Latest OCC News
Why the Iran war is threatening whales near South Africa
Whales are increasingly exposed to traffic – and ship strikes.
by Simon Currin - 13/05/2026
International cruisers using Starlink may now have to submit face ID.
A new policy from Starlink requires anyone travelling outside their home country to upload their passport and a face scan to maintain service.
by Simon Currin - 12/05/2026
RIP: Victor Langerwerf, OCC Port Officer for Curaçao
I’m very sad to report that Victor Langerwerf died on Sunday 10th of May. Victor was the Ocean Cruising Club Port Officer for Curaçao for many years.
by Simon Currin - 12/05/2026
OCC rendezvous in Deltaville, VA.
Ocean Cruising Cub Port Officers, Chris & Bill Burry, welcome Reg & Nicky Barker to the Chesapeake. Reg is an OCC Vice Commodore.
by Nicky & Reg Barker - 10/05/2026
Ship Hijackings off Somalia Raise Fears of Piracy Resurgence
Somalian pirates have been less active in recent years however things may be getting worse again.
by Simon Currin - 09/05/2026
Timing a long ocean passage
Jim Yares writes a great blog (called SV Roam) which is about all things sailing related. Recently Jim has pondered the factors that influence a decision to leave on a challenging ocean passage.
by Simon Currin - 08/05/2026
Scientists film whale giving birth while other whales work together to help her
Unique film of a sperm whale giving birth while other female whales worked together to support the mother and her newborn.
by Simon Currin - 06/05/2026
Two volunteers among three dead off New South Wales Coast, Australia.
Two rescuers were killed when their was boat rolled while trying to help a sinking yacht. One yachtsman was also killed in the incident at Ballina Bar, NSW.
by Simon Currin - 05/05/2026
Climate Report for Europe 2025
Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, according to the latest annual report.
by Simon Currin - 30/04/2026
OCC Gathering in Rodney Bay
Impromptu OCC meet in Rodney Bay, St Lucia.
by Alasdair Maclean - 29/04/2026
NoForeignLand Country Guides - USA
NoForeignLand’s ‘North America Guides’ highlight the most popular and highly rated places to stay and key boat services across the region. Tap the flag to open a treasure trove of cruising data.
by Simon Currin - 17/04/2026
Wildlife / environmental photo and writing competition for sailors
Yachting Monthly's latest writing and photo competition, which is now open for entries until August.
by Simon Currin - 16/04/2026
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning outbreak in Vanuatu
A Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) outbreak in Vanuatu has caused over 75 reported cases as of late March 2026, exceeding national alert thresholds following warm, rainy weather.
by Simon Currin - 15/04/2026
Novara Podcast with Lonnie Dupre in the Arctic - Arctic explorer
Nigel and Veronica were awarded an OCC Challenge Grant for their climate work in the Arctic. Their recent podcast: ‘How Climate Change Is Transforming Arctic Communities’
by Simon Currin - 14/04/2026
Cyclone Vaianu is centred 300km SW of Fiji as a category 3
Severe tropical cyclone Vaianu is centred 300km SW of Fiji as a category 3 and heading for New Zealand.
by Simon Currin - 08/04/2026
Earth energy imbalance reaches record high
The Earth is being ‘pushed beyond its limits’ as energy imbalance reaches a record high.
by Simon Currin - 31/03/2026
BIOT (Chagos): Restricted Yacht Permit Process Resumed for Spring 2026
Lobbying by Noonsite.com, the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC) and others has led to a resumption of cruising permits for sailors in the Chagos Islands
by Simon Currin - 14/03/2026
OCC Challenge Grant winners create new podcast
Nigel & Veronica were awarded an Ocean Cruising Club Challenge Grant when they embarked on their voyage to Africa and the North West Passage. They have now created a new Podcast.
by Steve Brown - 06/03/2026
OCC gathering on Waiheke Island, NZ.
Most days, somewhere in the world, there’s an Ocean Cruising Club gathering. Today the crews of 5 boats got together aboard S/V Shimshal in wonderful New Zealand sunshine.
by Simon Currin - 05/03/2026
Sargassum growth spanning the Atlantic
Satellite images show a staggering 37.5 million tonnes of pelagic sargassum, a species of brown algae, forming an unbroken stretch from the West African coast all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
by Simon Currin - 03/03/2026