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🇰🇾 CAYMAN ISLANDS - CRUISING THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN WITH THE PANAMA POSSE YACHT RALLY
MARINAS SPONSORING THE PANAMA POSSE
DOCUMENTATION | CAYMAN ISLANDS |
Passport | Valid for at least 6 months; requires one blank page |
Boat Documentation | Coast Guard Doc (Original) |
Proof of Insurance | Liability |
Crewlist | Required at checkin/out |
Zarpe | Required at checkin/out |
OFFICIAL PROCEDURES | HAIL UPON ARRIVAL |
Official Country Visa | Visitors may be granted permission to land in the Islands for a period of up to six months. This period may be extended for further periods not exceeding six months upon application to the Chief Immigration Officer – extendable for another 6 months http://www.immigration.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/immhome/visitinghere/entryrequirements |
Immigration Visa | Good for 180 days; |
Required Permits | TIP (Temporary Import Permit) – good for 10 years; fishing license required for each person aboard |
Upon Arrival Visit: | Immigration; Customs; Port Authority |
Upon Departure Visit: | Immigration; Customs; Port Captain |
Entry & Exit Fees: | Unknown |
Notes: | Expect to be boarded by Coast Guard upon entering and/or leaving the country |
OTHER | |
Required Vaccinations | NA |
Pets | Vaccination Certificate |
Currency: Cayman Island Dollar |
Crime Index | Safety Index | Corruption Index | Corruption Score | GDP x cap | Pop (K) | Life Ex. | Cost of Living | Groc. | Rest. $ | Loc.Purch.P. | ||
29.61 |
|
NA = Unknown and that is a problem | The Caymans have become a popular tax haven among the American elite and large multinational corporations because there is no corporate or income tax on money earned outside of its territory. 1 This includes interest or dividends earned on investments, making the Caymans especially popular among hedge fund managers. | 43,800 | 65 | 82.19 years | Cayman Islands is the most expensive country in Latin America | Cayman Islands is the most expensive country in Latin America | Cayman Islands is the most expensive country in Latin America | Cayman Islands is the most expensive country in Latin America |
US EMBASSY
NA – closed – visit US EMBASSY in Jamaica for consular services,
WEATHER
The Cayman Islands have a tropical marine climate, with a wet season of warm, rainy summers (mid-May through October) and a dry season of relatively mild winters (November to April). Located in the northwest Caribbean at Northwest Caribbean, west of Jamaica the three Cayman Islands are in a unique position to be far enough north to be affected by cold front during the winter and still within the belt that is influenced by tropical waves and hurricanes during the summer. A typical day would have you wake up to warm sunny mornings becoming hot by afternoon with a few afternoon thundershowers especially over western Grand Cayman.
Occasional surges of cooler air from continental North America, the leading edge of which is called a cold front is the main winter system affecting the Cayman Islands from late October through early April. These systems are the major producers of rainfall during the winter months although precipitation is not quite as long lasting or of the same amounts as with summertime systems. The stronger cold fronts tend to bring strong North to northwest winds and rough seas, especially along the Western and Northern Coasts of the Islands: Such fronts are locally called “Northwesters”.
Perturbations in the easterlies or tropical waves are the main summer systems affecting the Cayman Islands from late May through November. During these months the systems move through the Cayman area roughly every four to five days but can all but disappear for a few weeks. The stronger of these systems tend to bring a day or two of cloudiness, heavy showers and thundershowers during their passage and strong southeast winds after their passage. During the summer months the main impetus for the development of these systems are the tropical waves.
TIDES
Download the Tide tables here
http://www.weather.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/nwshome/forecasthome/suntides30
Tidal range is about 0.7 meters
PILOT CHARTS
CAYMAN ISLAND Pilot Charts 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. The information used to compile these averages was obtained from oceanographic and meteorologic observations over many decades during the late 18th and 19th centuries.The charts are intended to aid the navigator in selecting the fastest and safest routes with regards to the expected weather and ocean conditions.
An explanation of historic Cayman Islands Climatology and Wind-roses is here.
CAYMAN ISLANDS HISTORIC HURRICANE TRACKS
AIDS TO NAVIGATION
DOWNLOADABLE REFERENCE CHARTS FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
- Cayo Largo to Cayo Blanco including Cayman Islands – CAYMAN ISLANDS 27160
- Cayman Islands (West Indies) Plans: A. Little Cayman and Cayman Brac – CAYMAN ISLANDS 27241
- Caribbean Sea-Northwest Part – CAYMAN ISLANDS 28004
- Gulf of Mexico – CAYMAN ISLANDS 401
Please sign up with Good Nautical for Anchorages, Marinas, and Ports of Entry Information.
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LIST OF REQUIREMENTS
YOUR VESSEL - YOUR CREW - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
At a very high level we do not have any requirements for you to participate
THIS IS YOUR ADVENTURE - ENJOY !
