3 days ago
Topic:
Electric propulsion for tenders and larger boats
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 826
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Excellent feedback and amazing you m as managed 12nm. The ability to hydro-generate is very cool. One day perhaps devices like the Watt & Sea Hydrogenerator will also morph into an outboard and vice versa.
Simon
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3 days ago
Topic:
Chesapeake to UK Spring 2026
Philip.AshersonPosts: 1
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Due to ill health my 39’ Broadblue 385 is in North Carolina while we (Philip and Sheila) returned to the UK. I’m now planning to return the boat to the UK next spring (2026). I’m looking for one or two crew to join me on this adventure, via Bermuda and the Azores. Ideally cruise around the Chesapeake before setting off. Then spend some time in the Azores. I’m open to suggestions on exact times to meet up from anyone with an interest in joining who has the time and commitment for the passage.
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4 days ago
Topic:
Electric propulsion for tenders and larger boats
David.WestcottPosts: 1
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Hi Simon, we've had an ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo for 2.5 years now. The Evo bit refers to its ability to charge from the spinning prop when towed or mounted on a bracket in the stern ( a feature we are 75% through completing. So far we are very happy. It charges slowly but satisfactorily from 12v and faster on an inverter. The furthest we have ever gone is 12nm and there was plenty of charge left at the end. Speed wise, well it replace a 2hp 2 stroke so it is quieter, less smelly, less messy and faster to boot.
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6 days ago
Topic:
Wanted: Recommendation for Extended EU Visa
Charles.LenhoffPosts: 5
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Thanks Simon!!! But in my ignorance...
John,
Please consult this document covering pre-Schengen Bi-Lateral Agreements in effect if you want to extend you time in Schengen past 90 days...and double check the information with live immigration office in the country you intend to stay:
https://www.theca.org.uk/node/63970#:~:text=https%3A//op.europa.eu/en/publication%2Ddetail/%2D/publication/c067e92d%2D5a8b%2D11e9%2D9151%2D01aa75ed71a1
I share with you my Kafkaesque recent experience:
We checked out of Norway last week at the Bergen airport and headed to Shetland.
Here's a few things we took note of from our experience:
1. You can only check out in Bergen at the airport, and not at the Police station in center ville. The #1 train from the bus station is easy and runs every 10 minutes. The police station is on the LEFT side of the departure terminal and is supposed to be open daily from 07000 to 2300 hr, but the officer is also making the rounds in the airport so we had to wait 40 minutes.
2. For yachts under 15 meters, checking into Norway can be done via emailing the police in the district you are checking in, but also it is important to email the police in the district where you are checking out of PRIOR to arriving at the airport to get your passport stamped. Also, you have to check into customs whether or not you have anything to declare and they will register your MMSI into their system.
3. For yachts over 15 meters, they have to go through SafeSeaNet for entry and exit documentation prior to arriving at the airport for a passport exit stamp.
4. And for citizens of the USA, there is a bi-lateral treaty with Norway that allows for an additional 90 day in NORWAY only, once 89 days in Schengen countries outside Norway has been incurred. for example, Sally the Sailor is a USA citizen and enters Paris on January 1st, 2026 and spends 89 days shopping and stimulating the economies in Paris, Londo, Milan and Berlin. On the 89the day, she goes to Oslo immigration and they stamp her passport with an exit stamp and swing her around the Norwegian flagpole with a welcome to Norway ONLY bonus stamp which she can only use for Norway. How the 90/180 day rules apply for her return to Schengen is uncertain but believed that the clock starts on exiting Norway.
That's all for now.
~Captain Lisa Lenhof
USCG MMC
mv Ho'okipa
Selene 4326
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6 days ago
Topic:
Wanted: Recommendation for Extended EU Visa
John StonePosts: 2
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Anyone else have info on best way to approach an extended visa?
Thanks.
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10 days ago
Topic:
Wanted: Recommendation for Extended EU Visa
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 826
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The experts on this are Charles and Lisa Lenhoff who, I am sure, will see this thread and respond.
Simon
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10 days ago
Topic:
Wanted: Recommendation for Extended EU Visa
John StonePosts: 2
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Hello OCC Members
I am a US citizen with a US flagged vessel. I am planning an Atlantic crossing to Europe in the summer of 2026. I'd like to cruise EU waters for a year and wonder how to overcome the unworkable 90 day visa restrictions for a US citizen. Leaving my boat behind for 90 days is not an option for me. I am investigating applying for what I have heard called a resident visa, extended visa, retired visa, or pensioners visa. Does anyone have insight into this approach? Any specific countries easier to gain this type of visa than others? Any information on how to pursue this is be appreciated.
