Scuba divers of the National Civil Protection System on Monday recovered the lifeless body of 56 year old Luis Eugenio Sánchez Reyes, who disappeared on Gatun Lake at 10:50 am, yesterday morning, Sunday, 13 June 2010, in the area of Cerro Cama, District of La Chorrera, province of Panama. SINAPROC Director Arturo Alvarado said it appears four people were aboard a small boat on Gatun Lake and were just out for a boat ride, when suddenly the boat flipped over about 500 meters away from the pier at La Lagarterita. Two other passengers, 18 year old Yaneth Pérez and 11 year old Dana Sánchez, were pulled from the water by Mr. Andrés Sánchez and hauled to the shore. All of the people in the boat are residents of 24 de Diciembre, said Alvarado. Right now the Director of the SINAPROC is going to the scene to coordinate with the competent authorities on the recovery of the body. (Dia a Dia)

Editor's Comment: Is there still another person missing? Alvarado said there were four in the boat, two were saved and one was killed. What happened to the other person?   

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), through their Department of Marine Accident Investigation, is investigating the fire which occurred yesterday, Sunday, on board a yacht named the "Pandora Aussi" according to a press release from the Senan. The yacht caught fire and burned in the area of the Bay of Panama, and there were no reports of injuries among the crew or passengers. It was reported that the yacht, which was 10 miles southeast of Taboguilla island at the time of the fire, was carrying five passengers and two crew members. The yacht was a 51 foot Bertram. The occupants of the boat were rescued by those aboard the yacht "Fish Story." Officials from the Panama Canal Authority and the National Naval Air Service (Senan) also arrived on the scene. The yacht's occupants came to participate in a fishing tournament near the island of San Jose when the fire occurred at 12:45 yesterday afternoon. (La Prensa)   

This morning, five people were rescued by the National Naval Air Service after their boat sank last night about a mile south of Cébaco island. According to the official report, they left to go fishing on 22 May 2010 aboard the vessel "Doña Elia" and at approximately 9:00 pm last night apparently there was a breakdown in engine and the boat sank. The five crew members managed to get aboard a life raft, which they used to approach a vessel named the "Cebaco Bay" - and after that the National Naval Air Service picked up the survivors and took them to Puerto Mutis in the province of Veraguas where they received medical attention. The crew, comprised of five men from the province of Chiriqui, passed a bitter night after their fishing boat named the "Doña Elia" was swallowed by the sea, they are: Claudio Ruedas, Capitan, Lucas Viquez, Joel Torrez, Henry Rueda and Alcibiades Alvarado. (Panama America)   

One person was killed and several others were injured early yesterday morning when two boat crashed in Bocas del Toro close to Isla Colón. Initially after the accident one person was declared missing, but later a search operation confirmed that one person had been killed and the body of 22 year old Alberto Forchain was found floating in the water. Authorities are still trying to identify the causes of this incident, which left three others injured. (Telemetro)

Editor's Comment: This accident occurred at 4:30 am yesterday morning. These boats run at speed without proper lighting, and since they can't see one another in the dark, they just crash. This is the second such accident in the past few months. Small boats and water taxis are the primary means of getting around the islands of Bocas del Toro, and for the most part they are relatively safe, but if you take one of these boats as a tourist don't think there's any kind of government supervision or inspections to make sure the boat drivers are in compliance with safety laws and regulations. The boat drivers do safe things because they are out there with you and they are more concerned about their own safety, lives, and welfare than yours.   Click Here To Read The Full Article (1 words)

Learn to Sail - If you've never sailed, have limited sailing experience or haven't sailed in a long time, or have always dreamed about learning how to sail; the basic sailing courses at the Panama Sailing School give you the skills and confidence to take the helm. The sailing instruction course content is one of the most unique in Latin America. Only our courses offered by the Panama Sailing School (PSS) are certified and qualified by the American Sailing Association and are the same at all of our locations in the Republic of Panama. The American Sailing Association (ASA) is recognized around the world as one of the finest and most precise Sailing Programs, which can elevate a student to the Sailing Culture. Our courses are with patient, caring and more important qualified and certified instructors and students with remarkably similar interests to yours. PSS “Learn to Sail” adventures are co-ed and can also be created for you including hotel accommodation, sightseeing and much more in Panama. You learn aboard award winning sailboats that are safe, exciting and *ergonomically comfortable, such as the Beneteau Oceanis 361 - "Scouser" and the Gulfstar 44 - "Brahams." Special ladies-only sailing instruction weeks are held periodically throughout the year at select locations. We also offer sailing course to children 10 years of age and older with a Sailing Camp coming soon to Panama. Panama Sailing School also offers various “Theme Sailing Resorts”; such as ‘The Robins Crusoe’ theme; ‘Bali Theme’, ‘Go Native Theme’ and many more. Stay at our fantastic resorts at www.exotic-sailing.com and live life to the highest level of pleasure and excitement. You can even take the various courses and different resorts from two days to 10 days. Live life to the fullest! (more)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (2,636 words)

