Ocean Posse Yacht Insurance offers members access to specialized marine coverage designed for long-distance cruisers. The program provides agreed value policies, global navigation limits, protection and indemnity, hurricane coverage, and streamlined underwriting. With experienced oversight and fleet-wide advantages, Ocean Posse members gain reliable insurance tailored to the realities of offshore sailing. To find out more and get a quote follow this link >>

OCEAN POSSE SPONSORS ⚓ ” FIND MY CAPTAIN “

Introducing Find My Captain – where experience meets opportunity across the Ocean Posse network. Whether you are seeking a seasoned skipper, yacht delivery services, or your next great passage, this platform connects real captains with your destination and voyages. Want your yacht in Italy, Spain, or Fiji? Mke the connection, and let the next chapter of your journey begin and save money.

MUST SEE : MANUEL ANTONIO PARK 🇨🇷 COSTA RICA 

Manuel Antonio National Park – Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, is a quintesential Cosat Rican national park in the Central Pacific Conservation Area located on the Pacific coast a few miles south east of Quepos and Marina Pez Vela.

It was established in 1972 and considered the smallest of any Costa Rica national park. It is well known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. In 2011, Manuel Antonio was listed by Forbes as among the world’s 12 most beautiful national parks.

The diversity of wildlife in its 6.83 km2 (3 sq mi) is unequaled with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.
Dolphins can be observed there, as well as the occasional migrating whale

There are  three-toed sloth and   two-toed sloth are a major feature, as are three of Costa Rica’s  monkey species —

The mantled howler monkey
Central American squirrel monkey
Panamanian white-faced Capuchin monkey.

There are black spiny-tailed iguana, green iguana, common basilisk, white-nosed coati and many snake and bat species a

Included in the 184 bird species  are toucans, woodpeckers, potoos, motmots, tanagers, turkey vulture, parakeets and hawks. .

 AWARD ENTRY – BOAT YOGA 

SY  BETTER TOGETHER 🎏 Byron & Lisa – Catalina Morgan 45′

AWARD ENTRY HIGHEST WIND RECORDED 71 KNOTS

Hi there,
Thought I’d send you the video of the microburst over Banana Bay in Golfito on March 10. Fingers broke away. We abandoned our finger and used every line on the boat to tie to the pilings. That’s my Daughter greeting me at the boat, sure that we lost the boat. Poor girl. Just a few scratches and frayed nerves. 3 days later they almost had things put back together. Out at the anchorage one of the boats that didn’t drag anchor clocked a 71 knots for a moment.

SY  DR. JOHN 🇺🇸 Cliff &Susanna & Sydney   –  Hubecky 45′

 Panama Canal WEATHER

The weather along the Panama Canal is defined less by seasons in the traditional sense and more by the steady rhythm of tropical patterns. For captains staging on either side, understanding this cycle is part of good seamanship.

Panama sits firmly in the tropics, and temperatures remain remarkably consistent year-round, typically ranging between 24°C and 32°C (75°F to 90°F). The real distinction is between the dry season and the rainy season.

The dry season, generally from December through April, is what most cruisers encounter when arriving from the Caribbean side near Colón. Skies are often clear, humidity is lower, and the trade winds are more established. These easterly trades can accelerate through the canal cut and across Gatun Lake, occasionally producing short, steep chop in open sections. Visibility is excellent, making navigation straightforward.

From May through November, the rainy season settles in. This does not mean continuous rain, but rather powerful, localized squalls that build through the afternoon. These can bring heavy downpours, reduced visibility, and shifting winds. Lightning activity increases, and while sustained winds are typically moderate, gusts within squalls can be sharp and unpredictable.

Inside the canal itself, wind is often less of a concern than rain and visibility. The surrounding jungle creates a sheltered environment, but it also traps heat and moisture, making conditions feel heavy and humid, especially during lock transits where airflow is minimal.

Tidal influence is negligible within the canal but becomes relevant at both entrances. On the Pacific side, tidal ranges can exceed 4–5 meters, creating strong currents and timing considerations when approaching or departing.

