“There is neither happiness nor unhappiness in this world; there is only the comparison of one state with another. Only a man who has felt ultimate despair is capable of feeling ultimate bliss. It is necessary to have wished for death in order to know how good it is to live.....the sum of all human wisdom will be contained in these two words: Wait and Hope.”
On
long passages it is normal to get some growth including barnacles along
the waterline - life is sticky, but there is a tip on how to
remove them while underway ... take an old halyard and make stopper
knots every 6 to 8 inches and run it along side your hulls
run
it along side your hulls for 1/2 hour while underway on each side - the
wave action with knock of the growth along the water line - run when
you are not motoring and on each hull - the sheet will bounce up and
down along the hull and knock of growth mechanically - should not be
longer than your vessel's hull .
3) MEET THE FLEET
⛵
SY COSMOS
51/52 year old married couple. Been sailing the Caribbean for the last few years. Reside full time in Bonaire.
SY COSMOS 🇺🇸 Christopher & Suzette – Roberts & Caine Leopard 40′ 43′
Prior track from Aruba to Colombia
4) BENEFITS OF JOINING THE POSSE
✔️ Up to date and verified information by fellow yachts
💰 Save real money at 12+ Marinas with discounts *
🛰️ Free vessel and fleet tracking courtesy of Predict Wind
🚩 Free Burgee
💰 Save with service providers and chandleries
🕵️ dedicated, experienced and discounted Canal and clearing in agents
🗺️ Free aid to navigation 150 Gb OpenCPN satellite charts (mac/pc/android)
💰 Save Money with a Predict Wind Pro Discount
🗺️ Free Printable Reference Charts emergency backup to your electronics
📹 Free Video Seminars on destinations from those who are there
🌩️ Top weather routing avail by Ocean Tactics at a DISCOUNT
⛵ Community of voyagers all are welcome, kids, single-handers, pets
⚓ Peer support in emergencies with escalation procedures
🛈 Fleet Updates via email – free
🏆 Fun Award Categories
📍 Free access to GOOD NAUTICAL Anchorage reports
☎️ Free Weekly live calls on Mondays via dedicated LINE.me group
💬 Free 24/7 LINE group channel
🌊 Benefit from the latest information and prior experience participants
🔭 Be part of a fleet of sensor for those who come behind you or meet
🚷 Always priority traffic – for participants by participants
with
limited resources in the South Pacific it's key to have the posse scout
for resources such as fresh veggies in FP - yes you can do it alone but
information is key - the collective brain trust of the South
Pacific Posse at work ... they gonna run out of fresh veggies - and they
run out of diesel ... every season...
5) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE PARTY SHELTER BAY MARINA 🇵🇦 PANAMA RECAP
If
you are in distress or need to report an emergency, do NOT send it via
email, contact The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
(GMDSS) provides a number of additional means for contacting or alerting
SAR authorities.
TEST YOUR EPIRB AND SET IT OFF IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
EPIRB. is a small radio transmitter fitted to seagoing vessels. If the vessel were suddenly hit by any disaster, such as sinking, the EPIRB is designed to float free and begin transmission.
7) OPEN CPN X UN-MARKS THE CHART
OpenCPNs chart management is challenging – to enable sat charts loaded
into the chart library please focus on the "bottom bar" of charts
The purple chart selection area on the bottom of the charts make the red x ( not enabled to display )
Enabling Charts is sometimes hard to identify as there is a tiny red x which indicates which charts are not activated
French Polynesian Currency - get it from the ATM's in the Marquesas
13) 1,000+ SOUTH PACIFIC ANCHORAGES IN GOOD NAUTICAL
Full
access to Good Nautical with 1000+ hard to find anchorage data compiled
over the last 13 years by participants and explorers. Here is
French Polynesia
The bay, by sailors is known as Daniels Bay and by the locals as 'HAKATEA'.
A bit of a hike from Daniels Bay but worth the effort to see one of the largest waterfalls in the South Pacific. The Vaipo waterfall cascades down from a height of 1150 feet springing out from the cliff.
14) NIUE YACHT CLUB 🇳🇺 SPONSORS THE SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE
19° 03.322’S 169° 55.512’W
The Niue Yacht Club welcomes the South Pacific Posse with a 20 % discount off mooring fees
Known as the “Biggest Little Yacht Club in the World”
Niue
Yacht Club has 15 moorings available to use. All moorings have been
recently fully inspected, new ropes and shackles fitted where required
and passed as fit for purpose and safe for vessels to use pending seas
conditions. There are a mixture of single and double blocks that will
all accommodate vessels up to 16 metres pending sea conditions. Larger
or heavy vessels should specifically request a double block mooring.
Contact
Email – nyc@niueisland.com
Channel 16 – Niue Radio/Telecom
Arrivals and Departures
On Arrival in Niue
Pickup the numbered mooring you have been allocated
Ensure you have read and understood the Notice to Mariners HERE –
and are familiar with the Do’s and Don’t’s for Yachties
Every yacht must contact Niue Radio on channel 16 when within
VHF range. This channel is monitored 24 hrs a day and will contact
Customs and Immigration with your details for your check in process.
Please DO NOT come ashore unless instructed by Niue Radio.
Check-in and check-out times for immigration, customs and biosecurity are as follows:
o Monday – 9-11 am
o Tuesday to Friday – 9-10 am & 2-3 pm
o Saturday & Sunday – 9-10 am & 2-3 pm *by arrangement and subject to staff availability
Ensure you have your documentation and your vessel ready for inspection.
o Niue Vessel Report Form
o Niue Health Declaration
o Niue Biosecurity Declaration
Yachts coming onto the mooring field for shelter and repairs
have up to 24 hours to carryout repairs and/or rest before they must
leave or clear through Customs and pay the departure tax of NZ$150pp.
Head to the Visitor information centre, and they can help you
book transport and activities on the island whilst you are here and
enjoy your time in Niue.
On Departure from Niue
Ensure all mooring fees have been paid in full
Present your departure documents for clearing
Tell your friends what a great time you had in Niue – and come again!
Fees:
There are fees associated with clearance, immigration and biosecurity.
Clearance NZ$50 per vessel
Afterhours Customs Clearance NZ$20.00 per vessel. *by arrangement and subject to staff availability.
Departure Tax NZ$150 per person
o Free if staying less than 24hrs
o Free for under 12’s
Amenities
Daily Rubbish removal (Mon-Fri) and destruction
Vessel clearing costs – government staff and vessel
Pet clearance costs
Use of winch
Wharf storage for dinghys
Must see and Do
Matapa Chasm
Limu Pools
Togo Chasm
Talava Arches
Aviaki Cavs
Utuko Beach
Hio Beach
Opaahi Landing
Taoga Niue Museum
Palaha Cave
Tomb Point
Hikulagi Sculpture Park
15) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 🏆 AWARD CATEGORIES
BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT ✔
PICTURE OF THE YEAR ✔
PACIFIC POSSE YODA OF THE YEAR ✔
THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD ✔
MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD ✔
HIGHEST WIND RECORDED ✔
SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION ✔
GALLEY GOD(ESS) ✔
SPEEDY AWARD
GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR ✔
BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR ✔
COURAGE AWARD
Look at the South Pacific rainbow mom !
Pick up your SPP burgee in Nuku Hiva FP
16) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE FLEET COMMUNICATIONS 📣 LINE
Monday live LINE calls over IP @ 20:00 UTC
Monthly Fleet Updates
24/7 Chatroom with location sharing / pictures
Emergency Escalation
Local vetted Agents when need
Discounted personalized Weather Routing
17) HISTORIC PORTS ⚓ OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC
Levuka is a former capital and town on the eastern coast of the Fijian
island of Ovalau, in Lomaiviti Province. At the census in 2007, the last
to date, Levuka town had a population of 1,131. Levuka was designated a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2013, in recognition of the port
town’s exceptional testimony to the late colonial port towns in the
Pacific.
The modern town of Levuka was founded around 1820 by European settlers and
traders as the first modern town in the Fiji Islands, and became an
important port and trading post. A disparate band of settlers made up
Levuka’s population – traders, missionaries, shipwrights, speculators,
and vagabonds, as well as respectable businessmen. The US Exploring
Expedition visited in 1840.
Levuka remained the capital of fiji until 1877, when the
administration was moved to Suva, although the move was not made
official until 1882.
This stone shell was the South Pacific’s first Masonic lodge (1875). This
was once Levuka’s only Romanesque building, but it was burnt to a husk
in the 2000 coup by God-fearing villagers. Local Methodists had long
alleged that Masons were in league with the devil and that tunnels led
from beneath the lodge to Nasova House, the Royal Hotel and through the
center of the world to Masonic headquarters in Scotland. This turned out
not to be the case.
Levuka 🇫🇯 Fiji Anchorage in Good Nautical
18) MEET OUR SPONSORS
PREDICT WIND
PANAMA CANAL AGENT ERICK GALVEZ CENTENARIO CONSULTING
Burgees
are available in French Polynesia starting in March in
Nuku Hiva - for additional location please arrange and pay for a 8 oz
envelope to be shipped to your preferred intl. location
“Every explorer I have met has been driven—not coincidentally but quintessentially—by curiosity, by a single-minded, insatiable, and even jubilant need to know.”