[image1_right] By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Remember that board game "Clue" - where you had to figure out who committed the crime by process of elimination and the winner was the person who came up with the killer, the weapon, and the location - you know, Colonel Mustard with the lead pipe in the library or something like that. Many people don't know that in the original UK version the character "Mr. Green" was actually "Reverend Mr. Green" - but when the game came to American Parker Brothers insisted on a name change, because they thought the public would be averse to a member of the clergy being a murder suspect. That's funny, a member of the clergy, and they are supposed to be above reproach. My, how times have changed, especially for a Bible thumping charlatan named Quintin Sponagle.

Anyway, as it always happens, since I first published the original story about Quintin Sponagle, the guy who victimized 178 members of his own church and family to steal about $4 million dollars in a Ponzi scheme, I have received a bunch of emails and calls with additional information on his activities here in Panama. For example, he moved to Panama in 2006 when things got too hot for him in Nova Scotia. He apparently used the stolen money to establish several offshore corporations here in Panama in an attempt to cover his tracks - for example WATERNISH TRADING, INC. which is advertised as "C/O Sovereign Management Services, Avenida Ricardo J Alfaro Edificio Century Tower, Panama City, Panama, Panama, 260-4524." That leads to a company called e-pharma24.com, and from there you can branch out into a whole network of online pharmaceutical companies all apparently owned by the same group and interconnected, but under a lot of different websites and operating names. This all ties back to another Panamanian Corporation called Miriad Inc.. Both Waternish Trading Inc. and Miriad Inc. have same resident agents and subscribers - Aknia Chi Pardo and Marga Quintanar de Calderon. If you then do a Google search on those two names, you will see how they are involved in literally dozens of companies, and their names pop up again and again on Internet forums of people trying to recover their money. Therefore, they are likely just setting up front companies for guys like Quintin Sponagle who are trying to hide behind a complicated web of offshore Panamanian corporations. And why would Quintin Sponagle want to hide the money he stole in Nova Scotia? Because Price Waterhouse is suing him for $1.8 million dollars. Quintin Sponagle was renting a house in Gorgona for awhile but has since moved out. I'm still trying to get a photo of him, so if you have one please send to don@panama-guide.com. I think I'm ready to answer - "Quintin Sponagle, with a Bible, in the Church..." Do I win? (And for the record, the guy in the photo is the actor who played Mr. Green from the VCR version of Clue.)

Illegal Activity And It All Melts Away: In Panama it's relatively easy to penetrate the supposed cloak of secrecy surrounding these companies and corporations. As long as you're not doing anything illegal, then you have a right to privacy and protection. However as soon as you're doing something like trying to hide the $4 million dollars you stole in Nova Scotia from the members of your church, then any prosecutor will order full an investigation, together with full and complete disclosure. The lawyers who set these things up promise the moon when they are taking your money, but when the investigators from the Public Ministry come knocking they simply say "we didn't know" and roll over like ducks on a pond. It's actually a pretty good gig for the lawyers. And, there's steady flow of new suckers like Quintin Sponagle who are willing to drop down some of their hard-stolen money to try to buy anonymity. And once you start penetrating one company, then you find bank accounts, and the bank accounts lead to other information, and before too long it's all coming down like a house of cards, and Quintin Sponagle is on a plane for Ecuador. I imagine that my phone will be ringing at about 8:00 am on Monday. You nice people at Price Waterhouse, my US phone number is (845) 514-9893. Let's chat.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

PACKAGE ‘A’ - During the months of April & May we have an exciting promotion at Panama Sailing School, which enables students who have registered to save thousands of dollars on accommodation and hotel rooms. Sign up for either the four day Package A, which includes the ASA 101 & ASA 103 and live on board for four days on one of our luxurious sailing yachts. The sailing vessels will be at the fantastic “Las Brisas de Amador” opening up the opportunity for exciting living with lots of restaurants, shops, night clubs and more for your pleasure.

PACKAGE ‘B’ - This is the ultimate in sailing instruction for 6 full days, which include the ASA 101, ASA 103 and the ASA 104 that is the Instruction Course taught at the Las Perlas Islands of the Pacific. Yes~ Three full sails in the islands with intense instruction for bareboat cruising and survival. With this package the students receive 7 days of accommodation free on one of our sailing yachts moored in Panama and also at the exciting Las Brisas de Amador. Learn to sail within the beautiful oceans of Panama. Discover your dreams and control your future. Our philosophy is to teach you skills and techniques so you can expand your growth into the art of sailing. Let us teach you to become your own captain. Sail and discover Panama!

