Subject: NEWSLETTER MAY 14TH 20217 FROM PANAMA Our Summer, Dry-Season, is over and the Rainy-Season started, which will last to November. May is also the end of the sailing season Panama and in June the Hurricane Season in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific is expected to begin. In the Pacific El Niño is presently neutral and La Niña conditions is expected later this year. As far as the Panama Canal Transits for small crafts, inclusive yachts, we have seen some delays during the past months, but with the season being over this situation is not expected to continue in the coming months. Again for Rules, Regulations, Requirements and Costs I refer to The Panama Canal Authorities Customer Form "Procedures for securing a handline transit of the Panama Canal" which can be found on the Panama Canal web-site www.pancanal.com. Furthermore at present no indication that the transit cost for small crafts will increase this year. As far as Panama is concerned some changes. It seems that the situation at San Blas Islands has normalized somewhat, it is now possible again to clear in with both Port Captain and Immigration at Porvenir. Also Immigration requirements has changed and crew on non-commercial yachts will be grated minimum 90 days tourist permission at no cost, which can be extended, but in such case a visa is required costing around $ 105,00. Otherwise no significant changes relating to clearing in and cruising Panama, however it must be pointed out that Rulers and Regulations are subject to frequent change and often with different interpretation by the various Port Captain and Immigration Offices. For Galapagos obtaining permission to call required as well as use of an agent. It is recommended that yachts wishing to call Galapagos contact any agent well in advance of their planned call in order to arrange the necessary permits. It should also be noted that Rules and Regulations are frequently changed and at times the interpretation of same up to the local Authorities attending the clearing in! For information in general covering Panama and Galapagos reference is also made top World Cruising Club's web-site www.noonsite.com (Previously Jimmy Cornell) and to Eric Bauhau's The Panama Guide 5th Edition (ISBM 978-9962-00-637-4). Many yachts are contacting me for information prior to their arrival to this area, mainly by e-mail and to day many yachts are able to send and receive e-mails when they are enroute. Presently communication by SSB Radio not vary favourable due to poor propagation and a low cycle 24. Apart from information covering Panama, The Panama Canal, I can also assist with weather information covering western Tropical Atlantic west of 45W, The Caribbean and eastern Tropical Pacific east of 145W. Any cruising yacht is welcome to contact me for in formation etc. This is not a commercial service and I will assist as my time permits. I am Panama Contact for various Scandinavian Ocean Cruising Associations (FTTLF/DOCA, OSK & JRSK) and OCC as well as assisting WCC's noonsite with updating of information. Fair wind to all cruisers and Cruising Associations KARSTEN Panama City, Panama R.P. Telephone: +507 260-6203 (Home) and +507 6637 9287 (Mobile - Daytime) E-Mail: karstenpanama@hotmail.com SSB Radio: HP1XBM Skype: staffeldt43