There's nothing like a sailboat cutting cleanly through the water, deftly taking advantage of the wind as it picks up in the early afternoon on Banderas Bay. The races of the upcoming Banderas Bay Regatta take place daily from 1-5pm for that very reason. The morning sea can be as calm as glass but "by 12:45pm the wind begins," says Jim Ketler, one of the organizers. "We're going into our 13th year, and it's always been a volunteer effort by a group of us at the Vallarta Yacht Club. Now we're releasing it to the Paradise Village Yacht Club since they've come through with the possibility of running it as the fun, nonprofit event it is."
Entries have been open since December 1, 2004, and the final total is expected to be at least fifty boats. In seven different categories, they range from the extremely fast catamarans, the "big cats", to one-man dinghies. By the time you read this, entries will be closed, but that doesn't prevent you from observing the events of the regatta. Get to Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta, pass through the entrance, then head towards the estuary, bearing to the left. You'll see the area where all the people are gathered for the events. Be there before 1pm for better viewing, bring your sunblock and a hat to cover your face.
Other events surrounding the regatta weekend are viewing the practice starts on Friday, March 11 at 1pm; dinghy races on March 12 at 10am; a welcome reception with the folklore ballet group of Tepic on March 12 at 7-9:30pm at the Paradise Village Hotel Amphitheater; and finally, the Grand Awards Banquet at Paradise Village in the beach area facing the sea on March 15 at 7-10pm. Cost for all events is $500 pesos per person to include the gala and evening events but there is no charge as observer of any of the races each day. With lots of food, fun and entertainment, come and see what a regatta is all about. Bring your camera.
For more information please call the Vallarta Yacht club at +52 (322) 297-2222.
|