Thanks
John Stone
SV Far Reach
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16 days ago
Topic:
Possible winter berth
Katherine.QuinlanPosts: 1
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Yacht Pylades, normally based Galway on the west coast of Ireland is 10.5 tons 11.9M x 3.8M x1.8M seeking advice on a safe berth,From 1:9:2025 to 1:5:2026 on the west Atlantic coast of France / North Coast Spain, (Basque Country.) any advice or directions gratefully received. Fergus and Katherine Quinlan.
Sent from Outlook for Android
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23 days ago
Topic:
Western Caribbean / Columbia / Cuba cruise 2026
Chris.HartPosts: 1
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We are planning to cruise from the southern Windward islands via the ABCs, Columbia, San Blas islands, Panama, Providencia, Cayman Islands, Cuba to the USA in Jan-May 2026 - at total distance of approximately 2600nm. We are keen to link up with other boats planning on taking a similar route and to buddy boat for at least part of the journey. Carioca is a Farr50 Pilothouse blue water cruiser and we enjoy passage making combined with stopovers at interesting places en route. Would really enjoy talking to other members interested in joining us for all or part of the cruise. Chris & Fiona
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27 days ago
Topic:
Western Scotland and the Hebrides
Charles.LenhoffPosts: 5
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Nancy,
We are in Norway and will be heading to Shetland mid-July, and then down the west coast of Scotland so maybe we can meet up...
~Lisa
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29 days ago
Topic:
Western Scotland and the Hebrides
DickPosts: 417
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Hi Nancy,
You are, indeed, in a part of the world where there is no bad decision on where to cruise.
We gravitated N and loved the Orkneys and the Shetland Islands. From Lerwick, (where Alchemy spent one winter) Norway is just an overnight. All areas have great people and history (both ancient and modern).
More info if you are interested.
Enjoy, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
Nancy.McGuire wrote:
After a delightful crossing from Beaufort, NC last year and a cruise of the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland, Zephyr is currently sailing the west of Scotland. We are heading through the Crinan canal today heading to the Hebrides. If anyone is in the area reach out to us. If anyone has any recommendations we’re all ears. Nancy@mcguireyacht.com
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29 days ago
Topic:
Western Scotland and the Hebrides
Nancy.McGuirePosts: 1
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After a delightful crossing from Beaufort, NC last year and a cruise of the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland, Zephyr is currently sailing the west of Scotland. We are heading through the Crinan canal today heading to the Hebrides. If anyone is in the area reach out to us. If anyone has any recommendations we’re all ears. Nancy@mcguireyacht.com
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26/06/2025
Topic:
Sailing to Buenos Aires, Argentina or Uruguay
Omar.SanchezPosts: 5
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Sailing to Buenos Aires, general data:
When you sail Argentine water you need one daily report to the Argentine Coastguard,this apply also when you sail between foreign ports, for example Uruguy toChile, see below, Daily Position Reports
If you sail from the north you will go through Uruguay (UY) waters, so it is a good timeto refresh certain UY regulations:if you are going to enter a port, you must notify the Coastguard by VHF atleast 30 minutes before entering, and when the mooring maneuvers are completedit is recommended to give the OK by VHF to the Coastguard. When navigating in UY waters you must inform them by VHF each time you passes through aport, the same when you have a delay in your ETA to the next port.
In a case of arriving with problems and needing a tug, the boat will beinspected by the UY Coastguard, just like when the damage is repaired.According to the port, this may have ahigh charge rate and need time. It is common to declare that your Diesel has finishesa cause of needing a tug. Uruguay, in addition to the Coastguard service, hasan excellent rescue and tug service manned by volunteers: ADES Uruguay, www.ades.org.uy
Beforedeparture UY Coastguard does not allow a departure with winds over 20 knots, or if theforecast anticipates such for the next few hours. Therefore if a good wind iscoming, you have to set sail before the port closes.
The day ofthe departure in UY: in a few cases the participation of the customs is required , the firststep is immigrations, this service has a small fee and according to the portyou can only pay with local money. Then you must pay for the port services inthe hydrographic office, who accepts credit cards. With the payment ticket, youmust then go to the Coastguard and complete the departure form. The localregulations say that you must have a qualifying nautical credential that has notexpired, and a certified list of the safety elements of the boat, a "SafetyCertificate", usually with the safety element card of the life raft issufficient. See: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdF0UAkWsAAFqbG.jpg
They may require some unexpired pyrotechnics and a unexpired fire extinguisher. Once you start the engines on boat you must call the Coastguard to ask for the departure clearance before releasing your moorings. Failure to do so is a serious fault and may delaya few hours. When leaving the port, you again have to give an OK to the Coastguard.