- Jacques-Yves Cousteau
SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE FLEET UPDATE
2023-07-01
65 Yachts from 13 ensigns are signed up from now until November '23 they will share up to date information, scout for opportunities and alert each other to threats.
Meet Bennington ( aka Benny - same as she ever was with her amazing garden - note she likes chocolate chop cookies )
David traded a set of knives
Lamen Bay ⚓ 16° 35.773 S 168° 09.893 E 20 ft Epi 🇻🇺 Vanuatu
Land diving is a ritual performed by the men of the southern part of Pentecost Island, Vanuatu. Men jump off wooden towers close to 90 feet high, with two tree vines wrapped around the ankles. Land diving is done by tying vines to each ankle. According to the Guinness World Records, the g-force experienced by those at their lowest point in the dive is the greatest experienced in the non-industrialized world by humans.
The origin of land diving is described in a legend of a woman who was dissatisfied with her husband, . It is sometimes claimed that the woman was upset that her husband was too vigorous regarding his sexual wants, so she ran away into the forest. Her husband followed her, so she climbed a banyan tree.
She tied lianas to her ankles and jumped and survived. Her husband jumped after her, but did not tie lianas to himself, which caused him to plummet and die. Originally, women did it in respect to the original woman who did it, but husbands were not comfortable with seeing their wives in such positions, so they took the sport for themselves, and it gradually changed from trees to specifically designed wooden towers. The men performed the original land diving so that they would not be tricked again.
SY DREAMER 🇺🇸 David & Gerne - Caliber 40lrv’
Londot ⚓ 15° 54.789 S 168° 11.277 E 23 ft Pentecost 🇻🇺 Vanuatu
3) PICTURES OF THE WEEK
Tahanea, Tuamotus 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
Anchorage @ Tahanea, Tuamotus 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
Floating Anchor Chain deployed @ Tahanea, Tuamotus 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
For anyone still in Marquesas or heading there our favorite anchorage was Hanatefau Bay in Tahuata. There is sand and good holding on the north side. The morning light is magical, there are spinner dolphins swimming around the bay most days. Hapatoni village is beautiful and the people are friendly. We got to see a traditional Marquesian performance, pick fruit with a local woman and eat an amazing lunch at her home.
In the next bay up Vaitahu the village is also very nice. We heard it was tough anchoring so we dinghied there. Jimmy a local restaurant owner hosted an awesome cruisers barbecue at his house.
In the first bay valley Baie du Nord there’s a beach and manta rays often come into the anchorage or you can wait just outside the anchorage at sunset in the dinghy or paddle board and you’ll see them.
Marquesas 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
Marquesas 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
Approaching Fatu Hiva, Marquesas 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
Fatu Hiva is absolutely stunning and when we were there some cruisers organized a type of circus acro yoga performance with the village kids that was really sweet.
Marquesas 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
On the north side of Hiva Oa in Baie Hanaiapa there’s a small fresh water pool with a waterfall on a man’s well tended property. He sells fruit & carvings he makes. We met someone who went on a goat hunt with him.
Nawi Island is located in the beautiful Fiji Islands.It will feature an International Superyacht Marina, which will have 132 marina berths, including 21 superyacht slips (up to 85m). The marina has been designed and built up to category 5 cyclone resistance rating.
The South Pacific Posse is planning a get together at Nawi on Sept 2nd 2023. A week before the infamous Musket Cove regatta. Nawi will be offering entertainment, markets, kava tasting and discounts on berths, water sport activities, restaurant & bar orders, with Pacific Posse hosting a Pig on the spit and rum delights.
The fully serviced marina will include “plug in” services through utility pedestals to water, sewerage pump out, power, fuel & gas facilities, plus 24hr security, complimentary Wifi, a.m.o..
16° 46.5716' S 179° 19.9533' E - Nawi Island Savusavu 🇫🇯 Fiji
7) UPDATE SUWARROW 🇨🇰 COOK ISLANDS
Island caretakers like Harry Papa'i is back in 2023 with assistant park ranger Teina Vakapora. Together they're responsible for protecting and managing the environment and wildlife of the island They also act as customs, immigration and biosecurity officers for visiting yachties who help pay for them by way a fee of NZ$50 to anchor in the lagoon. Their home doubles up as the island's cyclone shelter which has recently been renovated. But the caretakers will never be lonely...they share the island with an estimated one million seabirds!.
"Hello everyone, I just wanted to give everyone an update. Voodoo has just arrived at Suwarrow reef. So prior to arrival in Suwarrow I messaged the officials, they stated that you could not check into the cook islands in Suwarrow, bummer. But we ended up sailing this route anyway bc there were less storms and better winds. We figured we would stop in on hopes we could get in. We heard rumors of offics turning all the arc boats away. The rangers could not be friendlier today and check us in to the cook islands today. We have all official paperwork and everyone was very friendly. So yes you can go to Suwarrow and the rangers will check you in. Safe travels everyone
SY CERULEAN 🇳🇿 Helen & Stephen - Seastream 43 Mk3′
The Coconut War was a conflict that occurred in the early 1980s between two groups on the island of Espiritu Santo in what was then New Hebrides ( Vanuatu) , a condominium jointly ruled by France and the United Kingdom.
Before the conflict, the New Hebrides was administered as a colonial territory jointly by France and the UK. However, the islands had a unique political arrangement where there were two separate administrations for each colonial power, and local chiefs held significant influence in their respective areas.
In the early 1980s, there was growing tension between the French-speaking and English-speaking communities, particularly on the island of Espiritu Santo. The French-speaking community, predominantly located in the southern part of the island, sought independence from the joint colonial rule and proposed a plan for the island to become a separate French territory.
On the other hand, the English-speaking community in the northern part of the island wanted to remain under the joint colonial administration or gain independence as part of a united New Hebrides. They were concerned that becoming a French territory would lead to loss of their land rights and cultural identity.
The Coconut War erupted when the Andrew Christopher Stuart was forced to quell a rebellion by bow-and-arrow-wielding cargo-cult devotees on the eve of independence in July 1980.
The conflict escalated when both communities formed paramilitary groups to assert their demands. The conflict became known as the "Coconut War" due to the prominence of coconut plantations in the region.
Amidst the escalating tensions and fears of a full-scale civil war, the leaders of both communities agreed to a compromise. A new constitution was adopted, and on July 30, 1980, the New Hebrides gained its independence as the Republic of Vanuatu, with a government elected by the people. The name "Vanuatu" was chosen to reflect the nation's cultural heritage and means "Our Land" in many of the country's indigenous languages.
The Cargo Cult is another interesting aspect of Vanuatu's history, particularly during the colonial era. Cargo cults are a phenomenon that emerged in the South Pacific, including Vanuatu, after the arrival of European colonizers and missionaries. These cults were characterized by the belief that the goods and "cargo" brought by the Europeans were gifts from their ancestral spirits or gods.
The origins of the Cargo Cults can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when indigenous peoples in Vanuatu and neighboring islands witnessed the vast material wealth and technology possessed by the European colonizers. The indigenous populations often found themselves in awe of the goods, such as manufactured products, clothing, tools, and other commodities, which were vastly different from their traditional ways of life.
To the indigenous people, the sudden appearance of these goods seemed inexplicable and almost magical. They interpreted the arrival of these foreign goods as a sign that their ancestors or gods were rewarding them. Consequently, they developed religious movements, known as Cargo Cults, that centered around the belief that if they performed certain rituals and ceremonies, the gods would provide them with even greater wealth and prosperity in the form of "cargo" from the sky.
These movements often involved the construction of symbolic landing strips, control towers, and mock airplanes made from local materials like bamboo and thatch. The believers would gather at these sites, imitating the behavior of the Europeans they had observed, hoping that their efforts would attract more cargo from the heavens.
The Cargo Cults varied in their beliefs and practices from one region to another and were not limited to Vanuatu but were also observed in other parts of Melanesia and Papua New Guinea.
It's essential to understand that the Cargo Cults were a response to the drastic changes brought by European colonization and the overwhelming material disparity between the colonizers and the indigenous populations. They were an attempt by the local people to make sense of these changes within their own cultural and spiritual frameworks.
Andrew Christopher Stuart was the last resident commissioner * on Santo, the largest of the 80 islands of the New Hebrides, now Vanuatu in the South Pacific. He arrived there in 1978, with the brief of bringing the islands to independence. That he managed to see this through in the face of a local rebellion and machinations by the French was tribute to his smooth operation under pressure.
