com/longlines

16)  MUST SEE: 

🇳🇮 GRANADA

🇳🇮
Granada is a stunning city on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and
historically one of Nicaragua’s most important cities, economically and
politically. Granada had a thriving Indigenous population, but in 1524
Francisco Córdoba a Spanish conquistador the city was renamed Granada
and registered  as  a  city in official records of the
Crown of Aragon, and the Kingdom of Castile in Spain.

Grenada
sits on the western edge of Lago Nicaragua and is home to multiple
Spanish colonial landmarks that have survived repeated pirate invasions.
The city’s main plaza, Central Park, is dominated by the
colorful, neoclassical facade of the Cathedral of Granada, originally
dating to 1583.

Agriculture
around Granada is reflected by dry forests and humid forests which grow
on the sides of the nearby 1,344 meter high Mombacho volcano. The
volcano is also home to a wide array of wildlife.

 The
lake is also home to many creatures, both marine and freshwater
creatures. It is the only freshwater lake in the world where sharks
live.

Sharks live in the fresh water of Lake Nicaragua

Fertile and Tropical Jungle near the Lake

Granada’s restaurants have received international recognition by newspapers like the New York Times.

Not
only do they serve a wide variety of delicious foods, but they seek to
do so in a manner that is sustainable and beneficial to the larger
community. Granada is quickly becoming a central hub for excursions to
other areas of Nicaragua and Central America so if you are in the
region, stop by one of the restaurants mentioned on this list for a
taste of Latin American hospitality

  • The Garden Cafe
  • Cafe de los Sueños
  • Cafe De Arte
  • Miss Dell’s Kitchen
  • Bocadillos Tapas Kitchen & Bar
  • Monna Lisa

There are wonderful accommodations in Grenada as well.

For more information click this link: 

https://panamaposse.com/granada

 

17)  PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

SV ARROW 1973 CARTER 37 

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽  Mexico

*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow
is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water
maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system
with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of
sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor,
safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee
cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain
awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.
Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or
offshore.  

Ready
for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy,
live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting
history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be
an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.
As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her
off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.  

Arrow
was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead
sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead
ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and
offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement
ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a
kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$34,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama A DAYSAIL TO THE PERLAS ARCHIPELAGO

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 34k USD

 

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 

THUNDERBIRDS MARINE 🇧🇿 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

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  
  • SAILMAIL 
  • SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
     
https://www.panamayachtbroker.com/buy-your-yacht/

Thrilled
to announce that Panama Yacht Broker has teamed up with the one and
only Panama Posse! As a leading cruising resource, Panama Posse brings a
world of sailing knowledge and resources to the table. From route
planning and local intel to connecting with other cruisers, Panama Posse
has it all. We are honored to join that list of resources thanks to our
partnership.

Our
clients have exclusive access to complementary yacht brokerage
expertise, and discounts on listing agreements. Whether you’re a
seasoned sailor or just setting sail for the first time, Panama Yacht
Broker has a boat for everyone and can also help you sell your boat when
the time is right.

Charles Badoian

Cell/WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal:

PA +507 6378-8345

US  +1 305-735-1661

Skype: badoian

E: charles@panamayachtbroker.com

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

View of Casco Viejo Panama

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

Montego Bay YC
SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

23) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

atlantic posse

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 24 SEASON

MOntseratt

Atlantic Posse 24

Atlantic Posse '24

Sign up now

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Anchorages in the Eastern Caribbean
south pacific posse

24) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN 

SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE
SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4 
SPP
South Pacific Posse BUrgees

South Pacific Posse burgees available after January 15  

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

Ocean Posse

ocean posse llc 
 @ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA

OP


FLEET UPDATE 2023-12-03

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

December 3, 2023

“If you think you are too small to make a difference,

try sleeping with a mosquito

—Dalai Lama

TOP NEWS  

  • Panama Posse Registration Is Open 
  • Pictures of the Week
  • BARRA DE NAVIDAD KICK OFF WEEKEND 
  • Season 7 Awards
  • Isla Espiritu Santo, 🇲🇽 Mexico
  • Predict Wind & Ocean Posse Seminar
  • The Care And Feeding Of A Panama Canal Transit Crew  
  • Acapulco In The Wake Of Hurricane Otis: Vicente
  • Focus Marina Ixtapa 🇲🇽 Mexico  
  • Visit Drake Bay, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
  • Good Nautical: Bahia Careyes
  • Visit Marina Puerto Velero 🇨🇴
  • Panama 🇵🇦 Jazz Fest
  • Longlines & Other Mass Extinction Devices:
  • Meet The Fleet: Eric And Pati On
  • Safety Alert: Corruption
  • Must See: 🇲🇽 Tequila
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

226 Yachts are signed up - JOIN THE PANAMA POSSE 

vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

From the Jungle to the Bay, Drake Bay, Costa Rica   🇨🇷

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

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

SY VIVA & Delaware Girl crew soaking in the natural hotsprings in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽 

SY VIVA 🇺🇸 Pierre & Marie - Amel 52′

VIVA VIVA
image

SV NorthDawn's welcome to Provedencia, Columbia 🇨🇴

SY NORTH DAWN 🇨🇦  Garry & Sheryl – Catalina 47′

North Dawn North Dawn

2) COME JOIN US:

BARRA DE NAVIDAD KICK OFF WEEKEND 

COMING UP 

DECEMBER 7-10, 2023

Posse members are assembling in Barra 🇲🇽 awaiting the Kick off event THIS WEEK

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

SY VOYAGER 🇺🇸 Ed & Liz - Hylas 54'

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

tidings of joy Tidings of Joy LONG WINDID Dan LONG-WINDID MarlaVOYAGER Ed VOYAGER Liz

RSVP FOR PANAMA POSSE

KICK-OFF WEEKEND IN BARRA DE NAVIDAD

NEWS FROM CAPTAIN DIETMAR:

"We can confirm that 3 cases of Flor de Caña rum have arrived at Marina Puerto de la Navidad in Barra de Navidad, Mexico

We have 4 days to get rid of it."

https://oceanposse.com/events/23-24-panama-posse-kick-off-weekend-%f0%9f%87%b2%f0%9f%87%bd-barra-de-navidad-mexico/
RSVP FOR THE  KICK OFF WEEKEND 
Flor de Cana 7 year old

We got a whole posse full of these bad boys waiting for us next weekend 

Tequileria

BARRA GALERIA DE ARTE & RESTAURANT Barra de Navidad 🇲🇽 

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK

ABACOS

SY FREEDOM in Abacos, Bahamas 🇧🇸 

SY FREEDOM 🇺🇸 David & Sheri - Beneteau 55′

FREEDOM-David FREEDOM-Sheri
image

Professional beggars wear ties (tie)(tie)

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

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

Big Caribbean seas underway between Jamaica and Shelter Bay Panama.

It was a rough ride- 9ft swells and 30 knot gusts practically the whole way.  Sooo excited to be here  (Shelter Bay, 🇵🇦 Panama) and on solid ground.

MV CELT 🇺🇸 Gerry & Angela - Nordhavn 43′

CELT CELT

4) SEASON 7 AWARDS

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

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

double rainbow

Does it get any better?

Nomination for Picture of the Year: 

Maison de Sante in a double rainbow in  Drake Bay, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica

 
5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

events 2017-2018

Panama Posse gatherings 

(1) PANAMA POSSE 
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, '23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

BARRA RSVP 
Secundino Harbormaster

Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master
Vessels Must be  registered with the Panama Posse  prior to Oct 31st to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

GOlF Course

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

Barra

(2) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 13 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

(3) 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

(4) 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:

Vista Mar Marina Habror Master Cesar

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 <<

Placencia Yacht Club

CONTACT

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

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

Placencia Yacht Club

Watch this video on how to grab life in Belize ! 

BELIZE

6) WORLD HERITAGE SITE:

ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO, 🇲🇽 MEXICO

courage underway

 SY COURAGE goes a short 4 hours north from La Paz to Isla Espiritu Santo

Candelero Bay

 Candelero Bay Anchorage @ 24° 302 N  110° 231 W 11.00 ft 3.90 m 

 First night here!  Beautiful! 

We (went) snorkeling!  We swam around a little island in middle of bay where the pin drop is above by Playa Candalero. Saw a dozen species of fish and five kinds of coral. Had two beautiful beaches with easy access and hiking trails inland. We would have stayed longer but needed to get back to La Paz (4 hours away) for more work being done as we upgrade courage after our first three months out here!

SY COURAGE  🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

COURAGECOURAGE

Like many Panama Posse members before and many yet to come, SY COURAGE dropped their hook at Isla Espirtu Santo last week.  This island is part of a national park system in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico just north of La Paz.  Isla Espiritu Santo is separated by a narrow channel from another beautiful island called Isla Partida.  There are anchorages all around both islands and in between.  Each offer adventures, vistas, and shelter all their own.  The desert cactus and turquoise water around Isla Espiritu Santo, 🇲🇽 Mexico make exploring underwater, at the surface, or ashore especially memorable!

DOWN WIND MARINE AND THE PANAMA POSSE

Crystal clear waters are home to so much marine life.  

In a short time at Isla Espiritu Santo one will see sea turtles poking their heads above the surface for some fresh air, rays jumping and splashing, and colorful fish navigating rock structures lining the shore.

Exploring onshore is a great way to see the island & look back on your mothership. 

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

Please share pictures of your adventures, your award entries, 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. 

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures SY COURAGE...

...and your Sunsets!

7) PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE SEMINAR 

Weather Routing while under way

  Friday, December 8, 2023⋅11:30am – 1:00pm  PACIFC TIME 

Complex weather analysis made easy.

tracking

Don’t spend hours plotting a course and checking forecasts to ensure a safe passage. PredictWind Weather Routing takes care of the heavy lifting to give you the perfect route, in seconds.

Join Zoom Meeting
 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83131859510?pwd=emFMSnNUMDdCV2Q5WVhQakNBNG12UT09

 

8) THE CARE AND FEEDING

OF A PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT CREW

Line Handlers

A question came up on the line call this week regarding what to feed the line handlers and advisors - how much water / coca cola etc.  We wrote Panama Posse sponsor Marcus Santana, General Manager with Waypoint Marine.  We asked him for recommendations.  Below is his response:

There is no regulation on what kind of food, but for pilots (vessels) should provide bottled water during the whole transit, and the meal should be similar to the officers meals on board.

The yacht may provide on board food or drinks to other ACP personnel as a courtesy.

Additionally, according to the regulation stated in the Procedures for securing a Handline Transit of the Panama Canal (https://pancanal.com/maritime-services/informacion-para-clientes/), it states that:

• Sanitary Facility: it must be a Western – type toilet that has a storage tank of sufficient capacity during the transit, so as not to incur delays or additional charges when having to relieve the Pilot or Transit Advisor.

• Drinking water: must be individual sealed bottles of water, at least 3 liters per day for the consumption of the transit advisor or pilot, otherwise, there may be additional charges for this  service.

• Meal available: a complete hot meal with protein, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, conditioned by transit schedule, otherwise, there may be additional charges for this service.

Although we understand that the aforementioned information already attends to your queries, please allow us to add a few suggestions, as per the below:

WHAT IS SUGGESTED?

WHEN STARTING THE TRANSIT, PROVIDE A SMALL BREAKFAST WHICH MAY INCLUDE, BUT DOES NOT NECESSARILY SHOULD, BLACK COFFEE, TEA, MILK, JUICE, SOFT DRINK OR WATER. SMALL PORTIONS OF COOKIES, TOAST, BREAD, AND, IN SOME SITUATIONS, EGGS, SALAD, SAUSAGE AND OTHERS.

DURING THE COURSE OF THE DAY, MAINLY, CLOSE TO NOON, A SMALL MEAL IS RECOMMENDED, ACCORDING TO EACH ONE'S TASTE, SUITABLELY ACCOMPANIED BY SOME DRINK.

FURTHERMORE, WE BELIEVE THAT GOOD COMMUNICATION AND VERBAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES IS MORE VALID THAN THE WRITTEN ORDER OF THINGS. HOWEVER, WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE THE SAME EDUCATION, STANDARDS AND PRINCIPLES THAT WE HAVE. WHEN THESE CASES OCCUR, WE SUGGEST USING A CALM VOICE TO INFORM ALL CREW OF THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE ON BOARD AND CONTACT YOUR AGENT VIA PHONE TO MEDIATE THE SITUATION AND SEEK TO PEACE IN THE SITUATION.

THIS IS THE FAMOUS: THE UNWRITTEN ORDER OF THINGS, WHICH DENOTES OUR INTRISIC OBLIGATION TO TAKE CARE OF MATTERS NOT PREVIOUSLY DETERMINED BY WRITTEN ORDER, WHICH, HOWEVER, ARE PART OF THE LOCAL CULTURE, GOOD CUSTOMS, HABITS, AND ROUTINES. THIS IS THE FAMOUS "USAGES AND CUSTOMS", WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH TO MAINTAIN GOOD ORDER AND EXPECTED PROCEDURE DURING TRANSIT, ESPECIALLY REGARDING WHAT TO OFFER OR WHAT TO EAT.

FURTHERMORE, WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT WHEN WE INVITE A PERSON TO ENTER "OUR HOUSE", WE ENSURE THAT THEY MAKE THEM FEEL WELCOME AND AT EASE. BY OFFERING ONE OR TWO MEALS, IN ADDITION TO SHOWING A SIGN OF EDUCATION AND SOLIDARITY, IT SEEMS REASONABLE SINCE THE PERSON IS WORKING AND, IN ANY COUNTRY OR COMPANY, FOR EVERY 4 HOURS OF WORK THE PERSON HAS THE RIGHT TO REST, FOOD, WATER AND BATHROOM.

THEREFORE, IT SEEMS TO BE GOOD TO OVITRE TO OFFER THE MINIMUM NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE GOOD WORK OF THE PILOT ADVISOR AND LINE HANDLERS.

We hope that aforementioned information is under your expectation and appraisal, and we remain at your disposal for further information or clarification you may deem necessary, looking forward to hearing from you soon again.

   

Waypoint

Best regards,

Marcus - General Manager
Waypoint Yacht Services

Mob: +507 6427-8099

9) WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES 

IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE PANAMA POSSE

10) ACAPULCO IN THE WAKE OF

HURRICANE OTIS:

PANAMA POSSE MEMBERS REACH OUT TO HELP ACAPULCO RESIDENT AND LONGTIME MARINER, VINCENTE

OCEAN WAVE

Hurricane Otis was the result of a tropical storm that rapidly intensified off the coast of Acapulco in October 2023.  No one expected it and everyone was caught off-guard.  In the dark of night three 20 foot waves came through the bay and destroyed everything. In one fell swoop the entire Acapulco Yacht Club was thrown on land.  Four marinas are gone.  Boats got swamped and sunk rapidly.  650 boats were destroyed or sunk.  Some people escaped with their lives, others did not.    

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Mexican government has sent in assistance.  Two ships arrived in from Mazatlan last week to help lift the boats out of the bay.  Meanwhile, Panama Posse members have come together to help where they can.  

Vicente

Immediately following the devastation, Captain Dietmar attempted to make contact with longtime mariner, Acapulco resident, and friend, Vincente.  Vincente ran the mooring balls in Acapulco and many vessels and crew that have travelled through Acapulco have had the opportunity to meet him.  All communication lines were down following Otis and it took several weeks to discover that in fact Vincente was alive.  He survived!  

We quickly learned that his wife, son, and grandson were lost aboard his boat and he is left to make sense of what is left.  A relief fund has been organized.  If you or anyone you know would like to contribute to a man picking up the pieces in Acapulco, Vincente is a kind soul in need.

WE ARE RAISING MONEY FOR CAPTAIN VICENTE  HERRERA

All funds (minus credit card fees) will go directly to Vicente

DONATE DIRECTLY TO VICENTE 

Update 2023.12.01

 By these means I send you a report of the current situation that we are experiencing in Acapulco Guerrero: After the passage of Hurricane Otis, the Port of Acapulco is in total abandonment by the municipal government authorities, which is why we have certain shortcomings such as the docks of the Acapulco marina and Yacht Club closed and destroyed, the reconstruction of the marina is very slow therefore sailors or sea workers do not have work. The mooring balls are mostly found in their places of origin, almost all of them survived the hurricane. The marina area is guarded by the national guard and the marina therefore is very well maintained and safe. The entire population does not yet have water and electricity, but gasoline and diesel are already available throughout the city for the service of those who request it. The port captain’s office is already working its normal schedules and continues to search for the 55 missing people (captains and sailors). Currently what we need most is to repair our homes, household items such as beds, refrigerators, etc. Since most of us lost our homes. For example, at this moment I am staying with a neighbor because my home was taken away by the hurricane. I say goodbye to you, remaining at his command, Greetings.

Sincerely Acapulco Guerrero on November 30, 2023 Captain Vincente Herrera Carrillo Telephone: 7444398184

Update 2023.12.03

The money is coming to me, thank you very much 🙏 I still feel devastated and desperate for not finding my family, the search is very slow, I have paid many divers and still not even the boat has been found but we are standing and waiting for the group  Panama Posse to serve you as we always have, a big hug for the entire group.

Blessings 🙏

I already collect the initial support money from Oxxo

Thank you

VICENTE IS GREATFUL & A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THESE  DONORS 

CARINTHIA       ·   Suzanne & Dietmar   ·   $500

FLOATING STONES  ·   Bryan & Cheryl Stone  ·   $500

SUMMER BREEZE  ·   Kurtis  Bell  ·   $150

JULIA MAX  ·   George & Sue  Stonecliffe    ·   $50

TOKETEE  ·   Dar & Diane Winkler-Nelson  ·   $50

DAWN PATROL    ·   Laney Gale  ·   $50

PRIYA     ·   Brandt Faatz    ·   $50

TIDINGS OF JOY  ·   Jeff &  Joy Dornick  ·   $25

SUNDOWNER  ·   Rhiannon Venier  ·   $50

ONE LIFE   ·   Douglas & Mary  David  ·   $100

PINCOYA  ·   Aimee Souza  ·   $250

DELTA SWIZZLER  ·   Mark & Cindy Miller  ·   $100

GALATEA  ·   Sarah & Mark  ·   $25

MAISON DE SANTE  ·   Nicole & Keenan Smith  ·   $250

 ·   Elaine Bailey  ·   $50

FORTITUDE  X  ·   Stefanie & Torsten Schulz  ·   $50

SJ  ·   Sarah & Craig Dempsey / Tyler  ·   $50

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Devon Dunlap  ·   $25

SUNDOWNER  ·   J and L Venier  ·   $250

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Tiffany Hsu  ·   $25

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Michelle Hamdani  ·   $100

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Susanna Tuan  ·   $200

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Niyati Shah  ·   $25

CHEMISTRY  ·   Sean Anderson  ·   $100

KNOT RIGHT  ·   Walt Childson & Jearine  ·   $200

HO'OKIPA  ·   Charles & Lisa Lenhoff  ·   $100

OZ  ·   Steve & Susan Warner  ·   $50

 ·   Delphine McCourt  ·   $30

BISOU  ·   Robin Felicity Foley  ·   $100

BUG OUT BOAT  ·   Bob Sadler  ·   $50

ZORBA  ·   Limor Zimerman  ·   $25

FREEDOM  ·   Sheri Normandin  ·   $100

PERCEPTION  ·   Melinda & James Hall  ·   $100

SPLINTERS  ·   Kim Paulsen  ·   $100

Mandalay Bay  ·   Alison Gabel  ·   $100

GREEN FLASH  ·   Robert Ritner  ·   $100

 ·   Blouin Pierre  ·   $25

FELICITÀ  ·   Gretchen & Tim  ·   $100

SUNDOWNER  ·   Donovan Kessler  ·   $25

 ·   Lauren Empey  ·   $100

Family of Maison de Santé  ·   Meredithe & Mitchel Katz  ·   $500

JUNGLE  ·   Deb & Jim Ellifritt  ·   $300

TRIUMPH  ·   Lynn Smith  & Joseph  ·   $100

Friend of Maison de Santé  ·   Cristian Barros  ·   $25

BOHEMIA  ·   Thomas Watkins  ·   $25

WHIRLWIND  ·   Mike Descheemaeker  ·   $25

PATHFINDER  ·   Jean-Philippe chevaillier  ·   $100

11)  MARINA IXTAPA 🇲🇽 Mexico  

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

17°39.9733′ N  101°37.0533′ W

We welcome to the 20·21 Panama Posse with the following discounts

for members of the PANAMÁ POSSE:

10% discount off on daily rates

CONTACT

Lic. Elsa Zuñiga Loeza

Manager

Marina IxtapaTel.

+52   755 553-0222

+52 755-553-2180

email ezuniga@marina-ixtapa.com

reservations@marina-ixtapa.com

www.marina-ixtapa.com

AMENITIES

The Marina has 583 slips with:

Power supply for 30, 50 and 100 amps

Potable water supply

24-hour security guards

Launch ramp for boats less than 30’

Boatyard for boats up to 120 gross tonnage

Weather reports, and tourist information.

Other services:

Pick up and delivery laundry service

Showers and restrooms (Guest and crew)

In our Harbor Master Office we help all our guest to do the arrivals and departures of boats instead to send them to the Port Captain Office.

Vessels with deeper drafts are advised to talk with manager and go in at high tide.

12) VISIT DRAKE BAY, 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA

image

A Courtesy dock can be found just inside the estuary in the east side of the anchorage in Drake Bay 

Drake Bay is a wonderful anchorage to stop in on your way north or south along the pacific coast of Costa Rica.  Bahía Drake (Drake Bay) is a generous bay on the north side of the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park on the coast of southwestern Costa Rica.  The Bay is surrounded by lush jungle, blooming tower-size plants, swinging monkeys, and colorful birds.  

Lobster Claw Heliconia stores water for birds and insects. 

Historically, this bay is believed to be a port once used by Sir Francis Drake during his raids on the Spanish Main in the 16th century and the location of one of the British pirate’s fabled hidden treasures.

Today, Drake Bay is an out of the way home and destination for many an adventurous soul.  Drake Bay is difficult to get to by land and if the swell is not favorable, it is difficult to stay on the water.  This is to say, anyone lucky enough to get there and have the favorable conditions to stay has much to enjoy.

The ramp up the dinghy dock has a towering entrance at low tide

At the top of this ramp is a path.  To the left you can walk to town (very nice walk), to the right you can walk all the way to Corcovado National Park.  Walking in this direction is awesome!   Along the path towards Corcovado are many secluded beaches and eco resorts on the hill. The area is super picturesque and it is impressive how maintained the path is for being in the jungle zone.  

How far will you go?

OPTIONAL ADVENTURE: 

If you walk the trail towards Corcovado for a couple few miles (?) and get to a flat open area where there is what looks to be a closed school (or official building of some sort) and then a small church.  Just at/past the small church there is a path to the left.  Walk this path a short ways.  It will feel like you are in someone's backyard and you will get to a Soda (a small, local Costa Rican eatery).  IF you chose this adventure, and my description is sufficient, enjoy and let me know what you think.

Drake Bay
SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

13) GOOD NAUTICAL:

BAHIA CAREYES

Costalegre, Jalisco,  🇲🇽 Mexico

GOOD NAUTICAL
Careyes Mexico Costalegre

Bahia Careyes is a small bay which has been developed for luxury living and upmarket tourism. Moorings and tour boats tend to occupy the more sheltered parts of the three coves which make up the bay however there is still space to anchor outside the mooring field off Playa Careyes in the southern cove

Good Nautical Costalegre Careyes

  Anchorage is possible in the northern lobe however the holding is poor and the beach is private property.

Even during the winter months swell diffracting between the islands tends to make this a rolly anchorage.  SY VOYAGER recently took a mooring in Careyes.  Ed and Liz report:

We took a bow and stern mooring with Captain Crunch. Quiet picturesque anchorage. Nice restaurant and beach ba shore. Easy beach landing.

(You can) make a res for mooring with Captain Crunch. +52 315 112 7044 on WhatsApp. He texts in Spanish. Speaks some English in person. Capital Crunch will meet you in his panga and hand you mooring lines. No need to have lines pre-rigged on your boat 😊 $50/night

Approaches

Keep good lookout for isolated, uncharted rocks as you approach the anchorage from the south-west.

Anchorage

Anchor outside the moorings in 7.3m on sand. Check your anchor is well set as the holding is moderate. Playa Careyes is buoyed for guest swimming and cannot be approached by dinghy. Instead go ashore at Playa Rosa in the central cove.

Facilities

A couple of restaurants can be found at Playa Careyes and Playa Rosa. Swimming and snorkeling are heavenly in the crystal clear waters.

Easy beach landing with a great view of the mothership

SY VOYAGER 🇺🇸 Ed & Liz - Hylas 54'

VOYAGER Ed VOYAGER Liz

14) MARINA PUERTO VELERO 🇨🇴 

SPONSORS PANAMA POSSE

Latitude 10° 55' 48" N, Longitude 75° 03' 32" W

image

Hello Panama Posse, thanks for the interest with our marina.

The rates are on our website and we can offer your affiliates a 10% discount on these rates.

For reservations the phones are: +57 304 228 7282 / +57 311 286 2836

Email: info@mpv.com.co

I remain pending that other things need, cordially,

Zoraida / GM

15) PANAMA 🇵🇦 JAZZ FEST 

JANUARY 15-20, 2024

The Panama Jazz Festival was created in 2003 with the mission of improving people's quality of life through excellent musical experiences.

Offering educational and artistic activities of the highest academic and professional quality, the Festival inspires and educates while providing tools and opportunities to build a better future for individuals and their communities.

Since its inception the Festival has announced more than 5 million dollars in national and international scholarships, has attracted more than 500,000 people from around the world to Panama and has offered more than 1 million dollars in music education of the highest quality to Panamanian students and the rest of Latin America in their educational events.

The 2024 XXI Panama Jazz Festival will be dedicated to highlighting the work of Panamanian jazz drummer and composer, Billy Cobham .

Billy Cobham, born in Columbus, was named in 2001 as one of the 25 most influential drummers by Modern Drummer Magazine.

In his extensive career, he has released more than 50 albums as a solo artist and has collaborated with artists such as Miles Davies, Carlos Santana, Ron Carter, Gil Evans, Fania all Star, James Brown, Peter Gabriel, Quincy Jones, Sonny Rollins, among many others. . 

Tickets for the Panama Jazz Festival are 50% off now.

Jazz Fest Panama

16) LONGLINES, DRAGNETS, &

UNMARKED FISHING DEVICES:

What to look out for and What are they?

LONG LINES ARE ILLEGAL or RESTRICTED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD…

WATCH OUT FOR THEM ALONG THE CENTRAL AMERICAN PANAMA POSSE ROUTE 

Be on the look out for a black flag that can mark an end or a mark along a longline.

Long lines are typically tended by local fisherman in open boats called Pangas

Also be on the look out for floating plastic bottles that may mark fishing nets.

Moving along the Pacific Coast between Mexico and Panama, a vessel will likely see or encounter longlines, dragnets, and/or unmarked fishing devices.

ENVIRONMENTAL & CRUISER RISKS OF MICROPLASTICS AND LONG LINES

Long lines, driftnets, ghost nets, and other illegal fishing techniques are the main source of microplastics pollution in the Pacific Ocean. Further these environmentally damaging fishing systems increase the percentage of by-catch, causing many millions of tons of fish and marine life to be wastefully and tragically discarded yearly.

Panama Posse participants are advised that Longlines along the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Panama create risk for your voyage. For this reason we have created this page https://panamaposse.com/longlines to help located longlines that can disable your vessel (see below). Most countries have jurisdiction over the waters within 200 nautical miles of their shores, called the exclusive economic zone, set by the Law of the Sea, however enforcement is very limited.

Longlines

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

Longlines catch and kill marine life indiscriminately and far more than they target.  The non target animals are called “bycatch”; they can be seabirds or sharks to aquatic mammals.  

WHAT ARE LONG LINES?

Longline fishing is a prevalent form of commercial fishing and allows for massive fish yields. Longlines can be used near the surface (pelagic longlines) to catch open-water fish such as tuna and swordfish, or near the seafloor (demersal longlines) to catch bottom-dwelling fish such as cod or halibut. Longlines consist of a very long mainline (up to 60 miles long) that is set and dragged behind a boat. The mainline has thousands of attached branchlines, each containing baited hooks used to lure and capture target fish. An unfortunate consequence of the longline design is that it attracts and easily snags non-target marine life (known as bycatch). A wide range of animals such as sea turtles, sharks, seals, seabirds, and marine mammals can get caught on hooks or entangled in fishing line (above). Interactions with longlines can cause non-target animals, many of which are endangered, to suffer injury and even mortality.

LONGLINE DANGERS

Longlining practices lead to the creation of Ghost Nets as the plastics degrade in the water. These nets were at one time made from hemp and other naturals substance however in recent decades they are made from microplastics that do not degrade. Storms, strong current, accidents, and purposeful discarding of these net-like lines create extremely dangerous situations in our oceans.

RISK TO SAILORS

A surface long line may extend as many as 3 miles perpendicular from the shore.  It poses immediate risk to any boat traveling along the coast. Longlines can easily become trapped in a propeller and immobilize a vessel.

RISKS TO ENVIRONMENT

When a long line gets loose or is degraded to the point where it is discarded, it will begin a journey that leads to catastrophic risk to the environment. Since these lines have hooks made of metal and plastic that do not biodegrade they will create hazards that damage marine life. These drifting lines can easily be lost or abandoned at sea due to storms and/or neglect.  Synthetic nets are resistant to rot or breakdown, therefore ghost nets fish indefinitely in the oceans. Marine animals are easily tangled in ghost nets as are the predators the dead animals attract. The float line on the net allows it to be pushed in the current which causes ecological damage to plant life and substrate habitats as the nets drag the sea floor.  In addition, oceanic microplastics pollution is largely caused by plastic-made fishing gear like drift nets, that are wearing down by use, lost or thrown away.

A recent study reported that “Fibers caused by long-lining were found to be the most common plastic particle in the open water. These tiny particles have been found to travel as far as 10,000 kilometers in the Pacific Ocean and have reached even the most remote areas such as Galapagos Islands, polluting its pristine waters and rich wildlife.

HOW TO DEAL WITH LONG LINES

Without a Shark Shaft the way in which one deals with a longline depends on their vessel, how they are moving, and what time of day it is.

  • If you are sailing and not using engines – simply check your boat speed and look aft to see if a tell tale V comes to the surface – if you see a V and your vessel is slowing down attach a sharp kitchen knife to your boat hook (with 2 hose clamps ), cut the line, and continue on – on larger keels or bulb shaped keels it may be difficult to see if you are free so watching your boat speed is key here – if the line is wrapped around your keel you can carefully reverse or jump in and cut the line to free yourself.
  • If this happens at night all bets are off as your ability to see if you snagged the line is greatly diminished. A drastic decrease in boat speed is usually a good indication. A waterproof flashlight can sometimes be lowered aft so you can try to see the line. Proceed with caution – wake up the crew – and talk through the process of freeing your vessel.
  • If you are under power using engines –  and you see the line in time – place your engines in neutral and coast over the long line ( if you have folding props this folds them to reduce the chances of snagging the line).  Simply check your boat speed and look aft to see if a tell tale V comes to the surface – if not you are free
  • Alternatively PLACE THE ENGINE(S) INTO NEUTRA  IMMEDIATELY

– if you see a V and your vessel is slowing down attach a sharp kitchen knife to your boat hook (with 2 hose clamps ) and cut the line and continue on as soon as the v slips away – let the current wind drift you out of the location and continue on

– if the line has wrapped around your prop you are going to have to inspect the level of damage first – stop the engine and use a sharp knife to cut off the wrapped line –

With sail drives there is a possibility that the line has entered into the seal area and the line is keeping your oil from gushing out – if you are on a cat use the spare engine – watch your sail drive oil level like a hawk after the incident

– consider adding prop protecting line cutters in the future

17) MEET THE FLEET: Eric and Pati on 

SY SHEARWATER

HAVE BEEN WITH THE PANAMA POSSE 

SINCE THE BEGINNING

 Eric and Pati sporting their Season 3 Burgee

SY SHEARWATER framed bay a picture perfect rainbow in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Panama Posse Season 5 Picture of the Year WINNER

Receiving their Season 6 Burgee

Eric and Pati have been with the Panama Posse since its conception in Barra de Navidad in 2017.  Over the years they have shared and continue to share their journey with the Panama Posse.  

Over the years there have been many Beautiful Sunsets.

Sweet underwater creatures

Slow sloths

Here's to another great season together Eric and Pati.  Thanks for your longterm participation!

SY SHEARWATER 🇺🇸 Eric & Pati – Formosa 50’

SHEARWATER PatiSHEARWATER Eric
 

17) LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES

 ADVENTURE SAILING MEDIA PARTNER

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

18) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

19)  SAFETY ALERT: CORRUPTION

A dictionary definition of corruption is:

dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

Corruption in the form of bribery is most common form of corruption for cruisers to encounter.  2024 is a Political year in Panama meaning that many officials in office at the beginning of the year may or most likely may not hold their position through the end of the 2024.  People in the Port Captains office, Immigration may be looking for kickbacks while they still have the power to seek them.  