Uruguay has several tax discounts when paying with a foreign credit card. In some ports there is a foreign ship supply service, with very low taxes, especially all electronic,mechanical, etc. For repairs Piriápolis is the best option, with a good travelift,drydock, painting, mechanics, etc. For large works on sails should be sent or requested to Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires General Notes:
Buenos Aires is a great city and has everything. History, culture, architecture, museums, Tango, Malbec, a great gastronomy and dulce de leche. The city has few nautical businesses, but to the north and a few kilometers away is the historic nautical area. There are all the nautical services: sailmakers, rigging, mechanics, electronics,painting, etc. For small and medium repairs it is easy to take the parts using the very good train service. For major repairs you would have to move the boat to the north, and the crossing has certain limitations with depth so sometimes you have to wait for the righttide. Here it is not the astronomical tide that is critical, but the winds ofthe N and S-SE which make the level of the river go down or rise a lot.
Buenos Aires city offers two excellent dock alternatives for cruisers. Both are in front of the comercial port, and a few blocks from the downtown and government house where you go to complete the bureaucracy. Yacht ClubArgentino and Yacht Club PuertoMadero.
Upon arrival and after completed the club papers the first step is to go inmigrations,1 km away, inside the tourist cruise terminal. The neighborhood is not the best, so you should take a taxi. The nextstep is the Prefecture (Coastguard) 50 meters from immigrations. You finish in customs, within the ferry terminal (Buquebus) to Uruguay, located 100 meters from both clubs.
The rest of the nautical community is located in the north zone: San Isidro, San Fernando and Tigre. Many friendly services and clubs.
In the port of Buenos Aires:Several supermarkets and rotiseries nearby. The entire shopping center is only afew blocks away.
The public health service isfree and of good quality. There are many private hospitals of international level.
Among the must-sees: the Colóntheatrer (opera), the Recoleta cemetery, the Sundayfair in the neighborhood of San Telmo (tango andantiquities), the cultural center in front of Puerto Madero which offers tango classes, tango recitals and free classicalmusic and is only a few minutes from the port.
There is so much to see that many cruise passengers then return by plane to complete the tour. One goodoption for cruisers is the touristic bus:Open-top buses, Audio guide available in 10 languages, website www.buenosairesbus.com/?lang=en
On the other hand the city offers a very good network of subways, buses, short and medium distance trainsand frequent flights to most of the capitals of countries.
Buenos Aires port area, Mooring options in the city:
Yacht Club Argentino 34°35.741'S, 058°21.718'W
Thisis a historical yacht club situated in Dársena Norte in the port of BuenosAires. Has a clubhouse, moorings, and some services. It provides 2 days free mooring for visitors.It is he best place to stop when clearing into Buenos Aires. The club has ayellow floating barrier in the mouse, Call YCA on Ch 16 or 78 USA on arrival to seek admission. Website: www.yca.org.ar - yca@yca.org.ar ; Tel: +54 114 3140505; Dàrsena Norte - Capital Federal ,Buenos Aires, Argentina - Office hours: Monday – Friday 11 – 19
Yacht Club Puerto Madero: YC Puerto Madero is a commercial marina situated in the old Puerto Madero dock area. It is a 250berth marina with average of 6m depth inside a commercial area, and place for catamarans. There is a safe ATM in front. Website : www.yachtcpm.com.ar - info@ycpm.info - Tel: +54 (11) 4313-8008, VHF Channel 71 -Dique 4, Puerto Madero, Capital Federal Argentina. To access the YCPM you must request the opening of the bridge, which opens every two hours from 07 Hs to 23 Hs. It is requested by Phone the club or by VHF 71, at least 30 minutes in advance. Before acces to the dock you must shaw the boat and insurance paper.
Local cruising guides and charts: Books and charts, Instituto de Publicaciones Navales, 1 km from the port. Web: www.ipneditores.com.ar - All the rest are in the north area.
Buenos Aires port area:
See https://forum.oceancruisingclub.org/Uploads/Images/b77234c7-d355-4635-931b-9148.jpg
Other useful information specific to this area:
Tap water is potable and of good quality. Electricity 200 V 50 Hz. The yellow fever vaccine is not necessary. From Buenos Aires several km to the north in the summer there are isolated cases of Dengue. ATMs do not give much money and have a rate of about 10 dollars for each use, so it is better to come with cash !!, the exchange rate is always very favorable. Many shopps and services accept Dollars, very few Euros.