(*Resident commissioner was or is an official title of several different types of commissioners, who were or are representatives of any level of government. Historically, they were appointed by the British Crown in overseas protectorates amo)
'To the USCG, Tahiti Maritime team, and the 21 member crew aboard The Baker Spirit I have gotten to know, thank you. Despite losing everything materialistic in my life, you provided me with a beautiful perspective on life I can only hope offers others seeking the same, a chance to SEE too. It’s worth more than all the funds and savings, I lost. While I am not fully sure what details on the events that took place are known by the public yet or what my options are on arrival, I just wanted to post an official update, long overdue as I now found out too. I am speechless on how much support there is now from my friends groups that were set up and new followers on the social media pages for it all. All I can say is I love you all and look forward to sharing so many more details to the story below, many in person soon too. Forgive me, this is my best effort not to push my private beliefs on anyone, yet at the same time share the unique perspective with facts of what happened as I continued on my ‘See Level’ Expedition. The effort to connect the world in a positive way thru humanity while exploring my own spiritual curiosity thru the solo travel. I believe the dates and times are on point but with the official journal and all other notes now underwater remaining in Smiles, the capsized vessel, possibly still floating, this is the best I can recall. Please excuse the gramatical and spelling error sent from my new phone brought to me on arrival from good friend Jeremy Corum who showed up here in Honolulu, to ID me and offer his support out of his own pocket, like many of you have done .
“Be Brave”, the words I heard in my head and wrote down in my Captains log , understanding that I had now lost total power 7 days ago, May 13th , coordinates being 4.31 south and 117 west, roughly 1600 NM from closest land way point of 7.9 south and 137 west, roughly the Marquises. Now the 21st of May, aside from my gifted fixed Epirb and Personal Locator Beacon with built in batteries for emergency use only, I was left with 13 percent battery life on my iPhone and 5 percent left on my Spot GPS tracker. I had been powering on and off the iPhone for the last 8 days, just to write down my coordinates using the offline Navionics app, and continue to do my best rowing in the blind. Calculating the last 8 days of my progress, it was clear that with roughly 1410 miles remaining I was truly on the sought spiritual pilgrimage. Having read the stories of Moses and the Mount, Noah and the rain, Jesus and the wilderness, and David with Goliath, I too was projected to officially be embarking on a similar 40 days with God, from the Ocean. At least that’s what I had told myself anyway, with nothing to lose other than Sanity. I made the deal with God in my head after calculating the 40 miles a day average and 1600 to go onward since the outage in silence. I could also test my faith, as I was not in need of a rescue at that time and had enough basics to make it 50 days or so at least. Just no devices, no communication instruments, no screen time, no internet, no music, no man-made sounds, nothing. Oh, and no sugar left either, just 40 kilos of rice with a few emergency bars and cans of fish if needed. It was also then, after the first week of no success trying to come up with a fix for the surged solar panels, I powered on my Spot Device again and attempted to quickly check my gps location as well send an official satalite message to my point of contact for the expedition, Chris Martin. Spot had been doing a great job tracking hourly for the months prior, but because the battery power was low, I was turning it on an off now, which took some time to find get on satellite, when and if it did in the short time I kept it on. I mentioned the above in my text and that I did not feel I needed a rescue, but wasn’t able to know my locations much longer and this would be my last message until I reach land. I was also noting that each day the iPhone was off, I was still losing battery power, roughly 1 percent per day. Then, on June 1st after 18 days of rowing in the blind with my heading at 190 degrees referenced with fixed compass on deck, I wrote down my final coordinates, before my phone officially died. 5.39 south, 121 west , amazingly I was still on track, with such hope that the Godspeed would save the day, keeping me with a COG I needed at 225 going slightly more miles than expected at 45 NM per day. Over the course of the following 15 days, I continued on. More stories and details for another time, but in short, my daily routine was simply eat, pray, row. Manually making 1 gallon of water for the first hour of the day to survive, catching generally 2 fish daily with the same pink lure I was gifted too, and cooking them with 1 kilo of rice in the solar oven after 4 hours. It truly felt like a devotee fasting to say the least. Offering me something to do to avoid insanity while getting through each SLOW day. Admittedly, life after Cancer had gone by so fast already over the last 15 years it now felt like a blessing to have it slow down. I was also making amends with the vivid memories I was now getting of the past. My failed lines of communication with my poor business moves, my failed efforts with some independent contractors, loss of communications with immediate family, and coping mechanisms thru it all. Putting it to rest in my mind now and making peace with it all. Without that ‘need for speed’, where the only stimulants came from the fresh clean air, a warm sea breeze, and a clear mind taking in the natural beauty of it all out on the Ocean. Something I enjoyed sharing to all of you as well. Overall, it was a pure dopamine hit that offered a daily sweet taste from the rice and cool glass of clean water with fresh fish to compliment. But again, more details for hopefully in person stories at a later time, because now, it’s the morning of June 15th. I estimated I had officially now entered the ‘Marquises Fracture Zone’ with about 350-400 ish NM left before I may see land, another 7 days I expected. I noticed the seas were different than my roughly prior 80 days since my Galapagos departure. It felt like 30 knot plus winds from the south this time, not SE. By now, I also knew that the waves generally increased in size up to 13 times before doing the cycle over again. I believe it was about 9 am as I had the first 3 hours of Sun, made water and fished and had just finished putting my to be daily meal, in the solar oven. It was then I felt for the first time a deadly silence to my right side. Out of my right eye, I was 90 degrees and close to the largest wave crest, I had seen to date. What appeared to be about 4 meters of crest, I knew I was in trouble. I jumped backwards into the hatch and leaned into the approaching wave side, bracing for impact, still harnessed to the deck safety lines attached to my life jacket. Within that next 2 seconds, Smiles (the boat) was toppled and I was now upside down, water coming in. Thinking, did this really just happen? Still attached to the deck outside, with my safety harness and life jacket, I swam out of the hatch where I held onto the boat and saw my world, now upside down. Doing my best to understand the confusion and process it all, I tried to get my bearings, to locate my needed items now under the boat. I spent the next 2 min I believe, trying to upright Smiles with no success. I began to dive under a few times thinking it was the bow, trying to reach the port side but on the starboard, etc. Eventually I got the life raft free, along with my PLB that was fixed near the door of the hatch, next to the fixed Epirb. After 33 days of trying to avoid using unnecessary rescue resources, it was clear I needed help now. I pleaded with God, why? I thought we had a deal? We are only 7 days away from success in faith? Then, lifted the antenna and officially activated the PLB at that time with success. I had tested and pressed the gps check on the device a few times in the prior days in effort it may show that despite I was not activating an emergency, still alive and making progress to land, as I mentioned in my final SMS text. I don’t know if that worked or was received but couldn’t have hurt and with various submarine sounds around the 28th of May and 30th I believed some form of maritime knew I was still making progress. I hoped anyway. I then pulled the painter on the life raft floating a few feet next to me, which inflated. I also attempted to free my safety cable from Smiles but couldn’t untangle the line, with the confusion still lingering around. Concerned Smiles may take me down if she sinks, removed the attached life jacket and jumped in the life raft with only my PLB in hand and my bathing suit on. I then unhooked the painter line which I then lost hold of as the Seas continued to bounce Smiles into the raft, which then left me floating slightly faster down current than capsized Smiles. Knowing the hatch was still open with my life inside, I was faced with the choice of jumping back in to attempt to grab hold of Smiles and also ideally grab my ditch bag containing all my dry box with devices, paperwork, cash, cards, emergency food, passport, etc, or staying put with only my plb and swimsuit to my name. I reluctantly stayed. As Smiles and I drifted apart, thoughts ran thru my head, and I questioned the deal I had with God, telling him it was only day 33, and all I knew about 33 was that was the age Jesus was said to have died, and now wondered if this was the plan for me. Hoping it wasn’t, I now began assessing my new boat, the second hand life raft I recently acquired. I noticed there were small packets of water, a drogue anchor, and small oars. Unfortunately, I also noticed that there was a leak coming in that would leave me bailing out the salt water for my remaining time in it if I wanted to stay floating. Lots of details for another time too but after what felt like an expected 3-4 hours, I heard and saw the first plane I had seen in the 80 days. Speechless on how quick the response was, be it I was in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, in a hard to see life raft. It was the ultimate sight for sore eyes, and despite still bailing water out, did my best to signal distress as I noted the beautiful red and white lettering for the USCG plane. With I believe another 2 hours of Sunlight left, the plane began dropping things from the sky with the hopes I believe of reaching me. Flares to keep things light during the sundown, inflatable rafts I believe as they may have seen my leak issue with the raft, and a barrel of what I guessed was survival coms, food, and more attached to a parachute. Still in complete silence the thoughts in my head were running all over the place, trying to process it all, but managing and staying calm. Was a person coming down next? Did they see the shark circling the raft from the images they may have been able to take? Did they have knowledge of Smiles and eyes on it? The seas were still high and with the items being dropped above the current, I couldn’t seem to reach them, trying to use the oars to paddle closer. I debated trying to swim too, but was still being circled by an estimated 6 foot shark with an odd white tipped fins and with possible a tag on it near the tail for the last few hours. So I stayed with the raft. After the sun went down, I began going into a different survival mode, trying to stay tight in a ball as the temperatures went down. I was sitting in ankle deep water that felt warmer than the air outside, but wet, still bailing water, knowing it maybe a while before I would see a ship the USCG may try to divert and rescue me. I bailed water thru the night, thinking about the floating barrel still and Smiles, which I believed was still floating a few miles away. 20 minute naps was about all I could get as the bailing continued and the sun came up offering warmth. I believe then it was after about 30 total hours, the Baker Spirit Cargo ship came into view. So many more details here too but with the crew of 21 on deck with the captain piloting closer was able to maneuver the ship next to the raft, a miracle to say the least. On the second attempt, I was able to grab the life ring, jump into the cage, and be lifted up. The cheers from the crew when I grabbed a hold of the cage, provided me the strength to hold on to say the least. On arrival, I was immediately offered a warm jacket and unable to gain my sea legs, aided down to the cabin where I was given a towel, sandals, shorts, and two shirts. Clothes from the crew directly and a chance to shower after they took my vitals. I hadn’t had time to tell them anything of my journey yet, and it would be the first time I spoke to anyone in 34 days. I couldn’t believe how clean and proper the ship and team was as I got my senses back a bit more. Coming to my bearings again now processing it all, my all in journey had left me with nothing to my name. Thoughts of what went wrong and if I misread my entire journey purpose? While I could blame it on the weather or the as is boat, I tried my best to make it work with no official sponsors, I felt and still feel, this was my own captain error. No one else to blame but myself who got sideways with the wrong wave and won’t make the same mistake twice, that’s for sure. As for my spiritual pilgrimage, well as I got a quick shower and went to put on the shirt I was offered, I noted the writing on the front and nearly fell to the ground. It read the words, ‘Brave’. Proof in the picture from the crew who will only now know the significance it offered me when they read this post, is below. A wink and a nod from the man up stairs that our deal was still on and it was clear this was meant to be. While making it in the blind after 40 days would be a personal faith success story, this ending is much better. As it is truly other strangers, turned friends, who have connected the dots now, like brothers and sisters. I believe that’s why I am still here, to share the story of faith, humanity, and what happens when one acknowledges the mistakes of the past and leads by action steps, moving forward. ‘Rowing my boat’. Personally, I finally saw what I hoped to SEE, God. While I can’t quote scripture versus, offer a homily to a parish, or claim a perfect past, I hope this story of a simple effort with human power demonstrates a true effort to a purposed life. One others can try themselves in their own life, with their own Ocean and boat. My loss of Smiles and all the items I had is no match to the friends I made and communities I saw and connected with along the way. It was and is my goal to go back and pay forward to various individual and communities, sharing their stories as I like to do best on the now ever growing social media I have seen here now grow. Work with maritime to educate and learn from all the lessons learned, mindful of all the lives risked and resources used on my efforts. Still processing others here now believing in the journey, I believe success is happening on the effort to connect the world in a positive way. I too am reborn, starting from scratch, with a few lose ends to mend now before....
