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Noonsite September Sailing News & Updates

Transition and Preparation


September marks a period of transition as Summer turns to Autumn in the northern hemisphere and Winter turns to Spring in the south. With preparation for ocean passages to new cruising grounds or winter lay up on the horizon, the tempo picks up and work lists start to take shape. Take a break and a tour around the world of cruising with our September newsletter and find out what you missed this month.


Safe Passage

Sue and the Noonsite Team

Cruising Impact


Cruising for a reason

Congratulations to two of our most committed contributors, Floris van Hees and Ivar Smits – Sailors for Sustainability – who completed their circumnavigation at the start of September and have unfailingly sent updates and reports to Noonsite from almost every country they have visited. Ivar and Floris gave up busy jobs to circumnavigate, with the objective of learning from others undertaking sustainability projects in the countries they sailed to and taking home to Holland positive ideas for today’s and tomorrow’s generations. Their blog beautifully documents all the projects they visited. Read more about Floris and Ivar on Noonsite here.


Help with Deliveries

Hope Fleet, dedicated to bringing supplies, services and hope to children in need in the Caribbean, has announced it is expanding to support local children in Exuma in the Bahamas and is asking private boaters to help deliver items from Florida to George Town. Find out more here.


Tell us how you are making a difference and we will add you to our Cruising Impact page.

Offshore Yacht Insurance

Dolphin Marine Related Insurance


For over 20 years we have been offering the finest in marine related insurance coverages, while providing an exceptional level of confidential and honest service to our clients for global risks.


Dolphin Insurance is committed to provide the highest level of customer service in obtaining the right coverage for your vessel or marine operation and continues this level of service to you in the event a claim occurs.


We look forward to answering any questions you may have, please don't hesitate to contact us, or browse our website for the products we offer.

New to Cruising


Sailing Away

Nicola Rodriguez started blue water cruising as a newlywed, had two children en-route and wrote a book about it eight years later. Nicola shares her top ten tips to set you on the right course if you are planning on sailing away anytime soon. Nicola wrote this inaugural article for our INSIGHTS series back in 2020. Four years later and countless guest contributors have shared their cruising knowledge with the Noonsite community on a broad range of subjects from how-to tutorials and equipment reviews to cruising single-handed and voyaging with a conscience. If you have a viewpoint you would like to share, get in touch with the Noonsite team and be a part of INSIGHTS.


Lessons Learnt

The cruising life is not all plain sailing. Mistakes can occur and unforeseen events can happen, such as being hit by rogue waves. Despite thinking they had everything covered when setting off on a voyage from the US east coast to the Bahamas, one cruising couple suffered the unexpected, resulting in a rescue by the USCG and the loss of their boat. Read their story and lessons learnt here.


Chart Exchange

A growing number of experienced cruisers are creating, maintaining and sharing large collections of satellite charts, to keep the cruising community safer, particularly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans where the accuracy of commercial charts need to be carefully considered. John and Sue Hacking of SV Ocelot provide free high-resolution charts covering the entire coastlines of over 40 countries. Just released on their blog is a full set of Red Sea charts to download in mbTiles format (including instructions on how to use them with OpenCPN). They also show you how to switch between them with only a single keystroke, so you can cycle between all 5 in only 2-3 seconds, to see which is best for your immediate situation. Two useful articles on Noonsite to help you learn more about these shared charts are Using OpenCPN With Satellite Imagery (by SV Soggy Paws) and How Chart Exchanges Benefit the Cruising Community (by SV Ocelot). For a list of other well known chart sharers see our Charts page.

Reserve Your Spot

Sail to the Caribbean this year with Sevenstar


Sevenstar Yacht Transport offers October, November, and December sailings from Europe to the Caribbean and the USA East Coast. Escape the cold and bring your yacht to the ultimate winter destination. With regular transatlantic sailings, Sevenstar makes it simple to reach the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean.


Please reserve your spot now and let our expert team handle every detail of your journey, ensuring your yacht arrives safely and on time. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sail with confidence this winter!

Vitamin Sea


Safeguarding Fragile Ecosystems

Lying approx. 1000km NE of New Zealand the Kermadec [Rangitāhua] Archipelago is an internationally recognised marine reserve, host to globally significant and fragile ecosystems and biota found nowhere else on Earth. Even low numbers of visitors can result in unintended consequences within the fragile ecosystem. Jim Dilley, regional Harbour Master, alerts transiting yachts that access to the islands and the waters is strictly controlled and a permit is required prior to visiting. Currently, permits are limited to research expeditions only. Find out more here.