In practical terms, the canal can be transited year-round. With proper preparation, awareness of squall patterns, and attention to timing at either end, the weather presents no serious obstacle—only another element to be respected on the passage between oceans.

OCEAN  POSSE PANAMA 🇵🇦 CANAL AGENTS
contact EMILIO@oceanposse.com

FOR PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT OPTIONS

OCEAN POSSE MERCHANDISE | MADE TO ORDER ONLY

💬 TIDBITS

Found After Delayed Cuba Relief Passage

Two sailing vessels taking part in a humanitarian aid passage to Cuba were reported missing after losing contact during the trip from Isla Mujeres, Mexico, toward Havana.

The vessels were later found about 80 nautical miles northwest of Havana. All nine people aboard were safe, and the boats were reported intact.

Initial concern grew after communication stopped and position updates were no longer coming through. Search efforts were launched, but the outcome appears to have been a delayed passage rather than a distress situation.

The incident is a reminder that offshore delays, weather, and communication gaps can quickly turn into a missing-vessel report, even when the crew and vessel are still managing the situation.

Captain’s takeaway: Not every overdue yacht is in immediate danger, but lost communications offshore can escalate concern very quickly.

#SEMARInforma

Las embarcaciones tipo catamarán “Friendship” y “Tigermoth” arribaron y atracaron de manera segura en el puerto de La Habana, Cuba, tras su localización en la mar.

Se mantuvo seguimiento y coordinación con las autoridades correspondientes para su arribo seguro a… pic.twitter.com/kDeSsGpta2

— SEMAR México (@SEMAR_mx) March 28, 2026

The Salish Sea Pilot Cruising Guide (2026 edition)

a continuously updated, digital-first cruising reference covering the Pacific Northwest from Puget Sound to the Broughton Archipelago and Vancouver Island. It focuses on practical navigation rather than narrative, offering detailed chartlets for hundreds of anchorages, marinas, and passes. Designed for onboard use, it works offline across devices and is refreshed annually with current marina data, services, and conditions.

HUNDREDS  OF yachts have accessed the FLOAT PLAN  FOR THE Voluntary Reporting Regime with U.S. Southern Command to Enhance Safety for Cruising Vessels in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean  

AREAS OF CONCERN

TO ACCESS AND SUBMIT A FLOATPLAN FOLLOW THIS LINK >>>

⚓ Marina Occupancy – Early Season Signals

Reports from marinas :

• Liguria (northwest Italy)
• Tuscany coast
• Northern Sardinia

…show earlier-than-usual reservation requests, especially from Northern European boats moving south.

• Italy has ~181,000 marina berths
• Ranking it among the top 3 in Europe (after Sweden and France)
• April–May shoulder season slip bookings building sooner

Takeaway:

• Italy is shaping up for a busy 2026 Med season. Call ahead, especially for popular stops.

🌊 South Pacific – 🌬️ Cyclone Activity – Late Season Still Alive

The South Pacific cyclone season is tapering, but not done yet. There are still active low-pressure systems forming east of Vanuatu and around Fiji, with intermittent intensification.

Fiji and Vanuatu remain in the risk corridor
Squally conditions, shifting winds, and heavy rain bands reported
Sea states locally confused near convergence zones

Takeaway:
Do not treat April as “safe” yet. Late-season systems tend to be erratic and poorly forecast.

Extraordinary Cruising °°° Join the Fleet

• Access vetted local knowledge, safety resources, and prior experiences to make your passage safer and more enjoyable.
• Unlock a Life of Adventure
  Explore hidden destinations, experience new cultures, and discover the freedom of life at sea or near shore – on your terms.
• Get VIP Perks & Discounts at marinas, chandleries and boatyards
  Get exclusive discounts, priority access, and personalized support at partner marinas across the globe.
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  Tap into a wealth of tips, tools, and real-world know-how from seasoned mariners to grow your skills and gain confidence.
• Make Every Nautical Mile Memorable
  Join events, meetups, and shared journeys that turn you voyages into unforgettable stories and lasting memories.
• Cruise with a Conscience
  Gain insights into sustainable practices and join a movement that protects the waters you love to explore.