ENTRY INTO THE '22 SPP BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT AWARD - CHRIS SEAGLUB
11) HIENGHENE 🇳🇨 NEW CALEDONIA & THE KANAK CULTURE
The Kanaks are the indigenous Melanesian inhabitants of New Caledonia, an overseas collectivity of France in the southwest Pacific
The earliest traces of human settlement in New Caledonia go back to Lapita culture, about 1000 BC In addition, Polynesian seafarers have intermarried with the Kanaks over the last centuries.
Linderalique rocks on the edge of the lagoon
Hienghène, located in the northeast of New Caledonia, is a town with significant Kanak culture. The reason for this is primarily due to its historical significance as a traditional Kanak territory and its geographical location.
Hienghène is also known for its natural landmarks and rock formations, which hold spiritual significance in Kanak culture. For instance, the "Henri S. Milliard" or "Brooding Hen" rock formation is a famous symbol associated with the town, and it holds cultural and spiritual significance for the Kanak people.
The remoteness of the region has often served as a protective factor in preserving traditional customs and practices and the Kanak culture is deeply connected to the land and the sea. Hienghène's location, with its lush landscapes, mountains, rivers, and access to the ocean, has played a vital role in shaping the cultural practices and traditional subsistence activities of the Kanak people living in the area.
These natural resources have supported their traditional lifestyles, such as agriculture, fishing, and hunting, and have remained integral to their cultural identity.
The Kanak population is traditionally contrasted with two other groups of European descent: (1) the Caldoche, who were born in New Caledonia; and (2) the Zoreille, who live in the territory yet were born in modern France.
Port of Noumea with ample yachting services and an advanced mining industry has advanced technical repair facilities for yachts
Nouméa, on the other hand, is the capital city of New Caledonia and is located in the southern part of the main island, Grande Terre. It is a major urban center and the country's administrative, economic, and cultural hub. Nouméa has a cycloen accounts for a significant portion of the country's population. It is a bustling urban area with modern amenities, infrastructure, and a diverse population comprising Kanak, European, and other ethnic groups. As of September 2021, when comparing per capita GDP, which measures the average economic output per person in a country or territory, New Caledonia has a higher per capita GDP compared to both New Zealand and Australia.
Meet Noumea Yacht Services: Hervé Moal Noumea Yacht Services
Chief engineer, then captain on the drilling rigs’ supplies in Africa, he has also been in charge of a navigation’s company agency in Cameroun. His attention then turned to nautical charters where he worked as a skipper on many boats everywhere around the world.
Attracted by the Pacific, he settled in Tahiti and created the API YACHTING company: a naval repair building site with sail and cable-making services. He created a service for large units haul out at the PAPEETE Slipway and dry dock where large yachts (Maltese Falcon, FetutTéa, Askaris, Sorsha, etc) did their refit. He thus gained a good knowledge in solving yachts’ problem and their specific needs. He now offers his services in Noumea which objective is to bring yachts the best and thoroughly exhaustive range of services.
BOURAIL 🇳🇨 NEW CALEDONIA
12) "AND THEY ARE OFF" FLEET TRACKING FOR PARTICIPANTS
About Tracking:
Designed to give interesting parties an overview. For specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates, changes, positions and specific location related questions please contact each vessel directly. If you are on passage let us know and the fleet can monitor your progress.
Track, blog, connect, save & broadcast all your onboard data sources
13) MEET SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SPONSOR SAU BAY 🇫🇯 FIJI SPECIAL PADI DIVE COURSE
Learn to Dive or take Advanced PADI Dive Course - Stay on our Mooring and Learn and take a course in 4 days (half day sessions, relax the rest of the time) with full use of resort including nightly entertainment. Includes Full Board: **US $900** and free mooring.
Add accommodation @ US $300/night in Deluxe Oceanfront Bure (regular price is $350/night). Additional non-diver rate (meals and resort use) @ US $ 115/day. Prices include 15% VAT.
“Get your Landlegs Back” Special - 5 night stay on the resort in Deluxe Oceanfront Bure, all meals, welcome drink and complimentary foot massage, unlimited use of non-motorized watersports, nightly entertainment. $2,500 per couple.
Free mooring. Prices include 15% VAT.
SERVICES
Moorings $10 x day $ 50 weekly
Moorings up to 32’ (12,000 lbs)
Depth: 40-90 feet
21+ AMAZING DIVE SITES – INCLUDING THE COVETED “GREAT WHITE WALL”
HOUSE REEF FOR SNORKELING AND DIVING
ORGANIZED DAY TRIPS (TAVEUNI ISLAND, VILLAGE TOURS, MANTA RAY SNORKEL)
DIVE INSTRUCTION AND CERTIFCATION (PADI FACILITY) WITH HIGH QUALITY GEAR
HIGH END RESTAURANT
WATERFRONT PRIVATE DINING VALE
CULTURAL DINNER EXPERIENCE (LOVO, MEKE AND KAVA CEREMONY)
FULL BAR
SHOWERS
DELUXE WATERFRONT BURES WITH INDOOR/OUTDOOR SHOWERS
FULL SERVICE OVERWATER SPA
100 ACRES OF RAINFOREST TO EXPLORE
CONTACT
Leo Rebele
Sau Bay Resort & Spa
Box 62, Waiyevo Fiji Islands
Tel: / Whatsapp +1 (562) 761-9191
Resort Tel +679 603-1003
info@divesaubay.com
www.divesaubay.com
14) FREE ACCESS TO GOOD NAUTICAL
IF YOU ARE SIGNED UP FOR THE '23 SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE you will be assigned access credentials to GOODNAUTICAL South Pacific regions
CONSIDER MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO GOOD NAUTICAL
Wanderlust Taioha'e Bay Anchorage, Nuku Hiva 🇵🇫 French Polynesia
SY WANDERLUST 🇺🇸 Kristin & Fabio - Seawind 52′
1) ANCHORAGE BALL BAY 🇳🇫 NORFOLK ISLAND
A tiny Australian island in the South Pacific Ocean, is defined by pine trees and jagged cliffs. Sandy beaches include Emily Bay, with reef-protected waters. Norfolk Island National Park offers views over palm forests from Mt. Pitt.
⚓ 29° 2.9667 S 167° 59.157 E Ball Bay 🇳🇫 NORFOLK ISLAND
Norfolk Island is surrounded by open waters. Landing at Norfolk Island can be very difficult and dangerous at times. There are 3 anchorages depending on wind and swell exposure - which can change rapidly. BALL BAY - best in NW SYDNEY BAY best in N ANSON BAY - best in E-SE
Norfolk is home to the famed descendants of the Polynesian women and Bounty Mutineers who originally settled on Pitcairn Island.