Here are some steps to take to mitigate this scenario:

1) if asked or hinted for a bribe offer to buy them a Soft Drink / Cookie 

2) if he / she insists ask to use the bathroom 

3) start a voice recording of what happens next - ask the official to confirm their name - while recording on govt properties are often illegal - you are not video recording - it's a butt dial

4) do not pay the bribe - the govt official will use TIME to pressure you - don't give in say that you need to leave to get the money you have plenty of time ... and leave 

5) take a picture of outside the office and email us the information including date and time etc 

6)   leave the area and fill out a corruption report and submit it to registration@panamaposse.com - we will then contact the embassy on your behalf and next steps 

7) IF YOU PAY A BRIBE YOU FORCE THE NEXT SAILOR TO ALSO HAVE TO PAY A BRIBE - PLEASE HELP STOP CORRUPTION !

Corruption

20)  MUST SEE: 🇲🇽 TEQUILA

Pro Tip: It is Best to stay overnight and savor the offerings.

The official town of Tequila – a 3 hour drive from Banderas Bay and Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast on Mexico –offers Museum Tasting and the 'How to" on Tequila Production.

The 34,658 ha site, between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the deep valley of the Rio Grande River, is part of an expansive landscape of blue agave.  This landscape is shaped by the culture of the plant and has been used since the 16th century to produce tequila spirit.

Within the landscape are working distilleries reflecting the growth in the international consumption of tequila in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the agave culture is seen as part of national identity. The area encloses a living, working landscape of blue agave fields and the urban settlements of Tequila, Arenal, and Amatitan with large distilleries where the agave ‘pineapple’ is fermented and distilled.

The property is also a testimony to the Teuchitlan cultures which shaped the Tequila area from AD 200-900, notably through the creation of terraces for agriculture, housing, temples, ceremonial mounds and ball courts.

Tequila is produced by removing the heart of the plant in its seventh to fourteenth year .  Harvested piñas normally weigh 80–200 pounds   This heart is stripped of its leaves and heated to convert the inulin to sugars.

True tequila is made from blue agave. The production of tequila is divided into seven steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling.

 

21)  PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

SV ARROW 1973 CARTER 37 

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽  Mexico

*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor, safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.  Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or offshore.  

Ready for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy, live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.  As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.  

Arrow was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$34,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama A DAYSAIL TO THE PERLAS ARCHIPELAGO

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 34k USD

 

22)  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 

FLAMENCO MARINA

FLAMENCO  MARINA PANAMA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

23)  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  
  • SAILMAIL 
  • SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
     
https://panamaposse.com/sevenstar

24) 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

25) 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

 Casco Viejo  downtown Panama

26) 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  

27) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

atlantic posse

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

the Route

Atlantic Posse 24

Atlantic Posse '24 Burgees

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, St. Kitts and Nevis

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, St. Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳

south pacific posse

28) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

REGISTRATION OPENS DEC 1 2024 

SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE
SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4 
SPP
South Pacific Posse Chile

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

Ocean Posse

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC

 


BLUE SKY

FLEET UPDATE 2023-11-26

 

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 

FLEET UPDATE 

November 26, 2023

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, 

but the parent of all the other virtues.”

—Cicero

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7:  Registration Is Open  222 Yachts From 21 Ensigns Signed Up !
  • Season 7  Posse Seminars And Events Past And Future
  • Predictwind And Ocean Posse Weather Routing Seminar
  • Kick Off Weekend In Barra De Navidad
  • Pacific Routes Presentation
  • Thanksgiving On The Water
  • The Holy Grail Of Shipwrecks
  • Macaws: Tropical Birds That Mate For Life
  • Macaws: Tropical Birds That Mate For Life.
  • Marina Buenaventura 🇵🇦
  • Good Nautical: Bahia Careyas 🇲🇽
  • The Barcadere Marina 🇰🇾
  • Meet The Fleet: Sy Viva
  • Offshore Medical Kit Medicine
  • Sunken Pirate City At Port Royal
  • Boats For Sale
  • Wind Roses Explained
  • Posse News From Around The Oceans 
PANAMA POSSE Season 7
vessels's ensigns

SIGN UP TODAY

JOIN THE POSSE
 

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

View of Turquoise water at Great Inagua in the Bahamas 🇧🇸 from MV CELT

Sunrise over Haiti as MV CELT makes their way.

MV CELT 🇺🇸 Gerry & Angela - Nordhavn 43′

CELT CELT
WIndward

Pierre and Marie reunited on the water.  Starting Season 7 with pride.

SY VIVA 🇺🇸 Pierre & Marie - Amel 52′ 

VIVA VIVA
image

Stretching their sea legs on the Beach at Cabeza Negra 🇲🇽 

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

SERENITY KathrynS ERENTIY

2) SAVE THE DATE : 

#1) PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE

Weather Routing while under way.

Friday, December 8, 2023⋅11:30am – 1:00pm

Complex weather analysis made easy.

Panama Posse

Don’t spend hours plotting a course and checking forecasts to ensure a safe passage. PredictWind Weather Routing takes care of the heavy lifting to give you the perfect route, in seconds.

Join us for an informative session on Weather Routing with PredictWind.

SAVE THE DATE : 

#2) RSVP FOR PANAMA POSSE

KICK-OFF WEEKEND IN BARRA DE NAVIDAD

https://oceanposse.com/events/23-24-panama-posse-kick-off-weekend-%f0%9f%87%b2%f0%9f%87%bd-barra-de-navidad-mexico/

Thursday December 7, 2023    

   @ 10:00 PANAMA POSSE INTRO AND OVERVIEW  and Fleet Tracking

   @ 13:00 ROUTE PLANNING & NAVIGATION    

   

Friday December 8,  2023

    @ 10:00 DANGERS & SAFETY

    @ 13:00 COMMUNICATIONS, WEATHER,

    @ 17:30 PANAMA POSSE KICK OFF PARTY

Saturday December 9, 2023

    @ 10:00 PANAMA POSSE SWAP MEET

    @ 13:00 SATELLITE CHARTS / OPEN CPN / GOOD NAUTICAL

    @ 17:30 PANAMA POSSE OVER THE TOP POT LUCK RED CUP DOCK PARTY

-> details here on how to win the galley god/ess award ->

 

Sunday December 10, 2023

     @ 10:00 AM  Swap meet

    @ 13:00 PROVISIONING, WHAT TO SEE AND DO, RECAP, Q&A  

Salon
RSVP FOR THE  KICK OFF WEEKEND 

 CAN'T GET THERE BY BOAT  ?
THE RESORT HAS A SPECIAL EUROPEAN PLAN   $3,199 MXD x night at the Hotel Grand Isla Navidad Resort email reservations@islaresort.com.mx

Resort Isla Resort Barra de Navidad

Stay at the Grand Isla Navidad Resort located across Barra de Navidad and you will discover the comfort of our rooms and suites and the excellence of our personalized 4 Diamond award service. 

In addition, we have a variety of activities available: on-site golf on our 27 hole championship course, spa services, tours and excursions of the surrounding area, arts & crafts shopping.

Resort

"Staying in barra is like a little slice of heaven - or a Mexican Monaco in the making"

Salsero

"Salsero"  in Barra de Navidad @ El Rinconcito Mexicano

SAVE THE DATE : 

#3) PACIFIC ROUTES PRESENTATION:

Vallarta Yacht Club 🇲🇽 MX

South Pacific Posse and Panama Posse 

December 11 2023

15:00 pm – 17:30  

https://www.vallartayachtclub.org 

VALLARTA YACHT CLUB

Captain Dietmar will be presenting on Pacific Routes or the Panama Posse.

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Panama Posse & Belize

Thankful for plenty of fruits and veggies @ Super 99 in Rio Hato, 🇵🇦 Panama

Veggies

Dozens of trucks with agricultural merchandise - coming from Tierras Alta –  left David early Monday morning, heading for Panama after sections of the Inter-American highway in Chiriquí that have been closed for the last 20 days, due to protests over the mining contract, were gradually reopened. The trucks are monitored by the National Police. The authorities will ensure that the trucks will arrive in Panama City this afternoon, after weeks of shortages. Most supermarkets do not have vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, among others.  

Trucks w veggies

Ricardo Martinelli founder of 99 supermarkets is the son of Ricardo Martinelli Pardini and Gloria Berrocal Fábrega. He completed his secondary education at Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Virginia, in the United States. In 1973 he graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration degree from the University of Arkansas. He was the 36th president of Panama from 2009 to 2014.

Martinelli

SY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸  Dietmar & Susan - Lagoon 44′

Dietmar CARINTHIA suzanne CARINTHIA Maxi
image

Felicita is on the WATER!

SY FELICITÀ 🇺🇸 Gretchen & Tim – Catalina 42′

felicita felicita

Anchor down in Clarence Town, Bahamas 🇧🇸 

SY CERCA TROVA 🇺🇸 Bruce & Lynette - Manta MK IV 42′

NO REGRETS Bruce NO REGRETS Lynette

4) SUPPORT VICENTE 
  

Capitan Vicente

Our good friend Vicente has lost his wife his son and his grandson and his livelihood ! We are starting a Vicente support fund for him. All funds donated will be donated directly to Vicente ( - credit card processing fees ) .To donate please follow this link https://panamaposse.com/donate-vicente 

Our good friend Vicente has lost his wife,  his son and his grandson and his livelihood !

VICENTE
  •  SV CARINTHIA - Suzanne & Dietmar have already donated $ 500 
    add your name to list !
OTIS

A letter from Vicente:

To whom it may concern: Present.

Through this channel I report the events that occurred on October 24 of this year with the ship Rosemary Cristine, which sank on the day of the arrival of Hurricane Otis in the port of Acapulco. At approximately 11:00 p.m., Hurricane Otis began to blow strong winds and waves that caused the boat to lose stability and break loose from where it was anchored. The engines also did not respond to me and each time the waves increased in size. To such an extent that only the boat withstood three large waves of six meters causing it to sink, that night I was accompanied by my family who was always with me, my wife Maria Hilaria Delgado Valdovinos, my son Luis Sebastian Herrera Delgado and my grandson Luis Alberto Lopez Sarabia. That day only I survived, I was shipwrecked all night and was rescued by the Navy but my family was lost at sea. Today I ask for help to recover the remains of my family since I have a feeling that they were trapped in the aforementioned boat. I remain at your service. and hoping to be favored with your support to search for my family missing at sea.

Sincerely, Acapulco Guerrero, November 24, 2023

Captain Inocente Herrera Carrillo 

Address: Adolfo Lopez Mateos Street Block 42 Lot 9 Colonia Fuerza Aire Telephone: 7444398184

Watch Otis rip through Acapulco with the force of a cat 5 hurricane - this video was taken from the now destroyed Acapulco Yacht Club

To donate please follow this link  https://panamaposse.com/donate-vicente 

An antique line engraving of the Mexican port city of Acapulco

An antique line engraving of the Mexican port city of Acapulco

5) SEASON 7 AWARDS

Flor de Cana

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

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

beachpotluck

Photo of the year nomination S6 Credit SV PATHFINDER

 
6) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

events

Impromptu & scheduled PP gatherings along the route.
Celebrate your adventures life and make new friends' of a lifetime. 

(1) PANAMA POSSE 
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, '23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

BARRA RSVP 
Secundino Harbormaster

Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master
Vessels Must be  registered with the Panama Posse  prior to Oct 31st to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

GOlF Course

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

Barra

(2) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 13 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

(3) 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

(4) 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 - 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 <<

Placencia Yacht Club

CONTACT:

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

>

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

Watch this video on how to grab life in Belize ! 

BELIZE

7) THANKSGIVING ON THE WATER:

NEW PLACES, NEW FRIENDS

Many Panama Posse members had the fortune to spend Thanksgiving on the water in new places, with new friends.  

Thanksgiving in Rio Dulce, 🇬🇹 Guatemala

SV MARIA NOA 🇩🇪 Hans-Joerg & Brigitta - Lagoon 40′

MARIA NOA Brigitta MARIA NOA Hannes

Happy Thanksgiving Nicole and Keenan!

Thanksgiving in Quepos, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica

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

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

First Thanksgiving dinner on the boat with all the fixin's

SY CERCA TROVA 🇺🇸 Bruce & Lynette - Manta MK IV 42′

NO REGRETS Bruce NO REGRETS Lynette

Thanksgiving Fest in Paradise Village, Banderas Bay, 🇲🇽 Mexico

SY DAWN PATROL 🇺🇸  Laney & Mark  - Outbound 46

DAWN PATROL - Mark DAWN PATROL - Laney
Thanksgiving onboard Carinthia

Thanksgiving in Panama Pacific Coast #buenventura 

Buenaventura Marina's outgoing Harbormaster Emilio Lua, Dalis, Walt from SV Knot Right, David and Suzanne from SV Carinthia 

KNOT RIGHT WALTDietmarCARINTHIA suzanneCARINTHIA Maxi

8) THE HOLY GRAIL OF SHIPWRECKS

MAY HAVE BEEN FOUND:

MANY LAY CLAIM TO HER TREASURES

“And in this sort of race, there’s no silver medal for finishing second.” – Henry Jones (aka Indiana Jones)

PANAMA POSSE AMAZON SIDETRIP

A Samuel Scott painting, “Wager’s Action Off Cartagena,”.

 This painting shows an attack by British Commodore Charles Wager on the San José in 1708.  The Spanish galleon, the San José , set sail from Seville, Spain in 1706 with 600 people aboard and a cargo that estimated worth over $20 billion today.  The ship is thought to have sunk with a huge amount of treasure aboard, including 200 tons of silver, emeralds and eleven million gold coins.

A treasure lost in one thing and a treasure found is another thing entirely.  It is believed that the location of the sunken San José has been found.  Granted there is debate as to who found it first and, more accurately and most importantly, WHO has rites to said treasures.  

Of course the Spanish say that the ship is theirs and therefore any treasure recovered is theirs as well.  There are also the Columbians who believe it is theirs as it is in their waters.  There are Indigenous who may lay claim as the original excavators of the treasures under the duress of the Spanish Empires bidding.  Further complicating matters, there is an American investment group who says they found the wreck and provided the coordinates of the wreck to the Columbian Government and are entitled to half the value of anything found.  Among the Columbians there is debate as to whether this treasure should be excavated or left and investigated in place. 

gold

11 million gold coins are thought to have been on board

Perhaps the most interesting question rising to the surface amid the debate of who, how, when, and why is: How much money has the Spanish Empire brought from the New World to the Old World and back again?  And how did their wealth of old affect Spanish wealth and development today?  Travelling in Central America one sees clearly the Spanish Empire's dominion and influence from the 1500's onward.  However, for all their glory and gold, while they used their riches for trade and expansion, they did not develop very much industry internally in their homeland.  

The debate may have reason to get heated and resolved in the coming years.  Colombian President Gustavo Petro has deployed search units to recover the San Jose and aims to have it completed before his term ends in 2026.

More @ https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/10/world/americas/san-jose-galleon-shipwreck-treasure.html

Galeon

 9) SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES  

is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse 

Please share pictures of your adventures, your award entries, 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. 

10) MACAWS

TROPICAL BIRDS THAT MATE FOR LIFE
  

Macaw in the wild.

Maccaw

Macaws inside their aviary at the Rio De Janeiro zoo in Brazil

Inside the Macaw aviary at the Rio de Janeiro zoo a large net enclosure keeps the birds sheltered from outside predators.  Interestingly, the Rio de Janeiro Zoo has one very rare WILD Macaw that has been visiting the aviary from the outside almost every day for two decades.  This Macaw has been named Julieta by zookeepers and is believed to be the last remaining wild specimen of her species left in Brazil.  The Canindé macaws are blue-and-yellow macaws; they once flew far and wide in this environment.  

Canindé macaws can live into their fifties, and when one finds a partner, it's for life. (Tuane Fernandes for The Washington Post)  

Meet Romeo, identifiable by his missing eye, inside the aviary. 

(Tuane Fernandes for The Washington Post)

Julieta, left, and Romeo. (Tuane Fernandes for The Washington Post)

Their story is both impressive and inspiring, yet sad and dangerous.  There are different theories as to why, how and, when Romeo and Julieta met and became faithful.  And there are varying theories on what can be done to shift their love story from one of separation to one of true union.  A solution in nothing short of complicated as one bird is in the wild and one is in captivity.

Nonetheless, Romeo and Julieta's reality is quite unique.  Blue and Yellow Macaw were once abundant in the forests in and around Rio de Janeiro.  However, over the last two centuries between heavy trophy hunting, city development, and urban expansion very few to only one have been seen in and around Rio de Janeiro.  The one, Julieta, risks exposure to predators every time she flies between her forested nesting area and the zoo aviary where she visits Romeo almost daily.  She calls upon her arrival and flies to greet her.  They nuzzle and they visit.  And yet, because they are separated by the zoo enclosure they cannot consummate their love and reproduce.  

This partnership is 20 years strong.  There have been times when the zoo relocated the aviary and zookeepers wondered and worried whether Julieta would be able to find Romeo and their ritual continue.  And of course she does.  Their love is a heartwarming tale of loyalty and connection.

11) BUENAVENTURA MARINA  🇵🇦

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

   08° 20.5166' N   080°09.7683' W

BUENAVENTURA MARINA 🇵🇦 SPONSORS DE PANAMA POSSE

 CONTACT 

VHF Ch 18 & 16

TEL +52  (322) 221-0275, 221-0722,

TEL+52 322 221-0650

TEL +52 322 115-7063

BUENAVENTURA MARINA 🇵🇦 SPONSORS DE PANAMA POSSE

SERVICES & AMMENITIES 

  • Fuel 
  • Water 
  • Electricity
  • State of the art floating composite docks
  • Protected inland basin
  • 60 docks for boats up to 60 feet with adjustable cleats
  • Shore power supply @ 30Amp and 50Amp
  • Bathroom & Showers 
  • Laundry services 
  • Five restaurants
  • Two Beach Clubs with pool area
  • Marriot hotel with discount thru marina 
  • Golf (marina discount)
  • Zoo to look at wildlife in a safe zone
  • Equestrian Center 
  • Shuttle to nearby supermarket & express bus stop to Panama 
  • events every month to motivate social life

SPECIAL PANAMA POSSE RATES: FIRST NIGHT FREE !!

 monthly $0.8   3 months  $0.7  long term $0.55

   

LOCATION 

  • 50 nm from Punta Mala 
  • 50 nm from Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal 
  • 63 nm Isla Contadora - Las Perlas
  • 62 nm from Isla San Jose - L as Perlas 
 State of the art floating composite docks Protected inland basin 60 docks for boats up to 60 feet Shore power supply @ 30Amp and 50Amp

12) GOOD NAUTICAL: 

BAHIA CAREYAS 🇲🇽

Good Nautical Logo
Good Nautical Costalegre

Bahia Careyes is a small bay which has been developed for luxury living and upmarket tourism. Moorings and tour boats tend to occupy the more sheltered parts of the three coves which make up the bay.  That said, there is still space to anchor outside the mooring field off Playa Careyes in the southern cove. Anchorage is possible in the northern lobe however the holding is poor and the beach is private property.

Even during the winter months swell diffracting between the islands tends to make this a rolly anchorage.

Approaches

Keep good lookout for isolated, uncharted rocks as you approach the anchorage from the south-west.

Anchorage

Anchor outside the moorings in 7.3m on sand. Check your anchor is well set as the holding is moderate. Playa Careyes is buoyed for guest swimming and cannot be approached by dinghy. Instead go ashore at Playa Rosa in the central cove.

Facilities

A couple of restaurants can be found at Playa Careyes and Playa Rosa. Swimming and snorkeling are heavenly in the crystal clear waters.

Anchor Down in Careyes.  Looking good Voyager!

SY VOYAGER 🇺🇸 Ed & Liz - Hylas 54'

VOYAGER Liz

😄  FUN FACT 
 portions of KILL BILL II where filmed in Careyes 

KILL BILL II

 "Beatrix finally catches up with Bill at his hacienda, which is the estate of Sea" and Heidi Klum at Costa Careyes,  on the western coast of Mexico.

SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

13) THE BARCADERE MARINA 🇰🇾 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

image

HI POSSE

Neville has decided that we will join the Panama Posse  !

DISCOUNT

We will offer the Panama Posse group a 15% discount for slip fees.

Utilities will be charge on consumption with no discounts applied.

FUEL – VALVTECT MARINE FUEL

SCOTTS LANDING, our dockside fuel station, is the islands exclusive dealer of ValvTect Marine Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel and Valvtect Marine Premium 93 octane gasoline. Our fuel is guaranteed to be free from water or any other contaminants and is the highest quality fuel available anywhere in the Cayman Islands.

We also offer complementary dockside sewage pump-out to marina customers and duty free fuel for vessels leaving the island on presentation of your outbound clearance, which represents a substantial savings of CI$0.85 per imperial gallon for diesel and CI$0.75 per imperial gallon for gasoline.

Call 1(345)943-3743, visit www.valvtect.com for more information, or hail us on VHF channel 16.

It would be preferred if in coming boats contact info@barcadere.com prior to arrival to send Boarder Control information and we like to make sure that every Captain has received the approach to the Barcadere Marina.

Also note that we are not able to except any boats with a draft higher than 8′ do to the North Sound conditions and any boat higher than 7′ would be requested to arrive during high tide.

info@barcadere.com

enquiries@barcadere.com

+1 (345) 949-3743

Regards,

Denise

image

AMENITIES

Individually metered power and potable water is provided to a dock pedestal for every slip. We can supply 120/208 volt, 60 hertz, through twin 30amp or 50amp single phase outlets to every single slip and offer twin 100amp single phase or twin 100amp three phase power at designated slips. We also offer free WiFi and luxury washrooms, all in a safe, secure and well lit environment with nightly security provided.

On-site service center, chandlery, haul out & boat yard

 Popular On-site restaurant, bar and pool

Dockside ValvTect Marine Fuel (duty free fuel available for transient vessels).

Fixed concrete and hardwood docks with berthing for vessels up to 150′ in length

30, 50, 100 & 200 amp single phase, or 100 & 200 amp 3 phase, 60hz, power.

Potable water supplied directly to every dock pedestal and individually metered.

Complimentary sewage pump out service available to our customers.

Free Marina-wide Wireless Internet.

Private changing rooms with showers.

Safe, well-lit environment, with nightly security.

 

DINING AND RELAXING

The GEORGE TOWN YACHT CLUB (GTYC) is located on the waterfront at 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 or lunch before a flight.

The Barcadere Marina

14) MEET THE FLEET:

SV VIVA

Pierre and Marie's first date was on a sailboat in 1987 in Kingston, Ontario, isn't that romantic?!   Now fast forward 35 years, after completing fulfilling careers and raising two beautiful daughters, cruising life has finally arrived. VIVA and crew left Portland Oregon in Sept 2022 and made their way down the coast to join the Baja-Haha rally in San Diego. This is where they first met Captain Dietmar and were exposed to the Panama Posse.  They joined Season 6 last year and are returning members  in Season 7!

Viva spent summer 2023 on the hard in Puerto Penasco and are happy to report that season 2 has just started.  SY VIVA splashed on Oct 20 after a month of grueling yard projects.  Plans for this upcoming season are to spend more time exploring the beautiful Sea of Cortez, then mainland Mexico (south of Banderas bay this time) and planning to do the big jump to the south pacific in April 2024.

-Pierre and Marie

SV Viva

SY VIVA  Pierre & Marie - Amel 52′

VIVA VIVA

15) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

16)  GET YOUR  💊  PHARMACEUTICALS

Last week we posted an article about outfitting your vessel's offshore medical kit.  This week we will expand and share that Mexico is a great place to beef up your offshore medical kit.

LIST OF PHARMACEUTICS AND 

DOC TALK !

Here in Panama and in Mexico  there are a lot of vessels prepping for the Pacific Crossing and the South Pacific Posse and the journey to  the Marquesas and luckily one of the vessels is skippered by a doctor  who speaks on all sorts of medical topics on the local morning net at Vista Mar Marina.

He recently shared with us details about Antibiotics which he keeps on board and when he would use them.

THEIR INTENDED USES  FROM A DOCTOR WHO WENT CRUISING

Keflex/Cephalexin

Boat stores:40 tablets 500 mg

Infections of the skin and periphery-infected cuts, stabs, thorns, legs and arms.

Dosing: 1 pill every 6 hours till redness gone plus one day then stop. Also let’s say a penetrating wound or open wound.

This is the antibiotic to use for prophylaxis.

https://panamaposse.com/pharmaceutical

Levofloxacin

Boat stores:250mg. 20 tabs 2nd line but powerful.

Reason: can be associated with tendon tears, peripheral nerve and central nerve issues later on.

Pneumonia, severe uti, urogenital infection, kidneys, anthrax, plague, severe stomach infections, chronic bronchitis

Dosing: for pneumonia or severe infection:750mg once a day. For Uro 250mg once a day for 3 days. GI issue: 500mg x 3-5 days.

Azithromycin

Boat stores: 250mg 20 tabs

Acute sinusitis, pneumonia, respiratory infections but also gonorrhea, chlamydia Lyme disease

Dosing: Always taken same way: 500mg first day, then 250 each day after. Usually for 5 days

AND MORE...

for additional recommendations, dosage and usage see this link: 

https://panamaposse.com/pharmaceutical

17)  MUST SEE: 

🇯🇲  SUNKEN PIRATE CITY AT PORT ROYAL

“The earth opened and swallowed many people, before my face, and the sea I saw came mounting in over the wall, upon which I concluded it impossible to escape.”

Edmund Heath, survivor and eyewitness to the devastating 1692 earthquake wrote these words in a letter from the safety of a ship moored in the city’s harbor, overlooking the ruins of his city. Port Royal, once called “the most wicked and sinful city in the world” was famous the world over for its booze—the blackout-inducing Kill Devil Rum, its pirates, and its sex workers. Needless to say, when the city was nearly destroyed, there were some parties that saw it as a convenient solution to an ugly problem.

The English and their pirate friends were relatively new to the area. Jamaica had been held by the Spanish since Columbus first declared it “the fairest island eyes have beheld” in 1494. Lacking gold or other obvious exploitable wealth, the Spanish held it but did not focus much energy there. It came under English power in 1655, after Cromwell sent English raiders to invade and capture the Spanish stronghold at Hispaniola (now Haiti and Dominican Republic, then the center of Spanish trade in the Caribbean). Cromwell’s men failed spectacularly at taking Hispaniola and turned to Jamaica as a second choice, better-than-nothing option.

Located on the southeast coast of Jamaica, the natural harbor at Port Royal became the center of English life in Jamaica. By the late 1600s it had become one of the largest European cities in the new world, second only to Boston. It had also become the infamous home of pirates, sex workers, and Englishmen on the make. Far from home, they made their livings off of the slave trade, slave labor in plantations, and the money that the pirates brought in from their looting forays against the Spanish.

It may be seen as an indicator of the caliber of vice in Port Royal that in 1675 the notorious pirate Henry Morgan became the Lieutenant Governor. In fact, Morgan began to crack down on overt piracy as the grand era of privateering he had been part of began to enter its waning phase. He died just four years before the earthquake struck and was buried in the Palisadoes cemetery.

On the morning of June 7, 1692, a massive earthquake estimated at a 7.5 magnitude hit the island. The city, largely built over sand, suffered instantly from liquifaction, with buildings, roads, and citizens sucked into the ground. Geysers erupted from the earth, buildings collapsed, and finally the city was hit by tsunami waves, dragging what had not been destroyed out to sea. In the end, some 33 acres of the city disappeared under water, four of the five forts were destroyed or submerged, and 2000 people were killed. The cemetery where Captain Morgan was buried slipped into the sea, its bodies floating up to mix with the freshly dead.

Even before the earth stopped shaking, locals reported that the looting began, one writing: “Immediately upon the cessation of the extremity of the earthquake, your heart would abhor to hear of the depredations, robberies and violences that were in an instant committed upon the place by the vilest and basest of the people; no man could call any thing his own, for they that were the strongest and most wicked seized what they pleased….”

As news spread of the destruction of Port Royal, it was picked up as a cautionary tale and a sure sign of divine retribution for the lewd behavior of the pirates and sex workers, the pretensions and wealth of the gentry of the town, or the sins of slavery, depending on the city and the audience.

But at any rate, the earthquake did not end Port Royal’s wicked ways, nor its relationship with vice or with pirates who continued to stop by for another 50 years while they preyed on Spanish ships. In fact, in 1720, John “Calico Jack” Rackham was hanged at Gallows-Point in Port Royal by order of pirate hunter—and former privateer—Woodes Rogers (best known for his rescue of the castaway Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe).

click this link to read more about the sunken pirate city at Port Royal:

https://panamaposse.com/pirate-city-at-port-royal

https://panamaposse.com/royal-jamaica-yacht-club

 

18)  PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

SV ARROW 1973 CARTER 37 

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽  Mexico

*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor, safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.  Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or offshore.  

Ready for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy, live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.  As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.  

Arrow was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$34,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama A DAYSAIL TO THE PERLAS ARCHIPELAGO

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 34k USD

 

19)  PILOT CHARTS 

Every maritime area along the Panama posse has a zoom level pilot charts for each month of the year. 

They depict averages in prevailing winds and currents, air and sea temperatures, wave heights,  visibility, barometric pressure, and weather conditions at different times of the year and is divided into 12 months

The information used to compile these averages was obtained from oceanographic and meteorologic observations over many decades during the  19th & 20th century.

https://panamaposse.com/mexico

Mexico Pilot Chart for the Month of December 

The charts are intended to aid the mariner in selecting the fastest and safest ocean and coastal routes with regards to the expected weather and ocean conditions and many ocean routes are derived from these observations

WINDROSE

EXPLANATION OF WIND ROSES ON PILOT CHARTS : 

Windroses Explained

 

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 

LA PALYITA MARINA

MARINA PUERTO BAHIA 🇩🇴 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE
  SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

MARINA PUERTO BAHIA 🇩🇴 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

ON SITE AMENITIES

  • On-Site Customs & Immigration
  • 30 and 50 amps, 125 and 250 volts, 60 Hz
  • Water
  • High Speed Pump Fueling Pier
  • 24-Hour Security
  • Restrooms and Showers
  • Laundry Room
  • Mini-Market
  • Garbage Pickup
  • Free Internet Access
  • Bars and Restaurants
  • Infinity Pools
  • Gym
  • Spa and Beauty Salon
  • Taxi and Car Rental
  • Water Taxi to Cayo Levantado Island
  • Parking

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  
  • SAILMAIL 
  • SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
     
https://www.panamayachtbroker.com/buy-your-yacht/

Thrilled to announce that Panama Yacht Broker has teamed up with the one and only Panama Posse! As a leading cruising resource, Panama Posse brings a world of sailing knowledge and resources to the table. From route planning and local intel to connecting with other cruisers, Panama Posse has it all. We are honored to join that list of resources thanks to our partnership.

Our clients have exclusive access to complementary yacht brokerage expertise, and discounts on listing agreements. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just setting sail for the first time, Panama Yacht Broker has a boat for everyone and can also help you sell your boat when the time is right.

Charles Badoian

Cell/WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal:

PA +507 6378-8345

US  +1 305-735-1661

Skype: badoian

E: charles@panamayachtbroker.com

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 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 Casco Viejo

View of Casco Viejo 🇵🇦 Panama

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

Bermuda

Atlantic Posse '24

Sign up now

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Anchorages along the route
south pacific posse

26) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

REGISTRATION OPENS DEC 1 2024 

SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE
SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4 
SPP

South Pacific Posse burgees available after January 15  

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

ocean posse llc 
 @ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA
This e-mail has been sent to dietmar@52hertz.com, Click here to UNSUBSCRIBE

OP

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC

 


fleet update

FLEET UPDATE 2023-11-19

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

NOVEMBER 19, 2023


“Live your life by a compass, not a clock.”

— Stephen Covey
 

TOP NEWS  

  • Pictures Of The Week
  • Meet The Fleet 🇬🇧 Teulu  Tribe
  • RSVP For Kick-off Weekend In Barra De Navidad
  • Fish On !
  • Picture Of The Year Nomination
  • Panama Posse Events
  • On The Water In Bocas Del Toro  🇵🇦  
  • Solarte Marina 🇵🇦
  • Barra De Navidad 🇲🇽 Mexico  Resource Guide  
  • 🦃 Thanksgiving On A Boat
  • Marina Portobello 🇨🇴 Colombia
  • Belize  🇧🇿 The Garifuna Culture
  • Good Nautical Los Frailes  🇲🇽 Mexico
  • Culture Of The Caribbean 🇨🇺 Cuban Cigars Aka El Habano
  • Marine Weather Center ☁️ Chris Parker  
  • Meet The Fleet Steve And Susan On Sy Oz
  • Barrel of Hope
  • Panama Posse Swag
  • Offshore Medical Kit
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal (Atm) 🇧🇿  Belize
  • Boats For Sale
  • 75+ Panama Posse Marina Sponsors
  • More Posse News From Around The Oceans
  • South Pacific Posse Season 4 
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

217 yachts are signed up from 22 ensigns - JOIN THE POSSE 

vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

MY TIDINGS OF JOY and SY SERENITY meet up in Bahia Tenacatita 🇲🇽 Mexico

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

SY SERENITY  🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′
tidings of joy Tidings of JoySERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK

Pool Party in Marina Chiapas

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

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

Egg Island 🇧🇸  The Bahamas

Marsh Harbor 🇧🇸  the Bahamas 

MV CELT 🇺🇸 Gerry & Angela - Nordhavn 43′

CELT CELT

2)  MEET THE FLEET 🇬🇧 TEULU  TRIBE 

Panama Posse

SY TEULU 🇬🇧 Becka & Zach -   Colvic  40'  joins the posse this year

TEULU- Becka & Zachteulu

Buying a boat and sailing around the world was such a distant dream for so long, but, a little naivety and a lot of determination later, we are now doing it, *correction*, bloody doing it!  https://www.teulutribe.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@TeuluTribe

3) PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7  

5,500 nm 
550 ⚓ 
75+ marinas
17 countries
8 months
pure fun 
no schedules 

JOIN THE PANAMA POSSE ANYWHERE ALONG THE ROUTE

Panama Posse Mini Burgees  ▲  are a great way to enhance your pictures

Flor de Cana our rum sponsors

⚓ in Paradise

Join along the route
the great blue holw

Great Blue Hole 🇧🇿 Belize

4) RSVP FOR PANAMA POSSE

KICK-OFF WEEKEND IN BARRA DE NAVIDAD

https://oceanposse.com/events/23-24-panama-posse-kick-off-weekend-%f0%9f%87%b2%f0%9f%87%bd-barra-de-navidad-mexico/
RSVP FOR THE  KICK OFF WEEKEND 
Monkey Business

There will be plenty of monkey business in Barra de Navidad !