New Natural Reserve on Puerto Rico

Local communities and governmental agencies in Puerto Rico, along with the Surfrider Foundation, have worked together to create a positive impact for coral reefs by establishing the Submerged Gardens Natural Reserve of Vega Baja and Manatí on the island’s north coast. Home to a variety of coral species, including one of the largest assemblies of Elkhorn coral in the Caribbean as well as other threatened and endangered marine life, it is hoped the reserve will promote education and awareness about the importance of coral reefs, inspiring future generations to continue this essential work.


Pacific Ocean Health

The Pacific is the world’s largest ocean and a new citizen science initiative is empowering blue-water sailors to map marine biodiversity and ocean health in these waters by equipping them with the latest technology to gather important data while at sea. Find out how you can get involved with collecting water samples.

Ocean Outlook

Pacific Ocean


Cyclone Season: Every year, hundreds of boats transit the South Pacific and by the end of the cruising season, each boat has to decide where they feel safe to weather out the South Pacific cyclone season. The most common strategy is to reach New Zealand or Australia by the end of October or early November. If this is your plan, don’t miss the Marina Biosecurity NZ webinar on 22 October to learn about some of the marine pests that NZ are most worried about. Register here. See more about Biosecurity requirements for NZ here.


While sailors from some countries, notably the French, have been staying year-round in the South Pacific for decades, the idea is catching on with a growing number of cruisers from other countries. Choosing this option gives more time to cruise the islands and avoid facing the potentially challenging passage down to NZ, however understanding the timing of the cyclone season is key to working out an itinerary that keeps you safe. If this is a plan you are considering, here are some useful articles examining the risks of keeping your boat in the tropics during cyclone season.


The new 4th edition of the Pacific Crossing Guide is going to be published on 8 October, 2024 and features as our book of the month at the end of the newsletter. The guide devotes an entire chapter to pacific itineraries and covers staying inside the cyclone belt.


Yacht Rescue: In a joint mission, the US Coast Guard and US Navy rescued a woman, her daughter, a pet cat and tortoise from their yacht after they were caught in weather conditions generated by Hurricane Gilma about 925 miles east of the Hawaiian Islands at the start of the month. Read news here.

 

Mexico: Just last week, Mexico was under a barrage of weather from two tropical storms with TS John battering the Pacific Coast and TS Helene the Caribbean coast (later makikng landfall in Florida on the evening of 26 September).

 

French Polynesia: From early 2025, the number of spots available in some of the more popular anchorages in French Polynesia will be severely restricted with the implementation of a new booking system. This will mean that yachts will need to secure a place in advance of arrival or risk not finding anywhere to anchor/berth.

 

Fiji: Fiji Revenue and Customs are reminding foreign yachts that there are strict duty-free allowances and any excess (i.e. boat stores of alcohol) are subject to import duty. Read this news item about a yacht that recently arrived in Savusavu with a large quantity of undeclared alcohol on board.


Cruisers arriving in Savusavu this month warn that it is taking 3 days to get the cruising permit – needed for cruising around the islands.


A cautionary tale from the southern Lau Group, eastern Fiji, from cruiser James Coomer who warns it pays to maintain safety protocols with your boat, dinghy, outboard and belongings everywhere you visit, never mind how safe a community it may appear on the surface.

We bring the spirit of seafaring to our fellowship by always being willing to assist any sailor we meet, either afloat or ashore.

Full membership (complete an ocean passage more than 1,000nm in a vessel less than 70ft) or Associate membership available.

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Join the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC)

The Global Bluewater Sailing Club


The OCC exists to encourage long-distance sailing in small boats. Members understand what it means to be at sea, to be completely reliant on our own skills, to be subject to the whims of Mother Nature, to be humbled and empowered at the same time.


This is what sets us apart from other organisations, even as it draws us together as a group sharing a common bond and a passion for adventure.


Benefits of membership include:

  • More than 3,600 members in 85 countries
  • Access to a global network of 300 Port Officers
  • Events programme
  • Mentoring
  • Challenge grants and Youth sponsorship
  • Cruisers Forum
  • Webinars
  • APP (with off-line functionality)
  • Annual journal, Flying Fish
  • Quarterly Newsletter
  • Activity on all major social media channels

Red Sea


Free Red Sea Charts to Download

A full set of Red Sea charts to download in mbTiles format (including instructions on how to use them with OpenCPN) by Sue and John Hacking of SV Ocelot, available on their blog.

Indian Ocean


India: There is a new pre-arrival procedure in place for yachts entering India. All yachts are now required to provide a Pre-Arrival Notification of Security (PANS), which must be sent least 96 hours prior arrival at a Port of Entry. Use of an agent is also now mandatory which has increased entry costs.


Seychelles: A good review has been posted, for hauling out and having work done in Mahe, Seychelles, by Jane Halling who has a 55ft monohull and had repair work done in August 2024.

South China Sea


Malaysia: In northern Borneo, 12 new moorings for yachts have been installed at 2 marine parks around the coast of Sabah. There are 6 new moorings at islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park (TSMP) on the east coast and a further 6 at islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TARP) on the west coast.