After outgrowing Pitcairn, the community made up of 8 family groupings relocated to Norfolk in 1856.
2) GET YOUR BURGEE FROM KEVIN @ NUKU HIVA YACHT SERVICES
Yacht Services Nuku Hiva 🇵🇫 Sponsors the South Pacific Posse
3) PICTURE OF THE WEEK
SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE GATHERINGS There are now 7 posse boats in Tahuata. We should get another group photo later and have a beer or two! Here we are - scattered around!
SY TRAVELLER 🇺🇸 Mike, Daisy , Hannah & Jeb - Jeanneau 52.2′
4) PAN PAN TOMAS
May 8
I arrived here in Nuku Hiva two weeks ago. And I am sorry that it has taken me this long to provide you all with an update. Particularly since I went 'missing' during my passage and there was a Pan Pan and a Bolo issued on my behalf. In this post I will attempt to describe what this means and how I perceived the situation.
It all started with a rogue wave on day twenty. I was sailing through a squall. Nothing serious. A couple of reefs in the genoa and all was great onboard. Back to the film that I was enjoying. When suddenly, a large wave decided to break against Saoirse's port hull and send a bath tub of water cascading in through an open hatch in her coach roof. All of it landing at the nav station. You could argue that it's stupid to sail with roof hatches open, and in this case you would be right in doing so. But you have to remember that it was piping hot and that this was a freak wave. I was sailing downwind in open ocean and for water to enter the boat the wave would have to break forward of the mast. If not a once in a lifetime, at least a once in a month kind of wave. Things went from wonderful to chaos in seconds, like they so often tend to at sea. But these things don't just happen by themselves. They happen because of things you did or didn't do ten minutes earlier. And it is experiences like this that make you a better sailor. Unfortunately they often come at a price. In this case in the form of a soaked piece of electronic equipment that allows me to download weather information, show people where I am and communicate with the rest of the world. My Iridium satellite router. Not vital to my safety or comfort, but something that makes friends and family more comfortable with what I'm doing and me feel less alone.
So there I am. In the middle of nowhere, knowing that people will be looking for me and with communications restricted my AIS tracker and VHF. Both needing to be within within line of sight of another radio antenna. With 10 days to any form of land that meant that I needed to find another boat. The only problem was that I had not seen another boat since I left Panamá almost three weeks earlier. I knew from my last Iridium update that one of my buddy boats, Cinnamon, was roughly 60 Nm behind me and on a more northerly course. The only thing I could do was to gybe and change the course so that maybe we would intercept in a day or two. Provided that they didn’t make any changes to their course. The added advantage with changing my heading was also that if my AIS signal for any reason was to be picked up by a satellite or a ship that I didn’t see, it would be obvious that I was still onboard Saoirse.
I didn’t find Cinnamon. Or any other boat for that matter. It took a whole week until a Dutch catamaran, Second Wind, found me. They had been asked by the Tahiti Coast Guard to change heading to get within radio distance and were finally able to report back that all was OK and that I was planning to arrive in Nuku Hiva in a couple of days.
When I finally arrived I was greeted by Mike and Daisy on Traveller in their dinghy. Armed with an anchor beer and a baguette for breakfast. I was told that they had been able to track me all the way via my AIS signal through PredictWind and that they had sent regular updates to friends and family. I’m not entirely sure how that works, but as I understand it I was ‘missing’ for 36 hours before my AIS signal was picked up, either by a ship that I didn’t see or a satellite. In Nuku Hiva I quickly learned that everybody in the anchorage knew about me. Whenever I introduced myself to a fellow cruiser I would hear ‘oh, you are Tomas on Saoirse. We’ve been looking for you’. The reason for this is that there was a Pan Pan with a Bolo issued on my behalf. A Pan Pan is an official emergency call and Bolo means ‘Be On the LookOut’. The difference between a Pan Pan and a Mayday call is that with a Pan Pan there is no immediate threat to life. It didn’t take long for me to get nicknamed ‘Pan Pan Tomas’.
It’s a little overwhelming to know that there were so many out there that followed my progress across the Pacific. And that so many worried for my well-being when my tracker stopped working and there were no more silly posts on fishing lures, gender observations or reasons for happiness. Fortunately though, people like Mike and Daisy, Rob on Avant and my parents took it upon themselves to ‘find me’ and let people know that I was OK. Often communicating with people that they have never met. In some cases people that I’ve never met. I really can’t thank them enough.
I want to wrap up by saying that I actually do have one more way to communicate with the outside world via satellites. It’s called an Epirb. Essentially an electronic beacon that can be activated manually or that activates automatically when submerged. Truly something that should cause concern for my well-being. A piece of a equipment that I hope I will never have a need for. I’m happy enough to be called Pan Pan Tomas. I really don’t need to be called Mayday Tomas.
SY SAOIRSE 🇸🇪 Tomas - Dufour 40 e’
5) BOISTEROUS WELCOME 🇵🇫 TO FRENCH POLYNESIA
Do events after arriving count?
Foolish us thinking the crossing was the part to be worried about.
Since arriving we've been hit by an indirect lightning strike that fried all of our electronics, and then hit by a random unforecasted storm that pounded us (onto shore) for 4 hours with sustained winds in the high 60s-70s.
SY KARMA 🇺🇸 Jennifer & Bryan - Catana Bali 39′
6) FATU HIVA 🇵🇫 FRENCH POLYNESIA
Approaching Bay of Virgins Baie de Vierges Fatu Hiva FP
Hanavave Bay, aka Bay of Virgins this narrow bay is like something out of a combination of Jurassic Park, King Kong and Avatar.
There are huge basalt pinnacles on both sides of the bay
Plunging waterfalls, steep gorges and valleys, and high;and type vegetation along the way.
A scenic hike to the waterfall.
Fatu Hiva is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The island’s lush rainforests are teeming with endemic species, including the Red-tailed Phaeton, the Marquesas Monarch and the endangered Hawaiian Duck. There are wild boars, goats, chickens and pigs roaming free.
Nawi Island is located in the beautiful Fiji Islands.It will feature an International Superyacht Marina, which will have 132 marina berths, including 21 superyacht slips (up to 85m). The marina has been designed and built up to category 5 cyclone resistance rating.
The South Pacific Posse is planning a get together at Nawi on Sept 2nd 2023. A week before the infamous Musket Cove regatta. Nawi will be offering entertainment, markets, kava tasting and discounts on berths, water sport activities, restaurant & bar orders, with Pacific Posse hosting a Pig on the spit and rum delights.
The fully serviced marina will include “plug in” services through utility pedestals to water, sewerage pump out, power, fuel & gas facilities, plus 24hr security, complimentary Wifi, a.m.o..
16° 46.5716' S 179° 19.9533' E - Nawi Island Savusavu 🇫🇯 Fiji
Picture by John Martin from June 2021Nawi Island the marina basin
8) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE GATHERINGS
Another lovely “posse” catchup in Hiva Oa.
SY CERULEAN 🇳🇿 Helen & Stephen - Seastream 43 Mk3′
9) LEAD OUT ON THE NORTHBOUND VOYAGE TO MINERVA REEF BY TEAM 🇳🇿 NEW ZEALAND
The America's cup training grounds in Auckland / Waitematā Harbour extends to the Hauraki Gulf which has the Whangaparaoa Peninsula on the north with our Marina Sponsors Gulf Harbour Marina
The Auckland Region, the Hauraki Plains, the Coromandel Peninsula, and Great Barrier Island. Most of the gulf is part of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Late night encounters on AIS and radar. We are miles from Hiva Oa, .... where we plan to make landfall. I would like to set anchor at Hiva Oa .... and come in on Tuesday.
Taking Dreamer up the the Mamanucas and Yasawa islands
Still lush after the rainy season the Yasawas
SY DREAMER 🇺🇸 David & Gerne - Caliber 40lrv’
12) THE WALL OF TEARS 🇪🇨 GALAPAGOS
Here are some photos from the top of the Wall of Tears in Isla Isabela Galapagos. Great views of the coast line and interior
(Puerto Villamil) From 1945-1959, a penal colony hosted prisoners who were forced to build this wall, stone by stone, in isolation.
This now historical site (El Muro de las Lágrimas), towering at 65 feet (25 m) high, took the lives of thousands during its construction.
Locals claim to hear cries emanating from the heavy energy surrounding the site.
SY WINDSONG 🇺🇸 Erick & Jennifer - Downeaster Cutter 38′
13) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE 🏆 AWARD CATEGORIES
BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT ✔
PICTURE OF THE YEAR ✔
PACIFIC POSSE YODA OF THE YEAR ✔
THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD ✔
MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD ✔
HIGHEST WIND RECORDED ✔
SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION ✔
GALLEY GOD(ESS) ✔
SPEEDY AWARD
GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR ✔
BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR ✔
COURAGE AWARD
ENTRY INTO THE '22 SPP CAPTAIN RON AWARD - SY SEA PEARL GONE FISHING
14) "AND THEY ARE OFF" FLEET TRACKING FOR PARTICIPANTS
About Tracking:
Designed to give interesting parties an overview. For specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates, changes, positions and specific location related questions please contact each vessel directly. If you are on passage let us know and the fleet can monitor your progress.