Kick of event

The open bar on Friday night !

Barra de Navidad
Barra de Navidad Lagoon

⚓  in the Barra de Navidad Lagoon 🇲🇽 MX 

5) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK

FISH ON!

Panama Posse & Belize

Nice Tuna Jim!

MY MOCEAN SICKNESS 🇺🇸 Jim & Lynda - Med Yacht 50'  

image

Nice Mahi John!

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

Nice Mahi Larry

MV PAUSE 🇺🇸 Beth & Larry - Nordhavn 55′

6) SEASON 7 🏆 AWARDS

PANAMA POSSE 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

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

7) PICTURE OF THE YEAR NOMINATION

picture of the year nomination 2023

Picture Perfect beach, Cayo Zapatilla, in Bocas del Toro, 🇵🇦 Panama

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

JUBEL KyleJUBEL Leah

 
8) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

events

wherever 2 or more Panama Posse burgees meet  ▲ ▼ 
it becomes a PANAMA POSSE PARTY 🎉

(1) PANAMA POSSE 
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, '23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

BARRA RSVP 
Secundino Harbormaster

Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master
Vessels Must be  registered with the Panama Posse  prior to Oct 31st to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

GOlF Course

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

Barra

(2) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 13 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

(3) 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

(4) 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:

Emilio

Emilio Lau - Marina Manager
emilio@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 <<

Placencia Yacht Club

CONTACT

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

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

Placencia Yacht Club
BELIZE

 9) ON THE WATER IN

BOCAS DEL TORO  🇵🇦 PANAMA

Amongst the reefs and mangroves, the colors are spectacular.

Bocas del Toro is a charming archipelago on the Caribbean side of Panama.   Bocas is a young backpackers mecca, a destination for surfers, and has something for everyone who has a soft spot for paradise.  As a private vessel one can explore the islands and anchor out in solitude, go to an island to a little cafe, or stay near the big island Colon where Bocas Town is and enjoy the small town that’s very walkable with its stores, restaurants and night life.  There are multiple marinas and resorts to choose from as well.  There is an airport in Bocas with flights twice a day to Panama City making Bocas a great place for family and friends to come visit cruisers.

PANAMA POSSE AMAZON SIDETRIP

SY JUBEL on anchor in Bocas del Toro.

DOWN WIND MARINE AND THE PANAMA POSSE

The water is so clear.

The beaches are great for relaxing.

This floating bar serves cocktails in the main Anchorage in Bocas town. 

Common Green Snake found on the beach in Bocas

Bocas is pretty awesome. It's cool being in amongst all the reefs and mangroves. All the anchorages are super protected, except escudo de veraguas ( which is also the prettiest). You can get anything you want while you're there, and if you can't find it there, it can be easily imported. All the anchorages are close to bocas town, and most of the time the water is really clear.

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

JUBEL KyleJUBEL Leah

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures SY JUBEL!

Bocas del Toro

Lot's of anchorages in Bocas del Toro are in Good Nautical

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

Please share pictures of your adventures, your award entries, 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. 

11) SOLARTE MARINA 🇵🇦 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

09° 18.5983′ N 082° 11.8233′ W 

Solarte Marina

Marina Solarte is located in Bocas del Toro.  

We are excited to sponsor the Panama Posse with a 15 % discount for visiting vessels and a special 4 days for the price of 3 discount.

CONTACT

Bocas del Toro. Panamá

Dominik Hasala

CEO

ahoy@marinasolarte.com

+507 6565-1324

Marina Solarte is protected among the mangroves.

AMENITIES

  • NUMBER OF SLIPS  37
  • ​LENGTH OVERALL   20′ – 80′
  • MAX BEAM   45′
  • MAX DRAFT   15′
  • Pet Friendly
  • Laundry
  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Year-Round Wet Slip Storage
  • 24/7 Security and Staff Available
  • Provisioning, US shipping address,
  • Vessel Maintenance
  • 30 amp electrical services (soon)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Pump-out (soon)
  • Our Photovoltaic system – connected and functional
  • Our LiFePO4 batteries (30kWh) – connected and functional
  • Free Filtered rainwater is available on the whole dock (people love to use it for cleaning their boats or refill the tanks)
  • Free Starlink internet for all guests of our Marina
  • Cold drinks available in the Marina Office
  • Pathways on two islands connected to the Marina
  • Boat brokerage and sailboats for sale
  • Hull polishing, stainless steel work, carpentry, marine electrician, generator repairs, and other services are available
  • We are hosting potluck BBQs every Friday starting at 4 PM (more and more sailors are joining, even anchoring in front of the Marina just to join)

Weekly Potlucks are always fun!

12) BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MEXICO 

RESOURCE GUIDE  

Sculpture on the malecon at the entrance to Barra de Navidad

Barra de Navidad is home to the annual Panama Posse kick off event. As such many cruisers have spent many, many moons cumulatively over the years.  We have put together a resource guide that is by no means exhaustive BUT is certainly thorough and vetted.  If you are in Barra or heading there, check out this guide to acquaint yourself with this special place.  On the dock Pancho (whatsapp +52 315.104.3289 )  is the go-to guy for all boat issues and has lot's of resources.  There is also an active Facebook group: Isla Navidad Cruiser Group (started by Panama Posse members) that has up to date information and active, helpful participants which can help identify resource and service availability.

Posse Ambassador, Nicole, sharing a cold brew with Barra ambassador, Pancho.

Frigate taking off in the lagoon.

Swing in to Barra, you will love it!

13) THANKSGIVING ON A BOAT
🦃&⛵

Richard Spindler in 2009

Thanksgiving onboard; lots to be grateful for!

All the fixin's.

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

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

Many Panama Posse members enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving on their boat.  They may be at a marina or on the hook in Mexico, Costa Rica, or Panama where Thanksgiving is not a local tradition.  For active cruisers:

 Home is where we drop our anchor

& our traditions go with us wherever we go. 

May making a feast among fellow mariners prove quite joyful and heartwarming.  

Wherever you are this Thanksgiving 

May you find much to be thankful for and friends to celebrate with.  

HAPPY TAHNKSGIVING

14) MARINA PORTOBELLO 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

10° 23.2066′ N   075° 31.0866′ W

Portobello Haul-out

SY OZ in the slings at their recent and successful haul out at Marina Portobello

Recently SY OZ went to Marina Portobello.  Their experience and comments are below:

Captain Dietmar thank you for the recommendation and for working out a special with Marina Portobello, Cartagena,  🇨🇴 Columbia.  Overall, I my experience at Marina Portobello was positive:

Initial communication and coordination: Vilmaida was responsive and concise. [used google translate]

Cost Estimates: All estimates go through Luis, Director of Operations. Luis was very easy to work with.  He speaks English, but for business, we used google translate most of the time. Nothing gets done without signed approval from both the customer and Luis. There were no hidden surprises, and no final invoices were more than the estimates.  

Haul out/Yard: The lift looks brand new. The operators were professional and thoughtful about the process. Vladamir dove the boat to ensure the lifting straps were in the correct position. The yard is very clean, and the lift had plenty of room to maneuver.  

Majority of work: I had the bottom sanded, primed, and painted. In addition, we needed some fiberglass, painting and gel coat work done, among other things. Diego, owner of Marine Plus Services took the lead on these projects. Diego comes with over a decade of marine industry service in Ft. Lauderdale. He speaks excellent English and is very responsive. He is very engaging, walking the yard from project to project. I am happy with the final product – good as new!

The Crew: Hard workers and good customer service.

Saildrive maintenance: Carlos Garcia was excellent. Great mechanic and knew Yanmar and Cummins very well.  I actually used him after I spashed to clean out my heat exchanger on my Onan. He charged $60 for 2-hours of work.

Billing/Finance: Professional and responsive. Invoices were clear and payment was easy – I was able to use my credit card through a system called – Wompi.  

Splash: As good as the haul out. I was able to take my time and check engines, bilges, etc. Easy backing out of the slings – plenty of room.

Conclusion: I would definitely use them again. Oz looks as good as new. I’m currently underway and all systems are ‘green’. 

The Yard at Portobello is well maintained and clean.

CONTACT

Luis Carrasquilla

directoroperaciones@marinaportobello.com

Cartagena de Indias – Colombia

servicioalcliente@marinaportobello.com

+57 324 303 3138

SERVICES

PAINT HULL / TOP AND BOTTOM

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC SERVICE

ENGINE  SERVICE & REPAIR

PROPULSION  MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

SEALING AND POLISHING

SPARE PARTS AND LOGISTICS

CARPENTRY

15) BELIZE 🇧🇿

THE GARIFUNA CULTURE

Belize Miss Earth 2021 in Garifuna gift shop

Belize is truly a hidden paradise in the Caribbean. Its ancient Mayan cities, lush jungles, indomitable barrier reef, and sandy beaches kissed by turquoise waters make it the envy of the world.

Whether you are tempted to sail Belize's coastline, trek its Mayan Mountains or explore the marvels of its caves while floating on a tube- there is something for everyone to do in Belize.

But despite its natural allure, it is the diverse cultures that are woven into the colorful tapestry of Belizean identity that makes the experience even more warm and worthwhile.

Belize

These diverse cultures are a personification of the audacity of hope which was evident when the Garifuna people fled slavery in St. Vincent and migrated to Belize in the 1800s.

They brought their vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, language, and powerful music as they settled in the Stann Creek District and formed the town of "Dangriga" which is translated to mean "standing waters."

Every year in November, Belize celebrates 'Garifuna Settlement Day' to commemorate this infusion that has redefined what it means to be a Belizean. It is a time of festivity.

Attending a Garifuna Settlement Day celebration should be on your bucket list! On November 19, there are huge celebrations across the country with storytelling, dancing, and reenactments of the arrival of the Garinagu in Belize.

Traditional music created by the Garifuna is on full display with colorful costumes and performed throughout the streets of Belize. It is a great time to immerse yourself in the street dances and enjoy Garifuna dishes like 'hudut' (fish cooked in coconut milk) and 'ereba' (cassava bread).

Traditional Hudut (fish cooked in coconut milk)

Belize Street Festivities in November

Garifuna drummers

While a national holiday, you are sure to get a better experience in Dangriga, Seine Bight, Hopkins, and Punta Gorda. With the biggest celebration in Dangriga Town, you just have to make your way to the southeast coast of Belize.

You'll have to be on the beach at the crack of dawn to experience the reenactment of the arrival of the Garifuna on the shores of Dangriga. The group will arrive in canoes filled with traditional drums and lively singing and dancing.

Once they arrive, the celebration will continue on the beach followed by an exciting parade through the main streets. Here you will meet the famous 'jankunu dancers' with unique masks and costumes performing the most unique dance you may ever witness.

Dangriga is also home to the origin of Punta Rock and home to many cultural musical bands. The town offers visitors an opportunity to join in the festivities with live drumming, indulging in unique cultural foods, and dancing.

Migration re-enactment

Belize Minister of Tourism in Dangringa in traditional Garifuna clothing

You can further explore the Garifuna culture by visiting the 'Gulisi Garifuna Museum' which exhibits the migration and the legendary Thomas Vincent Ramos.

Dangriga is also a mainland access point to many popular cayes in southern Belize such as South Water Caye and Tobacco Caye.

Hopkins, a 30-minute drive from Dangriga, is a village you should visit when in southern Belize.

Southern Belize

Upon entering the quaint village, you will be able to indulge in the picturesque scenery of birds and other wildlife basking in the marshes that extend to the entrance.

It is a delightful and friendly village on the coast of Belize with a mix of eco-friendly stays and beachfront luxury rooms to suit your aesthetic. The beach nightlife in Hopkins boasts small huts on the beach with an open-air vibe for dining and a blissful atmosphere to unwind after a long day of adventure.

The village lifestyle features more laidback with great beaches that spread along the coastline. The village is bustling with locals selling art, and cultural food and offering unique cultural experiences such as drum lessons and cooking traditional dishes. Much like Dangriga, Hopkins is also one of the best places to join in the festivities on November 19th. Here you will get to experience villagers celebrating to the beat of the drums and going house to house greeting one another and sharing food and locally made drinks. The festivities continue into the night where you can find several beach parties to enjoy.

In Hopkins, you can also find some of the best fishing spots and further out you can visit the South Water Marine Reserve and go for an adventurous dive.

Nightlife in Hopkins

Dangringa entrance

Did You Know:

1. The Garifuna people have their own flag, which is made of three horizontal stripes: black, white, and yellow.

2. The Garifuna language and culture achieved official recognition by UNESCO in 2001.

Exploring further south...

Further south is Punta Gorda (PG), which translates to Fat Point, a unique coastal town that is a mixture of Mayan, East Indian, and Garifuna people. Although it is the smallest and southernmost town in Belize, Punta Gorda offers excellent fishing experiences, river trips, birding, and ancient Mayan temples.

There is nothing better than to wake up to a calm beachfront with the sun casting shimmers on the glorious Mayan mountains that can be seen in the morning before the tide rises.

While in PG, be sure to visit the street market for local spices, souvenirs, and food. You can also explore the Garifuna culture in PG and take some cooking lessons or drumming lessons at the Warasa Drumming School to brag to your friends back home.  

From Punta Gorda, you can take a 2.5-hour trip to the southernmost marine reserve, the Sapodilla Cayes which boasts over 38 thousand acres of pristine mangrove islands and beaches. This reserve serves as a habitat for threatened species such as corals, marine turtles, and numerous types of fish. Sapodilla Cayes is also considered a world-class sportfishing destination and is well known for the grand slam (bonefish, tarpon, and permit). Here you can also choose to scuba dive or snorkel and experience the unique aquatic life such as parrotfish, angelfish, turtles, dolphins, rays, and other underwater life. It is considered to be the most remote part of the Barrier Reef system.

Another option down south is the Sarstoon-Temash National Park which is home to exotic wildlife such as the white-face capuchin monkey and over 200 species of birds. If you are more daring you can take a boat tour to the most remote national park in the country!

Whether you choose to stay underwater or on the beaches, it is worth the trip. Take a chance to sail in Belize in the calm seas protected by the Barrier Reef and get a chance to scuba dive or snorkel the pristine waters. Or take a break to immerse yourself in the culture, food and people this November!

A tasty spin on the traditional Hudut.

Sources

Belize.com

Belize Hub

National Today

The Blonde Abroad

Travel Belize

M.Goodin

16) PANAMA POSSE 🦃 THANKSGIVING 

Sunsets

This Thanksgiving there are a many things to be grateful for. The open seas, remote anchorages, coves, beaches and oceans are still the best source of fresh air and wellness for explorers and seafarers alike. We reflect on all the things to be grateful for —friends, family loved ones and a well charted course are things to be cherished We want to thank you for being part of this group of exceptional individuals who look at the horizon each day and say “where to next ?”

We are thankful to the 75 Marinas partners and sponsors who will host us and help us to re-provision, refuel and rest so that we can get underway again.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, admirals, captains, skippers, quartermasters and crew.

Happy Thanksgiving to all !

SY Carinthia

17) GOOD NAUTICAL:

  LOS FRAILES  🇲🇽 Mexico

GOOD NAUTICAL
Los Frailes

Bahia Frailes on the Seaside of the southern Baja Peninsula is a very welcome break after rounding Punta Gorda and beating northwards up the east coast towards Punta Arena. Although Cabo Los Frailes is only a minor headland the bay is wide enough for a dozen boats to find shelter close to the north shore and wait for a more favorable wind.

Snorkeling amongst the fissures and boulders at the base of Cabo Los Frailes is surprisingly satisfying and hiking up the steep rugged path to the top of the granite headland is a good workout. The view along the coast and into the inland hills is fantastic.

GoodNautical
Los Frailes

Anchorage

Tuck in close the cliff on the north side of the bay and drop the anchor in 8m on a sandy bottom. Holding is good but watch out for rocks at the foot of the cliff. The bay is open to the south and east and can be rolly in a NE wind. Surf on the beach so taking the dinghy in can sometimes be a bit of an adventure.

Los Frailes

Recent report from SY COURAGE: 18 boats in the anchorage with plenty of room

SY COURAGE  🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

COURAGECOURAGE

18) CULTURE OF THE CARRIBEAN 🇨🇺

CUBAN CIGARS AKA EL HABANO

The soil and environmental conditions that the Cuban tobacco grow in are unique 

The Pinar del Rio province is the most important for tobacco cultivation in Cuba. It is located at the western end of the island .

Tobacco framing in Vinales

Tobacco framing in Vinales

To those that seek great cigars Cuban cigars are among the world's most flavorful because of the soil the tobacco is grown in.  Specifically, the Vuelta Abajo region, Semi Vuelta, as well as in farms in the Viñales region in Cuba have the perfect climate and soil for rolling Cuban Cigars.  These cigars have three main components: the filler, the binder, and the wrapping tobacco.  Some cigars get their flavor from the outer wrapper.  Cuban cigars get their flavor from the inside - out.  These cigars are so sought after for their flavor that they represent one quarter of the value of the island nations exports.

Rolling Cigars in Cuba by hand

Fully hand-made cigars are highly sought after and usually rolled by women

Cuban Cigars

The Cuban cigar is an icon of the island nation.

Historically the growing, harvesting, drying, and rolling of tobacco may go back as far as Mayan times in the earlier centuries of AD.  Uses may have been recreational, medicinal, or spiritual. Some say, the Spanish were introduced to this herb in the 15th century when ships full of explorers made landfall on what is now the island nation of Cuba.  This land was, in time claimed by the Spanish crown.  Early explorer went ashore and began meeting and trading with indigenous people.  They discovered an herb that was smoked and had a relaxing effect.  As trade began to flow back and forth across the Atlantic, tobacco was among the cargo shipped to Europe.  Popularity spread and eventually it was determined that the best way to bring the tobacco over was rolled in cigars.  The Spanish crown then set up their first cigar factory in Cuba in the mid 1500's.  Cuban cigars made their way around the world over the next 500 years gaining favor, losing favor, and gaining favor once more.  

insightcrime.org

In the early 1960's a two events had a dramatic impact on the Cuban cigar and the rise of the non-Cuban cigar: 

1) Fidel Castro nationalized the industry.  With Cuban nationalization came a concentration of resources and the elimination of brands.   

2) The United States imposed an embargo on Cuba.  On February 7 1962, United States President John F. Kennedy, after some say he made a large personal procurement on his favored Cuban cigars, imposed a trade embargo on Cuba to sanction Fidel Castro's communist government.  This embargo made it illegal for American citizens and manufacturers to buy and/or import Cuban products including tobacco.  

The combination of these two events became an opportunity for other nearby island nations such as Jamaica, Canary Islands (Spain), the Dominican Republic (D.R.), Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua to take strains of tobacco from Cuba, replant them in similar environments and begin their own tobacco growing ventures.  Tobacco growing and processing for cigars has become a successful business in many countries.  

That said, for the 8 years of the Obama administration there was an easing of restrictions against the Cuban Cigar.  For this brief period Americans were allowed to buy Cubans outside of the US and bring them back to the states for personal consumption.  In 2020, Trump removed this easing and it is currently, again, illegal to bring a Cuban Cigar into the USA.

Among cigar aficionados the true Cuban Cigar still holds a distinct allure.  Perhaps because it has now long been a forbidden fruit or perhaps because the soil and environment really, truly is perfect for the best tasting cigar tobacco to grow.  

Cuban Cigar Video

MV HO'OKIPA shares their experience encountering Cuban tobacco between the Western US and Panama:

"We rarely smoke Cubans anymore as we have found better cigars elsewhere for a lot less.  This is due to Cuban seeds being planted in other countries (like Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, to name a few) by Cubans who left during the Revolution and Cuban rollers who left too.  We found this in Nicaragua where we visited a small cigar maker on a road trip to the north.  We had a guide who helped arrange an appointment at this place that had about 50 rollers, some Cuban, and saw them make cigars womb to tomb.  It was so fun to watch them in action.  We’ve had excellent cigars made in Mexico and Panama too.  (In Panama City at a cigar club we heard about a good cigar place in Penonome, Panama.  We were on a driving trip and went there and found it was this old woman.  Not sure if she owned it but she was in charge.  She had two woman rollers who worked in a little room making cigars and she kept the bundles of rolled cigars in an old metal barrel.  She only rolled one size, like a corona.  They were about $2.50 a stick (compare to Cohiba that is around $25 a stick) They were so good.  Great cigars.  We bought two bundles and when they were gone we were so sad.  Haven’t found cigars anywhere in Bocas Del Toro.  Another time, several years ago,  in a major city in Canada,  we learned of a man who imports Cuban leaf from Cuba and has 3 rollers who are Cuban roll his cigars and puts his Canadian label on them and ships his “Canadian” cigars to American.  We saw his small operation and sampled them.  They’re delicious.  Had a few boxes sent to us in Los Angeles."

MV  HO'OKIPA 🇺🇸 Lisa & Lucky Chucky - Selene 43′

HO’OKIPA Lisa HO’OKIPA Lucky

19)  MARINE WEATHER CENTER ☁️ CHRIS PARKER  
SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER ☁️ SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

CHRIS PARKER – MARINE WEATHER CENTER ☁️ SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Panama Posse Weather Package Discounts 10- 35 % off 

CONTACT

Chris Parker

Weather Forecasting & Vessel Routing

www.mwxc.com

Marine Weather & Communications LLC (and dba Marine Weather Center)

5130 Medulla Rd

Lakeland FL 33811

all voice calls 863-248-2702

cell for text only 941-915-7608

Panama Posse Weather Package Discounts 10- 35 % off

 20) MEET THE FLEET:

STEVE AND SUSAN ON SY OZ

OZ

Steve and I have lived and have traveled all around the globe on planes✈️, trains🚉, and automobiles 🚘with our three daughters. They are adults now, so the timing was perfect for the two of us to continue our adventure, but this time on a boat.⛵️

We started our adventure in Seattle, ‘The Emerald City’, aboard Oz. She is a 2019 4.1 Bali Catamaran. In August 2022, we joined the Coho Hoho rally from Seattle to San Francisco. Then on Halloween 2022 we joined the Baja Haha Rally. At the same time, thanks to Dietmar’s outreach in San Diego, we joined Panama Posse. We are now enjoying our second season.

Thus far we have made 125 stops at marinas, anchorages, mooring balls, and roadstead anchorages, visiting six countries.

We crossed the Panama Canal on September 16th, 2023. Oz is now in the Caribbean for the first time; made it to San Blas! Oz will make her way to Columbia and eventually head towards Florida (we think?). We have met so many good-crazy (you know who you are), helpful, adventurous, and fun people.  But, most of all, meeting boat dogs and cats has been extra special!

Steve & I are grateful for the wonderful friends we made and know we will make many more as we continue our adventure. Thank you Panama Posse!

Cheers!

Susan and Steve

SY OZ  🇺🇸 Sue & Steve - Catana 40′

OZ SusanOZ Steven

21) BARREL OF HOPE  IN SHELTER BAY 

BARREL OF HOPE

Catch and sign the barrel of hope in Shelter Bay Marina with Juanjo 

JUANJO

22) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

23)  SAFETY AT SEA: 

WHAT IS IN YOUR OFFSHORE MEDICAL KIT ?

FIRST AID KIT(S) FOR CRUISING BY ROB MURRAY

When we prepared Avant for offshore six years ago,  we looked carefully at what we would pack for first aid preparedness. We could easily imagine a wide range of scenarios where one or the other of us, or another cruiser or local, was injured (grievously), and needed first aid in an inconvenient, remote location. You know, unconscious bleeding from a compound fracture surrounded by crocodiles while darkness falls in some mangrove swamp, or something like that. We determined that:

  • We needed to be able to react to a broad variety of potential medical emergencies quickly and comprehensively;
  • We would likely be short handed in responding (so the response would have to be easily transported by one person);
  • The emergency may happen aboard Avant, aboard another vessel, or ashore so we would need to be able to move the appropriate materials for response to the injured person, and then move the injured person from the site of the incident back to Avant or from the site of the incident to another place for treatment or evacuation;
  • We would be at least hours, and might be days or even weeks from professional medical facilities and professional medical help (so we would need enough supplies to treat issues for a prolonged period with instructions on how to use them);
  • There were ‘levels’ of response that would be appropriate, so segregating supplies into appropriate kits suited to different levels of response would make sense; and
  • We would need reference materials suited to the kind of ‘medicine’ we would be practicing.

Before you carry on reading, please note that we’re over prepared. Period!

First, we looked for organizations that had worked systematically to solve this set of problems so we could emulate their methods and techniques. The military immediately came to mind, as they have applied science and rigor to responding to emergency medical situations in rustic locations (although they admittedly seem to focus on gunshot wounds and extreme blunt force trauma as the primary sources of injury). We also read up on mountaineering and other wilderness response experiences, and found the ‘prepper’ community had many guidelines, tips and resources that seemed useful. The Ministry of Transport in the UK also had relevant resources. While many sources suggested that buying supplies separately would be cheaper than buying a kit, we found the reverse to be true, and that the kits we looked at offered value as well as convenience.

So after our obsessive research, we equipped ourselves with a simple ‘boo-boo kit’ for day to day stuff.

The full and detailed continuation of this article with kit lists can be found at the following link:

https://panamaposse.com/offshore-medical-kit

In addition to the nitty gritty supplies in an offshore medical kit, it is imperative to outfit the medical kit with medicine.  Medicines that are already taken by specific crew and emergency medicines that may be necessary to take if you are on a passage or too distant from definitive care to get proper medical attention.  

Medicines one may add to their offshore kit include: 

  • An assortment of antibiotics, and infection fighting herbs and medications.  Think ears, eyes, skin, internal organs (high and midline). 
  • Extreme pain meds that will work in a pinch (tramodol is available OTC in Mexico)
  • Cold and/or flu medication
  • Allergy medicine (cream, liquid antihistamine, epi-pen)
  • Burn Cream
  • Medicine for diarrhea and constipation
  • Parasite elimination medication
  • Seasickness oral medication (ie meclizine, dramamine)

24)  MUST SEE: 

 ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL (ATM) 🇧🇿  BELIZE

(the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre)

Today, modern day Belize sits where a major hub of the Maya Empire once thrived.  This makes the land of Belize one of the critical spiritual sites for one of the most prominent cultures in Mesoamerican history.  Many Mayan sites have been discovered in Belize.

Belize Mayan Ruin Map

entry

An Entry and and Exit: A portal between worlds

Th Maya believed there were three layers to the cosmos: 

  1. The Sky (the upper world)
  2. The Earth (the middle world)
  3. The Caves (the underworld)

These caves are particularly fascinating as they offer a window into a time and place when Mayan performed rituals and spiritual ceremonies over 1000 years ago.

Actun Tunichil Muknal, or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre” (ATM Cave) in Belize

Water drips contantly from Stalagtites

Exploring the cave may only be done with professional guides. 

There are artifacts and ancient pottery in the cave.

Yaxchilan

Perhaps the most enigmatic, significant, & exceptional is this preserved skeleton.

Most of the remaining skeletons are found in a part of the cave that opens up to an area as big as two football fields with stalactites and stalagmites that are 30 and 40 columns of calcium.  There are as many as 15 skeletons in the cave that have been found.  Many are young people (still over 1000 years old).  A small room further in the cave is where the most preserved skeleton remains: the Chrystal Maiden.  Some are now questioning whether this is indeed a man.  Regardless of the gender the intact crystalline skeleton in a wonder to see.  National Geographic named this cave the # 1 most sacred cave in the world.

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE CAVE AND MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE ATM CAVE IN BELIZE:

https://belizing.com/ATM-Cave-Belize/

Chrystal Maiden

The Chrystal Maiden 600 – 900 AD

 

25)  PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

SV ARROW 1973 CARTER 37 

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽  Mexico

*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor, safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.  Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or offshore.  

Ready for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy, live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.  As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.  

Arrow was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$34,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama A DAYSAIL TO THE PERLAS ARCHIPELAGO

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 34k USD

 

26)  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 

 MONTEGO BAY YACHT CLUB

27)  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  
  • SAILMAIL 
  • SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
     
https://safe-xplore.com/welcome

28) 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

29) 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 Canal

 Panama Canal  & downtown Panama

30) 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

Cocounta

Coconutz Sports Bar & Restaurant, Playas del Coco Costa Rica

SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

31) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

atlantic posse

ATLANTIC POSSE  
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MOntseratt

Atlantic Posse 24

Atlantic Posse '24

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Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between  Mediterranean  Spain and  the Caribbean 

Cartagena Spain
south pacific posse

32) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

REGISTRATION OPENS DEC. 1 2024 

SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE
SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4 
SPP

South Pacific Posse burgees available after January 15  

SUNSET ALERT

Sunset Alert

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

ocean posse llc 
 @ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC


tidings of joy

FLEET UPDATE 2023-11-11

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

November 11, 2023

There are more things to be explored and conquered within the soul of man than on the surface of the earth.

                                                                                                                     - Hernan Cortes

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7:  Registration Is Open  210 Yachts from 21 Ensigns Signed Up !
  • Season 7  Posse Seminars and Events Past and Future
  • Adventures in the Amazon  🇪🇨 Ecuador to Peru
  • Moorings in Bahia Del Sol, 🇸🇻 El Salvador
  • Barefoot Cay Resort,  🇭🇳  Roatan
  • Visiting Isla Taboga, 🇵🇦 Panama
  • Meet the Gourmet Galley Wench
  • Costalegre, 🇲🇽 Mexico
  • Marina El Cid, Mazatlan, 🇲🇽 Mexico
  • Meet the Fleet: SY AVANT
  • Help the Barrel of Hope Continue its Voyage 🇵🇦
  • SAFETY ALERT: Night Passages and Best Practices
  • SAFETY ALERT: BOLO Vincente
  • Must See: Yaxchilan, 🇲🇽  Chiapas, Mexico
  • Boats for Sale
  • News from other Oceans
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

210 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

A view from Paradise, Paraiso, Bahia Chamela 🇲🇽 Mexico

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

tidings of joy tidings of joy 1

Flew our spinnaker for the fist time and never want to take it down! 🇲🇽 

SY COURAGE 🇺🇸 John & Kristine – Tartan 4100

COURAGE
image

On Anchor at Isla Taboga  🇵🇦  so close to the treasure at end of the rainbow

SY DISCOVERY PASSAGE 🇨🇦  Lance, Tomoko, & Sakura – Hunter 42’

DISCOVERY DISCOVERY

2) WEEKLY LINE CALLS  

LINE

These short and informative WEEKLY Monday live LINE Panama Posse calls are designed to hear you and your progress and provide a friendly voice and quick answers to your questions 

  • vessel emergencies
  • weather along the route
  • logistics
  • long term planning
  • general announcements  

Your time is precious so these calls  are designed to be brief.  The warm up portion of the calls start with general check in's , follow up's to provide a better understanding of what to expect with current changes at ports/areas , reports of storm damages and ongoing bureaucracy changes in countries followed by short general updates.  

Join the PANAMA POSSE for the LIVE LINE CALL this and every Monday 
until June' 24 and  check in with your Posse. 

Installing line successfully can be a challenge - especially on weekends SMS's validation messages on intl. phones seem to have a hard time getting through - for helping getting line to work please visit  https://help.line.me

NOTE: you will need a physical sim to validate your line account - once validate you do no longer need a sim

LINE ME

Background:
Line began in 2011 as the brainchild of engineers at NHN Japan, the Japanese arm of Naver Corporation (formerly NHN) based in South Korea. Today the popular messaging service is operated by Line Corporation, a spinoff company headquartered in Japan, which still remains a subsidiary of Naver. We use line because of the relatively low adoption rate in the Americas - and so that your username can be  VESSEL NAME - First Name 

LINE vs ZULIP

We continued to use LINE as the voice calls for groups is superb ( we have been using it for group and dm calls for over 6 years ) and we are used to line's quirks and hope to eventually switch to ZULIP - think of LINE as the left brains comm channel and ZULIP as the right brain organized chat. Use whichever you prefer for now.

Enjoy Last minute infiormation

With chat tools such as Zulip or Line you get last minute reports of relevant information from your fellow Posse members  - so you are in the loop.

3)  UPCOMING SEMINAR THIS MONTH

PREDICT WIND APP
 
ZOOM SEMINAR 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Zoom Meeting

12:00-13:30 PACIFIC TIME

PREDICT WIND

The PredictWind App and Website are designed for use on cellular and wifi networks. View high resolution forecasts on your mobile, tablet or computer.