FROM OUR EXPERIENCE here is what you WILL need !
Seaworthy vessel well equipped, tested and ready to go capable of voyaging up to 500 nm without assistance between stops
Experienced skipper and competent crew
Money and Credit Cards ( budget between 1,900 and 7,500 x month x vessel / average 4,500 x month )
Time
Vessel Documentation
Passports
Drivers License
Proof of Covid Vaccination
Third Party Liability Insurance
WITH REGARDS TO SEAMANSHIP = THEORY + APPLICATION + TIME + EXPERIENCE
Download the THEORY by following these links
https://panamaposse.com/wp-content/uploads/guides/Bowditch_Vol_1.pdf
https://panamaposse.com/wp-content/uploads/guides/Bowditch_Vol_2.pdf
A BASIC LIST OF WHAT TO BRING
- VHF RADIO
- chart-plotter and printed charts
- logbook
- handheld GPS
- compass
- watch
- EPRIB
- safety gear
- tracker such as delorme / gps / garmin / iridium go / sailmail if SSB HAM
- anything that makes you feel comfortable
- checked rig, engines, systems, running and standing rigging, ground tackle, windlass, batteries
- know how to change filters vbelts oil etc.
- android dual sim unlocked GSM Phone
- we do recommend to have tools and spares so you can repair things that may brake or need replacing including a way to mend sails
- dinghy
- medical kit
- spares
A more extensive list oF WHAT TO BRING COURTESY OF Downwind Marine
SAFETY GEAR
1. TOP ESSENTIALS: Life Raft sized for entire crew, an EPIRB and a pre-packed “Ditch Bag” to supply life raft in emergency. SOS Distress Lights– Flares or Electronic Flare!
2. Automatic Identification System (A.I.S.) installed–use to track commercial vessels’ course & speed to avoid collisions.
3. Ham Radio with Marine SSB and Pactor E-mail installed,even if there is no licensed ham operator on board. In emergency Hams will talk to anyone, for either medical or vessel assistance. Use to monitor the maritime mobile HAMS for up-to-date news& weather even if there is no satellite coverage. Unlocked Android or Iphone.
4. “Jack-Lines" installed on each side of the length of the boat.
5. Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with Safety Harness for each crew/person on board.
6. Personal Strobes &Whistles on Lanyards for each crew/person on board.
7. Man Overboard Pole with 20-feet of floating line attached to Horseshoe Buoy equipped with Sea Anchor and Man Overboard Strobe –SOS Distress Light for use here too!
8. Boarding Ladder or other means to get back on board.
9. Radar Reflector/Detector.
10. Masthead Strobe (Not legal except in an emergency).
11. Flashlight for each area of boat (with extra batteries and bulbs) or battery-less light.LED-type works great here too.
12. Powerful Spotlightor light beam gun. You will coem across long liners without much warning
13. Custom First Aid Kit (to meet personal needs& possible illness or accidental injury–& cruisers all say you’ll need more GOOD band-aids!!) plus Chlorine Bleach to sanitize water.
14. One Rigid Bucket per person (for bucket brigade).
15. Air Horn and Horn Refill Can.
16. Boom Gallows, Boom Crutch, or “Lazy Jacks”to secure boom(s)when not in use, or if /when a topping liftbreaks.
17. Lead Line for sounding / handheld depth sounder
18.Anchors, Chain& Rode in multiple copies, with extra Shackles, Swivels, Seizing Wire& Chafe Gear, plus Anchor Buoy with line for quick deployment in emergency - follow the 7 to 1 scope recommendation in sizing your chain.
Anchoring Note: A proficient anchor system is your best insurance. Have different anchors and anchoring gear on board to be able to leave one or two behind in a hurry and still have enough left to securely anchor again. One monster “Storm Hook” is advisable
19. AIS
MAINTENANCE & DAMAGE CONTROL
1. Electrical Wire, Solder, Connectors, Electrical Tape, etc.
2. Silicone Spray Lubricant (eg. Tri-Flow PTFE, Lanocote) plusEngine Starting Fluid, & outboard motor fluids and cleaners.
3. Fin,Mask, Snorkel& Hol-Tite Handle for in-water hull or prop work (also wet suit & weight belt are really useful here).
4. Spares –Zinc Plates, Collars & Pencils for electrolysis control as needed, including use in cooling system.
5. Fiberglass Cloth& Tape, with resin and catalyst, PLUS Caulking Gun with tubes of Silicone Caulking & Adhesives (eg. BoatLife, SikaFlexand/orsimilar 3M-Products)
6. Splash Zone or “Poxy-Putty” (both slow cure and fast cure) for underwater repair, plus Bedding Compound (Dolfinite).
7. Spares –Fuses and/or Circuit Breakers.
8. 3M Scotch-Brite Pads for “boatwork”, plus Sandpaper (wet/dry), Paint &Varnish, Primer, Thinner, &Brushes.