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Marine and Leisure Insurance


Topsail are delighted to be the Official Noonsite Insurance Partner.


Let us help with your Insurance needs for your boat or travel requirements.


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Atlantic Ocean


Channel Islands: To the French author Victor Hugo, the Channel Islands are like 'little bits of France dropped into the sea and picked up by Britain'. An archipelago in the English Channel off the Normandy coast of France, they are divided into two British crown dependencies, the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey. Assistant Harbourmaster with Guernsey Ports, Kieran Higgs, describes the abundance of anchorages that cruising boats can enjoy around the islands in this report.

 

Iberian Peninsula: Orcas have been busy this month off the coast of southern Galicia as many yachts transit past heading south for the Canary Islands. Smoke-filled skies and blazing sunsets would also have characterised their passage this month as northern and central Portugal were engulfed by wildfires in the first half of September, leading to widespread destruction and the deaths of at least seven people.


Canary Islands: Due to the popularity of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands as a departure point for boats undertaking an Atlantic Crossing, the Port Authority has created a temporary anchorage area exclusively for small craft that will be in place for one month from October 25 to November 25. This is welcome news and will greatly ease the burden on space here due to the ARC rallies that depart during November.

 

Skippers en-route to the Canary Islands should be aware that a record 126% increase in migrant boats arriving from Africa has been recorded this year, with 22,300 migrants arriving since the beginning of the year from Mali, Morocco, Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania.

Caribbean Sea

 

Florida, USA: Just at the end of last week the “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane Helene hit Florida with maximum sustained wind speeds of 140 mph. Helene is one of the largest storms in the Gulf of Mexico in the last century, with a wind field that spanned roughly the distance between Indianapolis and Washington, DC. Its huge size resulted in higher storm surge and dangerous winds that stretched well inland.

 

Martinique: Reports from cruisers clearing into Martinique is that the new online clearance process is working well and means no onshore clearance is required. If, however, your next country requires a zarpe, you will have to go ashore to get the clearance papers officially stamped prior to departure.


BVI: Peter Island Resort will at last re-open mid-November after being destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The 1,800-acre island is the largest private island in the BVI and has mooring balls available for visiting yachts, who can also use the resort facilities.


Curacao: Clearance just got simpler with the opening of a new combined office for Customs and Immigration in Spanish Water on 1 October. Unfortunately, if planning to anchor here, a trip to Willemstad to get your anchor permit from the Harbour Master is still required. See Curacao clearance for more details.


Panama: The latest Panama Canal Authority Advisory announces modifications to the transit reservation (Booking) system and new tariffs as of January 1st, 2025.

Contact Us

Shelter Bay Marina at the Panama Canal


This pleasant full-service marina is located just behind the Panama Canal breakwater, only 2 miles from the entrance to the Canal on the Atlantic side and 50 minutes from Panama City, nestled in the San Lorenzo National Park.


The marina offers a wide range of services/amenities: Haul out facility, full-service boatyard, secure storage, fuel, sail loft, laundry, hotel, restaurant & bar, mini-market, marine supplies store, a pool, transportation to Colon and Panama City among others.


With capacity for vessels up to 320ft, 20ft draft on the channel and 10ft at many of the slips, SBM is the marina to make your home port while in Panama or while making transit arrangements.

Mediterranean Sea


Weather: At the start of September, the prolonged heat dome over the Mediterranean collapsed, signalling the end of summer and setting off a dramatic shift in weather in central Europe and the Mediterranean ranging from severe storms, extreme rainfall, historic floods to early snowfalls.


Greece: The Lefkas Floating Bridge which connects mainland Greece to Lefkada island, ceased operations for yacht passage on 25 September, due to the expiration of the bridge’s Safety Certificate. This bridge opens regularly for vessels to pass through the Lefkas canal, a convenient shortcut from the north to south Ionian. The duration of the bridge's operational suspension remains uncertain. During this period, all yachts sailing between the North and South Ionian Sea will need to navigate around the west coast of Lefkas Island. Our thanks to Lefkas Marina for this information.

Book of the Month


The Pacific Crossing Guide

Francis Hawkings


The new 4th edition of the Pacific Crossing Guide will be published on 8 October, 2024 by the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation. Seasoned Pacific cruiser and Editor, Francis Hawkings, has pulled together a diverse group of cruisers, cruising associations and organisations to help with up-to-date information, guidance and photographs for this new edition, which is simply packed full of really useful information. For anyone contemplating sailing the Pacific, this is THE complete planning guide. From ideal timing, suitable boats, routes, methods of communication, health and provisioning to seasonal weather, departure and arrival ports, facilities, entry formalities and dangers, this comprehensive new edition will both inspire dreamers and instil confidence in those about to depart.

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