FLEET UPDATE 2018-03-31
1) SV EASY – Costa Rica
Matapalo 32′ high tide N 08 23.518 W
083 16.519
I like it. Good surf. Beautiful, it is not a lake, other than
more people it still is old costs rica.
My friend sold out. Monkeys and loads of wildlife.
Drake’s Bay @ 22′ mid tide. N 08 41.864 W 083 40.131
Manuel Antonio
N09 22.923-W084 08.886 in 22 feet 3’above low tide
Punta Quepos
N09 24.269-W084 10.113 25′ low tide
Mike
2) GETTING KNOTTY
Andrew
Welcome to the Panama Posse !
MC BETTY
Rodger & AliWelcome to the Panama Posse !
3) SV LIQUID – Costa Rica
Latitude: 10.52106
Longitude: -85.79123
GPS location Date/Time: 03/30/2018 11:38:57 PDT
Message: This message serves as our one of our traveling check
ins. Just letting you know all is ok 🙂
Has anyone heard of this holiday called “Easter” that lasts all
week. I guess the Port Captain has.
Stuck in the Playa del Coco area until Tues morning since the Port
Captain is on Holiday for Easter.
We decided to cruise the local bays while we wait. We are in Bahia
Guacamaya til Sunday then off to
Bahia Huevos then back to Coco Monday. Checkout Tuesday am then
off to Bahia Ballena
Marc & Laura
4) VOLANTE III – Nicaragua
Device Name: Volante III
Latitude: 12.78343
Longitude: -87.74261
GPS location Date/Time: 03/30/2018 02:49:11 CST
Message: Hello from Volante III. Checkout my current location.
Battery Status: Low. Replace batteries as soon as possible.
Tony
5) SV MYLA – Panama
In La Playita Marina anchorage. We have an excellent electrician
we can recommend: Tom Valentin at +1-507662598
Also, just got prices from Shelter Bay Marina. Their rates aren’t
too bad and offer discounts for 6 months or more.
They can store in a slip or on the hard.
John & Julie
( note – can we put our logo on that ? )
6) SV JULIA MAX – Panama
As we sit in Shelter Bay Marina on the Caribbean
side with mv Crossroads, we want to extend a heart-felt thanks
to all our friends in the Panama Posse. We will be heading
north towards the Grand Cayman Island early next week. Here
is a brief report on our Canal Transit with a few photos.
Love you guys,
Panama Canal Transit 2018
The First Day
What an exciting day! We arrived in Panama on March 2, and
were given a transit date of March 25. So the intervening
days helped build the excitement and anticipation for making
the Transit. We woke at 4:30am, received our one
professional line handler at 5:45 am, and left our slip to
receive our Traffic Advisors about 7:00am. We were off to
the Miraflores Locks following a Big Boy, a car carrier
called Grand Orion. We side-tied up to a tour boat,
Fantasia del Mar, behind Grand Orion. We used tires and
regular fenders between the boats, and two long lines plus
regular mooring lines as spring lines. Going north, we were
lifted in the locks, so the mild turbulence was from water
coming into the lock. The significant turbulence was when
Grand Orion moved ahead out of the lock. The ship wake
provided up to a 4 knot current on our bow with waves, rips
and eddies. But we easily moved away from the tour boat,
and headed up to the next lock. Then repeat. Once through
Miraflores Locks at 10:30am, we moved on to the Pedro Miguel
Lock entering at 11:15am. This time the tour boat was tied
up to a tug. When we tied up in the remaining space next to
the tour boat with 20′ to spare on the starboard side. We
had two Traffic Advisors, the seasoned Ricardo, and the
capable Victor who was doing his final exam. Looking at the
remaining ship traffic northward they said we were the last
‘line handler’ (cruising boat using hand lines) for the
day. And the last Big Boy named Alpine Link was catching up
to us in the adjacent locks. Of course there was no way we
could keep up to Alpine Link after they passed us in the
Gaillard Cut. So it was obvious we could not go through the
Gatun Locks today, and that we would be mooring overnight
before the Gatun Locks. Gatun Lake was beautiful, green
island scenery. As we continued on, the southward traffic
was plentiful with maybe 20 ships transiting. The winds
picked up and were blowing 15-25 knots, with the
accompanying cresting waves. After mooring to an ocean ship
buoy, the winds settled down. Our Traffic Advisors left,
and we settled in for the afternoon. So tomorrow we
expected to leave sometime before noon to go through the
Gatun Locks, and on to Shelter Bay Marina, our final
destination.