JUST FOR VISITING US FOR THE FIRST TIME YOU RECEIVE 2 FREE WELCOME DRINKS PER SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE YACHT
Easy approach from Musket Cove or Denarau
Delicious cocktails and Italian Wood Fire Pizza for non-vegetarian and vegetarian. A renowned hub for artisans, underground musicians, lovers and sailors
16) HISTORIC PORTS ⚓ OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC SYDNEY ( COVE ) HARBOUR
View of Sydney Harbour 1836 Artist Conrad Martens
For as long as it has existed – some 6,000 years – Sydney Harbour has been a source of inspiration. The harbour's first people carved images of the animals they saw and hunted. With the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, European representation of the harbour's landscape, plants, people and animals began.
Aboriginal Australians have inhabited the Sydney region for at least 30,000 years, and Aboriginal engravings and cultural sites are common in the Sydney area. The modern history of the city began with the arrival of a First Fleet of British ships in 1788 and the foundation of a penal colony by Great Britain.
From 1788 to 1900, Sydney was the capital of the British colony of New South Wales. The town of Sydney was declared a city in 1842, and a local government was established. In 1901, the Australian colonies federated to become the Commonwealth of Australia, and Sydney became the capital of the state of New South Wales.
The Founding of Australia by Captain Arthur Phillip Sydney Cove January 26th 1788 oil painting by Algernon Talmage
17) MEET OUR SPONSORS
PREDICT WIND
PANAMA CANAL AGENT ERICK GALVEZ CENTENARIO CONSULTING
Anything that eats insects is ok in my book, released without harm to keep eating lol
Entry into biggest fish caught
SY DREAMER 🇺🇸 David & Gerne - Caliber 40lrv’
5) PROOF OF LIFE ! CANCEL BOLO
Just à quick note to thank everyone for looking out for me when I want ‘missing’. All that happened was that a rogue wave managed to find itself through a rook hatch and dumped a bath tub of water on my IridiumGo. Sorry for the worry I caused but I am overwhelmed by the response from you guys. Thank you so much. All the best from Nuku Hiva. Tomas
SY SAOIRSE 🇺🇸 Tomas - Dufour 40 e’
6) CONGRATULATIONS LAND HOOOO !
NAVASANA
ZELDA
MEHALA
WANDERLUST
TRAVELLER
SAMADHI
FIRST LIGHT
CERULIAN
FREYA
MONSOON
Landfall in Hiva Oa 🇵🇫 FP and South Pacific Posse catch up in Hiva Oa.
SY Cerulean SY Zelda SY Freya SY Mehalah SY Monsoon
Nawi Island is located in the beautiful Fiji Islands.It will feature an International Superyacht Marina, which will have 132 marina berths, including 21 superyacht slips (up to 85m). The marina has been designed and built up to category 5 cyclone resistance rating.
The South Pacific Posse is planning a get together at Nawi on Saurday Aug 26 2023. A week before the infamous Musket Cove regatta. Nawi will be offering entertainment, markets, kava tasting and discounts on berths, water sport activities, restaurant & bar orders, with Pacific Posse hosting a Pig on the spit and rum delights.
The fully serviced marina will include “plug in” services through utility pedestals to water, sewerage pump out, power, fuel & gas facilities, plus 24hr security, complimentary Wifi, a.m.o..
16° 46.5716' S 179° 19.9533' E - Nawi Island Savusavu 🇫🇯 Fiji
FREE 1 MONTH Honorary Membership FOR South Pacific Posse
If any members of the Pacific Posse arrive at Suva I am happy to inform you that the RSYC
will recognize them as a bonafide member of a club and grant them the privileges as if they were members of a Yacht/Marine Club!
Any visiting member of the Pacific Posse will be granted Honorary Membership for up to 1 month free of charge.
Any visiting yachts can apply for temporary mooring @ FJ$10 / day ( <US$5.00).
Patrick Todd R•S•Y•C
Foster Road, Walu Bay 0 Suva City, Fiji
http://www.rsyc.org.fj/
+679 992 2921
gm@rsyc.org.fj
14) FLEET TRACKING & PREDICT WIND PRO NOW WITH SAT AIS
About Tracking:
Designed to give interesting parties an overview. For specific vessel details including their floatplan, latest updates, changes, positions and specific location related questions please contact each vessel directly. If you are on passage let us know and the fleet can monitor your progress.
16) HISTORIC PORTS ⚓ OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC PORT HAVANNAH EFATE 🇻🇺 VANUATU
An SOC Seagull at Havannah Harbour Efate ( NEW HEBRIDES ) 1943
With Japanese forces establishing bases on Guadalcanal which threatened the sea route between the U.S. and Australia, Admiral King distributed the joint basic plan for the occupation and defense of Efate on 20 March 1942. Under its terms the US Army was to defend Efate and support the defense of ships and positions. The US Navy's task was: to construct, administer and operate a naval advance base, seaplane base, and harbor facilities; to support Army forces in the defense of the island; to construct an airfield and at least two outlying dispersal fields; to provide facilities for the operation of seaplane-bombers
On 25 March 1942, the Army sent about 500 men to Efate from Noumea, and the 4th Defense Battalion, 45th Marines, arrived on 8 April. Elements of the 1st Naval Construction Battalion arrived on Efate on 4 May 1942.
A Peculiar State of Affairs
To say that this archipelago nation found itself with a particularly exceptional state of affairs during WWII is an understatement. When France fell during the Second World War, the French side of the Condominium where technically at war with their other half, Great Britain. The two sides of the Condominium had notoriously been at add odds with each other up until the dissolution of the agreement in 1980 when Vanuatu claimed full independence.
Seaplane Base
A detachment of Seabees also went north to Havannah Harbour to construct a seaplane base to serve the squadron of PBY Catalina’s based there. The Seabees built two seaplane ramps, once again of coral, surfaced with Marsden Matting, and provided buoys for mooring 14 seaplanes. In addition to the ramps and moorings, two small piers, two nose hangars, one 40 feet (12 meters) by 100 feet (30 metres) seaplane workshop, four 5,000 gallon (19,000 liters) underground gasoline tanks, and housing facilities for 25 officers and 210 men in Quonset huts were constructed. By June 1, the PBYs began operating from the new base, bombing Japanese positions on Guadalcanal.
USS Denver (CL-58) with SOC Seagull in Havanah Harbor off Efate 🇻🇺 Vanuatu
The cruiser's paint is heavily weathered at the bow and amidships with a fresh coat of gray paint applied to the stern
A museum in Havana harbor collects the World War II Cocoa Cola Bottles which Allied sailors chucked overboard while stationed there.
The bottom of a 1940's Coco Cola Bottle with the embossed state symbol
Vanuatu 🇻🇺 is in Good Nautical
17) MEET OUR SPONSORS
PREDICT WIND
PANAMA CANAL AGENT ERICK GALVEZ CENTENARIO CONSULTING
"We have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears.
We are tied to the ocean."
— John F. Kennedy
SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE FLEET UPDATE
2023-04-13
61
Yachts from 13 ensigns are signed up from now until November '23
they will share up to date information, scout for opportunities and
alert each other to threats.
Penmanship was busy cleaning the booby poop never ending!!!
Penmanship
caught a number of long lines about 250 west of Galapagos. Hooks stuck
in bow then wrapped around prop. Took an hour in water then got
ourselves free. Only positive is we picked up a couple hundred bucks of
hooks and lines (pleased face)Fisherman came by they were fishing
swordfish.
SY PENNMANSHIP 🇯🇪 Michael & Charlotte, Kenneth, Duncan, Mirabelle, Andre, Piers & Tommy - Aquidneck Custom Composites 72′
2) SUWARROW 🇨🇰 COOK ISLANDS
⚓ Good Anchorage @ 13° 14.958 S 163° 6.476 W Suwarrow 🇨🇰 Cook Islands
Suwarrow
(also called Suvorov or Suvarov) is a low coral atoll in the Cook
Islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is about 1,300 km west of Bora Bora
and 825 km northwest of Rarotonga, from which it is administered.
It
was uninhabited when discovered by the Russian ship "Suvorov", which
reportedly followed clouds of birds to the island on September 17, 1814.
It has been only intermittently inhabited since. The Island name
has also been spelled variously as "Souvorow", "Souwaroff" and
"Souworoff". "Suwarrow" is the official spelling adopted by New Zealand.
Suwarrow
is possibly the most isolated of all the Cook Islands. 18th
century Spanish galleons have been found wrecked on its reef, and in the
mid-1800's, a salvage expedition uncovered a treasure chest containing
more than 15,000 dollars worth of historic coins from the Americas. ( 5 M
USD today )
Entrance waypoints are in Good Nautical
Described
as “Treasure Island” or as “the most romantic island in the world” by
author Robert Louis Stevenson’s wife Fanny, Suwarrow.
With
one of the best harbours in the Pacific, the reef encloses a large
landlocked lagoon and the pristine islets that form the island are
scattered around the rim. At about one and a half times the size of
Rarotonga.