Available on iOS and Android.

Forecasts                                Tools

Daily Briefing                                                          Weather Routing

Tables                                                                      Departure Planning

Graphs                                                                     Ocean Data

Wind                                                                         Local Knowledge

Gust                                                                          Observations

Cape                                                                         Validation

Wave                                                                        GPS Tracking

Rain                                                                          YB Tracking

Cloud                                                                        Forecast Alerts

Isobar                                                                       AIS Data

Air Temp                                                                  GMDSS Map

Sea Temp

Solunar

Zoom link to  this free and highly informative Panama Posse seminar

https://oceanposse.com/events/predict-wind-ocean-posse-weather-routing-while-under-way/

#4  SAVE THE DATE  

NEW VESSELS ON-BOARDING  

Saturday - November 18, 2023

14:00 EASTERN  TIME  

13:00 PANAMA   TIME  

12:00 MEXICO   TIME  

11:00  PACIFIC TIME 

Panama Posse

 The welcome calls are designed to  make the most of all the perks of the Panama Posse has to offer including how to get your burgee

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7  

YOU ARE CORDIALLY  

INVITED TO MEET YOUR PEERS 

        

      NEW VESSELS PP           
 ON-BOARDING ZOOM 

Saturday - November 18, 2023

ZOOM LINK TO WELCOME CALL >> 

 
 

Flor de Cana our rum sponsors

#5) RSVP FOR PANAMA POSSE

KICK-OFF WEEKEND IN BARRA DE NAVIDAD

https://oceanposse.com/events/23-24-panama-posse-kick-off-weekend-%f0%9f%87%b2%f0%9f%87%bd-barra-de-navidad-mexico/
RSVP FOR THE  KICK OFF WEEKEND 

6) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK

ADVENTURES AND CELEBRATIONS UNDERWAY

Panama Posse & Belize

On the move in southern California  🇺🇸 

MY MOCEAN SICKNESS 🇺🇸 Jim & Lynda - Med Yacht 50'

image

Hoisting flags for Flag Day in Panama 

celebrating Panama's independence from Spanish Rule.

SY WHIRLWIND 🇺🇸 Maurisa, Mike, Russell & Josea – Alajuela 48’

Exploring the Amazon in a Canoe.

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

PATHFINDER Jean-PhilippePATHFINDER Nicole

7) SEASON 7 AWARDS

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

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

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

Share the adventure

Highest Wind Recorded

HIGHEST WIND RECORDED PP 20-21 SWINGING ON A STAR 57.2

 
8) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

events

We look forward to meeting you at these events - we do not sail on a set schedule to make your journey more relaxed and take into account ever changing weather conditions.  Move only when the conditions are right and you feel good !

The events in Barra de Navidad /  Shelter Bay / Club De Pesca and Buenaventura will have POT LUCK culinary competition so follow these rules to win the coveted 

RSVP FOR THE BARRA DE NAVIDAD KICK OFF WEEKEND 

(1) PANAMA POSSE 
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, '23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

BARRA RSVP 
Secundino Harbormaster

Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master
Vessels Must be  registered with the Panama Posse  prior to Oct 31st to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

GOlF Course

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

Barra

(2) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 13 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

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

RSVP FOR CARI
Shelter Bay

(4) 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:

Emilio Buenaventura Marina

Emilio Lau - Marina Manager
emilio@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  

RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
Buenaventura

SAVE THE DATE 
(5) 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 FREINDLY 

>

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

Watch this video on how to grab life in Belize ! 

BELIZE

9) ADVENTURES IN THE 🇧🇷  AMAZON 🇵🇪 

PANAMA POSSE AMAZON SIDETRIP

Are those bananas in your bow or are you just happy to see me?

SY PATHFINDER spent 7 days deep in the Amazon. 

We went by canoe all the way to the border of Peru by canoe. Another version of boat life.

DOWN WIND MARINE AND THE PANAMA POSSE

Back to the Basics of life in the Amazon

Lovely accommodations along the river.

My those are some sharp teeth and brilliant colors you have, piranha.

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

PATHFINDER Jean-PhilippePATHFINDER Nicole

Thank you for Sharing your Adventures SY PATHFINDER!

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

Please share pictures of your adventures, your award entries, 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. 

11) BAHIA DEL SOL HEADS UP: 

MOORING AVAILABILITY 🇸🇻  EL SALVADOR

A NOTE FROM BILL AND JEAN
  

tracking

A smooth exit for SY WANDERER out of Bahia del Sol.

SY JUBEL enjoys a welcome beverage upon entering Bahia del Sol

When travelling into Bahia del Sol in El Salvador vessels will be welcomed by Bill and Jean.  Bill and Jean sailed into Bahia del Sol years ago and made it their permanent home.  Now, in addition to being active members of their small island community, they enjoy helping cruising vessels navigate the entrance and exit channel.  Additionally, they maintain moorings in the Bay, and host infamous papusa feeds. 

In a recent conversation with a posse member, Bill mentioned he only has two moorings free at the moment in Bahia Del Sol, El Salvador. 

NOTE: If you plan to visit El Salvador in your Panama Posse journey this season (highly recommended), please send him an email at <elsalvadorrally@aol.com> with approximate dates for your visit.  He can then determine whether he should add more moorings to his field to ensure he has room for visiting vessels. (Not a reservation, but the registration of your intent).

Bill and Jean look forward to sharing their love of the Bay with fellow cruisers.

Always festive at Bill and Jeans in Bahia del Sol, 🇸🇻 El Salvador

12) ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS  

RICHARD SPINDLER

Richard Spindler in 2009

For those of you who do not know Richard, he is a distinguished figure in the sailing community, notably for his foundational role in establishing the Baja Ha-Ha cruising rally and with the inception of Latitude 38, a sailing magazine.

In addition Spindler is known for his voyages aboard his catamaran named Profligate. For nearly three decades the Baja Ha-Ha, under his leadership has been a staple in the sailing calendar.

Spindler's vision and leadership have influenced the broader sailing culture, promoting adventure and camaraderie across the seas. His dedication to the sailing community and his pioneering spirit continue to inspire many in the maritime world.

And this is why I’m dropping a line to say thanks. Richards' vision steered me into the rally circuit when I joined the Baja Ha-Ha back in '09. It was more than a rally; it was a rite of passage for me, my wife and crew, and many others, I reckon.

Catching up in San Diego just prior to the kick off event, reminded me of the breadth of your wake through the sailing world. The helm you've held at Latitude 38 and the Baja Ha-Ha has not just influenced routes, safe anchorages on charts, but also the course of the community and spirit we all sail by. That's the mark of a true leader – setting the sails not just for a boat, but for the whole flotilla.

Your steadfast hand on the wheel and eye on the horizon have guided more than just Profligate, they've inspired a fleet of sailors to find our own bearings and chase the horizon. The Panama Posse sails in the swell your efforts have created, and for that, we owe you a debt of gratitude.

Here’s to you, Richard, for the paths you've charted and the voyages still to come.

With respect, recognition and thankfulness;

Captain Dietmar 

BRAVO ZULU

13) BAREFOOT CAY RESORT ROATAN 🇭🇳 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Hello Panama Posse ,

We’d love to participate, and would be happy to extend a 20% savings on dockage to the Panama Posse!

Warmest regards,

Stephanie Bodden

Resort Director

Barefoot Cay Resort | Barefoot Divers

Roatan, Bay Islands

1-866-246-3706 (toll-free to Roatan)

+504-9967-3642 (local)

VHF: 18A​ (monitored 8am-4pm)

email: Stephanie@BarefootCay.com

MARINA SPECS

Convenient south-central location on Roatan

Marina layout comprised of U-shaped basin with sturdy concrete construction and stout cleats (358 total linear feet), plus wooden docks for additional moorage and for tying tenders (243 linear feet of dockspace)

Draft allowance of up to 9 ft

Boat launch ramp

Purified water & shore power with 120V 30A & 240V 50A service; 100A service available in select locations

AMENITIES

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Restrooms with hot water showers

Laundry service (priced per item)

24-hour security

Restaurant & Bar

PADI 5 Star Dive Center

Spa

Concierge desk

Pool

Palapa

Immigration and Port Captain clearing services​

BIP (Bay Islands Petroleum) fuel dock located just East of the Cay

DISCOUNT OFFERED

20% savings on daily, weekly & monthly rates.  Rates are per foot OAL (including extensions), and 15% sales tax applies

14) VISITING ISLA TABOGA 🇵🇦 PANAMA 

THE PAST AND THE PRESENT

image

Town of Taboga as seen from the head of the Ferry Dock

 

Rich in historical significance and boasting a relaxed getaway charm, Isla Taboga is an excellent place to visit near Panama City.  The island is so close to the city that there are multiple daily 30 minute ferries that bring people to and from the island for $17 round trip.  People visit to enjoy the beach, restaurants, hotels, multiple hiking trails, and the history.  

Panama Posse parrtty HQ

Anchorage can be found on either side of Isla Morro.

Isla Taboga was discovered in 1513 by the Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa.  Many subsequent explorers who crossed the Atlantic from Seville, Spain would disembark in what is now Portobello on the Caribbean coast of Panama, cross the isthmus of Panama on foot or by horseback until they reached Panama City.  They would then board canoes to the galleons anchored off Taboga.  Deep waters with good holding surround the island and made it an excellent place for large vessels to find safe harbor from which to explore and conquer new lands near and far.

This painting from 1850 shows Ships of old on Anchor in the deep waters off Taboga.

Like the ships of old the same anchorage is used today by modern transporters.

Unlike the days of old however, the ships on anchor in this field today are awaiting their Canal transit.  This ship below, Sunny Bright, just won a transit for November 15th through auction for $4m.   

See this article for details on the current canal transits going to auction:

https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/panama-canal-auction-sets-record-4m-for-slot-as-congestion-grows

Going back 500 years again: By 1524 Father Hernando de Luque founded a church in the center of town and christened the town San Pedro.  The Church, while noted for being one of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere, is still standing and well cared for.  

A view inside of the Church

A view to the outside from the Church.

In the late 1500’s the island was renamed Taboga.  “Aboga” means “abundant fish” in the indigenous language of Taboga’s early inhabitants.  In the 1500’s many of Taboga’s inhabitants on record were slaves from Venezuela and Nicaragua.  The first Catholic saint of the Americas is said to have been born on the Island.  There is a cross in her honor on a hilltop with a beautiful view.  Today many people think of Taboga as the ”Island of Flowers” for all the flowers cascading over walls (from the most well maintained to the ancient, crumbling ones) and growing in the jungle.  The island is 12 square km; town itself, like many on the nearby islands, is quite densely packed and surrounded by wild jungle.  

Footpath in the town of Taboga

Today, one can travel along all the residential footpaths or in golf carts on the narrow streets in an afternoon and could spend days and days meandering through the jungle in search of treasure, wildlife, or relics of the past.  

Treasure: Early prosperity turned Taboga into a target for piracy.  In the 1600’s pirates became a formidable force in the area and Taboga was no stranger to their presence and pillaging.  Infamous Pirate Henry Morgan among others is said to have sacked the island and used it as a base while attempting to sack Panama City and other nearby islands.  Legend has it that there are ashes of pirates inside the walls of the church and treasures buried on the island.  One can walk to a monument called Los Tres Cruzes to see the three graves of pirates that attempted to disturb the peace on Taboga.  They lost their lives in the fight and have remained as a symbol to all who visit.  Taboga is not to be sacked ever again.  

Wildlife: Taboga is a volcanic Island that rises above the sea with a dense and healthy tropical forest.  While hiking through the forest we were treated to many (74) poison dart frog sightings, the smell of flowers, the sound of rain paddling the canopy overhead, the refreshing cool of mist hanging in the air slowly dripping down to the dark brown forest floor.  On the highest peak we enjoyed being at eye level with the largest and smallest of birds, from the black headed vultures to bright green teeny-tiny hummingbirds.

Relics of the past:  In the 1840’s the Pacific Mail and Steamship Company set up a shipping company on Taboga thinking they would move mail and produce throughout the region.  They ended up moving gold and gold diggers to and from California during the Gold Rush.  There are remnants of their shipyard operation on Isla Morro which is connected to Taboga by a sand spit.  In 1885 a medical center was built on the island while the French were making their attempt at the Panama Canal construction.  Many workers would take ill and go to Tabogo for care and quarantine.  While convalescing on Taboga, French painter Paul Gauguin, painted a scene of the bay that is appreciated to this day.  Additionally, the US military build a base on the island during WWII.  A bunker was built on the highest point with a 360 degree view that today offers a welcome breeze and incredible views of Taboga Bay, Panama City, the perlas Islands, and ships awaiting Canal transit.

An large, old anchor sits on Isla Morro with connecting sandspit and Isla Taboga in the background. 

Poison Dart Frogs are everywhere in the jungle on Isla Taboga

Colorful mushrooms are also abundant on the forest floor.

So many ships on anchor between Isla Taboga and Panama City.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LEGENDS AND HISTORY OF TABOGA SEE THIS LINK: http://cerritotropicalpanama.com/pdf/1Piratetalesandtruths.pdf

 

 

16) GOOD NAUTICAL:

COSTALEGRE: THE HAPPY COAST

GOOD NAUTICAL

Costalegre translates to the Happy Coast.  The 135 nm stretch of coast in Mexico known by this name runs from Cabo Corrientes (the southern limit of Banderas Bay) to Manzanillo.  There are 20+  wonderful anchorages along this stretch of coast that make it a fabulous place to cruise.  As always, choose your own adventure and take your time to enjoy the most Happiness you can along the Happy Coast. Of course the Panama Posse started in Barra de Navidad and we hope to see you at the kick off event staring Dec 7 - and don't forget to bring your  expired flares...

Good Nautical Costalegre

With over 30 anchorages the Costalegre is the Panama Posse playground. The water is usually warm and pleasant with gentle dinghy beach landings, Some of these remote anchorages are solitary with the exception of Tenecatitia which at the height of the cruising season will have up to 50 yachts at anchor.

Los Corrales @ 20 246 N 105° 40 W

Los Corrales @  20 246 N   105° 40 W - 
(exposed to N - NW & W Swell )

Punta Ipala @ 20° 14.2132' N 105° 34.4000' W

Punta Ipala    @ 20° 14.2132' N 105° 34.4000' W  
(exposed to W - SW - S  Swell )

Chamela - N @ 19° 35.0317' N 105° 07.8500' W

Chamela - N  @ 19° 35.0317' N 105° 07.8500' W 
(exposed to  SW Swell )

Isla Pajarera - E @ 19° 33.5505' N 105° 06.6070' W

Isla Pajarera - E @ 19° 33.5505' N 105° 06.6070' W

Isla Cocinas - NE @ 19° 33.1496' N 105° 06.3817' W

Isla Cocinas - NE @ 19° 33.1496' N 105° 06.3817' W

Isla Nerita @ 19° 31.4755' N 105° 05.0901' W

Isla Nerita @  19° 31.4755' N 105° 05.0901' W

Chamela - E Bay @ 19° 30.8433' N 105° 04.8342' W

Chamela - E Bay @  19° 30.8433' N 105° 04.8342' W

Isla Paraiso - E @ 19° 28.6147' N 105° 03.7655' W

Isla Paraiso - E @ 19° 28.6147' N 105° 03.7655' W

Caleta Paraíso @ 19° 28.3383' N 105° 03.6213' W

Cala Paraiso @  19° 28.4782' N 105° 03.5512' W

Caleta Paraíso @ 19° 28.3383' N 105° 03.6213' W

Caleta Paraíso @  19° 28.3383' N 105° 03.6213' W

Bahia Careyes - N @ 19° 26.6418' N 105° 02.1684' W

Bahia Careyes - N @ 19° 26.6418' N 105° 02.1684' W

Bahia Careyes @ 19° 26.5847' N 105° 02.0021' W

Bahia Careyes @ 19° 26.5847' N 105° 02.0021' W

Ensenada Teopa @ 19° 23.9448' N 105° 01.4672' W

Ensenada Teopa @ 19° 23.9448' N 105° 01.4672' W

Tenacatita - Outer bay @ 19° 17.1346' N 104° 52.0404' W

Tenacatita - Outer bay @ 19° 17.1346' N 104° 52.0404' W

Tenacatita - Inner Bay @ 19° 17.8725' N 104° 50.1806' W

Tenacatita - Inner Bay @ 19° 17.8725' N 104° 50.1806' W

La Manzanilla @ 19° 16.8747' N 104° 47.4327' W

La Manzanilla @ 19° 16.8747' N 104° 47.4327' W

Bahia Cuastecomate - SE @ 19° 13.8132' N 104° 43.8949' W

Bahia Cuastecomate - SE @ 19° 13.8132' N 104° 43.8949' W

Melaque @ 19° 13.1810' N 104° 42.5871' W

Melaque @ 19° 13.1810' N 104° 42.5871' W

Barra de Navidad - Lagoon @ 19° 11.5084' N 104° 40.3672' W

Barra de Navidad -  Lagoon @ 19° 11.5084' N 104° 40.3672' W

Ensenada Carrizal @ 19° 05.7860' N 104° 26.2464' W

Ensenada Carrizal @ 19° 05.7860' N 104° 26.2464' W

Higueras Cove

Higueras Cove @ 19° 06.2471' N 104° 24.7503' W

Bahia Santiago - N @ 19° 06.6530' N 104° 23.4890' W

Bahia Santiago - N @ 19° 06.6530' N 104° 23.4890' W

Bahia Manzanillo - Las Hadas @ 19° 06.0977' N 104° 20.6284' W

Bahia Manzanillo - Las Hadas @ 19° 06.0977' N 104° 20.6284' W

Seaglub Anchored in Costalegre

SY Seaglub anchored @ Costalegre

SIGN UP FOR THE 23-24 PANAMA POSSE  

17) MARINA EL CID MAZATLAN 🇲🇽 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

23° 16.062´ N  106° 28.119´W

image

Marina El Cid, Mazatlan, 🇲🇽 Mexico

 

Dear Panama Posse

We will love to host members of the Panama Posse in our Marina.

We will honor 15 % discount in our regular rates and for a 7 days stay we will include one day free.

Best regards

Geronimo Cevallos

Harbor Master

CONTACT

Reservation information

Raisa Medrano rmedrano@elcid.com.mx

Email: marinaelcidmazatlan@elcid.com.mx

Tel: +52 669 9163468

TOLL FREE USA & CAN: 1.855.513.4080

https://panamaposse.com/marina-el-cid-mazatlan

AMENITIES

  • Potable water
  • Showers
  • TV Cable
  • Laundromat
  • Beach Club access
  • 110V 30/50 AMP Shore power
  • Access to resort facilities
  • 24 hour security
  • Parking for one vehicle
  • Slips up to 120′
  • Fuel Dock
  • Beach Club
image

18) COSTA RICA 🇨🇷 NO ARMY SINCE 1948 

In Costa Rica - December 1st as a National Holiday in commemoration of the Abolition of the Army in the country. 

More details on this here https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/why-did-costa-rica-really-abolish-its-military/

Costa Rica’s armed forces played an important role in building its state infrastructure and creating a sense of nationhood. From defeating an 1857 pirate invasion led by William Walker, to what would be the country’s last military coup in 1917, the military were front and center in the country’s political life. So that made it all the more momentous when on December 1, 1948, the then-leader of the governing junta, José Figueres Ferrer, issued a declaration abolishing the armed forces. More geopolitical details here  https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/why-did-costa-rica-really-abolish-its-military/  

MO ARMY IN COSTA RICA

The abolition of Costa Rica's army led to the development of a unique cultural identity for the country, centered around peace and social progress. Some key cultural facts associated with this significant day include:

Celebration of Peace and Democracy  Military Abolition Day in Costa Rica is a celebration of peace and democracy. It's a reminder of the country's commitment to these values and its status as one of the more stable and peaceful nations in Latin America.

Focus on Education and Healthcare The resources that might have been allocated to military expenditures were redirected towards education and healthcare. This shift has contributed significantly to Costa Rica's high literacy rates ( 98.04 % )  and robust public health system.

Influence on National Identity  The lack of a military is a point of pride for many Costa Ricans and is considered a defining feature of their national identity. It reinforces the country's image as a peaceful and eco-friendly destination.

Environmental Stewardship & burgeoning Bureaucracy  Without military spending, Costa Rica has been able to invest more in environmental protection and conservation. This commitment has made the country a leader in eco-tourism and sustainability. On the other hand it has also created a  powerful class of bureaucrats which is sometimes stifling progress and entrepreneurship .

International Recognition  Costa Rica's unique stance on military abolition has garnered international attention and respect. The country plays a significant role in peacekeeping and conflict resolution discussions globally.

Public Celebrations Military Abolition Day (Dec 1) is marked by various public celebrations, including speeches, parades, and cultural activities that reflect the country's commitment to peace and social welfare.

Impact on Education The day is also used as an opportunity to educate younger generations about the importance of peace, democracy, and civic responsibility, reinforcing these values in the Costa Rican society.

 San Jose Museum

Museum Instead of Military Headquarters  The former military headquarters in Costa Rica is now the National Museum. This transformation from a symbol of military power to a cultural and educational institution is a physical representation of the country's values.

Money saved not having an army 
Typically, countries spend a portion of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense. The global average military expenditure is about 2.6% of GDP. In contrast, Costa Rica allocates these resources to other areas. Based on CR's 2021  GDP Costs Rica saves close to  2 Billion USD annually.

RISKS >

Dependence on Security Arrangements   Without its own military, Costa Rica may rely more on regional security arrangements and the protection of neighboring countries or international organizations. This dependence could be seen as a drawback in terms of national sovereignty and self-reliance in defense matters.

Limited Defense Capabilities In the event of a direct threat or conflict, the absence of a military force means limited capabilities for defense. While the risk of large-scale military conflicts in the region is currently   low, the lack of a standing army could be a concern in a rapidly changing global security environment .

Vulnerability to Non-Traditional Threats
Non-traditional security threats, such as drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and organized crime, can pose challenges for countries without military forces. Costa Rica does maintain security forces like the police and border control to address these issues, but the absence of a military  limits it's response to more severe threats.  

insightcrime.org

19) LOOKING FOR  A YOUR CRUISING YACHT ?

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

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

Kelly Peterson

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

Just Sold

20) MEET THE FLEET:

ROB AND DEBORAH ON SY AVANT

SY AVANT hauling out for some boat projects.

Rob and Deborah left the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State in 2013 and sailed south along the Pacific Coast into Mexico.  They spent three years cruising in Mexico, 2 years in El Salvador, and now three years in Panama.  SY AVANT and crew was among the very first vessels in a group of intrepid sailors now called the Panama Posse.  (Rob refers to the the First Posse as the Original Gangsters

In their ten years cruising from their homeport in Port Angeles they have done a lot of boat work underway and, of course, have a list of projects yet to be done.  Rob is very active on the line with safety alerts and exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful with OpenCPN.   

Some items they wish they had done earlier in their voyage:

  • Install a noisy AIS cockpit alarm
  • Cockpit VHF handset
  • Thermal Cooker
  • Solar Motion lights (3)
  • Solar deck level marker lights (4)
  • Mainsail lazybag/stackpack

Avant

SY AVANT  🇨🇦 Rob & Debra – Beneteau 43.5′ 

AVANAT DebraAVANT Rob

21) HELP THE BARREL OF HOPE 

CONTINUE ITS VOYAGE

BARREL OF HOPE

THE POSSE BARREL –  SEARCHING SUSTAINABILITY

1) a cylindrical container bulging out in the middle, traditionally made of wooden staves with metal hoops around them.

2) a message of hope good will and useful artifact to start a dialogue with communities living on the edge

TO FOLLOW THE PANAMA POSSE BARREL’S VOYAGE TO SAN BLAS, PANAMA  FOLLOW THIS LINK >>

THE BARREL

The goal for the Panama Posse barrel is to identify ways in which we can help communities and entities living on the edge and define new standards of sustainability.

Our goal is to find the silver lining and long term solutions to communities living in coastal impact zones.

Presently, the Barrel is in Shelter Bay Marina (SBM).  Anyone in SBM or going through between now and February, please Find Juan Jo, the marina manager, and sign the Barrel.  The plan is to keep the Barrel in SBM til the Posse Party in February and then send it up the Eastern Seaboard.  If anyone is interested in helping with this transit to the event in Belize please contact the editor@panamaposse.com directly on the Line Ap or by email.

22) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
 GET A PANAMA POSSE  HAT ! 
ORDER ONE NOW 

 

23)  SAFETY ALERT:

⚠️ NIGHT PASSAGES AND BEST PRACTICES

Captains and crew aboard cruising vessels are wise to be on constant alert day or night.  Night Passages are inherently more dangerous than daytime passages due to a distinct change in how we see and what we do and do not see in the darkness.  Passages made between sunset and sunrise have a particular set of best practices that are important to the safety of ones vessel and crew.  Please review the following list and consider what you can do to make every night passage safe.

  • Before the onset of darkness prep topsides.  Make sure everything is well stowed or tied down.  If sailing, choose a comfortable and prudent sail configuration.
  • Consult all navigational charts along your planned course.  Be sure to zoom in  to look for any rocks or obstructions that may only be visible on a closer look.
  • Run radar, throughout the night.  If possible overlay your radar image over your electronic chart to verify both with one another.  If there is a discrepancy, trust the radar over the electronic chart. 
  • Set  a watch schedule and make sure that everyone on watch understands how to use navigational and safety equipment including AIS. 
  • If entering or leaving an anchorage, harbor, or port be sure to give a wide berth to headlands.  
  • Know how to read navigational and ship lights at night.

Navigating coastal and offshore waters along the Panama Posse route outside of US Waterways mariners will find places where the charts  do not match up with the actual contour of the land and sea.  Being aware of this as a fact is imperative to the safety of ones vessel and crew.  Charts are not always GPS accurate. Use opencpn and Sat charts as an additional aid to navigation.

Be aware, be cautious, be vigilant, and, most importantly, be safe. 

Objects at night have come up a lot faster. 

24) ⚠️BOLO VICENTE HERRERA 

BOLO VICENTE HERRERA

WE ARE ISSUING A BOLO FOR VICENTE HERRERA 

Vicente has been a stable in Acapulco harbor and we are desperately searching for  him. All calls to his whatsapp and cellphone number have gone unanswered as we suspect many other seafarers in Acapulco are also missing. A lot of the comms in Acapulco are still down.

If you have any information about Vicente 
please notify the Panama Pose immediately 

Vicente

25)  RETURN TO THE DIESEL BUG 

Diesel Bug

 After a season of leaving a vessel in the the tropics it is time to check the stored diesel. Fuel in tanks deteriorates over time, as it reacts with the oxygen in the air. Usually, fuel can stay in a usable condition under storage for up to a year, after which it may begin to develop sediments. Fuel is not just affected by these residues, but also bacteria and fungi.

Water that forms in fuel tanks due to condensation (when the tanks heat up during the day and cool down at night and are not full, for example), creates the perfect petri dish for bacteria. One of the most common microorganisms that can grow under these circumstances is the diesel bug, deteriorates your fuel and create a sludge capable of damaging your engine.

Once you get underway it shushes around and the fuel pickup hose quickly gets clogged. The bug clogs the fuel system.

Diesel Bug

ACTUAL CAUSES

  •     Humidity in the air
  •     Fuel tank condensation
  •     Fuel tank insulation
  •     Air leak on seals on fuel tank filler cap inc
  •     Damaged O-rings
  •     Poor fuel station storage quality
  •     Low volume of sales at fuel station
Diesel Bug

 REMEDIES

Once you have the bug  

1) Separate the water from the diesel

2) Shock and kill the diesel bug with biocides

3) Remove sediments from the bottom of your tank

 A biocide will quickly and effectively kill the problem 

Diesels Bug Killer

To Prevent the bug

1) Fill the tank to the brim each time

2) Use a fuel filter to take on fuel from the pump

3) Use Enzymes to prevent the bug from forming in the first place 

For ongoing maintenance. Fuel Doctor, Soltron and Star Tron have result oriented enzyme formulations.

A full rundown on tests and solution lives here >>

Diesel Doctor

26)  MUST SEE: 🇲🇽 YAXCHILAN, CHIAPAS

image

Ruins of an ancient Mayan city.a

Yaxchilan is an ancient Maya city located on the bank of the Usumacinta River in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. During the height of its power the kings of Yaxchilan built gleaming temples, pyramids, and luxurious palaces clustered along the grand plaza.  Yaxchilan was one of the most powerful Maya states along the course of the Usumacinta River, with Piedras Negras as its major rival. Architectural styles demonstrate clear differences that mark a clear boundary between the two kingdoms.

In 1882 archeologist Desire Charnay named it City Lorilla but Yaxchilan was a large center, important throughout the Classic era, and the dominant power over such smaller sites as Bonampak and was a rival of Palenque, with which Yaxchilan warred in 654.

The site is particularly known for its well-preserved sculptured stone lintels set above the doorways of the main structures which contain hieroglyphic texts describing the dynastic history of the city.

Depicted here is the possibility of the largest drawbridge in the world prior to European invention.

Yaxchilan had long been known to include an unusual raised terrace beside the river and pier in the river; these structures were long theorized to be the remains of a bridge thought to have been a suspension bridge built by the Maya across the River. If so, it would have been the longest bridge discovered in the ancient world. Yaxchilan required a dependable passageway to provide an uninterrupted flow of traffic across the river on a year-round basis.

The prevailing theory is by constructing a 100-meter long suspension bridge featuring three spans extended from a platform on the grand plaza of Yaxchilan crossing the river to the northern shore. This span would be the longest in the world until the construction of the Italian Trezzo sull’Adda Bridge in 1377 and this unique feat of engineering has been virtually reconstructed by computer by archaeoengineering techniques by Engineer James A O’Kon PE. Results of this hypothesis were presented to the archaeological and engineering world in the pages of National Geographic magazine in 1995. 

Yaxchilan

The First Panama Posse gang to visit Yaxchilan was SV RESPITE / MY CROSSROADS AND SV CARINTHIA utilizing local knowledge by LUIS a Chiapas based bilingual tour-guide which still operates in the area. The Area and adjacent world heritage sites are bets accessed via a multi-day excursion from Marina Chiapas a sponsor of the Panama Posse.

🇲🇽 YAXICHILAN, CHIAPAS, MEXICO >>

 

27)  PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

SV ARROW 1973 CARTER 37 

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽  Mexico

*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor, safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.  Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or offshore.  

Ready for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy, live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.  As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.  

Arrow was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$34,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama A DAYSAIL TO THE PERLAS ARCHIPELAGO

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 34k USD

 

28)  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 

LA PALYITA MARINA

LA PLAYITA MARINA PANAMA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

29)  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  
  • SAILMAIL 
  • SAN DIEGO MARINE EXCHANGE
  • SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT
  • WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES
  • WESTMARINE PRO
  • YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS  
     
https://www.panamayachtbroker.com/buy-your-yacht/

Thrilled to announce that Panama Yacht Broker has teamed up with the one and only Panama Posse! As a leading cruising resource, Panama Posse brings a world of sailing knowledge and resources to the table. From route planning and local intel to connecting with other cruisers, Panama Posse has it all. We are honored to join that list of resources thanks to our partnership.

Our clients have exclusive access to complementary yacht brokerage expertise, and discounts on listing agreements. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just setting sail for the first time, Panama Yacht Broker has a boat for everyone and can also help you sell your boat when the time is right.

Panama Yacht Broker

Charles Badoian

Cell/WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal:

PA +507 6378-8345

US  +1 305-735-1661

Skype: badoian

E: charles@panamayachtbroker.com

30) 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

31) 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

View of Casco Viejo and downtown Panama

32) 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  

33) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

atlantic posse

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

MOntseratt

Atlantic Posse '24

Sign up now

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Anchorages in the Eastern Caribbean
south pacific posse

34) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4 

REGISTRATION OPENS DEC 1 2024 

SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE
SIGN UP FOR SEASON 4 
SPP
South Pacific Posse BUrgees

South Pacific Posse burgees available after January 15

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

ocean posse llc 
 @ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA

OP

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC


FLEET UPDATE 2023-11-05

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

November 5, 2023

"It is the top of the ninth inning and humanity is hitting nature hard.  But everyone must remember that nature bats last.” 

- An old saying documented by Paul R. Ehrlich 

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7:  Registration Is Open  207 Yachts from 21 Ensigns Signed Up !
  • Season 7 Burgees are flying.
  • Award Nominations
  • Season Posse Events Past and Future
  • Introducing Isabel Panama Posse Marina Liaison and VIP Concierge 
  • West Coast Baja Run to Barra
  • San Diego Events Round Up
  • Posse Parties onboard: Captain's Recipe for the Good Times
  • Action Items: Sign up and activate free vessel tracking
  • Day of The Dead Celebration 
  • SAFETY ALERT: Learning from three Hurricanes on Mexico's Pacific Coast 
  • Must See: Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas
  • Boats for Sale
  • News from other Oceans
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

207 Yachts are signed up - JOIN YOUR POSSE 

vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Panama Posse Season 7 Burgee Flying on the bow

MV CELT 🇺🇸 Gerry & Angela - Nordhavn 43′

CELT CELT

Sup'ping with a Turtle 🇪🇨 Ecuador

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

PATHFINDER Jean-PhilippePATHFINDER Nicole
image

Dolphins escort Summerbreeze into Mexico 🇲🇽 

MV SUMMERBREEZE 🇺🇸 Kurtis - Bestway 46'

SEEBREEZE
image

Captain Dietmar and Secondino at San Diego Kick Off Event

SY CARINTHIA 🇺🇸  Dietmar & Suzanne & Maxi - Lagoon 44′

Dietmar CARINTHIA suzanne CARINTHIA Maxi

Harbormaster at Isla Navidad Marina, Barra de Navidad Mexico 🇲🇽

Secundino Harbormaster
https://oceanposse.com/events/23-24-panama-posse-kick-off-weekend-%f0%9f%87%b2%f0%9f%87%bd-barra-de-navidad-mexico/
image

Safely celebrating the solstice in Mexico 🇲🇽  

SY DO THE THING 🇨🇦 Marjolaine & Francois - Dufour 43'

2) SAVE THE DATE: 4 POSSE HAPS

 

#1 SEASON 7 WEEKLY LINE CALL

 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

15:30 UTC ATLANTIC AND CARIBBEAN 
16:00 UTC PACIFC 
to find your local time vs UTC time pls fallow this link >>

for help installing and configuring line follow this link >> 

The first Monday live Panama Posse call of the season is this Monday, November 6th.