A special event was going on in the Gaillard Cut. There
were upwards of 25-30 four-person racing canoes racing
through the Canal. Most were four-man teams, but there were
many four-woman teams as well. What a site to see such
energy from paddlers 14 years on up. People (moms and dads)
were cheering them on from shore. The canoes had their
canoe names on the side of the canoes, such as, Marry Me,
Strong Panama, etc.
Second Transit Day
After the first night tied up to an ocean mooring buoy, we
all woke up to a beautiful morning. Our agent phoned us to
inform us we would receive our Traffic Advisor at 12:30pm.
So the morning was spent taking a swim in fresh-water Gatun
Lake. Only after getting out of the water did Ricardo, our
experienced line handler, tell us some stories of crocodiles
in Gatun Lake….. The surprise and entertainment of the
morning was seeing the Coral Princess cruise ship come
through the upper lock, and then slowly turn around and stop
between the old locks and the new locks. What was it
doing? We thought: someone had jumped overboard, maybe it
was a ship exercise, maybe it was dropping some people off
since life boats were deployed. Only later did we learn
that the cruise ships sometimes go through the Gatun Locks,
stop, disembark passengers so they can take land tours, go
back to Colon where the passengers will meet up with the
ship to continue on.
At 12:55pm our Traffic Advisor arrived telling us we
needed to leave immediately. To his surprise we had the
engine running, we released lines from the mooring buoy, and
we are off at top speed. We had to meet up with a ship that
was about one mile away, and get in front of it, tie up to a
tug (yeah)…and the ship was not going to stop to let us
in. We made it with a hundred yards to spare!!! Gatun
Locks are three separate locks: Higher, Middle, and Lower.
We learned quickly that there are currents, eddies, and
winds off to our port. We tied starboard side to a huge
tug. The ship ‘Great Beauty’, a petroleum tanker, took up
most of the lock width with 5′ on each side to spare. They
were three boat lengths away from us: 150′. Going down,
there was less turbulence. Tied up to the huge tug was
reassuring. But then came the Middle Lock. The advisor
told me to stay on the left side of the lock while the tug
went on to the far end to tie up. But when I went to the
left side, we tied the bow to a bollard, and then Julia Max
shifted quickly 90 degrees perpendicular to the lock
sidewall. All I could think of was to spin around with a
‘back and fill’ maneuver. It would work in calm water and
no wind. But we had currents and wind. I spun 180 degrees,
thinking how the tug and the pilot on Great Beauty were
taking this in. A lock person was jumping up and down
wondering what we were doing. Then the wind kept catching
our bow, and preventing my finishing coming up into the
wind. Panic. But we kept trying, and slowly she came
around. Prayers answered. We went to the left side, but
stayed in control of our heading, the tug passed us, we tied
up to them when they were set, and the pilot of Great Beauty
continued forward probably with a few more gray hairs.
While waiting for the water to lower, I suggested that we
should center our steering wind vane and tighten it down, so
that when I had to back up it wouldn’t affect our
maneuvering (so I thought). But when we entered the Lower
lock, I was having great difficulty controlling Julia Max.
The currents caused by fresh water mixing with salt water,
the winds at 15 knots, and my steering vane rudder centered,
were affecting my steerage. We were headed sharply towards
the right side wall. People rushed forward with fenders and
tires. At first I thought, with enough power I should be
able to turn. Then I tried reverse. The steering vane was
released. We came up, and bounced off the side wall using
the fenders. No damage! Great work, people!! We tied up to
the tug for the third time. The water dropped, the gates
opened, and we headed out in 15 knots of wind as fast as we
dared. Thanks to a great crew, we came through the Panama
Canal unscathed, and more knowledge than we wanted.