Author
Robert Frisbie brought his family from Pukapuka in the early 40's for a
short visit and was caught in the worst cyclone of the 20th century.
They were fortunate that they survived, he told about their trials and
tribulations in his book, Island of Desire.
However,
Suwarrow’s greatest fame comes from the late Kiwi recluse Tom Neale,
who lived on Suwarrow at three separate times during his lifetime
between 1952 and 1977 (a total of 15 years). He spent his time tending
his garden, raising chickens, catching fish and hunting for coconut
crabs. A Kiwi sailor who dreamed of living alone on a tropic isle, he
read about Suwarrow and fell in love with it when his ship stopped there
in 1945.
Capt. Dietmar on Suwarrow back in '09
This
“hermit of Suwarrow” stayed on his dream island until he was forced
through ill health, to return to Rarotonga where he died at the age of
75. His tale “An Island to Oneself” about his experience of living on
this remote atoll turned the secluded haven into one of the most
renowned of the South Seas. Fascinating and moving, no doubt fellow
yachties around the world were charmed by his reasons for living this
lonely life - “I chose to live in the Pacific islands because life there
moves at the sort of pace which you feel God must have had in mind
originally when He made the sun to keep us warm and provided the fruits
of the earth for the taking.” To which there is probably no further
incentive needed to discover this island for yourself.
Mr.
Rhys Jones, a bird researcher from New Zealand, was commissioned to
make a survey of Suwarrow. Among his recommendations were that an
official caretaker should be assigned to police passing 'yachties', a
migratory bird sanctuary be established and supervised and that a
permanent museum be erected and maintained by the government in order to
have a permanent record of its history.
3) PAN PAN # BOLO ⚠️ SY SAOIRSE @
**** PAN PAN ****
BOLO (BE ON THE LOOKOUT)
132218Z APR 23
HYDROPAC 1225/23(83).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06.
M/V SAOIRSE OVERDUE. LAST KNOWN POSITION
IN VICINITY 09-36.00S 120-13.00W.
VESSELS IN VICINITY REQUESTED TO KEEP A
SHARP LOOKOUT, ASSIST IF POSSIBLE.
REPORTS TO JRCC TAHITI,
INMARSAT-C: 582422799192,
PHONE: 689 4054 1616,
FAX: 689 4042 3915,
E-MAIL: CONTACT@JRCC.PF
Single hander Tomas Fehrling aboard, en route to the Marquesas.
Vessel equipped with:
Life raft
Epirb
Life jackets with AIS transponders
Sat phone and iridium goSITUATION
He
has not checked in with his buddy boats in >48 hours, missed his
usual calls with his mother and his tracker has gone stale . New
satellite AIS received today confirms boat is moving - if nearby
please confirm comms
atellite AIS received ~5 days ago. Any sightings or information appreciated.
Saoirse last known Location
Wed 12/Apr 05:35 GMT
09º 39.39.47' S 119º 57.06' W
Course: 252° true, 6.9 kts
VESSEL MANUFACTURER AND MODEL Dufour 40 e’ MMSI 265663070 CALLSIGN SD8589 WEBSITEhttps://sysaoirse.com/
Tomas Fehrling
⚠️ UPDATE FROM SY BELEZA
SV_Beleza
is en route to pick up Dan & Jeanne from Lucky Dog. They have told
us they will abandon ship. We are communicating with them on our iridium
go and their Garmin inreach. We will meet in the morning, and transfer
safely. Lucky Dog's coordinates approx. 0135 UTC 05 00.242S 129 54.621W
drifting 1.5 kts southwest.
⚠️ DISTRESS SIGNAL
132155Z APR 23
HYDROPAC 1224/23(21).
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
DNC 13.
DISTRESS SIGNAL RECEIVED ON 406 MHZ FROM
F/V ALTAR 8 IN 05-14.27N 101-02.00W.
VESSELS IN VICINITY REQUESTED TO KEEP A
SHARP LOOKOUT, ASSIST IF POSSIBLE.
REPORTS TO RCC ALAMEDA,
TELEX: 230172343, PHONE: 510 437 3701,
E-MAIL: RCCALAMEDA1@USCG.MIL.
4) GET YOUR BURGEE FROM KEVIN @ NUKU HIVA YACHT SERVICES
Yacht Services Nuku Hiva 🇵🇫 Sponsors the South Pacific Posse
I look forward to meeting and helping the participants
Bond Exemption Letter (medical insurance required)
5) GALAPAGOS 🇪🇨 UPDATE
Charles Robert Darwin born 1809 - 1882 & Mary
Tail of the Galapagos Marine Iguana
Galapagos marine iguanas are everywhere – but especially around the water.
Few Facts
1. They feed in the water
Marine
iguanas feed on algae and seaweed on the rocks under the water. The
adults can dive up to 9ft (2.7 m) to rip the algae and seaweed off the
rocks with their very small, yet very sharp, teeth. Younger marine
iguanas feed at low tide as they don’t have the strength to dive to the
same depths as the adults. Despite their very long claws and sharp
teeth, they are herbivores and use their claws and teeth for eating
algae and seaweed, not tearing flesh.
2. They can’t breathe underwater
Marine
iguanas can’t breathe underwater because they lack gills (like those on
a fish) which are necessary to extract oxygen from water. Instead, they
just hold their breath for a really long time.
3. They can hold their breath for a long time
Marine
iguanas can hold their breath for a staggering 60 minutes, as proved by
Charles Darwin. His shipmate sank a marine iguana over the side of the
boat with a weight and then pulled it up an hour later and it was still
alive; no doubt more than a little annoyed. Marine iguanas normally opt
for shorter dives of up to 40 minutes, which is extremely impressive – I
can barely hold my breath for 30 seconds sitting still.
4. They turn rainbow colors during mating season
Male
marine iguanas turn very bright shades of blue, pink, green, and red
during mating season to attract females. They turn black again once the
mating season is over.
5. The only iguanas that feed in the ocean
Galapagos
marine iguanas are the only iguanas in the world that feed in the
ocean. They swim by pointing their limbs straight back and twisting
their long bodies and tail side to side – like some really funny-looking
mermaids. The raised part from their head to the end of their tail acts
like a dorsal fin, making it easier to slide through the water.
6. They play cat and mouse with Galapagos hawks
The
Galapagos hawk is the marine iguanas greatest natural predator. They
will hunt the adult iguanas, and you wouldn’t think the iguanas have
much of a chance. But these are some feisty little iguanas. Galapagos
hawks have even been seen sitting on top of marine iguanas as the
iguanas run around trying to shake them off – and the iguana sometimes
succeeds. The iguanas are also extremely fast and can quite easily
outrun the hawks if they see them in time. Unfortunately, the young
marine iguanas don’t always have the same good results as the adults.
7. They have a symbiotic relationship with mockingbirds Marine
iguanas and mockingbirds have a symbiotic relationship: Mockingbirds
let out a distinctive call when there is a Galapagos hawk in the area.
The marine iguanas recognize this warning call and flee for cover.
8. They can get pretty big Adult marine iguanas can reach a length of 5 ft (1.5 m) and weigh 3 lbs (1.5 kg).
9. Their color matters The
black color of the marine iguana helps it to absorb as much sunlight as
possible. These cold-blooded reptiles get quite cold-blooded after a
dive into the ocean, they lose a lot of their body heat and may only be
around 10°C (50°F). They need to sunbathe to bring their body
temperatures back up, but this slows them down and makes them very
vulnerable. It’s a good thing their black color helps them absorb heat
as fast as possible!
10. They sneeze. A lot. Marine
iguanas sneeze because they feed in the ocean and consume a lot of
salt. This excess salt is unhealthy for them and needs to be expelled;
violently and all over so they snot all over themselves and any other
iguanas that happen to be close by. This is why most marine iguanas you
see have a white encrusted head and neck – all the salty snot has dried
on them.
Marine
iguanas sneeze because they feed in the ocean and consume a lot of
salt. This excess salt is unhealthy for them and needs to be expelled;
violently and all over so they snot all over themselves and any other
iguanas that happen to be close by. This is why most marine iguanas you
see have a white encrusted head and neck – all the salty snot has dried
on them.
seal play
UNINVITED VISITORS
Hello all,
we
arrived into Galápagos Islands yesterday morning. Wanted to let
you know just after we had visit around 12:30 from two nice fishermen in
a panga FAR from shore(they asked for drinks and food, which we
provided) and we went on our merry way, shortly after we caught one of
their green corded fishing lines. They have long line pots out
with floating jugs along the lines. I wasn’t paying attention and
the line caught across our two skegged rudders (catamaran). We
dropped sails and pulled up the line on each side of the boat and tied
them off to release pressure on lines against the rudders. We then
pulled the two together and tied them. Then cut the loose loop
and let the fishing lines float away. This was at position N 1
39.577/W 86 29.859
Then
later that afternoon we caught another line on rudders. This time
we didn’t spend as much time trying to save their lines and floats by
tying together, so I just cut the line and it slipped off the rudders.