9. Cleaning Aids like Sponges, Rags, Chamois & Deck Brush.
10. Small Whisk Broom, Dust Pan, and/or 12-Volt Vacuum.
11. Canvas Squares for use as collision mat.
12. Plywood or starboard (as large as you can stow) for emergency hull and cabin side repair, (plus large nails and hammer in your tool kit!)
13. Wood 2x4’s (as large as you can stow) plus Large Hose Clamps for splinting spars and other emergency repair.
14. Assortment of Fasteners –nuts, bolts and screws, etc.
15. Emergency Marine SSB Antenna and/or Ham Antenna.
16. Metal Primer & Acid-Etch –keep safely stored.
17. Rubber “True Plugs” and/or Tapered Plugs (wood bungs) with “Stay Afloat” Bee’s Wax –keep plugs dry but as handy to thru-hulls as possible. PLUS Gorilla Tape&Rescue Tapefor the quick fixes!
18. Expanded Inflatable Repair Kit, to include glue, hull fabric, valves, chemicals, etc.
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
Check with your engine maker or its distributor for a list of recommended spare parts to maintain onboard.
1. Spares Kits –for all Pumps on board including Pressure, Hand and Bilge Bumps with extra impellers as applicable.
2. Spares Kit –for Engine Raw Water Pump, all parts plus extra impellers and complete backup pump.
3. Spares –for Stove, include Burner(s) and/or parts for stove.
4. Spares –for Head, extra pump and all parts you can think of plus extra joker valves and packing.
5. Spare Bulbs for running lights and cabin lights, plusa switch or two. Try replacement LED bulbs in your fixtures!
6. Spares –for Oil Lamps, include Chimneys, Wicks, Mantles and Burners, plus extra Paraffin Oil.
7. Batteries for everything using them.
8. Water-Separating Fuel Filter Funnel.
9. Spares –In-Line Water Filter Cartridges & Heater Elements.
10. Fuel Additive(s) for fungus prevention and water absorption.
11. Spares –Fuel injectors/points, plugs, and distributor rotor.
12. Spare Oil Filter Cartridges and OIL, enough oil for at least two oil changes and any anticipated consumption of motor.
13. Spares –Zincs wherever needed.
14. Spares –Hoses and Fan Belts wherever needed.
15. Distilled Water and Salinity Tester to check quality of any distilled water before using in battery.
16. Hydrometer, Battery Filler, and Baking Soda.
17. Hose Clamps plus Assorted Fasteners –nuts, bolts, etc.
18. A GOOD Volt-Ohmmeter with test leads and alligator clips
19. Tool Kit - the biggest and best you can afford and fit onboard to also include if possible a Vacuum Gauge, Prop Puller, Drill Tapping Set, Battery Operated Drill, &High Speed Drill Bits.
RIGGING
1. Spares –Blocks, Shackles, Thimbles, Clevis Pins& Cotter Pins/ Rings.
2. Spares –Lines for sheets, halyards and/or Wire Rope.
4. Cable Clamps for every size wire on board.
5. Nicopress Tool and assortment of Nicopress Sleeves.
6. Cable Cutter (capable to cutlargest diameter wire on boat).
7. Tape–Rigging Tape, Duct/GorillaTape, Chafe Tape, Rescue Tape...
8. Rigging Knife with Shackler for each crew member.9. Marlin Spikes and Seizing Wire.
10. Bosun’s Chair & Tackle and/or consider a Jumar Ascending Tool.
11. Spares –Winch Handles.
12. Winch Handle Pockets.
13. Downwind Pole(s).
14. Mast Steps or Ratlines for spotting coral (also highly recommend Polarized Dark Sun Glasses).
15. Boom Vang -Preventers.
16. Hand-Powered Sewing Machine.
COMFORT
1. Foul Weather Gear and Boots to fit everyone.
2. Hats and Cpasfor everyone, with spares as needed.
3. Sunscreen for lips, nose, and skin.
4. Flip-Flops, Tennis Shoes, Heavy Boots & Reef Walkers.
5. Electric Fan(s) plus a Wind Scoop to fit to your front hatch!
6. Sun Awning –best if it can be left up while sailing.
7. Solar Water Showers.
8. Good Dodger and Weather Cloths.
9. Cockpit Cushions and Cockpit Lantern.
10. Reliable Self-Steering –Wind Vane or Autopilot, or both or redundancy
11. Velcro Hatch Insect Netting and Porthole Screens.
12. D-Con Bombs for roaches, Mosquito (& no-see-um) Coils.
13. Flopper Stopper –ocean-swell roll controller - unless you are on a cat
14. Propane BBQ to cook outside!
15. Laundry Aids like rub board, large tub, plumber’s helper, portable wringer and clothespins, plus Tide for salt water laundry.