These calls are very helpful for everyone, topics are  vessel emergencies, weather,  logistics & general announcements. Your time is precious so these calls  are designed to be brief.  The warm up portion of the calls start with general check in's , follow up's to provide a better understanding of what to expect with current changes at ports/areas , reports of storm damages and ongoing bureaucracy changes in countries followed by short general updates.  

Join the PANAMA POSSE for the LIVE CALL this Monday 
and  check in with the Posse. 

#2 UPCOMING SEMINAR THIS MONTH

PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE

PredictWind App ZOOM SEMINAR THU Nov 16 2023

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Zoom Meeting

12:00-13:30 PACIFIC TIME

PREDICT WIND

The PredictWind App and Website are designed for use on cellular and wifi networks. View high resolution forecasts on your mobile, tablet or computer.

Available on iOS and Android.

Forecasts                                Tools

Daily Briefing                                                          Weather Routing

Tables                                                                      Departure Planning

Graphs                                                                     Ocean Data

Wind                                                                         Local Knowledge

Gust                                                                          Observations

Cape                                                                         Validation

Wave                                                                        GPS Tracking

Rain                                                                          YB Tracking

Cloud                                                                        Forecast Alerts

Isobar                                                                       AIS Data

Air Temp                                                                  GMDSS Map

Sea Temp

Solunar

Zoom link to  this free and highly informative Panama Posse seminar

https://oceanposse.com/events/predict-wind-ocean-posse-weather-routing-while-under-way/

#3  SAVE THE DATE  

NEW VESSELS ON-BOARDING WITH NICOLE

Saturday - November 18, 2023

14:00 EASTERN  TIME  

13:00 PANAMA   TIME  

12:00 MEXICO   TIME  

11:00  PACIFIC TIME 

meet Nicole - the Panama Posse welcome Ambassador 

Nicole is your welcome ambassador to help you reach new height and help you make the most of all the perks of the Panama Posse 

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7  

AHOY YOU ARE CORDIALLY  

INVITED TO MEET YOUR PEERS 

        

      NEW VESSELS PP           
 ON-BOARDING ZOOM WITH NICOLE

Saturday - November 18, 2023

ZOOM LINK TO WELCOME CALL >> 

 
 

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7 burgees

#4 PREVIOUS ZOOM SEMINARS 

OPEN CPN ZOOM SEMINAR

PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE /  DEPARTURE PLANNING & WEATHER ROUTING SEMINAR

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND @

https://panamaposse.com/seminars

image

This pre-season OPEN CPN seminar hosted by Rob Murray and Captain Dietmar

available under panamaposse.com/seminars

3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK

POSSE MEMBERS GETTING UNDERWAY

Panama Posse & Belize

Sundowner Crew setting out from the desert to the sea.

MY SUNDOWNER 🇺🇸 Jeffrey & Lynn - Californian 50'

SUNDOWNER SUNDOWNER SUNDOWNER SUNDOWNER
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Setting out from Annapolis, Maryland

SY BUG OUT BOAT 🇺🇸 Bob & Terri - Hunter 46'

BUG OUT BOATBUG OUT BOAT

Sailing to Bahia Caraquez, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, is a DREAM 

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

PATHFINDER Jean-PhilippePATHFINDER Nicole

Joining the Posse for their  second Go, this time from the East Coast of the USA

SY MYLA 🇺🇸 John & Julie - Moody 44'

MYLA JohnMYLA Julie

4) SEASON 7 ENTRIES

AWARD ENTRY: HIGHEST WIND RECORDED

IGITAL YACHT SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE We are proud to sponsor the Panama Posse !

Does it count when we are attached to the dock in Mexico 🇲🇽 ? 19 knots  SSW

MV DELTA SWIZLER 🇺🇸 Mark & Cindy - Vantare 58′

DELTA SWIZZLER MarkDELTA SWIZZLER Cindy

AWARD ENTRY: BOAT YOGA POSE

Boat projects and Boat Yoga go hand and hand: try fixing your winlass.

SY SOULMATE  🇺🇸  Adam & Jen - Fountaine Pajot 45′

SOLMATE AdamSOLMATE Jen

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

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat   

Share the adventure

 
5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

events

We look forward to meeting you at these events - we do not sail on a set schedule to make your journey more relaxed and take into account ever changing weather conditions.  Move only when the conditions are right and you feel good !

The events in Barra de Navidad /  Shelter Bay / Club De Pesca and Buenaventura will have POT LUCK culinary competition so follow these rules to win the coveted 

RSVP FOR THE BARRA DE NAVIDAD KICK OFF WEEKEND 

(1) PANAMA POSSE 
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, '23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

BARRA RSVP 
Secundino Harbormaster

Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master
Vessels Must be  registered with the Panama Posse  prior to Oct 31st to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

GOlF Course

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

Barra

(2) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 13 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

(3) 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

(4) 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:

Emilio Buenaventura Marina

Emilio Lau - Marina Manager
emilio@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  

RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
Buenaventura

6) LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN

PANAMA POSSE

Partnerships along the route are key to the draw and success of 

the Panama Posse.

DOWN WIND MARINE AND THE PANAMA POSSE

Sharing adventures is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse experience. 

Please share pictures of your adventures, your award entries, 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 BUG OUT BOAT pointing generally south along the US East Coast of the USA

Making it to Beaufort.  It’s been a great day sailing and some motoring.  Belhaven, NC is a great stop for a good night rest on the Anchor or at a marina.  I’ll stop there again.  

Sundown'ers on the bow.  Cheers, Bob!

SY BUG OUT BOAT 🇺🇸 Bob - Hunter 46'

BUG OUT BOATBUG OUT BOAT

7) INTRODUCING ISABEL MONTES:

PANAMA POSSE LIASON AND VIP CONCIERGE
  

tracking

Isabel  is incredibly personable and bilingual in Spanish and English.

Mrs. Montes has been a friend of the Panama Posse for years.  Beginning in Season 7, Isabel is officially part of the team helping  the Panama Posse improve it's outreach and relationships with Marinas along the route. In the future she will also be available at a premium agent basis to assist Panama Posse members with Spanish's language communications, marina reservations, logistics and other time sensitive tasks.

WELCOME TO THE PANAMA POSSE TEAM

8) SIGN UP FOR VESSEL TRACKING

& START USING IT
  

image

Free yacht tracking courtesy of Predict Wind:

ADD YOUR VESSEL TO THIS FLEET TRACKING PAGE >>  

For Help and to review the different options :

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ABOUT THE FLEET TRACKING PROCESS >>

Group Fleet Tracking is designed to give an overview of 

where Posse vessels are along the route. 

For specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates, changes, real time positions and specific location related questions please contact each vessel directly and follow their vessel tracker. You may track vessels via their tracker or request AIS tracking from https://www.predictwind.com or  https://marinetraffic.com .  Please note: that this is also not exactly accurate either. There are many reasons why a vessel’s position is not updated.  It is important NOT TO conclude that a vessel has an emergency or is in need of assistance because the vessel has not reported in lately. Sometimes they may just want to get away from it all and not tell you where they are. It is the responsibility of each vessel to file a float and check in plan and escalation procedures.

ANCHORAGE

9) THE BAJA RUN

ANCHORAGES DOWN THE WEST COAST 

FROM SAN DIEGO TO BARRA DE NAVIDAD

The Panama Posse is a collective with a lot of great insight.  While there is no specific route or schedule, here is a host of possibilities along the Baja from San Diego to Barra de Navidad.  Choose your own Adventure.

The Baja Run can be done in mostly day hops or extended hops.  
Your choice.  No rush !

CABO FALSO

10) 🇲🇽  MARINA PUERTO DE LA NAVIDAD 

BARRA DE NAVIDAD  –  PANAMA POSSE HQ

Welcome to one of the best marina facilities and Panama Pose HQ in Mexico.

image

Considered among the 10 best private marinas in Latin America, Marina Puerto de la Navidad is located in Isla Navidad, an upscale, secure and private tourist development just across the quaint village of Barra de Navidad and 30 minutes north of the Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO).

We always love to hear from you. If you have a request or need, or if you would like additional information about Marina Puerto de la Navidad, or would like to make a reservation, please contact:

Secundino Alvarez- Harbor Master

Secundino Harbormaster

Tel: 011 52 (314) 337 90 14

Marina Office – Operating hours:

8:00am – 6:00pm

BOOK NOW

Call 011 52 (314) 337 90 14

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

 

With a capacity for up to 250 ft vessels, with all the necessary services: water, electricity, sanitary boat discharges, telephone, laundry, internet, cable TV signal and 24/7 security, this world-class marina operates with the highest standards of safety and has strong ties with most international insurance companies.

Marina Puerto de la Navidad also has a maritime fuel station where yachts can safely and conveniently refuel.

Panama Posse parrtty HQ

Picture by Baja Fog 

11) POSSE PARTIES:

CAPTAIN'S RECIPE FOR THE GOOD TIMES

WHEN 2 OR MORE PANAMA POSSE BURGEES MEET ...

ENJOY

INGREDIENTS:  

  • 2 or more Ocean Posse boats
  • 1 beautiful anchorage 
  • good food
  • good humor
  • drinks

PANAMA POSSE PARTY PROTOCOL

Captains and crews either meet on the beach / dock for a potluck or on the larger vessel of the boats gathered.

  • Typically, there are sundowners involved.  Bring your own and when possible extra to share.
  • Bring some food.  Homemade is best as the prized galley goddess award comes from potluck nominations.  
  • Remember: Quality over Quantity.
PANAMA POSSE RED CUP PARTIES

12) GOOD NAUTICAL:

HOW TO ADD INFORMATION TO GOOD NAUTICAL

GOOD NAUTICAL

Good Nautical is a bonafide 501 (c) 3 non profit organization as such our role is to safeguard hard to find maritime information and hazards to navigation. It has collected over 35,000 datapoints from seafarers worldwide and access is currently assailable for free to all Ocean Posse participants. To add and augment data please login with your credentials.

Step by Step guide on how to add an anchorage to Good Nautical 

1) Login and go to one of the relevant Maritime Area ( Example Panama ) 

2) Zoom to the general area of exactly where the anchorage is 

Good Nautical Panama

3) place the cursor on the area of the anchorage ( look at the bottom right for exact coordinates ) and click and hold for 3 seconds and the following menu is revealed  

Good Nautical 2

4) you can validate the coordinates and next click the  ADD+ button

Good Nautical Add Anchorage

5) Next select they type of information you are adding - in this case select ⚓ ANCHORAGE 

Good Nautical

6) Give the anchorage it's official name / optional local name / region and choose the Maritime Area it's in - next add the meta data 

Add additional Information

6) additional information such as depth / bottom Composition / Aids to Navigation, Dangers, Shore Access, Nearby and relevant notes Images and observations 

GN

VOILA the Anchorage has been added and tagged with your credentials.

Next the  GN editors review the information and publish it to the Maritime Area.

13) 🇬🇹 MARINA NANA JUANA RESORT & BOATYARD 

RIO DULCE – SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

15°39.508′ N   088°59.5833′ W

image
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Happy to announce Nanajuana Marina, Boatyard & Resort as a sponsor the Panama Posse.

 

Río Dulce is a great hurricane haven! Welcome Multihulls and Monohulls ⛵, feel free to ask about our Drydock services to repair and maintenance 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. 

Elisa Roitman

GM

Nanajuana Marina

Rio Dulce, Guatemala

CONTACT

ADDRESS : Km. 274 Carretera a Petén, Río Dulce

EMAIL:  reservas@nanajuanariodulce.com

TEL:  +502 7790 7676

WEB: nanajuanariodulce.com

image

AMENITIES

42 uncovered & covered slip rentals

Secure long-term boatyard storage

Drydock services, repair and maintenance

110V – 220V power

24/7 security

BBQ & fire-pit area

Tiki Ti Lounge

Special hotel accommodation rates

Expansive pool, exclusive for guests

Cayena Restaurant

Minutes away from provisioning, shopping and entertainment

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Connections to fresh water

Food preparation & dishwashing facilities

Ample and convenient vehicle parking near vessel

Heliport near marina

Shell Fuel Dock adjacent to marina

Marine Convenience Store

Private bathrooms & showers

Pet Friendly

Tours to Mayan Ruins and National Parks

Airport Crew Transfers

16) DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION AND MYTHOLOGY

Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere throughout the world.

The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for

and remember friends and family members who have died.  The gathering is to help support the spiritual journey of the dead. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle.  Mexicans view it not as a day of

sadness but as a day of celebration.

Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars called ofrendas, honoring the deceased using calaveras (skeletons/skulls), aztec marigolds, the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. Visitors also leave possessions of the deceased at the graves. 

Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. It has become a national symbol and as such is taught (for educational purposes) in the nation’s schools.

MICTLÁN

According to the Great Nahuatl Dictionary, Mictlán means underworld, others

translate it as “place of the dead.” Different legends, visual representations and ancient codices define Mictlán as an unknown, dangerous and dark place, which has nine levels. 

In the Mexica worldview, the Earth was considered a being that devoured the flesh of the deceased. At the time of death, the Mexica thought that they were paying off their debt with the Earth, since when they died, they gave continuity to the cycle

of the universe. These nine levels are related to rot, fetid, cold, damp, watery, darkness, and night. The animals related to the Mictlán were owls, bats, worms and centipedes, which were in the service of Mictlantecuhtli and his consort Mictecacíhuatl.​

The Nine Levels:

1. Itzcuintlan

    Place of the dogs

2. Tepectli monamictlan

    Place of the hills that come together

 3. Iztepetl

      Hills of the very sharp flints

4. Itzehecayan

      Place of the obsidian wind

5. Paniecatacoyan

      Place where people fly like flags

6. Timiminaloayan

      Place where people are smitten

7. Teocoyohuehualoyan

     Where the jaguars eat your heart

8. Izmictlan Apochcalolca

      Smoke water lagoon

9. Chicunamictla

     The nine waters.

17) MEET THE FLEET

image

Julie and John relishing their NE hailing port of Annapolis, MD

From Julie:

Cruisers making plans is like building sandcastles at low tide. Things change. We started cruising in 2015 when we sold our racing sailboat, bought a cruising boat, left our home in Southern California, retired, and headed to Mexico with the 2015 Baja Ha Ha cruising rally. Our plans were to spend a season in Mexico and then see about the Puddle Jump to the South Pacific. However, we fell in love with Mexico and ended up cruising full time there for about three years upinto the Sea of Cortez and south to Zihuantanejo like migratory birds up and down those lovely cruising grounds. But after year three, life changes helped us reconsider the South Pacific and instead of going right, we went left. Much of our family now live on the East Coast, so heading in that direction made sense.

We were looking into routes and plans when we kept hearing from fellow cruising friends about this new thing called the Panama Posse. It was 2017/18. The rally was new, and we had no idea what it was, but heck, if it put us in touch with more fellow cruisers and information about some routes, fabulous. We ended up joining somewhere along the way while still in Mexico and in the rally’s infancy. The group was all about lat/long sharing, swapping stories, tips, and finding boat buddies along the way. When someone’s dinghy was stolen, we helped spread the news to warn others and offered dinghy rides to our newfound Panama Posse pals. We ended up buddy boating with them for several months and many miles.

One of the many highlights early in the Posse was a road trip with about 11 other Panama Posse members. We all embarked from Chiapas to several Mayan ruin sites. The history of the region was amazing, and the camaraderie of the group coalesced. We continued south, sometimes with buddies, sometimes alone, but always with the knowledge that there were others out there on our same path.

We absolutely loved El Salvador where we ended up staying about a month. The fellow cruisers at the marina handed over a packet to all new arrivals with information aboutinland trips available and we buddied up with another couple and went off exploring San Salvador, a mountaintop health spa, and coffee plantation. We continued southfrom El Salvador where we finally met Dietmar and Suzanne in person when we arrived in Costa Rica. We had blown past the fleet that were hunkered down waiting for a break in the Papagayos. We thought we were pretty slick with our Iridium Go and Predict Wind gribs. We called a course and went for it. We were thinking we were pretty darn all that and a bag of potato chips when we came sauntering into Costa Rica, only to have our headsail blow out a few miles from port. The next several days involved a lot of hand sewing and swearing but was made easier with night time libations aboard Dietmar and Suzanne’s boat where we got to meet more Panama Posse pals. We continued south, sometimes with others, sometimes solo. We particularly loved the northwestern area of Panama where it was rare to see another boat. We were out there alone feeling terrific, but always knew there were Posse friends out there, too.

We started experiencing some engine overheating off Punta Mala and when this was shared with others in the Posse, all suspected the heat exchanger. We couldn’t believe how that could be considering we’d had a complete engine service before we left Mexico, but the collective intelligence from the Posse was right. We proceeded to spend over a month in Panama attempting to properly diagnose and remedy the situation. We were able to finally get the engine running correctly the day before we were scheduled to make passage through the canal. Sometimes things just work out, but this may explain why I’ve turned gray.

While in Shelter Bay, we met even more Panama Posse friends and were able to regroup with boat repairs, provisioning, and take some trips back to the states. One of the flights back was to take possession of a home we bought site unseen. While not something we’d recommend, it has all turned out fine. I needed a land base and my captain was good about supporting me. Like being at sea, it’s all a matter of balance.

When we returned to our boat in Panama, we set off with another Panama Posse buddy to spend about a month in the San Blas Islands. We then bid our friends goodbye as they headed to Guatemala and we headed to Grand Cayman, Cuba, the Bahamas, and then a 6-day passage to Annapolis.

Our new home port, Annapolis, puts us in a perfect position to cruise all over the East Coast. We’ve been to Maine and back one summer. We’ve also went to Martha’s Vineyard and New England another summer. We’ve gone all over the Chesapeake, and currently we’re heading south back to the Bahamas. Our place in Annapolis has become the East Coast Panama Posse Boat Show Headquarters. We pride ourselves in being able to help promote this great group.

If you’re on the fence about joining a rally because you’re concerned that you will have to adhere to a schedule or rules, fear not about the Panama Posse. We have had all the benefits of a supportive cruising community, plus numerous discounts. It is growing each year with more and more benefits.

THANKS FOR SHARING JULIE AND JOHN

AND....WELCOME BACK!!

SY MYLA is back on the water with the Panama Posse

SY MYLA 🇺🇸 Julie & John - Moody 44'

MYLA JohnMYLA Julie

18) LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES:

ADVENTURE MEDIA PARTNER

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19) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
ORDER NOW

 

20)  SECURITY ALERT:

LESSONS FROM MEXICO'S PACIFIC COAST OCTOBER 2023

Whether you take a conservative (June 1 to November 30) or loose (July 1 to Nov 4) approach to defining the months of hurricane season, the fact is that the worst weather of hurricane season is historically experienced in August, September and October.  

In October 2023 the Pacific Coast of Mexico has borne the brunt of a simple fact: 

TROPICAL DEPRESSIONS AND STORMS RAPIDLY INTENSIFY INTO HURRICANES

In October 2023, 3 Hurricanes made landfall:

  1.  Hurricane Linda made landfall on the southern part of Cabo Corrientes affecting Banderas Bay and Bahia Chamela.
  2. Hurricane Norma made landfall at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas cutting across the bottom of the Baja Peninsula affecting the popular cruisers port, La Paz among other coastal communities on the southern and southeastern side of the Baja Peninsula.
  3. Hurricane Otis made landfall in Acapulco.  

The most recent of these hurricanes on the Pacific side of Mexico is perhaps the scariest and most pressing because of the way Hurricane Otis rapidly intensified in a very short amount of time and took the heavily developed and densely populated coastal town by surprise with its devastating and destructive force.  What we know is Hurricane Otis is going down in history as a weather bomb. Communication systems were severed and still at the time of this writing getting information in and out of the city is exceptionally challenging.  People were killed and more are still missing, 80% of all buildings over 5 stories are damaged, boats and docks have been destroyed, businesses are being looted and the Mexican government has sent in troops to assist in damage control.

Damage in Acapulco is still being assessed.

A tropical storm as forecast by many models Rapidly Intensified into Cat 5 Hurricane Otis.  Otis’s model forecasts on Tuesday early morning were nowhere remotely close to what happened. (Tomer Burg on Twitter)

Scientists and weather forecasters attribute this higher occurrence of hurricanes in these later months of hurricane season due to seasonally higher ocean temperatures at the surface and in deeper water.  

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes.  

Currently, many scientists are investigating and documenting sea temperatures that are rising above the historically normal highs and may be creating conditions for more hurricanes of greater strength and frequency. Temperature is not the only influence on hurricane development, of course.  Location, local and global winds also influence hurricane development and movement.  

Rapid Intensification (RI) of storms has become a more frequent and increasingly unpredictable nemesis for forecasting storms.  Scientists are actively trying to understand RI: the how’s and why’s of rapid intensification to improve forecasting and modeling.  The data from the three most recent storms to hit Mexico is actively being analyzed.  

Regardless of where captain, crew and vessel are on the water it is natural that we mariners get excited to get out on the water especially after many months of boat preparations.  Please take note that Hurricane season is almost over, yes, but it may not be over yet.  

  • Stay vigilant of weather where you are and where you will be going.  
  • Watch for large debris in the water
  • Use multiple sources often to watch your local weather when storms are brewing.
  • Share your anchor location or float plan with emergency contact/s.  
  • If weather is coming take precautions to anchor securely, batten down sails, topside projectiles, and hatches.

21) BOLO VICENTE HERRERA 

BOLO VICENTE HERRERA

WE ARE ISSUING A BOLO FOR VICENTE HERRERA 

Vicente has been a stable in Acapulco harbor and we are desperately searching for  him. All calls to his whatsapp and cellphone number have gone unanswered as we suspect many other seafarers in Acapulco are also missing. A lot of the comms in Acapulco are still down.

If you have any information about Vicente 
please notify the Panama Pose immediately 

Vicente

22)  MUST SEE: 🇺🇸 FORT JEFFERSON – DRY TORTUGAS

 24° 37.3033′ N   82°52.7833′ W

Present day Bird Key Anchorage 

In 1513, Ponce de León led the first known European expedition to La Florida, which he named during his first voyage to the area and discovered the islands in 1513 and named them for the tortoises (Spanish tortugas) that abounded there.

Early European expedition trip to La Florida

In 1521, Ponce de León returned to southwest Florida with the first large-scale attempt to establish a Spanish colony in what is now the continental United States. However, the native Calusa people fiercely resisted the incursion, and he was seriously wounded in a skirmish. The colonization attempt was abandoned, and died from his wounds soon after returning to Cuba.

In 1821 Spain sold Florida to the United States for $5 million (Florida Purchase Treaty which remained in full effect for a whopping 183 days) and about 5 years later lighthouse was constructed on Garden Key in the dry Tortugas

Under US ownership in the 1800's a fort was built and The Dry Tortugas would constitute the advance post for a defense of the Gulf Coast.

Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson lies about 60 nm due west of Key West

300 years after Ponce’s discovery it was of course prisoners, soldiers and hundreds of slaves who built the park’s centerpiece Fort Jefferson which constitues the largest all-masonry fortification in the Americas and is the largest brick masonry structure composed of over 16 million bricks. At 400 bricks per day it takes a lot of manpower ( 40,000 days to be exact ) to build as this building covers 16 acres. Among United States forts, only Fort Monroe in Virginia and Fort Adams in Rhode Island are larger.

Enslaved African Americans were responsible for  the most difficult tasks at Fort Jefferson. They labored ten hours a day, six days a week. Using little more than wheelbarrows they offloaded arriving ships. The 16 million bricks were used in the fort’s construction. Perhaps their most arduous task was collecting and transporting large quantities of coral rock from nearby islands. This coral material served as the main ingredient in forming coral concrete, a vital component in the fort’s construction. Several of the enslaved men were permitted to bring their wives with them. These women often served as cooks and laundresses

The History of the Fort is fascinating.  The slaves that built it escaped.  

Learn more about this on this link

  https://panamaposse.com/fort-jefferson

The Fort has been turned into a National Park.

The park can be reached only by boat or seaplane. Its waters contain abundant and varied marine life, including three species of sea turtles. Thousands of migrating birds stop at or nest on the islands. For Birders of note is a large flock of sooty terns that nests on Bush Key each spring and summer.

 

23)  PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

SV ARROW 1973 CARTER 37 

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽  Mexico

*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor, safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.  Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or offshore.  

Ready for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy, live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.  As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.  

Arrow was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$34,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama A DAYSAIL TO THE PERLAS ARCHIPELAGO

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 34k USD

SY SEAGLUB  FOR SALE IN FIJI 

1999 Hylas 46 - SEAGLUB - $290,000 USD

ORION

This 1999 Hylas 46 is a beautiful world voyager in amazing, turn-key condition. She is completely equipped for comfortable cruising under any conditions as well as living aboard. It is no wonder that the Hylas 46 is such a popular choice for modern cruising couples.

This is an extremely sought-after vessel. Designed by the renowned German Frers and built by Queen Long Marine, this luxurious-center cockpit, two-stateroom vessel with a longer waterline and beam carried aft, improves sailing performance, comfort at sea and interior volume. The Hylas 46 has the accommodations you want with all the characteristics that make sailing safe, easy and very enjoyable.

This particular Hylas 46 has had only two owners and has been meticulously maintained evidenced by an excel spreadsheet maintenance log book dating back to 2001. SeaGlub is cutter rigged and complete with new in 2020 B&G radar, autopilot and navigation electronics, Selden in-mast mainsail electric furling system, Furlex headsail furler, Harken staysail furler (new 2023), cockpit enclosure, watermaker, electric toilet, Dometic 16,000btu air conditioning system with reverse-cycle heat, dedicated compressors for refrigerator and freezer, dinghy on arch with electric lift winch, flatscreen TV and Fusion stereo sound system, and more. With a 64 hp Yanmar diesel and added 180 amp secondary house alternator, an 8kw Fisher Panda genset, 1,000 watts of solar and a 350 watt Superwind wind generator, SeaGlub is equipped with abundant sources for power generation.

The Hylas 46 has a wonderful aft owner’s private stateroom and ensuite, plus a lovely pullman berth stateroom on the port side with large head forward for guests. The walkthrough galley to starboard is classic with huge top and front-loading fridge and freezer, four-burner stove/oven, incredible counter space, and the galley is safe and secure when sailing or at anchor. The navigation station is on the port side. The salon and the entire interior is pleasing with varnished teak joinery and custom upholstery. The cabin house has generous windows to create a light and bright interior. Custom cabinetry provides even more storage and makes the vessel extremely liveable!

The numerous hatches have screens in the fore and aft staterooms. The quality and luxury is apparent and you will appreciate the attractive appointments from the high-quality fixtures to the all-LED lighting throughout the boat.

ORION

For more information, please contact:

36 Degrees NZ

Rob Hielkema robbs@36degrees.nz

https://www.36degrees.nz/yacht-boat-sales-auckland-new-zealand/boat/hylas-46

SEAGLUB Chris

 SY  SEAGLUB 🇺🇸  CHRIS - HYLAS 46' 

 

24)  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 

LA PALYITA MARINA

LA PLAYITA MARINA PANAMA SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

25)  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 

26) 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

27) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION

Vicente’s Moorings – Acapulco – Mexico

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  

28) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

atlantic posse

ATLANTIC POSSE  
SIGN UP NOW

Madeira

Sign up now

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

San-Cristobal-de-La-Laguna
south pacific posse

28) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 3 

SOUTH PACIFIC SEASON 3 AWARDS 

BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT AWARD

BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT

 SY WANDERLUST 🇺🇸 Kristin & Fabio Seawind 52′

WANDERLUST FabioWANDERLUST KristiWANDERLUST Crew

THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD

SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE CAPTAIN RON AWARD

 SY SAOIRSE  🇸🇪  Tomas -  Dufour 40 e’

GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

SY ROLLING STONES  🇺🇸 Geoff, Meghan & crew - Leopard 45′

Rolling Stones Rolling Stones Rolling Stones Rolling Stones Rolling Stones

THE COURAGE AWARD

COURAGE AWARD

SY FLITE DECK 🇺🇸 Katie -  Seawind 1160 Lite 38′

FLITE DECK Katie

SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION AWARD

SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION AWARD

SY  DREAMER 🇺🇸 Caliber 40lrv’ -  David & Gerne & Crew

DREAMER CrewDREAMER GerneDREAMER David

UNINVITED VISITOR AWARD

UNINVITED VISITOR AWARD

SY PISCES 🇺🇸  Mary & Kevin - Antares 44′

PISCIS-Mary

PICTURE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Picture of the Year Award

SY GLADAN  🇵🇱  Giancarlo & Paola - Lagoon 44′

Gladan GiancarloGladan Paola

THE EXCEPTIONAL SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE CLASS OF '23

South Pacific Posse '23

Esteemed Captains, Skippers and Crews of the 2023 South Pacific Posse,

Ahoy and a big heartfelt thank you - let's celebrate your adventure.

As we battened down the hatches and prepare for the cyclone season, bringing the 2023 South Pacific Posse to a close, I find myself once again inspired and humbled.

A heartfelt salute to the courage, resilience, and unbreakable spirit you've shown.

This year’s rally wasn't just sunsets and smooth sailing; it tested your prowess in ways that only life on the sea can. It's the grit, the reality of the South Pacific ever moving highs, multiple cultures you encountered,  equipment issues and malfunctions you overcame that make the calmer days sweeter and the bonds between the South Pacific Posse fleet - stronger.

A momentous acknowledgment goes to SY Rolling Stones for their exceptional  rescue of all souls onboard Rain Dancer. Your heroic act epitomizes the spirit of community and skill that we hold dear in the South Pacific Posse. It's a vivid reminder that while the sea may be untamed, the bonds that link sailors are ...  unsinkable. 

We also thank our sponsors, partners and sponsorship  marinas for providing crucial and well operating sanctuaries. These harbor masters, staff, and marina owners have been nothing but supportive of our enterprise, echoing our values of community and adventure.

Now, as we prepare to lay low for the cyclone season, it's important to remember that this is a seasonal interlude providing you respite to mend your sails and prepping your vessel for next season. You'll be back, charting new courses and seeking new horizons as soon as the elements allow. In the meantime, we welcome your reflections and suggestions. Your voice helps shape what the South Pacific Posse will become as it grows and evolves.

To every captain, crew member, admiral and vessel that made this year's rally a tapestry of challenges, and triumphs—thank you.  

Fair winds and following seas, until our hulls meet down the line.

Respectfully.

Captain Dietmar, Suzanne & Maxi 

DietmarCARINTHIA suzanneCARINTHIA Maxi

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

ocean posse llc 
 @ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA

OP

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC


FLEET UPDATE 2023-10-01

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE

FLEET UPDATE

October 1, 2023

"Diesels love oil like a sailor loves rum"

- Captain Ron in the movie Captain Rom

TOP NEWS

  • Season 7: Registration Is Open And 163 Yachts Have Already Signed Up !
  • Thursday, October 19, 2023: PredictWind Weather routing Zoom
  • Saturday, October 21, 2023: New Vessels On-boarding Zoom
  • Sunday, October 22, 2023: OpenCPN Zoom
  • Season 7 Burgees are ready to ship.
  • Award Nominations
  • Season Posse Events
  • Cruising the Perlas
  • Action Items: Sign up for Zulip and free vessel tracking
  • Outfitting your cruising Boat
  • Buddy boats transit the Canal
  • Re-commisioning your boat
  • New Check in Requirements in Ecuador
  • Must See: Zihuatenejo
  • Boats for Sale
  • News from other Oceans
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

163 Yachts are signed up - JOIN THE POSSE >>

vessels's ensigns

1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK

image

Sailing south out of Bahía de Caraquez 🇪🇨 Ecuador

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

PATHFINDER Jean-PhilippePATHFINDER Nicole
image

Great spot to land the dingy on Isla Escudo de Veraguas 🇵🇦 Panama

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

JUBEL KyleJUBEL Leah
image

Buddy Boats eating out in Panama City, 🇵🇦

SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri - Seawind 41'

QUESO GRANDE LanceQUESO GRANDE SherriQUESO GRANDE Maybel
OZ SusanOZ Steven

SY OZ 🇺🇸 Sue & Steve - Catana 40

image

Going Up! 3 Posse boats bumper up and transit the Panama Canal 🇵🇦

SY SALACIA Peter and Donna – Santa Cruz 50’

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

and SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri - Seawind 41'

2) THREE ZOOM SEMINARS THIS MONTH

SAVE THE DATE

#1 : PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE / DEPARTURE PLANNING & WEATHER ROUTING

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2023

Zoom Meeting

12:00-13:30 PACIFIC TIME

PREDICT WIND

With advanced weather technology, there is no reason to get caught out in unfavorable weather conditions. PredictWind introduced the first online Departure Planning tool over a decade ago and now with new updates, it’s even more effective at finding the best weather window for departure.