Daily Position Reports in Argentina waters:
Everyboat must check in on a daily basis with the Argentine Coastguard by apre-agreed method (E-mail, satellite phone, SSB or VHF frequency) while sailing between Argentine ports. Get a written contact sheet and log your attempts tocall to avoid being detained and possible fines by the coastguard on arrival atyour destination.
Dependingon your position, reports should be made to:
MAR DEL PLATA (L2T) - Between Lat. south 35 º50 and and Lat. 42 º 00 'south - VHF C/ 9-16 - SSB : Frequency 4354 KHZ (24 hs)- Frequency 8713 y 2065 KHZ (alternative) Hours 05.00 - 13.00 y 21.00 - email: mpla@prefecturanaval.gov.ar
COMODORO RIVADAVIA (L3A) - Between Lat. 42 º 00'south and Lat. 54 º 30 'south - VHF C/ 9-16 - SSB : Frequency 4134 KHZ (24 hs)- Frequency 8710 y 2065 KHZ (alternative) Hours 07.00 - 14.00 - email: criv@prefecturanaval.gov.ar
Ushuaia (L3O) - South of Parallel Lat. 54 º 30 'south - VHF C / 9-16 - SSB: Daytime frequency 4354KHZ - Frequency night. 2065 KHZ - email. ushu@prefecturanaval.gov.ar
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Argentina Holidays
January 1 - New Year's Day -
March 24 - Day of Remembrancefor Truth and Justice
2 April - Malvinas Day -
25 May - Day of the FirstNational Government
June 17 - Anniversary of the death of Martín Miguel de Güemes
June 20 - National Flag Day -July 9 - Independence Day
August 17 - Anniversary of the death of J. de San Martin -
October 12 - Day of Respectfor Cultural Diversity
November 20 - Day of National Sovereignty -
December 25- Christmas
December 31 - New Year's Eve
------------------------------------------------------------------
Omar Sánchez, Wetdoc
Buenos Aires POR
edited by Omar.Sanchez on 26/06/2025
edited by Omar.Sanchez on 26/06/2025
edited by Omar.Sanchez on 26/06/2025
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26/06/2025
Topic:
Ilhabela, Brazil
Omar.SanchezPosts: 5
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South access to Ilhabela, the true sailing capital in Brazil.
Medical note: It is however also the Capital of Borrachudo (Black fly family Simuliidae), so OFF spray or insect repellent is mandatory all day. Do not underestimate the wisdom of long pants with socks and long sleeves. The feared Borrachudo is mostly diurnal, it does not make a noise when flying and generates an annoying bite that should not be scratched. Scratching only reactivates the itch: applying ice with a fabric or nylon insulator gives the best results to calm the itching.
Aids to navigation:
Although access is more picturesque in the south and inside the channel, the clubs are in the north of the island and, depending on wind and wave conditions, can be accessed outside the island. To the south of the channel, San Sebastián (SS) is the anchoring area for freighters, to which we must give respect since their swings are unpredictable due to the wind pipe and the channel current. Through the port of San Sebastian, in the channel of the same name, ferries pass at all times during a 24 hour cycle, and are free for pedestrians.
The best mooring option is the Yacht Club of Ilhabela (www.yci.com.br), with Pinda Late Clube (www.pindaiateclube.org.br) as an option a little further south.
Glossary: to understand the radial language you have to go over some tips of everyday language. When you talk about channel 68/69 you do not talk about channel six oito / six nove, but about meia oito / meia nove, the average (6) is for half a dozen.
Call prefixes: YCI Delta 24 on channel 68 of VHF, and Pinda responds to Delta 56 on channel 68 of VHF. It is common that they move to channel 69 (meia nove).
The YCI has buoys with a gauze (roupe) on its top, but this is not for taking moorings, it is for hoisting the hawser that is half-full and that comes up full of sharp mussels. Gloves are recommended. Some buoys, like the 88, have two hawsers and these are reserved for boats of more than 20 tons.
Safety: every 6 hours, regardless of the weather, the sailors check all the moorings, modify them or call the captain, according to need. It is remarkable to see their boat in the evening and in the middle of the storm reviewing and noting the mooring status.
A visitor can use the facilities ashore as these are top quality; the wifi has moved to the computer room that is now a splendid gym. The showers are generous but I recommend turning on the ceiling fans as the roof is the Borrachudos aircraft carrier! The first 5 days on the buoys are free, and you can extend one more day due to bad weather. The remaining days have an accessible rate. Visitors can access the marinas with their boat but only for two hours, for services, washing and making water. They have only two drinking water hoses.
The club has started a strong management campaign in favor of ecology and taking care of garbage. They do not want to repeat the errors of other latitudes (Sau de Ceu) that have caused irreparable damage to the waters.
