The Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus is credited with the quote, “The only thing that is constant is change”. Those of us who have been members of Vallarta Yacht Club over the years have seen this bit of wisdom validated repeatedly.

So much has changed at VYC in the the past year: our eviction from our home of 22 years, movement to a new, much larger space, a change in policy that allowed non-members to use the club's bar and restaurant, and the requirement to build out a space much bigger and more flexible than our previous clubhouse. Through all that, our members have done what they always do - stepped up to make our new space a home for our VYC family.

We are reminded of the note penned by past board member Bill Noonan a decade ago, about why he loves being a member of VYC. We think it is as true now as it was then.

Grateful to Be a Member
From Bill Noonan

You know, I’ve been thinking. About Vallarta Yacht Club, to be exact. Cynthia and I have been members since we first arrived on our boat, Crème Brûlée, in 2004. At that time we were happy to find a comfortable, cool place to come, meet new people, relax with a cold beer, and just hang out. And we were really ready to have a place where we felt like we belonged, far away from our home in the Pacific Northwest.

Over that time, the Club has changed, and so have we. The patio tripled in size to become one of the most desirable and pleasant places we know of to spend time, the restaurant fare has improved dramatically, the furniture and décor has been continually upgraded, and the Club has developed an international reputation for being a World Class yacht racing venue. This Club just keeps getting better. And us? We’re 13 years older, we sold the boat, and we’re staying in a condo. What has not changed is how perfect the Club has always been for us.

It’s funny how you can go through life not paying much attention to your many blessings. In this, our thirteenth season in Paradise, we suddenly realized how special Vallarta Yacht Club has been in our lives. The Banderas Bay area has lots to offer in the way of interesting and fun things to do, great restaurants and bars, great shops and markets, endless choices for entertainment, and of course the incomparable Mexican culture. All that in a ridiculously pleasant climate on a beautiful bay surrounded by incredible beaches, with some of most amazing sunsets imaginable. That’s what brought us here in the first place, and what makes us stay around.

But we started to think about the one very special place in this tropical paradise that we have been so lucky to call our own. When we walk through the doors of the Club, we are not only greeted by familiar faces, a pleasant lounge, bar, restaurant and patio; we know we are in OUR place. We are free to listen to music, check our email, read a book, watch the boat traffic, play a game, have a drink, snack or meal, or just hang out quietly by ourselves or with friends. Sure, we have lots of options to go to restaurants that might have better menu selections, faster service, prettier décor, or better location. But we can’t just go there and be – knowing that we are in OUR space. We know that OUR place will always be filled with people who share common interests and values. Some we have known for years. But we also feel comfortable introducing ourselves to other members and guests that we haven’t seen before, knowing they will become new friends. And then there’s the Club’s staff. They only seem to care about whether we are happy, not whether we are buying something. No pressure. Good feeling. Wow.

So this year, more than ever before, we find ourselves feeling very lucky – and proud – to call ourselves members of the Vallarta Yacht Club, truly our home away from home. The Club has been, and still is, a special highlight in our lives.

 We also feel blessed to have our VYC family, and we hope you do, too. Merry Christmas!