16. Saltwater Soap (for dishes, decks, and shampoo) –plus Hair Rinse. (Joy dish washing soap works great in saltwater!)
17. Insulated “Travel” Mugs and Thermos Bottles –2 or more.
18. Aluminum Foil Plates for rat guards on lines.
19. Non-skid Matting for lockers, drawers, carpet bottoms, etc.
20. Beach Towels and lightweight, fast-drying Sleeping Bags,Blankets & Pillows.
21. Cookware, Tableware, Cups, Stemware and Kitchen Timer.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Extra Set of Oars and/or Paddles.
2. Dark Glasses with polarized lenses necessary for spotting coral -and lots of extras too.
3. Jugs for Diesel, Gas and Water as needed –make sure these are well labeled (color-coded) and well secured!
4. Waterproof Document Bag.
5. Backpacks, Heavy Canvas Bags, Sport Bags.
6. Net Bags and Hammocks.
7. Sparker Lighter for stove and Waterproof Matches.
8. Deck Washing Bucket –Rubber or Collapsible Canvas.
9. Funnels to fit everywhere you need.
10. Paper Towels and Toilet Paper.
11. Fishing Gear–Assorted Hooks, Lures, Line & Wire Leader, Shock Cord, Net or Fish Gaff, and Small Bell. Be licensed!!
12. Deck Knife and Sharp Knives including 1 large for filleting fish & Filet Board.
13. Machete and Folding Shovel.
14. Boat Hook(s). with the ability to hose-clamp on a knife to cut long lines
15. Shock Cord–in different diameters and lots of it.
16. Tie-Down Line, 1/8” or larger –minimum 250-feet.
17. Heavy-Duty Gloves –minimum 2 pair.
18. Flags–Country Courtesy Flags for each country visited, Quarantine Flag, and one extra “Home Country Flag” (or bag of Nylon in assorted colors to make your own flags).
19. Assorted small gifts for trade, (e.g. dark glasses, printed T-shirts, any clothing from Levi Strauss.) Bring School Supplies for village kids.
20. Folding Shopping Cart.
21. Head Lamp, 12V Drop Light and/or Lights in Engine Room –Find good LED versions to work here too!
22. Amp (or Amp Hour) Meter on ship’s main battery bank, plus Amp Meter for Alternator.
23. Hand-Held VHF radio(s) –and good concise language-translation dictionary for every country you plan to visit.
LUXURY ITEMS
1. Water Maker –good to have a salinity tester for this too - check with CRUISE RO WATERMAKERS
2. Portable Generator,Wind/Trolling Generator,Solar Panels.
3. Video or Digital Camera, Blank Tapes and Memory Cards/Sticks, Large Hard drive with Video Library.
4. Folding Bicycle(s).
5. Deck Wash-Down Pump.
6. SUP / Kitboard / Kayaks
RECOMMENDED READING
🇳🇮 NICARAGUA CRUISING THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA WITH THE PANAMA POSSE YACHT RALLY
DOCUMENTATION | NICARAGUA |
Passport | Valid for length of stay; requires one blank page |
Boat Documentation | Coast Guard Doc (Original) |
Proof of Insurance | Liability Insurance may be required by marinas |
Crewlist | Required at checkin/out |
Zarpe | Required at checkin/out |
OFFICIAL PROCEDURES | |
Official Country Visa | None if stay is less than 90 days |
Immigration Visa | Good for 90 days with one 30-day extension; CA-4 Tourist Card ($10) available if traveling via land between Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras |
Required Permits | Sailing Permit ($25.00) |
Upon Arrival Visit: | Immigration; Customs; Port Captain (Navy) |
Upon Departure Visit: | Immigration; Port Captain |
Entry & Exit Fees: | Free to $150 – depends |
Notes: | Satellite Phones
Satellite phones are illegal and may be confiscated.
|
OTHER | |
Required Vaccinations | None |
Pets | Vaccinations Certificate |
Currency: Cordoba |
Crime Index | Safety Index | Corruption Index | Corruption Score | GDP | Pop (M) | Life Ex. | Cost of Living | Groc. | Rest. $ | Loc.Purch.P. |
NA | NA | 145 | 26% | 2,115 | 6.2 | 74.8 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
US EMBASSY
TEL +505 2252-7100
Kilometer 5.5 Carreter Sur
Managua, Nicagagua
NICARAGUA CHARTS
AIDS TO NAVIGATION - NICARAGUA
Good Nautical is a 501(c)3 non profit organization and has partnered with the Panama Posse to maintain the institutional knowledge of the participating vessels – every feasible anchorage marina port and known hazards have been added to Good Nautical by participants of the Panama Posse. Free seasonal access to all Participants is included in your registration.
NICARAGUA ROUTE SEGMENTS
SOUTH BOUND
ALERT