We had about four miles left to drop off the Traffic
Advisor, and settle in to Shelter Bay Marina where we would
be for the next few days.
sv Julia Max (officially 48.67’ Peterson Ketch with anchor
and davits)
###
George & Sue
(note: congratulations – we miss you too !! )
7) CROSSROADS – Panama
Stan & Diane
(note: congratulations – we miss you !)
8) GADABOUT – Nicaragua
After a very sporty bar crossing on our departure from Bahia
del Sol, a full day/night of strong currents, and loads of panga
dodging last night, Gadabout made it to Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua
first thing this morning with calm seas and no breakers at the
channel entrance. Now it’s time for some sleep.
Gadabout made it to San Juan del Sur and we are enjoying the nice
calm anchorage. Just kidding… it’s not. Blowing a steady 25+,
gusting to mid- to upper-30s. We’re assuming the port captain’s
office is closed for the holiday so at least we don’t need to rush
to shore. Happy Easter, everyone!
Arthur “Wags” & Paula
( enjoy one of the best Pizzas at Pizzeria La Terraza in SJDS
– the owner is from Italy and stock up on Rum – it’s 4 x the price
in Costa Rica )
9) SV ARGONAUTA – Costa Rica / Panama
Hello Everyone
We are new to the group. Had a great time at Goudy and
Carol’s yesterday. Special thanks to Sea Glass for including
us,
We are heading back North to Pacific Mexico after spending
several years in Central America and the Caribbean Home port
Ventura Ca. We may start 6 months on and off.
Yesterday several members asked us about our canal and other experiences ….. so I thought I would share
Have been thru the canal both ways and Dave has assisted cruisers another 4 times.
It’s a great time and really fun, not hard. Have plenty of bottled water for your pilot. It ‘s required ….. Also a “proper lunch” no sandwiches. We have met cruisers that did not comply and the pilot ordered his own lunch delivered and a large expense to the vessel! Dave barbecued chicken thru the lake.
A great read before you go thru the canal is a Path Between the Seas by David McCllough. It really makes the canal experience come to life. You understand what is beneath Gatum lake and all that went into building of the canal
We did use an agent both times. We had company flying (two of our line handlers) in and were date sensitive. Your agent can tell you when you must arrive in Panama City to obtain the date requested. It varies by time of year. You need to be measured the first time… under 50 ft is the magic number.
First time our agent was quick, easy and cheaper than our second agent but keep reading.. First agent Eric Galvez, second agent Alex ASA @shipsagent.com . During our first crossing the canal authority had us sidelined for another boat, At completion of the locks we were told we owed the penalty 800.00 US (our crossing was too slow). Our agent did not help us. He accused us of being beneath our stated speed. At our request our pilot wrote a letter stating what really occurred and our penalty was dropped. In many ways the canal authority does not always know what their counterparts are doing.
We had one experienced hired line handler the other two were friends. Rick(hired line handler was great) he rented us fenders and lines at a cheaper price and was great company and had a lot of knowledge of the area. Rick 506-6427-3044 You never know ahead of time what configuration for the crossing you will have, despite your request, We were nested that last time, We were the center boat. The other two boats had no experience causing the trio to cross like a snake, coming dangerously close to the cement walls. Lines were too tight and then too loose. At the end both boats started to un group and forgot to release our stern lines from theirs We almost lost our cleats. Rick was great and helped save the sides of our boat mates and our cleats.
We hired the same driver both times for Panama city. The
four of us to toured old town, found boat parts and supplies
and arranged a panga to monkey island. He charged 100.00 US
per day Much cheaper than any ” tour” for four people Speaks
perfect English nice guy and knowledgeable of the area. Avil
506-6706-8343
It’s fun and a good idea to visit the Miraflores locks and
museum before making the crossing. Your friends at home can
see you cross thru a live cam at the Miraflores locks… see
website
Hope this helps have fun
David & Marilyn
10) SEA GLASS – Costa Rica
Going back in time made memories with Panama Posse which I
can now call my extended family and friends for life. I would
truly recommend joining the Posse to new sailors alike and those
who have been sailing for a long while. Knowing that you are not
alone out there, not just for moral support but to share the
experience of new and exotic places. I can’t express enough
gratitude to all that have helped us thru our journey. Best wishes
to fair winds and following seas. HeHe….I sound like a sailor!!!