Zoom link to this free and highly informative Panama Posse seminar

#2 SAVE THE DATE ZOOM SEMINAR

NEW VESSELS ON-BOARDING WITH NICOLE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023

14:00 EASTERN TIME

13:00 PANAMA TIME

12:00 MEXICO TIME

11:00 PACIFIC TIME

meet Nicole - the Panama Posse welcome Ambassador

Nicole is your welcome ambassador to help you reach new height and help you make the most of all the perks of the Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7

AHOY YOU ARE CORDIALLY

INVITED TO MEET YOUR PEERS

NEW VESSELS PP
ON-BOARDING ZOOM WITH NICOLE

Oct 21, 2023 11:00 AM

ACCESS THE ZOOM: MEETING WITH NICOLE BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK >>
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84650030777?pwd=naFyIAeGLQRhwXZk1aeUKRABaNhaI0.1

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7 burgees

#3 SAVE THE DATE ZOOM SEMINAR

OPEN CPN ZOOM SEMINAR

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2023

13:00-15:00 PACIFIC TIME

image

This will be our annual pre-season OPEN CPN seminar hosted by Rob Murray and Captain Dietmar

Requirements:

Preinstalled OPEN CPN on a laptop or android tablet and running.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89462502982?pwd=NWdFekVkaVcvdk5EWHNTa1dRWEZLUT09

Annapolis

3) BURGEES ARE GOING OUT

FLY OUR NEWEST SEASON FLAG

image

Captain Dietmar and Simone Bell of Belize Tourism Board holding Season 7 flag

at the Cannes Yacht Festival 🇫🇷 France

image

On display and available for pick up at Marina Chiapas Office 🇲🇽 Mexico

image

CEO of Sevenstar Yacht Transport with Season 7 Burgee

4) FOUR AWARD SEASON 7 ENTRIES

#1 AWARD ENTRY: GOOD SAMARITAN AWARD

IGITAL YACHT SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE We are proud to sponsor the Panama Posse !

Keenan preparing to install freshly delivered watermaker membrane
🇨🇷Costa Rica

SY MAISON DE SANTE has nominated Muranda on SY FICKLE for the Good Samaritan of the year award for flying down their USCG document and a new membrane for their watermaker. Pretty much makes her a saint! Thanks Muranda!

SY FICKLE 🇺🇸 Ben & Muranda - Hunter 42'

FICKLE Ben FICKLE MurandaFICKLE Yolanda

#2 AWARD ENTRY: BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT

image

yahoo...a Wahoo! Nice catch Kyle!

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

JUBEL KyleJUBEL Leah

#3 AWARD ENTRY: UNINVITED VISITOR

image

Queso Grande II is being nominated for having Most Uninvited Visitor Award! Unfortunately, while anchored outside of Isla Taboga Panama (touristy on the weekends), a Jet ski crashed into their boat becoming wedged between their trampoline and the jet ski. The tour operator came via jet ski to assist with rescue and polish out the hull as best as possible and nobody was seriously hurt.

SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri - Seawind 41'

QUESO GRANDE LanceQUESO GRANDE SherriQUESO GRANDE Maybel

#4 AWARD ENTRY: UNINVITED VISITOR

image

Uninvited late night visitor with BIG TEETH and GLOWING EYES

SY SERENITY 🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

SERENITY KathrynSERENITY - mARK

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

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat.

Share the adventure

red roiver


5) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS

events

We look forward to meeting you at these events - we do not sail on a set schedule to make your journey more relaxed and take into account ever changing weather conditions. Move only when the conditions are right and you feel good !

The events in Barra de Navidad / Shelter Bay / Club De Pesca and Buenaventura will have POT LUCK culinary competition so follow these rules to win the coveted

PANAMA POSSE
🏆
GALLEY GOD(ESS) AWARD

(1) ANNAPOLIS
US SAIL BOAT SHOW

OCTOBER 12 – 15, 2023
ANNAPOLIS, MD 🇺🇸 BOOTH VB 10

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW

For discounted US SAILBOAT SHOW tickets follow this link >>
or if you have time to volunteer at the Panama Posse booth we 'll get you 2 free daily tickets - email registration@panamaposse.com

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW
GET DISCOUNTS ON TIX

(2) SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA + EVENT CENTER
SATURDAY, OCT 29 2023
CHULA VISTA 🇺🇸
SAN DIEGO

SAT OCT 28, 2023 SAN DIEGO, CA 🇺🇸 SAFE HARBOR – SOUTH BAY

LEARN + HAVE FUN AND MEET THE FLEET
13:00 – SEMINARS

18:00 – INVOCATION OF THE FLEET

18:30 – PARTY & OPEN RUM BAR

EVENT CENTER
SAN DIEGO RSVP

(3) PANAMA POSSE
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, '23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX

BARRA RSVP
Secundino Harbormaster

Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master
Vessels Must be registered with the Panama Posse prior to Oct 31st to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

GOlF Course

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

Barra

(4) CLUB DE PESCA
YACHT FEST
SAT, JAN 13 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP
Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo - GM
For those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club.

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL +57 (5) 660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

(5) 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

(6) 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:

Emilio Buenaventura Marina

Emilio Lau - Marina Manager
emilio@bv-marina.com
Tel: +507-6616-7531

RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
Buenaventura

(7) NEW EVENT JUST ANNOUNCED IN BELIZE

NEW EVENT IN BELIZE JUST ADDED

Thank's to Belize Tourism e have just added a 7th event for the Coral Pods an incredible celebration is brewing in Belize and a first of it's kind
Mark your calendar and rsvp as soon as you can
BELIZE YACHT FEST ° PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB °

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′

SATURDAY April 6th, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

BELIZE YACHT FEST ° PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB ° 16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ SATURDAY April 6th, 2024 16:00 – 21:30
Belize Tourism

6) SHARING THE ADVENTURE

PANAMA POSSE

Sharing adventures is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse experience.

Please share pictures of your adventures, your award entries, 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.

image

Dinghy adventure off the mothership in Panama

image

7) CRUISING WITH CAUTION IN THE

ARCHIPELAGO DE LAS PERLAS 🇵🇦 PANAMA

tracking

Panga Parking at Isla Pedro Gonzales, Perlas 🇵🇦 Panama

Cruising with caution to the Archipelago de las Perlas in Panama Bay during these last summer months has been both exceptional and, to be honest, a bit unsettling at times.

First: The exceptional: The water is a warm, clear, paradise aqua marine-blue. There are whales and turtles, birds and butterflies, blossoms and fruit in abundance. The southern hemisphere humpback whales migrate to these islands to have their babies, breed, breach, and sing from July through October. There are whale shows on the daily, none to be missed; each unique. The most common sightings are pairs featuring a mama and her calf. They are in near constant contact as they swim, come up for air, loll about with their flippers in the air, and dive down again. Experiencing the mist from their exhalation in close proximity is quite literally breathtaking and truly exceptional.

SAIL AWAY

Gin clear water off Isla Chapera in the Perlas Archipelago, 🇵🇦 Panama

Old growth tropical trees stand out in the jungle, home and host to a multitude of other life including wild orchids in bloom.

image

One among so many Picturesque beach spots with natural shade.

Thirsty? Tools help make quick work of this natural super delicious fruit.

Coconut water and coconut meat make great snacks at the beach.

Thankfully, there are coconuts a plenty on the beaches.

Second: The unsettling: There were two attacks in the Perlas on isolated cruising boats last season. Both boats were anchored alone in different anchorages on the north and east side of Isla Del Rey. While the incidents were a few months apart, both boats were caught off guard after sunset, met with aggression, and left with their boats ransacked and many items destroyed or taken. The mystery of who committed these acts is still just that…a mystery. As a visitor, wondering if the same people are nearby or not is truly unsettling and the possibility of being boarded like that is terrifying. It is sad, it is scary, it is not what I came out here for. And yet, while this is perhaps new to the Perlas, this in not new to the world. Horrible things happen. Wonderful things happen.

Ultimately, I firmly believe that I/we can be careful and NOT turn ourselves over to fear that limits our adventure and opportunities. I remind myself things I have known all along: There are risks and rewards on the water beyond the weather. Lightning can strike and more than likely it will not........🙏please🙏. This is a stark reminder to know where we are going, trust our instincts, and cruise accordingly. Stay open, stay kind. A voice inside me advises, "Do not let fear paralyze you but inform you."

This fear has cautioned us. We are cruising differently through the Perlas Islands. Rather than cruising freely, with or without a buddy boat, we are cruising with caution. We are staying with another boat at all times (mostly), venturing ashore less where there are towns, completely avoiding Isla del Rey and all proximal islands, and sadly but honestly, feeling much more guarded when any local goes or comes by.

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Village of Pedro Gonzalez on Isla Pedro Gonzalez.

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SY Whirlwind anchored off Isla Chapera. Photo taken from beside buddy boat.

And still we fish. Snapper for dinner? YES, please!

All this said, I am grateful to report that so far, cruising with these precautions has been going well. We have explored many beautiful anchorages, beaches, and coral reefs. We have harvested and eaten fresh coconut and fresh fish. We have met some locals, on the beach, on the water, and in town. More often than not the people we are meeting are kind and making their way, doing what they do whether that is motoring by on their way out fishing, waving or not, stopping by, selling fresh caught mariscos (seafood), appreciating fresh water, or swimming over to let us know there is a resident croc here and there so don't splash too much. Yikes...right...now that adds to the fear factor!

8) SIGN UP FOR VESSEL TRACKING

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Free yacht tracking courtesy of Predict Wind:

ADD YOUR VESSEL TO THIS FLEET TRACKING PAGE >>

For Help and to review the different options :

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ABOUT THE FLEET TRACKING PROCESS >>

Group Fleet Tracking is designed to give an overview of

where Posse vessels are along the route.

For specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates, changes, real time positions and specific location related questions please contact each vessel directly and follow their vessel tracker. You may track vessels via their tracker or request AIS tracking from https://www.marinetraffic.com/. Please note: that this is also not exactly accurate either. There are many reasons why a vessel’s position is not updated. It is important NOT TO conclude that a vessel has an emergency or is in need of assistance because the vessel has not reported in lately. Sometimes they may just want to get away from it all and not tell you where they are. It is the responsibility of each vessel to file a float and check in plan and escalation procedures.

ANCHORAGE

9) Extreme Outfitting - Avant Style

courtesy of Rob Murray and bluewatercruising.org

To outfit is to “select and procure a set of equipment for a particular purpose” and cruisers relentlessly pore over lists, read books, peruse internet posts and quiz their peers to find the right selection of gear to outfit their vessel to enable safe and comfortable cruising. Anchor gear, dinghies and their associated accoutrements, navigation tools, sails, engine spares, safety equipment, lines, bedding and galley gear – the list(s) seem endless. From the shackle for the eye of the bower anchor to the lure trailed behind in search of fish, research is done, choices are made and gear is procured and stored aboard. Space is always at a premium, so many try to follow the maxim that anything aboard should be good for at least two purposes.

Here is a list of some items that we have found valuable aboard Avant that don’t appear on most outfitting lists. Some do, but most do not, have multiple uses, yet they are small and valuable enough in their own niche-use that they justify the expense and space they use to us.

Most are inexpensive (several less than a dollar, most less than five) and many can be found in our favourite chandlery, the dollar store.

Astonishingly useful, amazingly cheap. Used to mark parts,

Eye shades

When sleeping off-watch in the daytime, it always seems the gyrations of the vessel swing a beam of bright sun over your eyes, making rest an impossibility. These beams of sunshine defy the ability of any curtains to subdue them. A set of eye shades eliminate the problem. (As a side note, would-be cruisers should engage in a strict training program of day-sleeping, as this is an important skill best mastered before it’s needed. An extended regime of afternoon naps is recommended pre-departure.)

Ear plugs

You may have read of cruisers seeking out the errant wine bottle or jam jar clanking while the boat is underway, stacking provisions so they’re silent, moving things around to achieve a quiet ship while under way. While it’s worthwhile to seek a quiet ship, you will never actually achieve it, and wasting your off-watch sleep time re-stowing noisemakers only ensures you don’t get enough sleep. Ear plugs are very useful as an aid to sleep. Buy a few packets, as while they are reusable, they are not indefinitely so.

Lip balm

In hot and sunny conditions underway, with a steady wind, your lips will suffer. Get some lip balm. Also useful for treating zippers so they don’t stick.

Hand creams

Even if you wear sailing gloves, you hands will suffer on passage, as well as after weighing anchor and doing a million other tasks aboard. A dab of hand cream offers some mild relief. Get a few pocket sized ones (one for each crew member) and a big bottle to refill from.

https://panamaposse.com/bucketlist

Small but useful items to help with sleep and to protect the body.

Rob describes more useful items that one can outfit their cruising boat with in his article in bluewatercruising.org. To see more tips that help you:

  • Measure
  • Deal With Pests
  • More Useful Stuff on the topsides and down below
  • In the Galley

SY AVANT 🇨🇦 Rob & ??? - Beneteau 43.5′

 

AVANAT DebraAVANT Rob

10) 🇯🇲 ROYAL JAMAICA YACHT CLUB SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

Welcome to one of the best marina facilities in Jamaica!

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HISTORY

The Jamaica Yacht Club was formed in 1884 by a group of enthusiastic sailors. On the 29th of November 1889, the Club was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria following a visit by Prince Edward, then the Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VII. Until 1962, when Jamaica became an independent nation within the Commonwealth, the Commodores were all Governors of Jamaica, whether or not they were yachtsmen. In 1963 the Commodore was chosen for the first time from the membership of the Club.

CONTACT

Address: Royal Jamaica Yacht Club

Palisadoes Park, Kingston, Jamaica

Tel: +(876) 924-8685 , + (876) 924-8686

E-mail: rjycmanager@flowja.com

Web: www.rjyc.org.jm

AMENITIES

Visitor dock accommodating vessels up to 150 feet in length

120 boats berths

Lighted docks.

110/220V shore power 50Hz VAC metered to berths.

Potable water metered to berths.

Well protected marina in all conditions.

24-hour security service

Clubhouse

Bar

Restaurant

View of Kingston and the Blue Mountains

Large swimming pool

Take-Out

active in sailing, with races on weekends

Two Regattas

Jamaica Yachting Association.

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11) POSSE MEMBERS:

SIGN UP AND START USING

THE NEW COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM ON ZULIP

CHAT.PANAMAPOSSE.COM

Communicating with fellow boats along the route is a BIG BENEFIT of the Panama Posse. However, last seasons communications platform got overloaded with over 275,000 words from hundreds of yachts. With so many knowledgeable and fact finding participants communicating daily via our LINE chat, the sheer amount and stream of questions, comments, insight, location pins, BOLO notices, et cetera pushed the seasonal knowledge transfer to the limit. Our quest is for a little bit more organized way to discuss and share information so we can get the most out of our communications. As a result, we are forging ahead with a new communications platform .

It is called ZULIP. We are in control of the server and the open source platform. It runs on mac, pc, ios, android, etc. Zulip is a chatroom on steroids, topics are more organized, and we think (and hope) it will be a huge improvement to our communications among the fleet.

FINALLY A WELL ORGANIZED CHAT !

ZULIP is a new fleet communication tool with 2 core concepts:

STREAMS and TOPICS

You subscribe to STREAMS (organized by region, i.e. Pacific Mexico or Jamaica )

Streams are knowledge and information streams you are interested in

and TOPICS are just that, topics within each STREAM

For example:

  • Clearing in and out of each country is a TOPIC within a STREAM (organized by region).
  • Service providers in each country, a TOPIC within a STREAM.

There are new customizable notifications - email summaries and other neat features. So, please take a moment to view it on a pc or mac and then, once you have used it, move to the mobile app.

In our chat, streams determine who gets a message. Each conversation within a stream is labeled with a topic, which keeps everything organized.

You can read Zulip, one conversation at a time, seeing each message in context, no matter how many other conversations are going on.

If anything is out of place, it’s easy to move messages, rename and split topics, or even move a topic to a different stream.

Imagine a well-organized chat that shows each message in context, it’s easier to stay informed and connected. Everyone can follow and contribute to discussions that matter to you, without wasting time reading every message, or stressing about missing something important.

To sign up in the initial test phase please email registration@panamaposse.com to get your invitation - GESTALT PROTOCOL APPLIES

ZULIP.

12) POSSE BOATS BUDDY UP AND LEAP FROG THROUGH THE 🇵🇦 PANAMA CANAL

https://panamaposse.com/sevenstar

Family and friends came from out of country to help Salacia and Jubel transit.

Last month five recreational sailboats, some part of the Panama Posse, some not, buddied up to transit the Panama Canal. Three boats went one day, the fourth the next day, and the fifth the following week. The boats helped one another with crew and comradery. Each transit was a safe passage from Pacific Panama to the Caribbean side.

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The Bridge of the Americas on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal

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Focus, Peter, Focus

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Water rising in the Locks

The first set of boats started at 4pm on a Thursday. They anchored at Gatun Lake in the middle of the night and went through the second set of locks in the afternoon the following day. Hired line handlers and borrowed crew stayed aboard over night eating dinner, breakfast and lunch before the transit was complete. Following the transits all of the five boats went to Shelter Bay Marina.

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A good chance to study the rigs side by side: swept back or traditional spreaders?

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Over 14,000 ships transit the Panama Canal every year.

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It takes 8 minutes for the canal water to fill up so that a boat can go through the gate to the next level.

13) RE-COMMISSIONING YOUR DIESEL ENGINE

Keep your engine purring

“Diesels love oil like a sailor loves rum.” Captain Ron

Have you been away from your boat during the Northern Hemisphere summer months? If so, re-commissioning and maintaining your boat with care will be an important step towards a smooth cruising season.

The optimal functioning of a diesel engine from the start of your cruising season requires attention to some key areas: filters (fuel, air, and oil), fluid levels, fresh impeller and zincs, lubricating and tightening where necessary. Always refer to and defer to engine manual for re-commissioning, maintenance, and upkeep schedule. Some basic recommendations are included below:

1. Engine Filters: Fuel, air, and oil filters. Be prepared with extra, part specific filters of all kinds that your engine requires.

Re-commissioning:

  • Clean and Filtered Fuel: 9 out of 10 times diesel engine problems result from contaminated fuel. Be mindful of fuel that has been or is to be left for any length of time can lead to initial starting trouble because impurities can gel and clog filters. Check and replace fuel filters and associated O-rings regularly according to engine manufacturers instructions: every 200-300 operating hours more than likely. Most diesel systems need to be bled after a filter change. Be prepared to do this. It is good to know how to Bleed down your engine. Use clean diesel fuel.
  • Clean and Filtered Air: Check air filters and keep clean. If your boat has been on the hard in a dusty yard and or if pets are aboard, air filters should be cleaned or replaced more often.
  • Clean and Filtered Oil: Before starting the engine check oil level and quality. Top up or change, if you did not do this before putting your boat up. Oil changes are recommended every 100 to 200 operating hours and filters should be changed every oil change. Using High quality modern oils may accommodate longer oil change intervals.

Maintenance Regarding all types of filters:

In general, it is much easier to keep contaminants out of the system by regularly cleaning and/or changing filters than to attempt to clean contaminants out of an engine once they are inside or rectify any damage caused. Regular air, fuel, and oil filter changes are relatively simple and infinitely important.

2. Fluid levels:

Re-commissioning:

  • Before starting engine Check oil and coolant levels, Top Them, Change them as needed

3. Fresh Impeller and Zincs:

Re-commissioning:

  • Change your impellor. Often when a boat sits, any rubber parts will dry out and crack. This will cause issues. So, just bring a new impeller plus extra for spare/s and install a new impeller before starting your boat. Replace raw water pump impeller according to owners manual
  • Zincs on the prop and Pencil Zincs on the heat exchanger should be inspected. While cruising inspect zincs regularly regardless of operating hours until the you determines the rate of electrolysis in your marine environment. Replace after 50% deterioration.

4. General once over to lubricate and tighten

Re-commissioning:

  • Grease points recommended in owners manual to keep moving parts well lubricated
  • Check belt and pulley tensions (moderate finger pressure should not exceed ½” movement)
  • Check wiring connections, cables, hoses, and hose clamps.
  • Check exhaust components particularly the elbow which can corrode through. Replace as needed.
  • Check engine mount bolts
  • Every time the engine is started, visually check the exhaust for raw water exiting in bursts.
  • Clean raw water sea strainers weekly.
  • Check the condition of coolant, hoses, and hose clamps periodically.

Re-commissioning your engine, referring to your Owners Manual, and keeping up on regular maintenance and upkeep will ensure that a marine diesel engine is in good working order stays in good working order.

14) GOOD NAUTICAL

VINCENTE'S MOORINGS 🇲🇽 ACAPULCO

Vicente's Moorings

Vincente’s Moorings in the heart of Acapulco bay

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Meet Vincente of Vincente’s Moorings,

Besides managing mooring balls in Acapulco, he is also helped with fuel, fresh water, laundry, and local advise.

(fast response ) Whatsapp: + 52 744 439 8184

(slow response ) Email: vicen.28herrera@gmail.com

ireworks: The season’s top attraction will be a sensational New Year’s fireworks extravaganza that will accentuate Acapulco Bay. Watch the sky light up in multiple colors from the comfort of your hotel room or one of this resort city’s glorious main beaches.

This season’s top attraction will be a sensational New Year’s fireworks extravaganza that will light up Acapulco Bay. Watch the sky light up in multiple colors from the comfort of your own yacht

15) LA MARINA ACAPULCO

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

16°50.4733′ N 099°54.43′ W

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CONTACT

LUIS RAMIREZ MAGDALENO

GM

MARINA ACAPULCO

TEL: 744 483 6143

TEL: 744 483 7744

administracion@lamarinaacapulco.com

admonacapulco@jarestate.com

MOVIL: 744 131 3007

Here are the discounts

20% off daily rate

25% off if you stay for more than 2 weeks

Base rate if you stay for more than 1 month

SERVICES

Security

Scuba Center

Berths

Crew area

Storage

Water Supply

Energy Supply

Yacht Club

Small Boat Ramp

Service Dock

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16) EXTENSIVE LIMESTONE CAVES SYSTEMS 🇧🇿 BELIZE

Belize Caves

Belize is home to an extensive network of underground caves that offer a variety of adventures for explorers, spelunkers, and visiting cruising yachts. These caves have historical significance as well, as many were used by the ancient Maya for ceremonial purposes.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave): One of the most popular caves in Belize, known for its archaeological sites including skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware left by the Maya.

Caves Branch River System: This network of caves offers opportunities for tubing and is often a family-friendly adventure.

Barton Creek Cave: Another water-filled cave, it's often explored by canoe and is also known for its archaeological significance.

St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park: This park features not only St. Herman's Cave but also the Inland Blue Hole, a collapsed sinkhole filled with sapphire-blue water.

Rio Frio Cave: Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, this is one of the most accessible caves, with a huge entrance and easy-to-walk paths.

https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/bringing-to-light-mysterious-maya-cave-rituals

more details https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/bringing-to-light-mysterious-maya-cave-rituals

The Chiquibul Cave System is one of the most extensive and significant cave systems in Central America. Located in Belize, it is a part of the greater Chiquibul Forest Reserve, which serves as an invaluable ecological and hydrological resource for the region. This cave system plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity, as it is home to unique species of flora and fauna that have adapted to life in this underground realm.

The Chiquibul Cave System is not just ecologically important but also culturally significant. Evidence suggests that the ancient Maya civilization once used this intricate network of caves for ceremonial and possibly settlement purposes.

From a hydrological perspective, the Chiquibul Cave System contributes to the health of the Chiquibul River. It acts as a natural filter, contributing to the quality of water that flows through this critical waterway.

Due to its immense ecological, historical, and hydrological significance, conservation efforts are in place to protect the cave system. These efforts are led by various organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation of this natural wonder and the unique biodiversity it supports.

Overall, the Chiquibul Cave System is a place of wonder and scientific importance, a hidden gem in the lush landscapes of Belize that serves multiple roles from being a natural habitat to an archaeological treasure trove.

Scuba diving in these caves

Some of the some types of archaeological findings discovered

Human Remains: Skeletons, sometimes in a fairly well-preserved state, have been discovered. These remains provide valuable insights into the rituals and ceremonies of the Maya. For instance, the "Crystal Maiden" in Actun Tunichil Muknal is one of the most famous examples.

Ceramics: Pottery shards or even whole vessels have been found, often intricately designed. These ceramics might have been used for storing food, water, or used in ritualistic activities.

Stone Tools: Various stone tools, including blades, scrapers, and arrowheads, provide evidence of the day-to-day activities that might have taken place within or around the caves.

Inscriptions and Wall Art: Cave walls sometimes feature petroglyphs, inscriptions, or even full murals that depict deities, ceremonies, or historical events, offering a rich tableau of Maya cosmology and history.

Ritual Items: Objects like incense burners, altars, and offerings have been found, suggesting the spiritual or religious significance of these caves to the ancient Maya.

Textiles and Wood: While less common due to the perishable nature of these materials, some caves with specific conditions have preserved organic material like textiles and wooden implements.

Minerals: The presence of minerals like obsidian and jade indicate trade or specialized ritual activities, as these materials were highly valued by the Maya and other Mesoamerican cultures.

Fauna: Occasionally, remains of animals such as bats, birds, or rodents have been found, which can provide insight into the biodiversity of the past and human-animal interactions.

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17) MEET THE FLEET

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Song of the Sea is cruising in Panama & planning to cross the Pacific this season.

We are Song of the Sea. Two teens on board: G17, G15. Planning to go to the Galapagos and the Marquesas. Happy to join the group. We are still in California, we’re flying back on the third, planning to come to Las Perlas once our daughter arrives on the 11th. Still waiting for parts and repairs before continuing our journey.

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

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

18) LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES:

ADVENTURE MEDIA PARTNER

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19) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
ORDER NOW

PANAMA POSSE SWAG ON SALE NOW

SWAG

 

20)
⚠️
NEW ENTRY AND EXIT REGULATIONS IN ECUADOR

New laws instituted in August 2023 require all foreign flagged vessels to obtain permission to enter Ecuadorian Ports. This permission is called an autografo. Autografos require 30 days for processing. If you wish to come to Ecuador ports either in the Galapagos or the mainland you must apply 30 days prior to your estimated arrival date. This document is processed by a Marine Agency. Prior laws allowed vessels under 50 tons to be processed by the ship's captain directly with the Port Captain. That has changed. If you arrive at an Ecuadorian port without an autografo you face the possibility of being refused entry.

21) MUST STOP: ZIHUATANEJO 🇲🇽 MEXICO

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Zihuatanejo's Playa Ropa

Zihuatenejo is a wonderful place to pause and take in on your way north or south along Mexico's Pacific Coast. There are multiple beaches, islands to visit, a lively downtown area, with a beautiful malecon (beachfront walkway), a large conche (central court), a wild assortment of dining options from beachfront palapas to clifftop gourmet restaurants, and practical places, like marine hardware stores...to name a few highlights.

Any time of year one can experience a festival, holiday, or celebration of some kind. Zihuatanejo has an annual sailing festival and guitar festival that are both very popular among cruisers. Both are run by volunteers that welcome support so, feel free to reach out and plan to jump in either are a volunteer or a participant to help these events continue to be joyful and successful.

Sailfest

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Guitarfest @ Zihuatanejo

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Christmas in Zihuatanejo Bay

22) PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽 Mexico

*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor, safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below. Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or offshore.

Ready for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy, live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras. As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.

Arrow was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$36,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama

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SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 36k USD

SY SEAGLUB IS ALSO FOR SALE

1999 Hylas 46 - SEAGLUB - $290,000 USD

ORION

This 1999 Hylas 46 is a beautiful world voyager in amazing, turn-key condition. She is completely equipped for comfortable cruising under any conditions as well as living aboard. It is no wonder that the Hylas 46 is such a popular choice for modern cruising couples.

This is an extremely sought-after vessel. Designed by the renowned German Frers and built by Queen Long Marine, this luxurious-center cockpit, two-stateroom vessel with a longer waterline and beam carried aft, improves sailing performance, comfort at sea and interior volume. The Hylas 46 has the accommodations you want with all the characteristics that make sailing safe, easy and very enjoyable.

This particular Hylas 46 has had only two owners and has been meticulously maintained evidenced by an excel spreadsheet maintenance log book dating back to 2001. SeaGlub is cutter rigged and complete with new in 2020 B&G radar, autopilot and navigation electronics, Selden in-mast mainsail electric furling system, Furlex headsail furler, Harken staysail furler (new 2023), cockpit enclosure, watermaker, electric toilet, Dometic 16,000btu air conditioning system with reverse-cycle heat, dedicated compressors for refrigerator and freezer, dinghy on arch with electric lift winch, flatscreen TV and Fusion stereo sound system, and more. With a 64 hp Yanmar diesel and added 180 amp secondary house alternator, an 8kw Fisher Panda genset, 1,000 watts of solar and a 350 watt Superwind wind generator, SeaGlub is equipped with abundant sources for power generation.

The Hylas 46 has a wonderful aft owner’s private stateroom and ensuite, plus a lovely pullman berth stateroom on the port side with large head forward for guests. The walkthrough galley to starboard is classic with huge top and front-loading fridge and freezer, four-burner stove/oven, incredible counter space, and the galley is safe and secure when sailing or at anchor. The navigation station is on the port side. The salon and the entire interior is pleasing with varnished teak joinery and custom upholstery. The cabin house has generous windows to create a light and bright interior. Custom cabinetry provides even more storage and makes the vessel extremely liveable!

The numerous hatches have screens in the fore and aft staterooms. The quality and luxury is apparent and you will appreciate the attractive appointments from the high-quality fixtures to the all-LED lighting throughout the boat.

ORION

For more information, please contact:

36 Degrees NZ

Rob Hielkema robbs@36degrees.nz

LINK: https://www.36degrees.nz/yacht-boat-sales-auckland-new-zealand/boat/hylas-46

Chris

SY SEAGLUB 🇺🇸 Chris - HYLAS 46'

23) 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

La Playita Marina

24) 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
https://panamaposse.com/flor-de-cana

25) 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

26) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION

Vicente’s Moorings – Acapulco – Mexico

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

27) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM
AROUND THE OCEANS

atlantic posse

ATLANTIC POSSE 23-24'
FORMING NOW

ATLANTIC POSSE

Sign up now

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean

San-Cristobal-de-La-Laguna

The extraordinary route of the Atlantic Posse - Spain to Puerto Rico & the Dominican Republic

Atlantic Posse
south pacific posse

23) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 3
UNDERWAY

Jean Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center

⚓ Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre 🇳🇨 New Caledonia

Designed by Renzo Piano and opened in 1998, the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center (Centre Culturel Tjibaou) was built to mimic the villages of the local Kanak people.

It is named in honor of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, who died in 1989 while leading a fight for freedom from the French government, and dedicated to exploring the culture of New Caledonia and the South Pacific.

Although a wonder of modern architecture and green building innovations, it is also deeply connected with the area, from its exterior of local iroko wood to its utilization of traditional building techniques. The building was designed to “sing” as it vibrates with the strong ocean winds, which are also allowed through the building as natural ventilation, so that the center is not just in harmony with nature, but a part of it. The double layered exterior forces warm air up and out of the building. It was also created to be stable in violent winds and earthquakes.

The huts of the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center contain a center for art, a museum, theatres, and a library.

Kanank Artifcats

New Caledonia Art and artifact Types

Posse

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

 

OP

© 2023 Ocean Posse LLC


FLEET UPDATE 2023-10-17

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

October 17, 2023

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.

-Anais Nin 

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7:  Registration Is Open And 187 Yachts Have Already Signed Up !
  • Thursday, October 19, 2023: PredictWind Weather routing Zoom
  • Saturday, October 21, 2023: New Vessels On-boarding Zoom
  • Sunday, October 22, 2023: OpenCPN Zoom
  • Season 7 Burgees are starting to fly
  • Letter to the fleet from Captain Dietmar
  • Award Nominations 🏆
  • Season Posse Events
  • Cruising Ecuador 🇪🇨 
  • A Trip to a Jaguar Rescue Station, Costa Rica  🇨🇷
  • Big and Small Actions affecting our Oceans 
  • Vessel and Crew Must Have's
  • Bahia Tenacatita  🇲🇽
  • Must See: LOST CITY, COLOMBIA (CIUDAD PERDIDA) 🇨🇴 
  • Meet the Fleet: SY WANDERER
  • Boats for Sale: SV Arrow and Sea Glub
  • News from other Oceans
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

187 Yachts from 19 ensigns 
are signed up : JOIN THE POSSE >>

vessels's ensigns

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

image

Summering at the Head of Gulfo Papagayo in Costa Rica 🇨🇷 in Marina Papagayo,

an absolute gem of a marina sponsor!