Whether you're a first time sailor or you're looking to advance to the next level, our sailing school has a course for you. Panama Sailing School is an ASA certified sailing school dedicated to sailing education. Sailing lessons can be taken privately or in groups.

We are located in “Las Brisas de Amador – Causeway ~ Panama City, Republic of Panama. We offer sailing lessons and also yacht charters to the Pearl Islands, Taboga and other surrounding islands. All sailing courses and charters are available in English and Spanish. Private yachting charters are also available upon request.

PANAMA SAILING SCHOOL - Sailing brings people together and opens a whole new world of excitement, fun and lifetime opportunities afloat. It's neither gender nor age-specific. If you like to learn, love the outdoors, love being on the water, enjoy meeting people, going to parties; then these Learn to Sail Courses with vacations give you a whole new perspective on life. In fact we at Panama Sailing School are so confident that we hold often “Open House” Sailing Seminars for up to 200 people at a time, in order to familiarize you with the adventures of sailing. These Seminars are complimentary to you and without any form of obligation.

HOW IT WORKS - Our Learn to Sail Instruction Courses include comprehensive classroom and on-water sailing instruction each day. It's a terrific basic sailing learning experience that epitomizes the beauty of sailing -- intense, fun, challenging, relaxing and rewarding. You'll sail the dynamic Beneteau Oceanis 361 designed sailing yacht and considered to be one of the best racing designs by noted Naval Designer Bruce Farr; or the fantastic Dufour 38 coming in the month of April. As you can read, we have many excellent sailing yachts. We are enlarging our Fleet of Sailing Yachts with several Catamarans coming this summer and also Dinghy Sailboats for our Children Camp & Sailing School. These carefully thought-out, award-winning sailing yachts have huge comfortable cockpits, many go-fast adjustments, safety features and easy handling characteristics. No more than four other classmates and your instructor are aboard, insuring maximum individual instruction and a job for everyone at all times. Contact us for further information, brochures or a DVD without any form of obligation.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND DESIRES, LIVE YOUR LIFE TODAY - People with busy lives need a break every now and then. If you yearn for some fun, feel you're missing new or novel experiences and perhaps just a little bit of adventure and the sheer healthy pleasure of being outdoors, Panama Sailing Schools in the Republic of Panama has the remedy and the cure. Come to Panama and feel the wind in your face and learn how to sail. Become independent with your skills and live the life today and not dream and desire. At Panama Sailing Schools, we believe life should be about memories and experiences. We provide the vehicle for adventure and escape in an enticing mix of new experiences to broaden and enrich your horizons through communing with nature’s elements on the water – the sun, the waves and the wind. We help you make the all-important connection to the surrounding natural world. We specialize in Monohull, Catamaran Sailing Yacht “Learn to Sail” Courses and also we Charter sailing yachts. We can arrange for you, kayak and snorkeling adventure trips, corporate meetings and outings, luxury sailing and power yacht charters in Panama and coupled with river rafting, canopy rides, rainforest excursions and much more in Panama. Let us help to create your life experience.

Panama Sailing Schools are dedicated to the outdoor journey of discovery- the search for self-knowledge and knowledge of the water world around us. The natural world re-energizes, restores, illuminates… and clarifies what is important to us all. Give yourself a break and enjoy a sailing vacation or special afternoon and/or evening yacht charter, and let your adventure begin.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received this morning via email: "On Saturday, March 6th, the Balboa Yacht Club in Amador, will be sponsoring a "Pacific Puddle Jump" party from 12n - 4pm. The party is co-sponsored by Tahiti Tourism, Papeete Port Authority and Latitude 38 magazine, the sailing magazine of San Francisco, California. This event is to welcome all the sailing yacht personnel that will be traveling to the South Pacific on their yachts. There will be seminars, slide show presentations, raffle prizes, and lots of socializing. Sailors will be receiving useful information about French Polynesia (Tahiti) as a yachting destination, as well as the yachting events planned this season in Polynesian waters. Thanks, Don, for adding this to Panama Guide. Frank Nitte 6518-5233"

And that's the way to send me a press release for his kind of an event. Short, sweet, well written, text only in an email with no formatting (bolds, italics, indents, etc.) I can literally toss something like this up in seconds. If you send me a release about your group's event that I have to do a bunch of work to fix, there's less of a chance that I'll have the time to get it done. Anyway, boat people at the BYC, CUthere.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