The
next evening two hours after Mary was off watch, at 22:00, we caught
another fishing pot line. I cut it loose. Then again caught
another at 22:30…🤬. I was watching all the ARC boats go by all
around us and a fishing group of boats off to our starboard about 3nm.
I could see the lights on the fishing boats, but nothing on any of
the floats or lines! We were all motor sailing at this time, so
perhaps the ARC boats props just cut the lines or they didn’t get
caught. Our position for late night fishing lines was N 0 39.705 /
W 88 10.329.
Not terrible, just a nuisance.
All the best,
SY PISCES 🇺🇸 Mary & Kevin - Antares 44e’
6) ENTRY INTO CAPTAIN RON AWARD
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU EAT THE FLYING FISH OFF THE DECK
SY TRAVELLER 🇺🇸 Mike, Daisy , Hannah & Jeb - Jeanneau 52.2′
Nawi
Island is located in the beautiful Fiji Islands.It will feature an
International Superyacht Marina, which will have 132 marina berths,
including 21 superyacht slips (up to 85m). The marina has been designed
and built up to category 5 cyclone resistance rating.
The
South Pacific Posse is planning a get together at Nawi on Sept 2nd
2023. A week before the infamous Musket Cove regatta. Nawi will be
offering entertainment, markets, kava tasting and discounts on berths,
water sport activities, restaurant & bar orders, with Pacific Posse
hosting a Pig on the spit and rum delights.
The
fully serviced marina will include “plug in” services through utility
pedestals to water, sewerage pump out, power, fuel & gas facilities,
plus 24hr security, complimentary Wifi, a.m.o..
16° 46.5716' S 179° 19.9533' E - Nawi Island Savusavu 🇫🇯 Fiji
SAVU SAVU IS A HUB FOR THE NORTHERN FIJIAN ISLANDS AND THE JUMP OFF POINT FOR THE LAU GROUP
8) SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE SEMINARS ON DEMAND
SEMINARS RECORDINGS ARE ONLINE
INTRODUCTION
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
FRENCH POLYNESIA
COOK ISLANDS - SAMOA(S) - TONGA
FIJI
VANUATU & NEW CALEDONIA '23
PROVISIONING
LOGISTICS
OPEN CPN USE CASE
WEATHER and HEAVY WIND SQUALLS AND ELEVATED SEA STATE
ENTRY INTO THE '22 SPP PICTURE OF THE YEAR AWARD - NOMOTU - SEAGLUB
10) THE BEAUTY OF SOUTH PACIFIC CURRENCY
Cook Islands 3 dollar bill
Although
the Cook Islands operates on the New Zealand dollar, there is still
some Cook Islands dolalrs in circulation that is equal in value to NZD.
The
$3 note which is more of a collectors or novelty item. These can be
picked up from the Rarotonga Philatelic Bureau or given as change when
paying departure tax. The official Cook Islands currency is the
New Zealand dollar.
In
terms of cost of living in the Cook Islands, its price point is fairly
middle range in that it is a little more expensive than Fiji but a lot
less than French Polynesia and Tahiti. Part of the Cook Islands economy
is the VAT or Value Added Tax. Charged at 12.5% of the price, the tax is
added at the point of sale to almost everything however refunds are
available for tourists upon exiting the country.
Old Cook Island Dollars
PORT VILA 🇻🇺 VANUATU
11) "AND THEY ARE OFF" FLEET TRACKING FOR PARTICIPANTS
About Tracking:
Designed to give interesting parties an overview. For specific vessel details including their floatplan,
latest updates, changes, positions and specific location related
questions please contact each vessel directly. If you are on
passage let us know and the fleet can monitor your progress.
Importance
of tracking - with accidents and incidents trackingallow sus to
respond and help redirect vessels to your aid - this provides safety for
particpants as those who come after you can aids - without tracking
this becomes a very difficult task to figuer out where everyone is and
who is best suited to help
12) FREE ACCESS TO GOOD NAUTICAL
IF
YOU ARE SIGNED UP FOR THE '23 SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE you will
be assigned access credentials to GOODNAUTICAL South Pacific
regions
CONSIDER MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO GOOD NAUTICAL
The
Spanish navigator Alvaro Mendana discovered these islands in 1567,
though it is somewhat doubtful whether he was actually the first
European who set eyes on them. In anticipation of their natural riches
he named them Islas de Salomon. The expedition surveyed the southern
portion of the group, and named the three large islands San Cristoval,
Guadalcanal and Ysabel. On his return to Peru, Mendana endeavoured to
organize another expedition to colonize the islands, but it was not
before June 1595 that he, with, Pedro Quiros as second in command, was
able to set sail for this purpose. The Marquesas and Santa Cruz islands
were now discovered; but on one of the latter, after various delays,
Mendana died, and the expedition collapsed.
Even
the position of the Solomon Islands was now in uncertainty, for the
Spaniards, fearing lest they should lose the benefits expected to accrue
from these discoveries, kept secret the narratives of Mendana and
Quiros. The Solomon Islands were thus lost sight of until, in 1767,
Philip Carteret lighted on their eastern shores at Gower Island, and
passed to the north of the group; without, however, recognizing that it
formed part of the Spanish discoveries. In 1768 Louis de Bougainville
found his way there. He discovered the three northern islands (Buka,
Bougainville and Choiseul), and sailed through the channel which divides
the two last and bears his name. In 1769 a French navigator, de
Surville, was the first, in spite of the hostility of the natives, to
make any lengthened stay in the group. He gave some of the islands the
French names they still bear, and brought home some detailed information
concerning them which he called Terre des Arsacides (Land of the
Assassins); but their identity with Mendanas Islas de Salomon was soon
established by French geographers. In 1788 the English lieutenant
Shortland coasted along the south side of the chain, and, supposing it
to be a continuous land, named it New Georgia; and in 1792 Captain
Edward Manning sailed through the strait which separates Ysabel from
Choiseul and now bears his name.
Traders
attempted to settle in the islands, and missionaries began to think of
this fresh field for labour, but neither met with much success, and
little was heard of the islanders save accounts of murder and plunder.
In 1845 the French Marist Fathers went to Isabel, where Mgr Epaulle,
first vicar apostolic of Melanesia, was killed by the natives soon after
landing. Three years later this mission had to be abandoned; but in
1851 work was again resumed. In 1856 John Coleridge Patteson, afterwards
bishop of Melanesia, had paid his first visit to the islands, and
native teachers trained at the Melanesian mission college subsequently
established themselves there. About this date the yacht Wanderer cruised
in these seas, but her owner, Benjamin Boyd, was kidnapped by the
natives and never afterwards heard of. In 1873 the foreign labour
traffic in plantation hands for Queensland and Fiji extended its baneful
influence from the New Hebrides to these islands. In 1893 the islands
Malaita, Marovo, Guadalcanal and San Cristoval with their surrounding
islets were annexed by Great Britain, and the final delimitation of
German and British influence in the archipelago was made by the
convention of the 14th of November 1899.
The Japanese occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. They became independent in 1978.
Honiara
is the capital of the Solomon Islands, southwestern Pacific Ocean. The
town is situated at the mouth of the Mataniko River on the north coast
of Guadalcanal. As a port and communications center it trades chiefly in
coconuts, timber, fish, and some gold (from Gold Ridge in the middle of
the island). Honiara International Airport is located approximately 10
miles (16 km) east of the town.
Prior
to World War II, Honiara did not exist; it developed around the site of
the U.S. military headquarters. In 1952 it officially replaced Tulagi
as the capital of the Solomons. Government buildings are on a narrow
coastal strip behind Point Cruz. In the 1960s the government, together
with the private sector, began an extensive development program in the
new capital. The first multistory buildings appeared in the 1980s. In
2006, amid an ongoing period of political instability, Honiara’s
Chinatown sustained severe damage in postelection rioting.
Solomon Islands 🇸🇧 in Good Nautical
14) MEET OUR SPONSORS
PREDICT WIND
PANAMA CANAL AGENT ERICK GALVEZ CENTENARIO CONSULTING
YACHT AGENTS GALAPAGOS
YACHT AGENTS NUKU HIVA
SAIL TAHITI
OCEAN TACTICS | PACIFIC WEATHER ROUTING
SHELTER BAY MARINA PANAMA
DENARAU MARINA FIJI
NAWI ISLAND MARINA
VUDA POINT MARINA
COPRA SHED MARINA FIJI
CLOUD 9
PUERTO AMISTAD ECUADOR
RIVERGATE MARINA AUSTRALIA
MARSDEN COVE MARINA NEW ZEALAND
GULF HARBOUR MARINA NEW ZEALAND
YACHTING WORLD MARINA PORT VILA VANUATU
15) LAST ONE
Some
of the major wrecks of Iron Bottom Sound in the Solomon Islands include
the American cruiser Quincy, the Australian heavy cruiser Canberra, the
Japanese aircraft carrier Kinugasa, the battleship Kirishima and the
freighter Kasi Maru
WE OPERATE UNDER INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAW
YOUR VESSEL YOUR CREW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
south pacific posse communications @ 9811 w charleston blvd 2262 89117 Las Vegas USA
This e-mail has been sent to registration@pacificposse.com, Click here to UNSUBSCRIBE
