The Banderas Bay Regatta has enjoyed a proud history of providing a competitive forum for all classes of cruising and race boats here in the tropical paradise of Vallarta, México. The balmy weather and consistent March winds make the protected Bahía de Banderas the ideal sailing venue here on the Mexican Pacific coast. The Regatta is a non-profit event hosted by the Vallarta Yacht Club, renowned as host to international regattas for serious racers, mega-yachts, and cruisers alike including: J24 World Championship & Nationals, Opti Nationals & North Americans, San Diego to Vallarta Race, MEXORC, and of course the Banderas Bay Regatta. The Banderas Bay “Regata Internacional” is the signature event of the Vallarta Yacht Club and the largest cruising Regatta (and most fun) on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Unpaid volunteers and our generous sponsors have made this event possible each year.
The Regatta and the Vallarta Yacht Club encourage and support the education of young people to sail. In each regatta, skippers are encouraged to invite as crew young participants of the VYC’s Jr Sailing program, to encourage a new generation of sailors here in Vallarta.
Don't know how to sail? Or know sailing, but want to fine tune your racing skills? Learn and participate as Regatta crew by contacting the JWorld Performance Sailing Group located in Paradise Village. They run classes and racing clinics, for information go to: http://sailing-jworld.com/banderas_bay_regatta.htm .
Today the Bay is sanctuary to sea life including giant manta rays, sea bass, red snapper, sailfish, marlin, dorado, dolphins and more. Humpback whales come each winter to birth their young, and Olive Ridley sea turtles return each year to the nesting grounds along its shores. This article and video about Banderas Bay tell it all: http://www.banderasnews.com/0912/to-easyescape.htm .