The fuel station can be accessed inside or outside the club, closes at 6 pm, accepts cards. Most importantly, it has Verana diesel, the Petrobras special, which is superior and free of contaminants and water! The station offers fuels, some filters and spare parts, a small shop, has containers to discard liquid fuels and containers for solids. Drinking water is charged for, a few Reais ( local money) for every 10 minutes but with a hose of excellent pressure.
If you arrive during commercial hours it is better to take a mooring at the station, take on fuel, and water and discards, and from there request a buoy for anchoring. A dinghy will indicate the buoy and eventually help with the maneuver. You can also call in navigation, about 15 minutes before arrival.
The YCI has a wharf dock on the south side, but offers a very efficient disembarkation service by means of club boats. When disembarking, all the ship papers, prefecture, customs and passports or ID of the crew must be presented. This admission office requests a photocopy of everything, which can be done at the club's headquarters, but it is less complicated to arrive with all the photocopies and thus be released without pain. Each crew member is given a magnetic card that allows access to different sectors of the club and re-entry from abroad. The card must be returned on the last day of stay.
Within a few blocks there are sailmakers, a rigging service, mechanics, nautical businesses, etc. Also the bus to the shopping center and ferry station. Near the station there is a large North Sails loft.
In the vicinity of the Pinda Club there is an area delimited by yellow buoys. This is a prohibited for anchoring zone, as the high voltage cables that feed the island lie on the bottom.
A few blocks away is the historic center, with various souvenir shops and a supermarket. When the tourists off the mega cruise ships leave, posters miraculously appear: 50% off !!
The exchange house gives an always unfavorable rate. There are many ATMs. The laundry is very expensive.
Restaurant recommended: MaxPaladar, you have to walk away or take the bus, but it is worth visiting this "food per kilo" restaurant, which only opens at noon. Near the clubs there are a wide variety of restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
Bureaucracy: in case you have to do the paperwork, you have to take the bus or taxi to the ferry station. UBER gives an error on the island. The delegation of the federal police of San Sebastian downtown does not come any more to the boats, it is necessary to go to the NEPON inside the commercial port about 200 meters on the ferry station side of SS. Only the captain can enter, with all the papers and documents, but in case of problems with the language they allow a second crewmember to enter. Within the port you have to walk about 400 meters, so you have to take precautions on rainy days or intense sun. Go from there to the Captaincy (Prefecture) which has a large building overlooking the Ferry station.
Download the tracks for Garmin (gdb), GPS, MapSource and nRoute,
See the visual track.
Alert: About 30 nm south of Ilhabela respect should be given to the Ilha de Alcatrazes and the area that is forbidden to navigate.
Approximate position Ilha de Alcatrazes S24 05 W45 40.
Although there was some relaxation and opening in the last year, visits are limited to tourist boats who are duly registered for the activity.
Photogallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/15309279@N06/sets/72157701778264552
Omar Sanchez Wetdoc
From Buenos Aires
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23/06/2025
Topic:
Provisioning in the northwest coast of Scotland
Charles.LenhoffPosts: 5
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Thank you Dick and Simon!!!
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22/06/2025
Topic:
Provisioning in the northwest coast of Scotland
DickPosts: 417
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Simon Currin wrote:
Lerwick, Kirkwall, Ullapool, Lochinver, Mallaig and Oban. Inverness if you go through the Caledonian Canal.
Hi Charles,
Simon gives you a good list.
You will be going through some great cruising grounds: Fair Isle, the Shetlands and the Orkneys stand out, so suggest leaving lots of time to cruise if you can. Going slow enough, you will find many places to provision along the way.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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22/06/2025
Topic:
Provisioning in the northwest coast of Scotland
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 826
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Lerwick, Kirkwall, Ullapool, Lochinver, Mallaig and Oban. Inverness if you go through the Caledonian Canal.
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22/06/2025
Topic:
Provisioning in the northwest coast of Scotland
Charles.LenhoffPosts: 5
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Friends,
Making the jump from Norway to the northwest coast of Scotland via Shetland in late July, what ports in Scotland would you recommend for food provisioning?
~Lisa
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19/06/2025
Topic:
Sailing to Staten Island, Atlantic south, Argentin
Omar.SanchezPosts: 5
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Hi Simon,
No problem with share the data.
Here is other topic about cares when sailing Argentina south...
https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2315
Omar
From Buenos Aires
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18/06/2025
Topic:
Sailing to Staten Island, Atlantic south, Argentin
Simon CurrinAdministrator Posts: 826
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Thank you, may I share this information on the OCC newsfeed so that it reaches a wider audience.
Simon
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