Chris & Amanda
11) CINDERELLA – Nicaragua
Cinderella is trucking along. After a night of
dodging pangas and reefing sails we are passing El Transition.
Got a late start yesterday (the wind, swell and current were
too much for the windlass so we waited until it mellowed)
Turns out, after we passed Puerto Sandino the wind fell off
the nose and we don’t have to tack! The current is still
kicking though.
We are leaving the storm jib
up full time now and run as a cutter when the wind is light.
In a mile or so we should be able to crack off a few degrees
and get moving.
Hope all is well out there!
And! Here is our
tracker in case we lose signal http://www.sailingcinderella.com/where-are-we-now
I spoke a little too
soon. The further south we got, the crazier the
gusts. Way over the predictions, probably
double. After spending the wee hours of the
night hove-to we turned an ran back to
Masachapa. We are anchored and excited to get
some sleep.
Update : Cinderella lost our primary anchor while bashing into mean swell. We have a secondary anchor but it is not optimal. We are currently (3:49am) heaving-to outside of Astillero, Nicaragua. About 15-20 miles from San Juan del Sur. The current is pushing us so we are losing some ground but at least manage to be moving towards shore.
The wind looks like it may be building tonight and so not sure if proceeding to sjds is a good idea. Even though services are there. At least at Astillero there is said to be better protection and we’d like to wait until sunrise to enter.
Wind is higher than predicted.
Just wanted the other boats to be aware of our situation. Good thoughts for us please!
Thanks to everyone who responded with helpful and prompt insight, we owe you some hugs. After a rowdy heave-to for a few hours the gusts kept building, we turn and ran to Masachapa. Anchor holding well in 30′ Now for nap time.
Pavao, Pajo & Ava
(note we need
your pictures)
12) RESPITE –
Panama
Bahia Honda. We
anchored in Domingo anchorage.
7 d 45.746 N 81 d 31.812. Depth 10 ft in low
water.
Enjoy!
Domingo anchorage at Bahia Honda. Calm and peaceful after
the locals finally quit trying to trade with us.
They are very isolated and really need D cell batteries,
rope, fishing hooks and anything else you can spare. Kennedy
has assorted fruits to trade.
We now have a pet on board, called, what else? Giko!
Checking out of Costa Rica started out wonderful with the
friendly immigration officer and went downhill from there.
Took us about 5 hours to go through the process. Counting
spending time talking to said officer !
Chris & Janet
13) TOTEM – Nicaragua / Panama
For your canal planning pleasure: the purpose of this
post is to walk through the dynamics of the transit with
point about the roles aboard, what actually happens, how
to avoid getting caught in the spinning raft of doom, and
our takeaways on how to have a good/safe transit. The
shortlist of tips from our POV based on factors in your
control:
1. Clear decks. The area around bow and stern cleats must
be as clear as possible. We moved (stern rail mounted)
outboard to rest on deck
near Totem’s mast to free up space near the stern
cleats.
2. You’re either a line handler or you’re not. If you
want to take photos or text or adjust your GoPro or
message Facebook friends or, or, or, when in the locks,
then you are not a line handler.
3. Fair leads! You know your boat: if the bow line has
to pass through the bow pulpit for a clear path to the
cleat, then have it run that way at the start.
Re-leading in the moment takes time you may not have if
currents start spinning the raft.
4. Stern lines: Jamie felt these took the most load: a
strategy to consider is running them to a cockpit winch
with the stern cleat as a guide. This gives far better
control when easing a loaded line and more muscle to
tension when required.
5. Repeat the instruction given by the advisor. This
makes the advisor’s job easier by confirming you heard
and are responding to the action called for. It may
serve to clarify the advisor’s intentions when issuing
rapid instructions.