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

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole
image

Renting umbrellas and chairs is just the beginning of what makes for a fabulous beach day in 🇪🇨 Ecuador

SY PATHFINDER 🇺🇸 Jean-Philippe & Nicole - Lagoon 39'

PATHFINDER Jean-PhilippePATHFINDER Nicole
image

All smiles flying the spinnaker in Panama Bay 🇵🇦 Panama

SY WHIRLWIND 🇺🇸 Maurisa, Mike, Russell & Josea – Alajuela 48’

WHIRLWINDWHIRLWINDWHIRLWINDWHIRLWIND
image

SY WANDERER  Andrew & Ingrid  Beneteau 41.1′ flying their spinnaker.

WANDERER CaseyWANDERER Ingrid
image

The Ocean Posse is in Annapolis, MD 🇺🇸 Boat Show delivering Burgees to the fleet.

Burgees

2) THREE ZOOM SEMINARS THIS MONTH

SAVE THE DATE 

#1 : PREDICT WIND & OCEAN POSSE /  DEPARTURE PLANNING & WEATHER ROUTING

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2023

Zoom Meeting

12:00-13:30 PACIFIC TIME

PREDICT WIND

With
advanced weather technology, there is no reason to get caught out in
unfavorable weather conditions. PredictWind introduced the first online
Departure Planning tool over a decade ago and now with new updates, it’s
even more effective at finding the best weather window for departure.

Zoom link to  this free and highly informative Panama Posse seminar

#2  SAVE THE DATE ZOOM SEMINAR

NEW VESSELS ON-BOARDING WITH NICOLE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023

14:00 EASTERN  TIME  

13:00 PANAMA   TIME  

12:00 MEXICO   TIME  

11:00  PACIFIC TIME 

meet Nicole - the Panama Posse welcome Ambassador 

Nicole
is your welcome ambassador to help you reach new height and help you
make the most of all the perks of the Panama Posse 

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7  

AHOY YOU ARE CORDIALLY  

INVITED TO MEET YOUR PEERS 

        

      NEW VESSELS PP           
 ON-BOARDING ZOOM WITH NICOLE

 Oct 21, 2023 11:00 AM 

ACCESS THE ZOOM: MEETING WITH NICOLE BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK >> 
 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84650030777?pwd=naFyIAeGLQRhwXZk1aeUKRABaNhaI0.1

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7 burgees

 #3 SAVE THE DATE ZOOM SEMINAR

OPEN CPN ZOOM SEMINAR

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2023

13:00-15:00 PACIFIC TIME

image

This will be our annual pre-season OPEN CPN seminar hosted by Rob Murray and Captain Dietmar

Requirements:

Preinstalled OPEN CPN on a laptop or android tablet and running. 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89462502982?pwd=NWdFekVkaVcvdk5EWHNTa1dRWEZLUT09

Phasmatdoea

Phasmatodea

 "Stick
insect" redirects here. Not to be confused with Stick grasshopper,
Stick mantis, or Water stick insect." ... The are found in  South
America, Central America, , the southern United States, Southeast Asia
and have even been found in Antarctica ..."

3) BURGEES ARE GETTING DELIVERED 

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY GETTING HOISTED

* FLY OUR NEWEST SEASON FLAG *

image

Now flying in Barra de Navidad, Mexico 🇲🇽  aboard the MV Delta Swizzler  

image

Also, on display and available for pick up at Isla Navidad Marina Office 🇲🇽 Mexico

image

Back in Barra waiting for everyone! Where’s the party ?

These slips will fill for Kick Off Weekend DEC 7-10 in Barra de Navidad, MX 🇲🇽 

MV DELTA SWIZLER 🇺🇸 Mark & Cindy - Vantare 58′

PICK UP YOUR BURGEE AT THE KICK OFF OR

4) A LETTER FROM THE FLEET CAPTAIN,

CAPTAIN DIETMAR

image

Captain Dietmar carries the torch and flies the flag for this fleet all over the world.

As
we are getting close to casting off in a few weeks, your thoughts may
drift toward the journey ahead; a journey not for the timid, a test for
even the most seasoned among us.

Our focus has and always will be on your benefits in taking part in the Panama Posse and share a few words before we cast off.

Leading
the Panama Posse is not just a title or a task; it's a deep-seated
responsibility I feel toward each one of you. We're not just weekend
warriors looking for a leisurely sail; we are adventurers who dare to
put our own yachts, our own investments, on the line in the quest for
something greater.

This
community of yacht owners who understand that this rally is more than
just another post; it's a collection of experiences that will challenge
us to our core.

We
have solicited and received help from the Ocean Posse council and wish
to say thanks to 3 team members who help kept the organization from
running aground.

Let me introduce:

Isabela,
who's has agreed to help us expand the relationships with marinas.
With her background in the marine industry, she knows cruisers
very well and knows the realities on the ground.

Maurisa,
THE editor of the fleet updates who sails amongst us and feels the
trials and tribulations of balancing live, family, adventure and
storytelling from her unique perspective.

Nicole,
a Panama Posse veteran. Her joy and genuine caring helps with the
on-boarding of new participants - so that the spirit stays true, fresh,
on course and pet friendly.

As
the Posse continues to evolve, we seek to improve from within – if you
have an idea, or way to make us better let us know or better yet – make
it so.  

All
of us are setting sail for waters that promise beauty but don't shy
away from teaching us lessons. Engine and equipment issues, navigational
challenges, difficult officials and yes, even the odd squall and
lightening, are part and parcel of what we're signing up for.

And
that's the point, isn’t it? We willingly invest our time, resources,
and our yachts because the payoff goes beyond marina discounts or the
up-to-date information and time savings. It’s about living our aquatic
life on our terms and testing our tenacity against what the sea decides
to throw at us.

The
real essence of the Posse is the collective grit and resilience we
bring. In essence, it's the unspoken pact between us, yacht owners and
skippers, that makes the Panama Posse what it is —a proving ground for
skills and a place for genuine friendships. It's the assurance that when
we set our course and brave the elements, we don't just risk our
vessels; we also put faith in each other.

So,
here’s to the challenges and unpredictability that make this rally more
than a trip but a life experience. Here's to you, the rare and brave
souls who don't just dream but dare to chart a course toward the
unknown.

Let's
hoist these burgees  and take on this adventure, knowing whatever
comes our way, we've got a fleet of like-minded explorers ready to
tackle it together.

Onward !

Captain Dietmar

SY CARINTHIA Dietmar & Suzanne (+Maxi) - Lagoon 44′

DietmarCARINTHIA suzanneCARINTHIA Maxi

5) FOUR AWARD SEASON 7 ENTRIES

#1 AWARD ENTRY: BOAT YOGA

IGITAL YACHT SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE We are proud to sponsor the Panama Posse !

Mark reaching into the depths to fix something in  Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 🇲🇽 

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

DAWN PATROL - MarkDAWN PATROL - Laney

ANNUAL AWARDS :

  • 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

Nominate yourself, a crew member, or another boat.  

Share the adventure on our line ap, facebook, or instagram

big fish

 
6) SEASON 7 PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

events

We
look forward to meeting you at these events - we do not sail on a set
schedule to make your journey more relaxed and take into account ever
changing weather conditions.  Move only when the conditions are
right and you feel good !

The
events in Barra de Navidad /  Shelter Bay / Club De Pesca and
Buenaventura will have POT LUCK culinary competition so follow these
rules to win the coveted 

PANAMA POSSE 
🏆
GALLEY GOD(ESS) AWARD 

(1) ANNAPOLIS 
US SAIL BOAT SHOW 

OCTOBER  12 – 15, 2023
ANNAPOLIS, MD  🇺🇸 BOOTH VB 10

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW

For discounted US SAILBOAT SHOW  tickets follow this link >> 
or if you have time to volunteer at the Panama Posse booth we 'll get you 2 free daily tickets - email registration@panamaposse.com

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW
GET DISCOUNTS ON TIX

(2) SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA + EVENT CENTER 
SATURDAY, OCT 29 2023
  CHULA VISTA 🇺🇸  
SAN DIEGO

SAT OCT 28, 2023 SAN DIEGO, CA 🇺🇸 SAFE HARBOR – SOUTH BAY

LEARN + HAVE FUN AND MEET THE FLEET
13:00 – SEMINARS

18:00 – INVOCATION OF THE FLEET

18:30 – PARTY & OPEN RUM BAR

EVENT CENTER
SAN DIEGO RSVP 

(3) PANAMA POSSE 
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, '23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

BARRA RSVP 
Secundino Harbormaster

Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master
Vessels
Must be  registered with the Panama Posse  prior to Oct 31st
to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

GOlF Course

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

Barra

(4) CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 13 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For
those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in
full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and
culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

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

RSVP FOR CARI
Shelter Bay

(6) 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:

Emilio Lau - Marina Manager
emilio@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  

RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
Buenaventura

(7) NEW EVENT JUST ANNOUNCED IN BELIZE 

NEW EVENT IN BELIZE JUST ADDED

Thank's
to Belize Tourism e have just added a 7th event for the Coral Pods an
incredible celebration is brewing in Belize and a first of it's
kind 

Mark your calendar and rsvp as soon as you can 
BELIZE YACHT FEST ° PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB °

16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′

SATURDAY April 6th, 2024

16:00 – 21:30

BELIZE YACHT FEST ° PLACENCIA YACHT CLUB ° 16° 30.471’N 088° 21.7216′ SATURDAY April 6th, 2024 16:00 – 21:30
Belize Tourism

7) OCEAN POSSE IN ANNAPOLIS OCT 12-15

image

Ocean Posse booth at the Annapolis Boat Show

image

An excellent location on Vacation Basin.

image

Teaming with Tourism Belize & Flor de Cana.

image

SY CERCA TROVA
gets their Season 7 Panama Posse burgee and a big big thank you for
volunteering at the Annapolis boat show booth with the  Panama
Posse 

image

New and old members visited the booth:

image

Returning Posse members from SY JUBEL get their burgee from the Captain

GREAT BLUE HOLE BELIZE

The Great Blue Hole  🇧🇿  BELIZE

8) JOIN THE ADVENTURE :

JOIN AN INDEPENDENT FLEET OF CAPTAINS AND SKIPPERS

CURRENTLY THERE ARE 187 BOATS REGISTERED FOR SEASON 7

OUR GOAL FOR OCTOBER IS TO REACH 200 BOATS

PANAMA POSSE

Sharing adventures is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse experience. 

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO 99 REASONS WHY TO JOIN THE POSSE? 

image

#42 discover sprawling underground cave systems

image

#43 celebrate life with the day of the dead

image

#95 Discover blue water anchorages in paradise

image

#99 making new and good friends

9) CRUISING THE HURRICANE SEASON MONTHS

SOUTH OF THE HURRICANE BELT

IN ECUADOR 🇪🇨 
  

tracking

SY PATHFINDERS recent track on the coast of Ecuador 🇪🇨 

Recently, SY PATHFINDER
did a passage from Manta, Ecuador south along the coast.  Sharing
pictures and information along the way is one of the things Posse
members do for each other.  Thanks Jean-Philippe & Nicole for
sharing your experiences with the fleet so that others may enjoy Ecuador
as well.

We
are so happy we spent hurricane season here (no lightening) navigating
and lots of land travel in South America. We are thinking about sailing
back to Panama in December and returning to Ecuador in late April again.

Anchored
in Manta, Ecuador for two nights. Very calm even with strong wind.
Great provisioning and hardware store, plus delicious beach restaurants
and bars. Water taxi to take us to the public dock. We got the sign so
we celebrated Oktoberfest today before sailing down the coast tomorrow
morning.

SAIL AWAY

Public dock in Manta, Ecuador 🇪🇨

image

Great provisioning in Manta, Ecuador, 🇪🇨

image

Getting into the Octoberfest Spirit.

Unexpectedly,
we could sail close hauled after Cabo San Lorenzo on our way from Manta
to Los Ciriales. Smack onto our destination point, no degree to spare.
With wind up to 19 knots and one reef on the main. Sailing south along
the coast of Ecuador has beautiful surprises. We saw lots of whales
still this late in the season. We were welcomed back by the local
fishermen in Los Ciriales and fully enjoyed a lovely sunset after 47
nautical miles.

image

Sailing close hauled

image

Taking in the sunset

image

Whale action off the coast of Ecuador 🇪🇨

Arriving in Los Ciriales, Ecuador ⚓️S 01 28.832 W 080 46.693 - 5 meters low tide.

This
community is doing some incredible things to preserve their ocean
environment. One of the local fishermen shared videos with us to share
with all of you. We had a great stroll on the beach yesterday watching
the careened fishing boats being repaired and repainted on the shore.
Delicious authentic Ecuatoriano food. Really friendly and helpful people
excited to meet us and hear our boat story. They even brought us fresh,
gigantic shrimp last night. We really love this place and even more so
now seeing how they are making a true effort to care for the ocean.

image

Making landfall and strolling the beach 

image

Careened fishing boats getting repaired and repainted

image

Beachfront dining.

image

Anchor watch: looking good from here

Salinas, Ecuador⚓️S 02 12.201 W 080 58.232 (3.5 meters low tide)

We
had a very good 53 nautical miles passage from Los Ciriales to Salinas,
our zarpe final destination ($5.16 to check in and very simple this
time now that we know the system). We had another great whale experience
coming down. Salinas’ nickname is Little Miami and it’s very active and
fun with a beautiful beach. Lots of jet ski action though so we have
set up some protection lines and will use some of your suggestions if
necessary. Great beach day, we arrived by paddle boards and rented an
umbrella and two chairs for $5 all day. Fresh crab, liter size cocktails
and lovely sunsets. We like Salinas a lot, great protection from waves
so feels like a lake and easy shore landing. Lots of space to anchor in
sand and right in front of the Capitanía pier. Cheers!

image

Passage making

image

An impressive skyline

image

Life is good on the beach in "Little Miami

image

So refreshing, Cheers!

10) SIGN UP FOR VESSEL TRACKING
  

image

Free yacht tracking courtesy of Predict Wind:

ADD YOUR VESSEL TO THIS FLEET TRACKING PAGE >>  

For Help and to review the different options :

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ABOUT THE FLEET TRACKING PROCESS >>

Group Fleet Tracking is designed to give an overview of 

where Posse vessels are along the route. 

For
specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates,
changes, real time positions and specific location related questions
please contact each vessel directly and follow their vessel tracker. You
may track vessels via their tracker or request AIS tracking from
https://www.marinetraffic.com/.  Please note: that this is also not
exactly accurate either. There are many reasons why a vessel’s position
is not updated.  It is important NOT TO conclude that a vessel has
an emergency or is in need of assistance because the vessel has not
reported in lately. Sometimes they may just want to get away from it all
and not tell you where they are. It is the responsibility of each
vessel to file a float and check in plan and escalation procedures.

ANCHORAGE

11)MARINA PAPAGAYO 🇨🇷 SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

image

Marina Papagayo
is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Panama Posse fleet for the
2020/21 season.  Our dockage discount for Posse members is:

Stay three nights pay for two

Stay for a week and pay for five days

Stay for a month and pay the annual monthly rate

Complimentary drink coupons for the Dive bar on arrival  

 

We look forward to welcoming you to Marina Papagayo.  

 

Best Regards,

 

Dan 

image

Dan, the marina manager, is a sailor among us & a longtime sponsor of the Posse

Costa
Rica is out of the hurricane zone. Just lightning and thunder. A few
Panama Posse vessels summered at Marina Papagayo in 2023 and it gets way
less rain and lightning/thunder compared to south CR like Golfito.

A
special shout out to Marina Papagayo and manager Dan for being a Panama
Posse sponsor! Such a beautiful eco-conscious marina with everything
you could ask for: potable water, complimentary pump out services,
laundry, gym, pool, game room, hot showers with good water pressure, 24
hour security, recycling, mini market, marine store, and concierge
services. There’s a nice walking trail to beautiful beaches and
restaurants where you are likely to encounter all kinds of wildlife like
deer, iguanas, and monkeys. The marina is so clean, you don’t have to
think twice about cleaning the bottom of your boat (or running the water
maker). A pet friendly marina with wonderful staff! I would highly
recommend this marina to anyone visiting Costa Rica!

image

Marina Papagayo has walking trails into the forest steps from the dock ramps.

image

A truly eco-conscious marina offering fullscale waste management program

image

Well stocked, clean, and cool Marine Store.

Marina Papagayo

12) A TRIP TO THE 

JAGUAR RESCUE CENTERAND SANCTUARY

PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA 🇨🇷

image

Spider Monkeys are one of four monkey species native to Costa Rica

image

Sleeping jaguar

image

A casual and common position for a sloth is to hang by an arm and a leg.

We
had an incredible time at the Jaguar rescue center in puerto viejo.
This rescue center receives over 900 animals a year! Most of the animals
seen here are permanent residents that are unable to go back in the
wild for a variety of reasons; they were illegal pets by humans for a
long time and don’t have adequate survival skills, have injuries from
being hunted or electrocuted, rejected as a baby (for blindness), have
immunocompromised bodies from disease, and even a flock 7 ducks who were
raised with chickens and act like it. I can’t say enough great things
about this place; the animals who live here have such unique
personalities that shine in their comfort of this safe haven. Some of
them just freely roam the place. Just a group of misfits living their
best life in Costa Rica.

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

MAISON DE SANTE KeenanMAISON DE SANTE Nicole

13) ☀️ SUN POWERED YACHTS ☀️  

⛵SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE⛵

We are exited and pleased to sponsor the Panama Posse with a special 

10% discount off SunPower solar panel bundles.

Just
use promocode PANAMAPOSSE at checkout www.sunpoweredyachts.com/shop and
start enjoying clean & quiet solar aboard your boat.

We also offer free consultations so please email or call and let us help you go solar today.

PRODUCTS

  • SUNPOWER
  • VICTRON
  • MAXEON
  • AERL
  • CABLES CONNECTORS SLEEVES
image

Sun Powered Yachts

W: sunpoweredyachts.com

T: +1 808 825 2670

E:  lyall@sunpoweredyachts.com

E: katie@sunpoweredyachts.com

Lyall
is from the UK and has travelled to 50 countries backpacking and
sailing.  With a background in Hospitality and Event Management he
found sailing in 2004 has logged over 55,000 miles and qualified as an
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.

Katie
is from Maine and has been working in the solar industry in Hawaii for
over a decade, most recently for Rising Sun Solar.  Her knowledge
of solar products and system design will be an asset to your yacht’s
system.

Based
on our time and experience sailing, on short trips and living at sea,
we have created a Power Usage Chart below.  You can see more
details on what each system could power on your weekend or live aboard
sailing adventure.  Create your own power usage table and see what
your power needs are aboard your own yacht then choose the number of
solar panels accordingly

image

14) 
3 DIFFERENT ACTIONS HAPPENING IN THE 

OCEANS IN WHICH WE CRUISE 

1) The Ocean Cleanup is  a non-profit organization financed with the help of individual and commercial donations/sponsorships. 

The Ocean Cleanup's mission: 

To develop and scale technologies to rid the oceans of plastic.

Every
year, millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans, of which the
majority spills out from rivers. A portion of this plastic travels to
ocean garbage patches, where it gets caught in a vortex of circulating
currents alongside plastic from other sources (e.g. offshore fishing
activities). If no action is taken, plastic will increasingly impact our
ecosystems, health, and economies.

image

System 03 in action in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

image

Collections are brought aboard to be sorted.

image

2) Proyecto Sucre is
a community based project in collaboration with other organizations
that aims to create a model of sustainability for existing coastal
communities of Ecuador.  Empowering and educating their members
through different pillars of the project so that they become the main
protectors of the ecosystems that surround them from which they so much
depend on as their main source of income.

In
their first project they worked with members of the Ciriales community
introducing them to the sport of freediving and marine ecosystem health a
reef monitoring workshop

Coral
reefs are one of the most biodiverse and valuable ecosystems in our
planet. Around 25% of marine species depend on these ecosystems.

Due
to different global and local stressors, around 75% of coral reefs are
under extreme threat. Scientists estimate that for 2050, only 10% of
reefs around the world will survive.

Due to this urgent call, we at Corallium
decided to team up with local communities to introduce the first coral
restoration project in continental Ecuador, implementing different coral
gardening mechanisms. Coral gardening involves building underwater
nurseries, where coral fragments grown until they are ready to be
out-planted to degraded areas.

3)  Subsistence Fishing is
a way of life; a source of income, sustenance, and survival for many
coastal communities.  The fishing methods of subsistence fisherman
vary dramatically from using low-technology gear which may be part of
traditional or cultural practice to modern, toxic methods with long
lasting, far reaching, harmful effects.  Practices vary and are
worth considering.  

Shown
here is a typical dugout canoe that many coastal fisherman use.
Why the bleach bottles?  Unfortunately, the bleach is being
used by some fisherman to pour into the reef under rocks to kill and
catch octopus. Unlike a spear (a low-tech, traditional method), bleach
is not a targeted killer.  Rather it kills coral and creatures with
abandon.  This method has been seen in Canada by the natives in
Haida Gwaii and now we (SY JUBEL) are seeing it again in Bocas del Toro, Panama.  A local here walked past us with a bucket FULL of octopus.  

To
say that subsistence fishing is complicated in the modern era is an
understatement.  To say that this particular 'bleach' method will
not support fisheries for the long term which truly is what we all need
cannot be overstated.

image

Dugout canoe on the beach in Bocas, Panama  🇵🇦

image

Fish (mariscos) sold on the street in Huatulco, Mexico 🇲🇽

Having
said that many people along the Pacific Coast survive by fishing and
bringing fish to market.  How the fish are brought there is
definitely a worthy question.   Each day as individuals the choices
we make have an impact.  

Southbound
Posse members cruising along the Pacific Coast of the Baja Peninsula
may find a stopover in Abreojos particularly interesting so long as the
wind and sea conditions allow it.  This coastal community is making
incredible efforts to maintain their way of life living off the ocean
and support their fishery so that they may continue to live off the
ocean.

Like
many coastal communities, Punta Abreojos has an organized cooperative
that fisherman and their families join.  The Fish Production
Cooperative Society of Punta Abreojos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, is a
good example of a highly organized fishing cooperative that has been in
existence since 1948.  Being a part of a Cooperative, or
cooperativo has many economic and social benefits including the ability
to take out loans. In Abreojos fishers consider protection of their
resources, economic security, unity, and progress essential for
maintaining their cooperative. Punta Abreojos is an example of a
community that has worked for generations to become marine stewards
while maintaining an economically viable fishery.  An example of
their stewardship is their observation of more conservative harvest
seasons; an uncommon, self-imposed ban. Rather than fish for abalone as
soon as the government allows, in January, the community waits until
April, when the shellfish have put on more weight.  A shorter
harvest season of abalone affects more than the abalone.  The
community of Abreojos has seen a direct correlation between limiting
their harvest and improving the lives and returns on many other species
as well.

SEE THIS ARTICLE FOR MORE ON THE COMMUNITY EFFORTS OF ABREOJOS TO BE STEWAARDS OF THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR RESOURCES.

image

A small and special slice of the Baja Peninsula.

15) VESSELS AND CREW MUST HAVES

WHEN ENTERING A FOREIGN (TO THEM) COUNTRY

https://panamaposse.com/sevenstar

USCG Documentation is required in some countries.

DOCUMENTS

Here is a list of documents you will either need to bring, provide, or get upon arrival in a new country

1) Bring Original Vessel Documentation ( up to date not expired )

2)
Bring Valid and unexpired Passport(s) – – some countries may refuse you
entry if the expiration date is in not less than 6 months

3)
Most marinas will require insurance – best to get some –  minimum
for staying in marinas is 3rd party liability insurance

4) Bring Zarpes (document from last port issued by port captain stating the departed port and the projected arrival port)

5)
Get your T.I.P. or temporary import permits for every country– get that
in Chiapas, Ensenada, or Cancun  – do not skip customs when you
check in !

6)
If you are vessel is documented under a corporate vessel ownership
you need a  notarized document stating that you are
authorized to operate this vessel.

If
your vessel is under a trust there are several countries which will
make your life a living hell as they do not recognize trusts per say.

Contact your maritime attorney for details.

7)
You will need a USCG registration for US vessels – state registration
may work but will NOT work in Panama – so be sure that you have USCG
documentation.

8)
if you plan to check out of Mexico you will need some type of proof of
proficiency  – a online California boating certificate at minimum
or a captains license – yachtmaster certificate on the high end

9)
If you sail with pet’s – all the docs you can muster plus more –
vaccination certificates – 15 digit international chips under their skin
– rabies vaccination certificate  . etc etc.

10)
Prescriptions for controlled medication – you can get most meds over
the counter but for specific meds it is best to carry your scripts

11) Vaccination Record ( Covid ) – while this may not be necessary everywhere, having a Covid vaccination record can

– ease your entries if Covid makes a comeback

– cheaper (no test fees )

– smoother ( agents will assist but with a lot of back and forth }

– this may also avoid wrinkles associated with non- vaccinated individuals.

In
other words you can come non-vaccinated, but any and all delays
obstacles and restrictions, additional fees, paperwork etc etc are on
you and your crew and will reduce mitigating any issues which
may/can/might/will arise, if these issues are related to not being
vaccinated.

12)
COURTESY FLAGS & Q FLAG (while not technically documents they are
required especially in Nicaragua  even if you  are not
stopping and under innocent passage – they are available from amazon
 

HERE IS THE LINK ON AMAZON FOR A 12" x 18" COURTESY FLAG

image

Got flags, will fly them.

16) GOOD NAUTICAL ANCHORAGE

A CLASSIC AND A LONGTIME FAVORITE:

BAHIA TENACATITA, MEXICO 🇲🇽 

Bahia Tenacatita has multiple anchorages to choose from.

These beaches have been host to many great gatherings large and small

Dinghy raft ups are also popular in Bahia Tenacatita

Bahia
Tenacatita is a classic and longtime favorite anchorage for new and
season cruisers alike.  There are multiple anchorages where one can
drop the hook depending on the wind and swell direction, and/or the
crews desire for solitude, provisions, or social activities.  The
innermost bay in the northwest corner is the most popular anchorage: it
has a small restaurant, an estuary one can tour up to visit other
beaches and palapas, a small surf wave that is great for beginners,.
People have been know to organize small, fun regattas in the Bay
from this anchorage as well.  

image

Watching the trim for speed in Bahia Tenacatita regatta 2023

17) MARINA PUERTO BAHIA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 🇩🇴 

SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

19° 11.6383′ N 069° 21.3283′ W

Vicente's Moorings

We are pleased to sponsor the Panama Posse with 

a special 15% discount on Winter rates (High Season) !

Puerto
Bahía is a full service marina in Samaná, Northeast of Dominican
Republic, offering slips for vessels up to 150ft LOA and access to
boutique hotel amenities.

image

CONTACT

Gavi Roustand

Harbour Master

marina@puertobahiasamana.com

T: +1 809 801 9756 (Calls and Whatsapp)

Carretera Sanchez-Samaná

KM, 5, Samaná 32000,

Dominican Republic

W: puertobahia.do

18) LOST CITY : CIUDAD PERDIDA

COLUMBIA 🇨🇴 

image

Ciudad
Perdida consists of a series of 169 terraces carved into the
mountainside, a net of tiled roads and several small circular plazas.

image

Hidden
deep in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in
Colombia sits Ciudad Perdida, the “Lost City.” Built by the Tairona
people more than 1,000 years ago, the archaeological site only became an
attraction after it was uncovered in the 1970s.

Los
Sepúlveda was a small family of looters in Colombia; their story leads
to the beginning of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in
modern times. The family went hunting in the forests of Colombia when
they shot down a wild turkey. Upon retrieving the turkey, they noticed
it had fallen on a piece of an exposed staircase. This staircase would
lead them to find La Ciudad Perdida. For years after its discovery by
the looters, “Treasures from the site, including gold figures and
ceramics, soon began to appear on the black market”

Although
La Ciudad Perdida is one of the most impressive sites, it’s not alone,
only about 30-40% of the sites in the Sierra Nevada region have actually
been explored. Thanks to recent widespread lidar access, more and more
of these sites are being discovered, and the search for new lost cities
has just begun

image

1,200 stone steps built by the Tairona. 

Ciudad
Perdida was probably the region’s political and manufacturing center on
the Buritaca River and may have housed 2,000–8,000 people.

Named
Teyuna by the Tairona but dubbed Ciudad Perdida upon rediscovery, the
ancient wonder is perched on hillsides and tucked into a dense
rainforest.

image
image

 Juan from SY Ay Caramaba ! PP2019-2020  in the – Lost City / Ciudad Perdida

https://panamaposse.com/must-see

17) MEET THE FLEET

image

Ingrid and Drew on SY WANDERER

We’re
Ingrid and Drew on S/V Wanderer, our 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 41.1 that we
purchased in Seattle in the Summer of 2022. After a brief refit to make
her “cruiser friendly”, we escaped our land based lives, sold
everything and began our cruising adventure down the west coast to take
part in the 2022 Baja-Haha.

Our
dream of Gin-clear, warm water, and amazing scenery kept us going down
the coast and we could not be happier with our decision. Currently in
Panama City, our sail plan is to transit the canal in early November,
and head for the Bahamas. After that, who knows, but we will most likely
be back in Panama for next hurricane season to continue exploring this
area.

image

SY WANDERER 🇺🇸 Ingrid & Drew - Beneteau Oceanis 41.1

WANDERER CaseyWANDERER Ingrid

18) LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES:

ADVENTURE MEDIA PARTNER

https://latsatts.com/2023/09/three-sheets-podcast-mom-with-a-map-living-a-nomadic-life-on-the-water/

19) POSSE SWAG

SHOP
ORDER NOW

PANAMA POSSE SWAG ON SALE NOW

 

20)  
⚠️
TOURIST VISAS EXTENDED TO 180 DAYS

 IN COSTA RICA

image

Posse Member Nicole Smith recently received the new180 tourist visa

According to the Tico Times, a Costa Rican Newspaper:

The
Costa Rican government has announced an extension of the maximum stay
period for foreign tourists visiting on a tourist visas, from 90 days to
180 days. The new regulation, which came into effect in September 2023,
applies to passport holders from countries that are visa-exempt,
including the United States, Canada, and most European nations.

The
decision to increase the permitted length of stay for tourists was made
in consultation with the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR). CANATUR
has long advocated that the previous 90-day limit was insufficient for
visitors to fully experience all that Costa Rica has to offer.

“The
National Chamber of Tourism says the previous residency and stay terms
were too short to encourage ample tourist spending and activity,” noted
CANATUR’s Jorge Gamboa.

 

22)  PANAMA POSSE BOATS FOR SALE

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽  Mexico

*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow
is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water
maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system
with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of
sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor,
safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee
cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain
awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.
Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or
offshore.  

Ready
for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy,
live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting
history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be
an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.
As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her
off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.  

Arrow
was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead
sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead
ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and
offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement
ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a
kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

Now asking: $34,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama

image

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 34k USD

SY SEAGLUB IS ALSO FOR SALE

1999 Hylas 46 - SEAGLUB - $290,000 USD

ORION

This
1999 Hylas 46 is a beautiful world voyager in amazing, turn-key
condition. She is completely equipped for comfortable cruising under any
conditions as well as living aboard. It is no wonder that the Hylas 46
is such a popular choice for modern cruising couples.

This
is an extremely sought-after vessel. Designed by the renowned German
Frers and built by Queen Long Marine, this luxurious-center cockpit,
two-stateroom vessel with a longer waterline and beam carried aft,
improves sailing performance, comfort at sea and interior volume. The
Hylas 46 has the accommodations you want with all the characteristics
that make sailing safe, easy and very enjoyable.

This
particular Hylas 46 has had only two owners and has been meticulously
maintained evidenced by an excel spreadsheet maintenance log book dating
back to 2001. SeaGlub is cutter rigged and complete with new in 2020
B&G radar, autopilot and navigation electronics, Selden in-mast
mainsail electric furling system, Furlex headsail furler, Harken
staysail furler (new 2023), cockpit enclosure, watermaker, electric
toilet, Dometic 16,000btu air conditioning system with reverse-cycle
heat, dedicated compressors for refrigerator and freezer, dinghy on arch
with electric lift winch, flatscreen TV and Fusion stereo sound system,
and more. With a 64 hp Yanmar diesel and added 180 amp secondary house
alternator, an 8kw Fisher Panda genset, 1,000 watts of solar and a 350
watt Superwind wind generator, SeaGlub is equipped with abundant sources
for power generation.

The
Hylas 46 has a wonderful aft owner’s private stateroom and ensuite,
plus a lovely pullman berth stateroom on the port side with large head
forward for guests. The walkthrough galley to starboard is classic with
huge top and front-loading fridge and freezer, four-burner stove/oven,
incredible counter space, and the galley is safe and secure when sailing
or at anchor. The navigation station is on the port side. The salon and
the entire interior is pleasing with varnished teak joinery and custom
upholstery. The cabin house has generous windows to create a light and
bright interior. Custom cabinetry provides even more storage and makes
the vessel extremely liveable!

The
numerous hatches have screens in the fore and aft staterooms. The
quality and luxury is apparent and you will appreciate the attractive
appointments from the high-quality fixtures to the all-LED lighting
throughout the boat.

ORION

For more information, please contact:

36 Degrees NZ

Rob Hielkema robbs@36degrees.nz

LINK: https://www.36degrees.nz/yacht-boat-sales-auckland-new-zealand/boat/hylas-46

 SY  SEAGLUB 🇺🇸 Chris - HYLAS 46'

 

23)  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 

24)  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 
https://panamaposse.com/flor-de-cana

25) 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
https://panamaposse.com/panama-canal

26) PANAMA CANAL AGENT 
WAYPOINT YACHT SERVICES IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE PANAMA POSSE

Years
of experience in the maritime industry have provided us with great
tools, to be able to respond to our customers’ requirements in an
efficient and professional way.