In the early hours of Sunday morning (14 February), whilst on passage direct from Panama to Galapagos, the American flagged Shannon 43 Bristol Rose, sailed by Robert and Patricia Budd, became entangled in a large drifting rope. The immediate effect was loss of propulsion and jammed steering; on inspection at first light it became apparent that one of the propeller blades was badly damaged, and the thick rope was jamming the rudder. Heavy seas made further overboard work dangerous; with light airs, a heavy swell, and a jammed rudder progress under sail was difficult, so skipper Robert Budd issued a Pan Pan call for assistance. Under direction from the Coastguard in Panama, the tug Elgia Elena was dispatched from Panama to rendezvous with Bristol Rose, now some one hundred miles south west of Panama, and drifting at up to 2 knots. Further assistance was provided by MRCC Falmouth and the US Coastguard, with fellow World ARC participant, Eowyn also involved with communications relays. At 0620 UTC on Monday 15 February Bristol Rose reported that they were in contact with the tug; communications were difficult and it had taken some time for the vessels to identify one another, helped by coordination from World Cruising Club Rally Control in La Libertad (Ecuador), and the regular position reports from the yacht's Yellowbrick Iridium tracking unit, which were relayed to the tug. Too rough to attempt to secure a tow in the dark, the tug stood by during the remainder of the night, before connecting the tow in daylight hours, shortly before 1400UTC. Bristol Rose was towed safely to Bahia Piña, Darien, Panama, approximately 120 nautical miles away. (Source: Received Via Email)   

The American family aboard the sailboat "Bristol Rose" has been rescued, more than eleven hours after their boat became disabled 60 nautical miles Southwest of the village of Jaqué, in the Darién province, in the Republic of Panama, near the border with Colombia. Panama's National Naval Air Service reported they located and rescued the five crew members of the sailboat, all from the United States, at 2:00 am in the morning. Rescued were the Captain of the boat Robert Budd, his brother Rex and his wife Trish, as well as their two sons Owen and Elliot.

(From An Earlier Report on Telemetro) After receiving a distress call via Inmarsat, Panamanian units began searching for the sailboat "Bristol Rose" which is adrift between Panama and Colombia. National Naval Air Service Units (Senan) have launched operations to find this boat which is located about 60 nautical miles Southwest of Jaque, according to press release from Senan. The patrol boat P-302 "Ligia Elena" from the Senan has been tasked to rescue the crew of this vessel. Apparently, a line became entangled in the propeller affecting the ability of the vessel to maneuver. (Source: Telemetro Reporta)

Editor's Comment: You can learn as much as you want about this family and their Panamanian adventure by visiting their website - bristolrose.blogspot.com. On Sunday afternoon they issued a position report saying they were at 07-01.16N / 079-02.29W with "no steering or motor. currently dissabled." When they issued their next report they had drifted due South and were located at 06-44.15N / 079-00.80W on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 at 23:28:00 UTC, with a comment "Rescue expected in next 2 hours." I think the sailboat got towed in by P-302.   

Members of the Naval Air Service (SAN) and SINAPROC continue to search for Ángel Serafino García and two others who were aboard the boat "Sol", who were attacked by criminals at sea. According to statements made by Lisandro López,, the sole survivor, to Telemetro Reporta, the criminals were traveling aboard a "panga" (fiberglass boat) boarded the "Sol" and asked the Capitan if they had enough fuel to reach Panama City, and López said that yes, they did. Then the criminals ordered them to abandon their vessel but Garcia and the others with him resisted, and they were shot. Lopez jumped into the water to save his life, swam to shore, and once there he alerted the authorities, which immediately began searching for the missing men since early in the morning. According to the most recent reports thus far none of the men have been recovered. (Source: La Estrella)

Editor's Comment: I've been here a long time, and this is the first time I've heard of a crime like this. You would think it would be more common, considering the frequency of drug trafficking vessels in the waters near Panama.    

The Directorate General of Merchant Marine of Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) reported Sunday they have sent investigators to learn about the events leading up to the maritime accident which occurred last night in Bocas del Toro, and that killed four people. The AMP said through a press release the investigation is being conducted by the Accident Investigation Department headed by investigator Alexander de Gracia. It is expected that in the "coming hours" a preliminary report on the fatal accident will be released, according to the press release from the institution. Two boats collided yesterday at 8:00 pm on the route from the islands of Bocas to Almirante. According to preliminary reports, a water taxi (speedboat) carrying 18 people collided with a boat which was carrying the four people who were killed by the impact, and another who was seriously injured. The four people killed were Panamanians Yadit Mejía, Silvia Becker, Silvestra Becker and Victoriano Castillo. The fifth person who was seriously injured was Guillermo Forbes. The managers of the ports at Almirante and Isla Bocas, Jacinto Iglesias and Ernesto Navarro respectively, alerted authorities from the Directorate General of Merchant Marine and the Directorate General of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries of the AMP of the accident. The AMP has the authority to investigate maritime accidents and administratively sanction those ships which do not comply with maritime safety laws. (Source: Elizabeth Garrido A. for La Prensa)   