6. Mitigating an un-engaged advisor. If the lead advisor
is distracted or communication is poor (and even if
they’re not), proactively talk through maneuvers before
they need to happen. We felt the boats rafted to us
struggled a couple of times due to less attentive
advisors.
7. PAY ATTENTION! The lead advisor (who is not
necessarily on your boat) may call for rapid engine and
or steering changes. One of the boats rafted to us was…
less attentive. It created a couple of fire drills and
added to our burden to prevent the raft from spinning.
Bonus: an awesome advisor like we had … Roy and Jamie’s bromance photo below. A couple of elated guys as we got into the Pacific!
More at http://www.sailingtotem.com/2018/03/anatomy-of-a-panama-canal-transit.html
Totem kids dolphin spotting on our way into Playa Hermosa a few days ago (doubled back from Huevos)… looking at taking off tomorrow. Next stop… Chiapas? Not sure, looks like we might be able to catch a T’Pec window in the bargain.
Behan & Jamie & …
14) PINEAPPLE – Nicaragua
Quick tip for anyone who finds themselves in Chinandega, Nicaragua (near Puesta del Sol and Corinto): Check out “More Than Coffee” for excellent coffee (including proper espresso!) and snacks. The owners, Mayela and Augusto, are super friendly and generous. It’s a gem!
John & Michelle
15) SV RAVEN – Mexico
Raven is in Chiapas after an easy Tehuantepec
crossing. We need to have our transmission
fixed…again…but will be heading to Bahia del Sol in a
week or two.
Neil, Tally, Jan
16) XENIA – El Salvador
Xenia crossed Bahia Del Sol El Salvador with some
awesome cruisers today! Xenia made 13.8 knots. What a
rush!!!
Tara & Mike
17) FRED AGAIN III – Panama
FredAgain III is departing Golfito this afternoon for
Panama.
Robert
18) Carinthia / Agape / Dad’s Dream – Costa Rica
Panama Posse Deal at Hotel Oasis
Ask for Cruiser friendly Agatha Willhelm & Staff
private dinghy dock
free WiFi
showers
bar
restaurant with local snacks and basic good fares
pool
music chill
free potable water (TDS 325)
$ 1.75 beers
dog friendly
all day access 3,000 colones x day ~5.50 USD
but they did not charge us on day 2 because they like
cruisers so stick around)
You can also take the ferry across from here to
Puntarenas if you need to provision
Anchorage @ 09 56.361 N 084 57.845 W @ 13 feet
(8′ tidal range !)
18) Carinthia / Agape / Dad’s Dream – Costa Rica
Panama Posse Deal at Hotel Oasis
Ask for Cruiser friendly Agatha Willhelm & Staff
private dinghy dock
free WiFi
showers
bar
restaurant with local snacks and basic good fares
pool
music chill
free potable water (TDS 325)
$ 1.75 beers
dog friendly
all day access 3,000 colones x day ~5.50 USD
but they did not charge us on day 2 because they like
cruisers so stick around)
You can also take the ferry across from here to
Puntarenas if you need to provision
Anchorage @ 09 56.361 N 084 57.845 W @ 13 feet
(8′ tidal range !)
We celebrated Ricks (Dad’s Dream) Birthday and
ran our own power-cord to our little Palapa for some
R&R and device charging off the boat
Dietmar, Suzanne, Rick, Brenda, Joshua & Rachel
Picture of the Week – SV AGÁPĒ
Costa Rica – Punta / Playa Naranjo @ Oasis
Keep em coming
Happy Easter, Passover and Panama Posse bliss
We celebrated Ricks (Dad’s Dream) Birthday and
ran our own power-cord to our little Palapa for some R&R and device charging off the boat
Dietmar, Suzanne, Rick, Brenda, Joshua & Rachel
Picture of the Week – SV AGÁPĒ
Costa Rica – Punta / Playa Naranjo @ Oasis
Keep em coming
Happy Easter, Passover and Panama Posse bliss