I
wish to draw your attention to a crucial update regarding yacht
transits through the Panama Canal due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon
effects.

The
Panama Canal Authority (PCA) has officially communicated (see attached
dated October 9, 2023) that water conservation measures will impact the
small yacht transits.

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.

Waypoint
Yacht Services is here to assist during these delays, offering marina
arrangements, maintenance, repairs, and leisure activities. To minimize
disruptions, please share your estimated transit date with us promptly,
allowing us to coordinate with the PCA for the earliest possible transit
dates.

Act swiftly to secure your transit plans and avoid unnecessary delays.

Contact us today through panama@waypointyacht.com

Thanks and best regards,

Marcus Santana General Manager

Cellphone +507 6676-1376

WhatsApp +507 6676-1376

27) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION

Vicente’s Moorings – Acapulco – Mexico

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  

28) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

atlantic posse

ATLANTIC POSSE 23-24'
FORMING NOW

ATLANTIC POSSE

Sign up now

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

Azores

The extraordinary route of the Atlantic Posse - Bermuda via AZORES to Portugal

Atlantic Posse
south pacific posse

23) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 4
EARLY REGISTRATION OPENS DEC 1

Join the SPP
Posse

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

 

OP

© 2023  Ocean Posse LLC


CATALINA

FLEET UPDATE 2023-09-03

Panama Posse

PANAMA POSSE 
 
FLEET UPDATE 

Boca Chica

September 3, 2023

"It
is better to meet danger than to wait for it. He that is on a lee
shore, and foresees a hurricane, stands out to sea and encounters a
storm to avoid a shipwreck." 
 

- Charles Caleb Colton

TOP NEWS  

  • Season 7:  Registration Is Open And 148 Yachts Have Already Signed Up !
  • Pictures of the Week
  • Sunday, September 24, 2023: New Vessels On-boarding Zoom
  • 3 West Coast Mexican  🇲🇽 destinations south from the west coast of the USA 
  • Tablet And Pad Navigation Zoom Seminar Monday, September 4th
  • Meet The Fleet: MV KOSMOS
  • 6 Panama Posse Events For Season 7
  • Season 7 Perks  
  • Boat Preparations for leaving home waters and entering new countries
  • What and Where is the Barrel of Hope?
  • Ensenada Cruiseport Village Marina  🇲🇽 Sponsors the Panama Posse
  • Land Trip to El Valle de Anton, 🇵🇦  Panama
  • Culture:  FOCUS ON BELIZE 🇧🇿
  • Must See: Isla Isabel National Park,  🇲🇽 Mexico
  • Boat for Sale
  • The gunkholes from San Diego to Barra de Navidad 
  • Ocean Posse News
PANAMA POSSE Season 7

148 Yachts have already signed up !

REGISTER NOW
vessels's ensigns
OR RENEW NOW

1)  PICTURES OF THE WEEK

isla parga, panama

Isla Pargo in the Secas Islands of Pacific 🇵🇦  Panama is a dream

SY JUBEL 🇨🇦 Leah & Kyle - Gulfstar 44'

JUBEL KyleJUBEL Leah

Happy
hour at Vista Mar, 🇵🇦  Panama which lasted 5 hours 🍺🍷🥃 😎 14
people, 6 boat of which 3 are Panama Posse; Queso Grande II, Oz &
Mindelo. 

Great times with great people!

SY QUESO GRANDE II 🇺🇸 Lance & Sherri - Seawind 41'

SY OZ 🇺🇸  Sue & Steve - Catana 40′

SY MINDELO 🇵🇱 Niklaus & Bruna - Norman Cross 42'


MINDELO _ NiklausMINDELO - Bruna 

Last night's show at Paradise Village Marina, Nuevo Vallarta 🇲🇽 Mexico

SY SERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′

2) SAVE THE DATE 

SUNDAY,  SEPTEMBER 24, 2023

NEW VESSELS ON-BOARDING ZOOM

        

MEET NICOLE

Nicole is your welcome ambassador to help you reach new heights and help you make the most of all the perks of the Panama Posse 

PANAMA POSSE SEASON 7 burgees

YOU ARE CORDIALLY  

INVITED TO MEET YOUR PEERS 

      NEW VESSELS 
 ON-BOARDING ZOOM WITH NICOLE

            

 SUNDAY SEP 24 2023     

3) THREE WEST COAST DESTINATIONS 
 JUST SOUTH FROM THE WEST COAST OF THE USA

EN ROUTE TO SEASON 7 
KICK OFF PARTY IN BARRA

Clearing into Mexico in Ensenada MX, raising our courtesy flag, and sailing south

The
Panama Posse highly recommends checking into Mexico in Ensenada as
opposed to Isla Cedros.  Mainly, if you are looking for a more
efficient check-in, Ensenada has localized, reliable office hours and
staffing in comparison to Isla Cedros.  Either way, once your
vessel and crew are cleared in you are free to begin voyaging the
Mexican coast at your leisure.  While making your way to the Season
7 Kick Off Party in Barra De Navidad, Mexico there are many incredible
destinations along the way.  3 destinations are highlighted below:
Islas San Benito del Oeste, Man of War Cove (or Puerto Magdalena in
Bahia Magdalena), and Isla Isabela.  

Each incredible.  Each unique.  Each only accessible by boat.  

DESTINATION 1: Islas San Benito del Oeste, 🇲🇽 Mexico  

Latitude: 28°18.11N  Longitude: 115° 34.66

isla san benito

View of Isla San Benito del Oeste, MX from the southern anchorage

 The
Islas San Benito is a group of three small islets that lie in the
Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the Baja Peninsula, about 225nm SE
of Ensenada and 55nm NW of Bahia Turtugas.  The islands are
surrounded by rocks and patches of algae so careful watch is required.
Many Birds and marine mammals are on, along, and surrounding these
shores.  There is a small community on the island; the 2001 census
recorded a population of two people in Benito del Oeste The other
islands are not inhabited.  There is a coopertive abalone aquafarm
there.  If you are lucky enough to have the weather window to drop
your hook, do not miss the chance.  

Neighboring Isla Cedros at Sunrise

DESTINATION 2: Man of War Cove (or Puerto Magdalena in Bahia Magdalena) 🇲🇽 

Latitude: 24°38.918'N  Longitude: 112°08.013W

Honestly, Man of War Cove (or Puerto Magdalena) is just the beginning of the wonder that is Bahia Magdalena.  

man of war cove mexico

Big boats safely anchored in the background as we dinghy tour up the estuary

Shaking off our sea legs on the sand dunes into the estuary in Magdalena Bay

Bahia
Magdalena is all but cut off from the ocean by a varied stretch of
long, narrow, tall barrier islands.  Inside the 325 square mile bay
there are expansive estuaries, sand dunes, and mangroves that a wide
variety of wildlife call home.  Grey Whales migrate here annually
from January to April to breed and have their calves.  Bahia
Magdalena is their sanctuary and it is a truly special place to enter
into.  In the small village of Puerto Magdalena one may find a
small tienda with light provisions.  

DESTINATION 3: Isla Isabel  🇲🇽 Mexico

Latitude: 28° 18.11N  Longitude: 115° 34.66

isla isabella

Blue footed boobies court, mate and nest on Isla Isabella.

Crossing
ESE from the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Isla Isabella is a
small island found 15nm off mainland Mexico south of Mazatlan.
This island is a bird sanctuary that some people refer to as the
Galapagos of Mexico.  The island is teaming with blue footed
boobies, frigate birds, and iguanas.  The near shore waters are
frequented by humpback whales and dolphins and home to a myriad of small
fish.  The island can be explored on foot on multiple trails, in
the water with a snorkel mask, or along the tide line at low tide.
There are three main anchorages each providing protection from a
different wind and sea states and yet the island is a small isolated
offshore island so getting a weather window to stop and enjoy Isla
Isabella is an opportunity to be thankful for.  It is definitely
unforgettable.   

isla isabella

Frigate birds overlooking tide pools and the southern anchorage on Isla Isabella

Ilsa Isabella is in Good Nautical

Ilsa Isabella  🇲🇽  Mexico  is in Good Nautical

IGITAL YACHT SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE We are proud to sponsor the Panama Posse !

Based on Panbo's recent Mobile navigation app of 12+ navigational apps the Panama  Posse  has  set up a seminar on how to best integrate digital yacht's devices with your
existing yacht systems - who better than Nick Heyes from  Digital
Yacht Ltd to share best practices . Mark your calendar.

Our goal is to see what the options and solutions are to send data to pads from your  onboard systems to create additional aids to navigation 

AIS DATA

AIS display on mobile devices via WIFI & Digital yachts 

5) MEET THE FLEET 

MV KOSMOS

Family of 3 currently in San Diego preparing for southbound departure
Current Position San Diego, California
32°37'19.7"N 117°06'03.3"W

Kosmos

Aboard MV Kosmos are Eric, Christi, and their son Keith. 

We
bought Kosmos (Nordhavn 43) new in 2006, circumnavigated from
2007-2009, did a few shorter trips around the West Coast, and have about
42,000nm under her keel as of 2023. Keith was born in 2012, and ever
since the vision was to take him cruising full-time. We are finally in a
position to make it happen, and our first step was doing the Sea of
Cortez for 8 months in 2022-2023. We had a wonderful time. We are
getting the boat ready to go cruising again for this next season. The
Panama Posse routes looks like exactly where we want to go! Cruising
with other kid boats is a priority for us. We are glad to be a part of
the Panama Posse.

Kosmos

MV Kosmos anchored in the Sea of Cortez

SY KOSMOS 🇺🇸 Eric, Christi, & Keith - Nordhavn 43'

 
 6)  ALL PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 
 now listed @
https://oceanposse.com/calendar

events

We look forward to meeting you at these events - we do not sail on a set schedule to
make your journey more relaxed and take into account ever changing
weather conditions.  Move only when the conditions are right and
you feel good!

The events in Barra de Navidad /  Shelter Bay / Club De Pesca and Buenaventura will have POT LUCK culinary competition so follow these rules to win the coveted 

PANAMA POSSE 
🏆
GALLEY GOD(ESS) AWARD 

Galley God

Lucky Chucky laying down  the winning gauntlet and scooping up the coveted Galley Gods award  in Barra 

MY HO'OKIPA 🇺🇸 Lisa & Lucky Chucky - Selene 43′

PANAMA POSSE EVENTS 

ANNAPOLIS 
US SAIL BOAT SHOW 

OCTOBER  12 – 15, 2023
ANNAPOLIS, MD  🇺🇸 BOOTH VB 10

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW

For discounted US SAILBOAT SHOW  tickets follow this link >> 
or if you have time to volunteer at the Panama Posse booth we 'll get you 2 free daily tickets - email registration@panamaposse.com

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW
GET DISCOUNTS ON TIX

SAFE HARBOR SOUTH BAY MARINA + EVENT CENTER 
SATURDAY, OCT 29 2023
  CHULA VISTA 🇺🇸  
SAN DIEGO

SAT OCT 28, 2023 SAN DIEGO, CA 🇺🇸 SAFE HARBOR – SOUTH BAY

LEARN + HAVE FUN AND MEET THE FLEET
13:00 – SEMINARS

18:00 – INVOCATION OF THE FLEET

18:30 – PARTY & OPEN RUM BAR

EVENT CENTER
SAN DIEGO RSVP 

③  PANAMA POSSE 
KICK OFF WEEKEND
DEC 7 – 10, '23
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

BARRA RSVP 
Secundino Harbormaster

Secundino Alvarez - Harbor Master
Vessels
Must be  registered with the Panama Posse  prior to Oct 31st
to receive Posse discounts at Marina Puerto de la Navidad.

SPONSORED BY BELIZE TOURSIM 

GOlF Course

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

harbormaster@islaresort.com.mx

TEL +52 (314) 337 9014

Barra

  CLUB DE PESCA 
YACHT FEST 
SAT, JAN 20 '24 CARTAGENA 🇨🇴 CO

SAT Jan 13, 2024 CLUB DE PESCA CARATGENA 🇨🇴 COLOMBIA
YACHT FEST RSVP 
 Club de Pesca - Ileana

Ileana Stevenson Covo  - GM
For
those coming from the lesser Antilles this will be the first event in
full on Latin style in Colombia - come celebrate the great food and
culture that is Colombia in it's premier yacht club. 

Cartagena

FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT:

gerencia@clubdepescadecartagena.com

TEL  +57 (5)  660 6615

Walled citry of Cartagena de las Indias

  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
RSVP CARIBBEAN PARTY

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

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT
Shelter Bay

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
YACHT FEST RSVP 

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:

Emilio

Emilio Lau - Marina Manager
emilio@bv-marina.com 
Tel: +507-6616-7531  

RSVP FOR YACHT FEST
Buenaventura

7)  SEASON 7 PERKS 

PANAMA POSSE

Here are a few reasons why yacht owners participate in the  Panama Posse 

    Adventure and Exploration ⦾  The Panama
Posse offers a one-of-a-kind, epic adventure for yacht owners looking
to embark on a challenging and memorable journey. Traveling through the
Caribbean and the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean all the way to San
Diego or in reverse to Annapolis  provides an exciting and diverse
experience.

    Camaraderie and Community ⦾ 
Participants join a community of like-minded yacht owners who share a
passion for boating and exploration. The rally fosters a sense of
camaraderie, providing opportunities to make new friends and share
experiences.

    Support and Resources ⦾  The
Panama Posse provides valuable logistical support, including
pre-departure seminars, route planning assistance, and information on
local customs and regulations. This support helps ease the planning
process and ensures a smoother journey.

    Cultural Immersion⦾  Yacht
owners get the chance to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and
destinations along the route. Exploring local communities, historical
sites, and natural wonders adds a rich cultural experience to the
adventure.

    Improved Safety and Security ⦾ 
Traveling as part of a group enhances safety and security during the
journey, especially for yacht owners who may be less experienced in
long-distance cruising or unfamiliar with the waters and regions they'll
traverse.

    Opportunities for Exploration ⦾ 
The rally opens up opportunities for yacht owners to discover hidden
gems and less-traveled routes, adding a sense of exploration and
discovery to the experience. Western Caribbean and Pacific waters
including  Belize, Bay of Islands, Jamaica, San Blas, Bocas del
Toro, Las Perlas, Costa Rica, Sea of Cortes a.m.o.

    Remarkable Memories ⦾ 
Participating in the Panama Posse creates amazing and lasting memories
that yacht owners can cherish for a lifetime. The combination of
adventure, camaraderie, and cultural experiences, 40+ UNESCO World
heritage sites makes this journey a unique and unforgettable journey.

be happy

 
PANAMA POSSE Pre-Season get ready 

SEPTEMBER ACTION ITEM ONE

https://panamaposse.com/tracking

SEPTEMBER ACTION ITEM TWO

https://panamaposse.com/westmarine

SEPTEMBER ACTION ITEM THREE

Watch the Seminars

 
8) PANAMA POSSE  
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND WIN AN AWARD 

Sharing adventures is the heart and soul of the Panama Posse experience. 

Please share pictures of your adventures 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 provides fun and
helpful updates to the Panama Posse.
 

  • 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
Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum

JUST ONE OF THE BEST REWARDS:  Flor de Caña 12 Year old Rum

Thunderheads tell stories, so can you.

"I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your tales of adventure."

SY WHIRLWIND Maurisa, Mike, Russell, & Josea

9) BOAT PREPARATIONS FOR LEAVING HOME WATERS

AND ENTERING NEW COUNTRIES 
 

tracking

Leaving Port is exciting especially under a rainbow 

Leaving
ones home waters and entering a new country is certainly a big change
and there are many essential details not to forget.  Checklists are
handy tools for preparing for big changes.  Beyond the obvious
boat essentials like checking your systems, having safety equipment
onboard, topping your fluids, and changing your zincs, please see the
checklist below for details not to be forgotten when setting out on a
long distance voyage with the Panama Posse.

  • If
    an EPIRB is onboard, register it with the NOAA.  Before leaving
    confirm that all information is current.  This includes vessel
    name, your primary phone number, emergency contact name/s and address/es
  • A Ship Stations License is required by the FCC for travelling in international territories
  • Make sure the MMSI number of your vessel is registered in your name.
  • Have your boat documentation or registration up to date and in order.  
  • If
    the boat is documented or registered in the name of someone not present
    or the name of a business or organization a letter notarized by the
    owner authorizing the captain and crew to be operating the vessel is
    required to enter other countries.
  • Depending
    on the country you enter you will buy a Temporary Import Permit.
    This is an important document to keep with the vessel the entire
    time in the country of entry.
  • Current passport for everyone onboard ideally good for the duration of your stay abroad
  • Many
    countries require a Crew List upon entry which states everyone onboard,
    their Date of Birth, their rank on the vessel and their passport
    number.
  • If navigating into Mexico, Mexican Liability Insurance is required to Navigate in Mexican waters. 
  • If
    navigating into Mexico, upon exit the captain is required to show a
    boaters education card, ASA certification, or a captains license.
  • Wherever you go along the route, be prepared for entry and exit requirements and seasonal changes.
The Route

10) ENSENADA CRUISEPORT VILLAGE MARINA 🇲🇽 MEXICO  SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE

31° 51.2766′ N 116° 37.2433′ W

ecv marina

We are pleased to welcome the Participants of the Panama Posse to 

Ensenada, BC 🇲🇽 Mexico

As a special welcome rate we offer 2 nights and one free !

In
the minimum stay of 2 nights, you get 1 extra night for free + special
DAILY rate for the participants with boats with a length up to 65 ft:
$2.00 USD per foot of the vessel + tax + free assistance to clear in and
out of Mexico, immigration and to get the Temporary Importation Permit
as long as they present all the documents as required  by the port
authorities.

https://panamaposse.com/ensenada-cruiseport-village

SERVICES

  • 189 slips from 36’ to 68’ and 6 end ties from 83’ to 135’
  •  350’ mega yacht area
  • Dock box with water supply and electricity capacity (30, 50 and 100 amp end tie)
  • Double breakwater protection, insuring the calmest marina in Ensenada area
  • Concrete Bellingham Marine built docks
  • Launch ramp
  • Parking
  • Laundry room
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Port Clearance and Customs assistance

AMENITIES

  • Controlled access to facilities
  • 24 hour security
  • Dock carts
  • Downtown within walking distance
  • Friendly environment
  • Pet friendly
  • BBQ area
ecv marina

11)  LAND TRIPS:

EL VALLE DE ANTON, 🇵🇦 PANAMA

A steep climb to the top of this knob yields views of the valley and town below.

El
Valle de Anton is a small town in Western Panama nestled in the crater
of an ancient and extinct volcano.  This is the second largest
inhabited volcano crater in the world.  The mountains encircling
the town are steep dense jungle.  The microclimate here, next to
the cloud forest create amazing and abundant varieties of flora and
fauna. 

el valle

View from the rim of an ancient volcano down into El Valle, 🇵🇦 Panama

View to the Ocean from The top.

We particularly enjoyed seeing many tropical birds and butterflies.

This Camouflage is so attractive!

El
Valle is a popular weekend getaway for city dwelling Panamanians and
adventure travelers.  There are many natural wonders and
attractions including history museums, butterfly research station,
hiking, swimming, horseback riding, bird watching, zip lining, and more.
On the southern side of town there are thermal underwater rivers
that peek out and are plumbed into swimming pools.  

This pool was a delightful place to rest and refresh morning, noon, and night!

Land
trips are a great way to see more than meets the eye from the coast.
El Valle de Anton is less than an hour drive from Vista Mar
Marina.  Thank you SY Whirlwind for sharing your stories and your
photos.  

SY WHIRLWIND 🇺🇸 Maurisa, Mike, Russell & Josea – Alajuela 48’

12) INTRODUCING 
THE NEW COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM 

CHAT.PANAMAPOSSE.COM

Communicating with fellow boats along the route is a BIG BENEFIT of the Panama Posse.  However, last seasons communications platform got overloaded with over 275,000 words from hundreds of yachts.  With so many knowledgeable and fact finding participants communicating daily via our LINE chat,
the sheer amount and stream of questions, comments, insight, location
pins, BOLO notices, et cetera pushed the seasonal knowledge transfer to
the limit.  Our quest is for a little bit more organized way to
discuss and share information so we can get the most out of our
communications.  As a result, we are forging ahead with a new
communications platform .

It is called ZULIP.  We are in control of the server and the open source platform.  It runs on mac, pc, ios, android, etc.  Zulip is a chatroom on steroids, topics are more organized, and we think (and hope) it will be a huge improvement to our communications among the fleet.

 FINALLY A WELL ORGANIZED & THREADED CHAT !

To sign up in the initial phase please email registration@panamaposse.com to get your invitation - GESTALT PROTOCOL APPLIES 

ZULIP.

THIS  COMM TOOL HAS  
core concepts **STREAMS** and **TOPICS**

 

STREAMS are knowledge and information streams you are interested in 

TOPICS are
just that within each STREAM ( think of a subject in an email ) you can
create a topic or use an existing topic when composing a message

Here is a quick tutorial

https://zulip.com/help/getting-started-with-zulip](https://zulip.com/help/getting-started-with-zulip

GESTALT PROTOCOL is not a cult thing it's a communication protocol.

 SHARE EXPERIENCES and FACTS,  NOT  OPINIONS 

ZULIP / CHAT.PANAMAPOSSE.COM  AVAILABLE ON THESE PLATFORMS

  • Webbrowser
  • iOS
  • Android
  • PC APP
  • MAC APP
  • LINUX Desktop
  • and Terminal
https://zulip.com/apps/


13) CULTURE 🇧🇿 BELIZE 

The
culture of Belize is a mix of influences and people from Kriol, Maya,
East Indian, Garinagu aka  Garifuna , Mestizo  and Mennonites
who are of German descent, with many other cultures from Chinese to
Lebanese. It is a unique blend that emerged through the country's long
and complex history.

🇧🇿 CULINARY STAPLES

Rice and beans: A staple, often served with stewed chicken, pork, or beef.

Coconut Milk: Used frequently in Belizean cuisine, particularly in dishes like "Seré," a Garifuna fish soup.

Corn: Used in a variety of forms, from tortillas to tamales.

Seafood:
Given Belize’s proximity to the Caribbean Sea, seafood is abundant and
features prominently, including conch, lobster, and various types of
fish.

 

Johnny Cake Recipe

SIGNATURE DISHES 


Rice and Beans with Stew Chicken: Considered the national dish,
it is commonly served with coleslaw or a side salad.

    Pupusas: Thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or meat.

    Johnny Cakes: A type of biscuit often filled with ham, chicken, or cheese.

    Tamales: Corn dough pockets filled with meat, beans, or vegetables, usually steamed in a banana leaf.

    Fry Jacks: Deep-fried dough pieces, often served with breakfast.

BELIKIN - The Beer Of Belize

BELIZE BEVERAGES 

Belikin Beer: The national beer of Belize.

    Seaweed Shakes: A traditional drink made with seaweed, condensed milk, nutmeg, and other spices.

Cashew and Sorrel Wine: Locally produced fruit wines.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Hudut: A Garifuna fish stew made with plantains and coconut milk, often served during cultural festivals.

Dukunu: A sweet corn dish that is wrapped and steamed in corn husks, traditionally made for holidays and special occasions.

 FOLKLORE 

In Belizean folklore, we find the legends of La Llorona, Cadejo,   the Tata Duende,
and X'tabai. The idea of the mystical healing and Obeah is prominent in
Belizean legend, and there is still talk of evil shaman practices like
putting "Obeah" on certain houses. This is known to be done by burying a
bottle with the 'evil' under a tree close by the house.  

MUSIC AND ART

Punta is
by the far most popular genre of Garifuna music and has become the most
popular genre in all of Belize. It is distinctly Afro-Caribbean, and is
sometimes said to be ready for international popularization like
similarly-descended styles (reggae, calypso, merengue, etc.).
Established stars include Andy Palacio, Herman "Chico" Ramos, "Mohobub"
Flores, Adrian "The Doc" Martinez, and Lindsford "Supa G" Martinez. A
slower, more melodic variant, known as Paranda, has been catching on
recently behind the talents of Honduras' Aurelio Martinez and Paul Nabor
of Punta Gorda; Nabor's signature track "Naguya Nei" is considered the
informal popular anthem of the Garifuna nation.

Brukdown is
a very popular modern style of Belizean music related to Calypso. It
evolved out of the music and dance of loggers, especially a form called
buru. Its greatest proponents include Wilfred Peters and Gerald "Lord"
Rhaburn of Belize City and Leela Vernon of Punta Gorda.

Reggae, Dancehall, and Soca
imported from Jamaica and the rest of the West Indies, and Rap,
Hip-Hop, heavy metal and rock music from the United States, are also
popular among the youth of Belize. Belize's recording industry turns out
a few CDs each year; the majority of musical exposure occurs at monthly
concerts featuring Belizean and international artists sharing the same
card, or else DJ's mixing music at local nightclubs.

14) PANAMA POSSE SWAG

SHOP
ORDER NOW

PANAMA POSSE SWAG ON SALE NOW

SWAG

 

15) MUST SEE: 

 ISLA ISABELLA 🇲🇽  NATIONAL PARK, MEXICO

The rock structures surrounding Isla Isabel National  Park are jagged and dramatic

Isla
Isabel National Park is a national park and protected area located off
the coast of Nayarit. This isolated island was one Jacques Cousteau’s
favorite places and Cousteau himself made the recommendation to the
Mexican government to designate this island as a National Park. He spent
a great deal of time here and has aired many specials on this fabulous
gem. The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau aired in 1975.  

The
island is uninhabited by humans, though there is a seabird reproductive
research program run by UNAM and tourists visit to camp, fish and bird
watch. After having depleted a huge colony of Sooty Terns, which in 1978
had over 150,000 pairs, cats were finally eradicated from the island in
1995 and the Terns are slowly recovering.  The biodiversity and
migratory populations of animals that live and return here year after
year is a stunning MUST SEE.

The male frigate bird shows off his red pouch when looking to impress the ladies.

The male blue footed boobie dance for the female who lays her eggs directly on the sand.

Approaching Isla Isabel at sunrise can be quite serene.

ISLA ISABELLA

Along the Panama Posse CENTRAL AMERICAN route  are 40+ UNESCO and OTHER SIGNIFICANT WORLD HERITAGE SITES

MUST SEE

 

16)  PANAMA POSSE BOAT FOR SALE

FULLY EQUIPPED & READY TO GO ANYWHERE

SY ARROW flying her spinnaker in the Sea of Cortez 🇲🇽  Mexico

*37' Performance Cruiser for sale by owner*

Arrow
is Fully Equipped and ready to go cruising self sufficiently: water
maker, solar and wind power, well insulated fridge, navigation system
with radar, GPS chartplotter, AIS, depth sounder and speedo, a quiver of
sails for a variety of wind conditions, 10' dinghy with 6hp motor,
safety gear including life raft, EPIRB, satellite system, ditchbag, lee
cloths for all main salon sea bunks, lots of custom shade and rain
awnings/enclosures, topside barbeque, equipped galley down below.
Fully equipped to sail, adventure, and cruise coastwise or
offshore.  

Ready
for her next adventure; Arrow is a sweet sailing, seaworthy,
live-aboard, performance cruiser from a classic period in yachting
history. She is a Carter 37 and has been upgraded and maintained to be
an excellent, well prepared, self-sufficient yacht with lots of extras.
As her owners we are standing by ready to show Arrow and pass her
off to her next Owners/ Sailors/ Adventurers.  

Arrow
was designed by Dick Carter and built in Greece. She is a masthead
sloop with removable inner forestay. Her large fin keel with lead
ballast and skeg hung rudder provide a safe platform for coastal and
offshore adventures alike. With a moderate ballast to displacement
ratio, Arrow is a great light air boat while at the same time maintains a
kind motion in a seaway.

For questions, specs and details contact rockcairn@gmail.com.

$36,000 US OBO

Located in Vista Mar, Panama

SY ARROW on anchor in paradise.

Asking 36k USD

 

17)  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 

Marina Puerto Bahia

Marina Puerto Bahia 🇩🇴 Sponsors the Panama Posse

19° 11.6383′ N 069° 21.3283′ W

Marina Puerto Bahia 🇩🇴 Sponsors the Panama Posse 19° 11.6383′ N 069° 21.3283′ W

18)  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 
https://panamaposse.com/shelter-island-inflatables

We are happy to announce that also this year we will be partnering with

SHELTER ISLAND INFLATABLES SAN DIEGO

Premier Luxury Tender & Outboard Motor Dealership

Shelter
Island Inflatables is a full service dealership featuring authorized
parts, sales, and service for Mercury, Suzuki Marine, Novurania, Inmar
Inflatable Boats, Williams Jet Tenders, & Highfield.

Shelter Island Inflatables has moved its location to 2727 Shelter Island Dr. “Under the Brigantine restaurant”

Showroom: 619-222-1200 Service Yard: 619-269-5702

19) GUNKHOLE * 
FROM SAN DIEGO TO 
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 🇲🇽 MX 

 * to make a series of short pleasure trips by boat, as from bay to bay

San Diego to Barra de Navidad

⓪ San Diego Police Dock 32° 42.537' N   117° 14.10543' W - ⛽💧

① Ensenada Cruiseport Village Marina  31° 51.2766′ N 116° 37.2433′ W 60 nm ⛽💧

② Punta  Santo  Tomas   31° 33.1589 N 116° 40.6879 W 18 nm

③ Bahia Colonet Bight 30° 57.9028 N   116° 17.0747 W 40 nm

④ Isla San Martin  North Bay 30° 29.178 N   116° 6.1356 W 30 nm

⑤ Bahia San Quintin 30° 22.5924' N 115° 59.0887' W 9 nm

⑥ Isla San Gernomio 29° 47.3276' N   115° 47.4296' W 37 nm

⑦ Fondadero San Carlos 29°  37.3596' N   115° 28.565' W 19 nm

⑧ Isla Cedros N 28° 20.212' N 115° 11.434' W 79 nm

⑨ Turtle Bay / Bahia Tortugas 27° 41.2544' N 114° 53.2545' W   42 nm⛽💧

⑩ Bahia Asuncion 27° 08.1355' N 114° 17.4206' W 46 nm⛽ 💧

⑪ Bahia San Hipolito  26° 59.3362' N 113° 57.6966' W 20 nm

⑫ Bahia Ballenas 26° 46.0426' N   113° 30.0266' W 28 nm

⑬ San Juanico / Scorpion Bay 26° 14.7986' N   112° 28.333' W 64 nm

⑭ Bahia Santa Maria 24° 46.133' N   112° 15.441' W 90 nm

⑮ Cabo San Lucas East 22° 53.304' N   109° 53.844' W *172 nm ⛽💧

⑯ Los Frailes 23° 22.836' N 109° 25.297' W 40 nm

⑰ Isla de Pajaros 23° 15.2645' N 106° 28.3305' W *163 nm ⛽💧

⑱ Isla Isabella Anchorage South 21° 50.5266' N 105° 52.907' W 91 nm

⑲ San Blas Outer Anchorage 21° 31.043' N 105° 14.566' W 41 nm ⛽💧

⑳ Punta de Mita 20° 45.764' N 105° 31.15' W 48 nm ⛽💧

㉑ Punta Ipala 20° 14.2306' N 105° 34.4255' W 32 nm

㉒ Chamela - N 19° 35.0404' N 105° 7.8663' W 47 nm

㉓ Isla Paraiso - E 19° 28.6194' N 105° 3.7637' W 8 nm

㉔ Tenacatita - Inner Bay 19° 17.9207' N 104° 50.1528' W 17 nm

㉕ Marina Puerto Navidad 19° 11.7294' N 104° 40.8748' W 11 nm ⛽💧

*overnight  

TURTLE BAY BAJA

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

21) STRATEGIC PARTNERS

 

SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION

Vicente’s Moorings – Acapulco – Mexico

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  

22) MORE POSSE NEWS FROM 
AROUND THE OCEANS

CROSS TO OR FROM EUROPE WITH THE

atlantic posse

ATLANTIC POSSE  
FORMING NOW

ATLANTIC POSSE ST KITTS

Sign up now

Atlantic Posse Routes
voyage between the  Mediterranean  and  the Caribbean 

yeah we go there !

Morocco
south pacific posse

23) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEASON 3 
67  YACHTS UNDERWAY 

SEASON 4   '24REGISTRATION STARTS DEC 1 2023

⚓ Good Anchorage in the Tuamotus

⚓ Good Anchorages in the Tuamotus 🇵🇫 FP

The Samoan Fire Knife Dance is a breathtaking performance that visitors often look forward to when attending a luau. However, there is a lot more to this ritual than just a spectacular dance as it comes from centuries of tradition and is infused with lots of old-time lore and even personalization by performers.

The Samoan Fire Knife Dance
is a breathtaking performance. There is a lot more to this ritual than
just a spectacular dance as it comes from centuries of tradition and is
infused with lots of old-time lore and even personalization by
performers.

WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW

YOUR VESSEL · YOUR CREW · YOUR RESPONSIBILITY 

butterfly

Aqua hammock is calling from paradise San Blas 🇵🇦 Panama

ocean posse llc 
 @ 9811 W Charleston blvd 2262 Summerlin LV NV 89117  USA
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