The Panama Sailing School, based in the Republic of Panama and the official American Sailing Association (ASA) presence in Panama, is the premier sailing school in Latin America. We are pleased to announce we have been successfully conducting sailing cruises every day to the Las Perlas Islands and also our famous Sunset Cruises to view the beautiful Bridge of the America when the lights come on. This is a breathtaking cruise while sipping on Champagne and munching on our famous appetizers. On Sunday December 27 2009 Panama Sailing School hosted a group of 20 adventurers on the sailing yacht “Brahms” and we sailed in the Bay of Panama with the fantastic skyline of Panama City in the background. It was a warm day with lots of soft wind for the charter from Panama and Joel Wilner – the famous pianist entertained us all with Jazz renditions while we were being served champagne and appetizers by the staff of Panama Sailing School. This was truly a wonderful experience for all of us sailing.



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Press Release: Congratulations to the Panama Sailing School in the Republic of Panama as they enter their 4th year of being the premier sailing school and Yacht Charter Company in Latin America. PANAMA SAILING SCHOOL enhances on your interest in learning to sail, or in improving your sailing skills. The American Sailing Association is the world's foremost organization dedicated to training, teaching and certifying schools, sailing instructors and sailing enthusiasts. When you join the American Sailing Association, or work with an ASA certified sailing school, you know you're learning how to sail and getting the most rigorous, safety-first education and the best sailing instruction available. Learning to sail with an ASA sailing certification facility gives sailors of all experience levels an opportunity to become more competent and confident in their abilities. If you choose to venture beyond the sailing basics, we'll expand your horizons by teaching you to navigate with electronics and with the stars. With our sailing instruction, become certified at advanced or offshore levels and the world's oceans will become your highways and by-ways. You can learn everything about sailing or select the things that interest you the most. Selecting an ASA sailing school assures you of professional training and the best value for your sail education dollar. Do not be fooled or misled by advertising where schools claim to have sailors and instructors experienced for many years; however, cannot pass any form of exam in becoming an instructor.

PANAMA SAILING SCHOOL now graduate and certify hundreds of new sailors annually - sailors who learn faster, learn more and have more fun sailing in more new places. They choose ASA schools; such as PANAMA SAILING SCHOOL, because they want to follow a proven curriculum in a professional, supportive learning environment under the direction of certified sailing instructors. The Panama Sailing School can assure you of the same quality sailing education when you attend any of our certification facilities in Panama and also have a blast of a good time.

Read about the PANAMA SAILING SCHOOL which is an accredited school teach to sailing enthusiasts then and take sailing lessons to improve your sailing skills and start living the dream. PANAMA SAILING SCHOOL in the Republic of Panama offers a beginner's level sailing instructional DVD, Sailing Fundamentals narrated by world famous racing sailor, Peter Isler. The program follows a student from introduction to the boat to his/her first solo sail. A great way to see and feel the boat and its equipment in action.

“LIVE THE DREAM” – Read below for our exciting an explosive offer during the months of December, January and February months, which are our most busiest in Panama and then come and join us for adventure in sailing, living, excitement and lots of fun ~~ CHARTER one of sailing yachts for a period of six day at a cost of $3,500.00 with a certified and registered Instructor and receive the ASA 101, ASA 103 and the ASA 104 complimentary sailing instructions that will achieve for you the ASA Certificate that is accepted and recognized around the world. Partake of the sailing instructions and sleepover for three days to the Las Perlas Islands of the Pacific Ocean. For further information contact us at the following; Telephones: USA: New York (718).355.9136 Florida (305).433.3459 Canada: (416).840.9528 Panama: (507).399.2274 Toll Free: USA & Canada: (866).324.4052 France: (33).0.203.002.0367 Mexico: (525).51.328.3832 Spain: (34).91.829.5106 UK: (44).0.203.002.0367   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - So, you've moved to Panama, obtained your pensionado visa, and are now living happily ever after as a resident of the Republic of Panama. Looking for a hobby? Want to take advantage of Panama's lakes and oceans? Have you ever wanted to be a recreational sailor? Usually owning a sailboat requires a significant commitment in terms of both time and money. Now the "World's Most Popular Trimaran" - WindRider tri-hulled sailboats are available for weekend and recreational sailors in the Republic of Panama. These sleek little craft are fun to operate and exceptionally safe. Their design makes them practically impossible to tip over because if you get in trouble the outside pontoon goes deep in the water, creating drag which spins you around to a safer direction. Novices can be taught how to sail the WindRider in about twenty minutes. An innovative setup allows the sailor to turn the craft using the rudder with the pedals at the feet - push right and you turn right - what could be easier? You sit in a cockpit in a comfortable chair with a backrest and the boat can actually sailed with one hand, leaving the other free for a camera or a beer. The boats can be launched and recovered from the beach using a custom built and street legal trailer. And while the WindRider is safe and easy to operate for the novice, they can also get up to 17 knots or more and they "handle like a racecar" in the water. They're also tough - polyurethane hulls might get scratched but the won't break on rocks or reefs like fiberglass would. (more)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (972 words)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Welcome aboard to our latest link swapper, economy fishing on The Blue Turtle. From their website: "Panama boasts some of the best fishing in the world - currently 40 world records were set here. There are whale watching cruises from August to October - spectacular sights of a lifetime. Inshore fishing, along the Gulf of Chiriqui and around the numerous islands, is worthy of both the novice or the experienced fisherman. Based out of David, Panama, we fish around Secas Island, Ladrones Island, Coiba Island, and the Hannibal Bank. We take two to three people out at time, so there's more room to move around. Our boat is 25' with a 140hp Suzuki. We try to satisfy every person on board. Our top Capitan is a fisherman out of David with more than 15 years of experience." Professional fishermen flock to Panama every year to experience the world-class salt water fishing, and the Hannibal Bank is world renowned. Again, if you have a website you should definitely take advantage of our long-standing link exchange program. So join the party, and catch a ride on the Blue Turtle...

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By Viola Guevara Gallimore for DIAaDIA - Like the Titanic, a boat owned by the company Ocean Pollution (OPC), which was navigating in the Bay of Panama, sank and the 100 gallons of fuel it was carrying were spilled into the water. Luis Villarreal of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), explained that the boat left the area of Playita Amador and then began to fill with water so the crew managed to take the boat to Isla Flamenco where it sank. If the OPC company is found to be negligent they could be fined for polluting the water.

Editor's Comment: Ocean Pollution Control (OPC) is the same company that is in a fight with the government over a supposedly illegal landfill they built in Colon.   

Dateline: Wednesday 27th August 2009 - Day 157 Position: 10:00 UTC 49° 57N, 05° 00W 1 mile South of the Lizard Speed: 7.0kts - 17 year-old British sailor Mike Perham has become the youngest person to sail single-handed around the world. His 50ft yacht Totallymoney.com crossed the traditional Lizard/Ushant line marking the start and finish point of his 30,000 mile record-setting in bright sunshine at 09:47:30 secs (local)am this morning - two months inside the previous age record set by American teenager Zac Sutherland. Aged 17 years, 164 days old the teenager from Potters Bar Hertfordshire, was escorted across the line by Royal Navy guard ship HMS Mersey, a helicopter from 771 Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, and a small flotilla of press boats that had been on standby overnight to record his finish. Mike said: "I've made it, I've made my dream come true and it feels amazing. A BIG BIG thanks to my Dad, Mum, all the sponsors and every one who has helped me along the way. I can't believe that the Royal Navy has sent HMS Mersey and a helicopter to witness my crossing the line. I feel very honoured." Mike's Dad said: "Mike is a very special son, he has done incredibly well. He has shown that with determination, you can succeed even in the most adverse circumstances. He has shown the world that he is an extraordinary young man and an inspiration to us all." The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, KCB OBE ADC passed a message to Mike Perham as he sailed past The Lizard passed on a congratulatory message via Lt Cdr Carl Wiseman Captain of HMS Mersey: “The Royal Navy offers its sincere congratulations to Michael Perham on his record breaking single-handed sailing circumnavigation. This is a remarkable and inspirational achievement in one so young, another impressive event in the rich Maritime history of this island nation and of the Perham family”. “Michael’s family have strong maritime connections, with his father having been a merchant naval officer, his grandfather having served with the Royal Navy during World War 2, and his great grandfather as a Royal Marine in the Crimean war.” “Michael sets a fine example showing remarkable character, grit and self discipline in completing this historic record-breaking voyage and the Royal Navy is delighted to participate in welcoming him back home to the UK as an honoured and much respected fellow seafarer.” After crossing the finish line Mike was joined by his Dad, Peter to continue sailing back to for a homecoming welcome at Gunwharf Quay at 11:00 on Saturday. To read this daily insight on the last leg of Mike's remarkable voyage, visit www.totallymoney.com/sailmike   

By Kaya Burgess for the Times Online - A 17-year-old boy is due to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world when his yacht returns to British waters this week, nine months after he set out. Mike Perham tackled 50ft waves, broken rudders and gale-force winds during his 30,000-mile voyage, and will tonight have to endure the remnants of Hurricane Bill before he makes it safely back to land. Speaking to The Times from rough seas 300 miles out in the Atlantic, Mike said: “I’m very much looking forward to being back. It’s all getting very exciting now. I’m really looking forward to being in my own room and having a fridge in the house and little luxuries like home cooking and having friends around. “There have been a couple of times when I was thinking, ‘Crikey, what am I doing here?”. I’ve had lots of knocks and bruises and bumps, but nothing serious thankfully. It all soon turns to a sense of wonder and realising why you are doing it.” Mike’s route took him from Portsmouth last November, south through the Atlantic, round the Cape of Good Hope and between Australia and New Zealand. He then plotted a course roughly northeast across the Pacific before heading through the Panama Canal and back across the Atlantic. Mike had hoped to make it a continuous journey, but technical difficulties meant that he had to make a number of stops for repairs. He said: “It has been different to what I originally set out to do. I wanted to go non-stop at first. It’s been very hard. I’ve stopped five times for repairs and in Panama for the canal, but I always have a bit of time in advance to make some calls and my dad helps with the organisation.” (more)



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By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Remember Mike Perham, the 17 year old who departed Panama about a week ago on his bid to become the youngest person to ever have sail around the world alone? Well, he's doing just fine, thank you very much. He's currently in the Atlantic Ocean, about due East of Charleston South Carolina, making good progress to the North and taking advantage of great weather and the 2 knot Gulf Stream. According to the most recent entry on this daily blog, a warship came up and checked him out pretty closely for awhile, probably just making sure he wasn't running drugs or something. Anyway, they eventually turned away and left him alone. Mike is expected to finish his around the world voyage in about 18 days or so when he gets back to England.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Mike Perham's position finally updated at 19:00 GMT (14:00 hrs local) and reflects his position as 09° 31.0961 N, 079° 52.6173 W, making 7.2 knots at a heading of 57 degrees. According to his blog his intent is to skirt around the western side of the Caribbean, head past Florida to catch what he can of the Gulf Stream, and then head across the Atlantic and back home to Portsmouth in the UK.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I just got an update via cellphone from my son who is with Mike Perham aboard his sailboat the totallymoney.com. Apparently there was some kind of a minor mishap in the very last stage of the Gatun Lock of the Panama Canal. According to my son, currents in the lock pushed the sailboat up against a tug that was to their starboard side. Some side railing wires got caught up in the tires that were hanging from the side of the tug as bumpers, and there was some minor damage to the starboard side of the boat. Right now they are headed toward the Shelter Bay Marina on the old Fort Sherman installation. Mike was scheduled to depart Panama tomorrow morning at 6:00 am, but at this point I don't think they have determined whether or not repairs are required before he can set off. This just happened about five minutes ago, and Mike is discussing the requirements to file an accident or incident report with the Panama Canal pilot who is aboard his boat. I've heard lots of stories like this from guys who transit the Panama Canal in relatively small boats - it's practically common.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - At 20:00 GMT (or 15:00 local) Mike Perham and his boat the totallymoney.com are making their way through the Panama Canal at a healthy 7 knots. They should clear through the Gatun Locks later this afternoon, which will put the hull of his boat into the waters of the Caribbean for the first time on this trip. I just tried to call my son on his cell phone but got no answer because they're in the middle of the canal, passing close to the famous Barro Colorado island, and are out of cell phone coverage. I'm sure he's getting some great photos and video of the transit. If you're following the transit stay tuned to the ACP's High Resolution Cameras at the Gatun Locks. I'll see if I can get them to wave...

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Mike Perham has cleared the Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal and is now transiting Miraflores Lake en route to the Pedro Miguel locks.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Mike Perham, the 17 year-old from England who is vying to become the youngest person to ever have sailed around the world alone and unassisted will transit the Panama Canal during the day tomorrow from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Mike has been delayed in Panama for a couple of weeks due to damage in his rigging. He needed to order replacement parts from the United States, and now that repairs have been completed he is anxious to get back on the water. He plans to go up the Western side of the Caribbean, scoot past Florida, and then out across the Atlantic and eventually home to England. You can follow Mikes progress on http://www.totallymoney.com/sailmike/ - if you click on the "M" on the map on that site you can see Mike's current position (which has been in the Flamenco Marina for the past couple of weeks.) You also might be able to catch his transit tomorrow on the ACP's webcams.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

The Panama Sailing School in excited to announce the magnificent sailing yacht "BRAHMS" - Gulfstar 44 is now in Panama and with Panama Sailing School offering the heights of luxury and excitement in 'CANDLELIGHT DINNERS & CONCERTS right on board. "BRAHMS" has a built in & rare Hazelton Bros. Baby Grand Piano, which is serenaded by renown pianist Joel Willner of Israel and cuisine is served by five star chef "PATRICIA" from Colombia and is now here in Panama. Join us for an exquisite and elegant evening of sailing, fine dining and concert in the Bay of Panama for a fraction of the cost in a six star fine restaurant. Reservations are limited and we can accommodate up to six guests on board for an evening and up to 8 guests for an all day sailing cruise to Taboga. Come and join us http://www.panamasailingschool.com Photos are on facebook!    

By Philip Sherwell in New York for the Telegraph - After surviving ferocious storms, 60 ft waves and emergency underwater repairs, the teenager from Potters Bar is on course to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo. He must first clear the Panama Canal and then sail through the Caribbean and home across the Atlantic. "I'm very chuffed that the next time I step on land, I'll be home," Mike told The Sunday Telegraph as he completed repairs to his rigging before heading into the Canal. While he was awaiting the delivery of a new part in Panama, an American teenager temporarily claimed the record as the youngest single-handed circumnavigator. Zac Sunderland steered his sailboat back into his home port of Marina del Rey, California, on Thursday, aged 17 years, seven months and 17 days. But Mike is more than three months younger than his fellow "yachtboy". And as he expects to complete the last 5,000 miles of his 30,000 mile journey in 25 days, he will then take the crown of youngest round-the-world solo sailor in mid-August. (more)

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By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Mike Perham, the 17 year-old vying to become the youngest person to have ever sailed around the world alone and unassisted, finally is preparing to transit the Panama Canal and proceed on with his voyage. Upon arrival in Panama he discovered a broken fitting on his mast rigging that had to be repaired. It took a few days for the part to be shipped from the US, and now that repairs have been completed Mike is itching to get back on the water. There's also a problem with his motor - it runs in neutral but when it's shifted into gear it begins to vibrate terribly. At first they were going to haul the boat out of the water to try to fix it but complications regarding the availability of equipment, combined with draft limitations (his boat has a 4 meter keel) would have made that very complicated and time consuming. So, Mike has decided to press on through the Caribbean and across the Atlantic without a working engine. He said "I'm not really concerned about setting out without the motor - it's what I do. My original goal was to sail around the world anyway, not motor around the world. It would have been nice to have the motor in case of an emergency but even if there's a ship pouring down on you doing 20 knots or something the best the boat can do with the motor is about 4 knots so even that wouldn't be much of a help. I'll just fire flares at their bridge or something to get noticed." He also said there are ways of sailing around "holes" of no wind, where the overall track might be longer but the trip actually made much faster by taking the longer route. It looks like a tender from the Balboa Yacht Club will bring Mike through the Panama Canal, possibly as soon as tomorrow. (In the photo, Russel the camera man, my son Kent, and Mike Perham.)

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

KTLA.com - MARINA DEL REY -- A teenager from Thousand Oaks is expected to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe alone when he arrives in Los Angeles Thursday morning. Zac Sunderland, who left Marina del Rey June 14, 2008 at age 16 and has been headed west ever since, is expected to arrive in his homeport at 10 a.m. Thursday to a hero's reception at Fisherman's Village. Zac turned 17 off Africa's Cape of Good Hope and is expected to be certified upon his arrival as the youngest person to circumnavigate the Earth alone by sailboat and the first person younger than 18 to have done it, according to the American Sailor's Association, which is also one of Zac's sponsors. "The patience, knowledge and fortitude required for such a journey is immeasurable," said Charlie Nobles, executive director of ASA. "And, it's beyond unusual to find those qualities in someone Zac's age. This is an age group we associate with all things instantaneous -- texting, tweeting at a mile per second." (more) (See Comments)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (394 words)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - This morning Mike Perham, the 17 year-old vying to become the youngest person to ever have sailed around the world alone, was invited to meet with H.E. Richard Austen, Her Majesty’s Ambassador at Panama City, in the offices of the British Embassy in Marbella. Accompanied by Tatiana Nazarova and Dr. Monte Friesner of the Panama Sailing School, Mike met at length with Ambassador Austen and David Andrews, the Consul of the British Embassy in Panama. They spoke about Mike's voyage thus far, his planned route once he clears the Panama Canal, the repairs being accomplished on his boat the TotallyMoney.com, among other things. Recognizing the potential for growing media interest in Mike's trip once he gets closer to completing his voyage and returning home, Mr. Andrews joked about the possibility of coordinating with the Royal Navy to have someone come out to escort Mike once he gets closer to home. Mike just said "I expect we'll have a really big party" once the trip is over. In describing some of the most memorable moments of this voyage, Mike described the 60 knot winds and 50' (plus) seas of the South Pacific, and how he was literally able to outrun the waves in his boat at times. The part needed to fix Mike's boat was finally delivered this morning, and right now it looks like he might be making his transit through the Panama Canal on Friday, 17 July 2009.

Copyright 2009 Text and Images by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.