Since the club's founding in 2002, the Vallarta Yacht Club’s vision has been to be a "world-class yacht club known for its service to members and contributions to yachting and the Banderas Bay region." Our on-the-water programs live up to that vision, offering everything from fun boating days and beach trips to sailing rallies and serious competitions for all skill levels.
Here's a look at what we've got planned for the 2025-2026 season:
Beer Can Racing - Every two weeks, starting November 26
Yacht clubs have been doing Beer Can races forever! These are super informal, fun competitions—just a great excuse for sailors and their crews to get out on the water and have a blast with friends. We usually start at 3 pm, about a mile north of the Nuevo breakwater. The main goal is fun and friendly competition. No sign-up needed—just show up and sail! Check out the details: https://www.vallartayachtclub.org/events-menu/events-cal/eventdetail/72015/-/vyc-beer-can-races
Boxing Day on the Beach - December 26
Time for a fun cruise across the bay to our unofficial 'outstation,' The El Coral Restaurant at Las Animas Beach. The group of boats usually heads out around 10 am. We'll spend the day enjoying amazing seafood, playing bocce ball, and sending those perfect beach photos back to family and friends stuck in the cold north. No boat? No problem! There are always boats going over with extra space. More info here: https://www.vallartayachtclub.org/events-menu/events-cal/eventdetail/63418/-/boxing-day-on-the-beach
Banderas Bay Blast - December 10-12
This three-day sailing rally, sponsored by Latitude 38 Magazine, PV Sailing, VYC, Paradise Village Marina, and Marina Riviera Nayarit, is a fantastic way for new cruisers to get to know Banderas Bay and for old friends to catch up on the water. It's also a great way to support local schools. Day One kicks off from La Cruz, with yachts sailing out to a mark near the Nuevo entrance and back to La Cruz for a welcome party that evening. On day 2, boats head to Punta de Mita for an evening party that includes an initiation into the "Punta de Mita Yacht and Surf Club" (which requires a $1 donation and a playful smack with a paddle!). The final day is "The Pirates for Pupils Spinnaker Run," a charity race for local schools. Boats sail downwind to Nuevo Nayarit for the final bash at Vallarta Yacht Club. Bring your pirate gear and dress up!
https://www.vallartayachtclub.org/bbb
New Years Day Race - Jan 1
New for 2026! We're kicking off the racing and cruising season in Banderas Bay with the New Years Day Race, a random leg course. Get the full scoop and sign up here: https://www.vallartayachtclub.org/on-the-water-home
Whale Watching - Keep an eye on the Calendar!
Members are often out in the bay watching whales—some on their own boats, others booking one of the club’s pangas or ribs. We’ll schedule a few specific days during the season so members without boats can join in on the opportunity to view the majestic whales that frequent our beautiful bay. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot dolphins, ocean mantas, and turtles. Just remember your sunscreen (and maybe a beer or two!). Check the calendar: https://www.vallartayachtclub.org/on-the-water/calendar
Vallarta Cup - January 10-11 / 17-18
For over 10 years, the Vallarta Cup has been the traditional start to the racing season. Open to all classes, it’s held over two consecutive weekends in January, featuring courses perfect for both cruising boats and those boats that think they're fast. The epic Saturday night parties are always a huge highlight! Details here: https://www.vallartayachtclub.org/other-regattas-and-cruise-outs/52-vallarta-cup-2026
J70 Monthly Regattas - Every month during the season
The J70 is the world's most popular sport boat for a reason. The Mexican J70 fleet is highly skilled, with teams consistently placing well in worldwide competitions. Many of these racers are VYC members, and we proudly support the class with on-the-water race management. The racing is always close and competitive, and since the courses are set relatively close to shore, it makes for great viewing! Racing typically happens over a weekend, starting around 1 pm. See the calendar for dates: https://www.vallartayachtclub.org/on-the-water/calendar
SDYC Puerto Vallarta Race - Feb 26-Mar 6
Held every two years, the San Diego Yacht Club hosts this incredible 1000-mile non-stop race from San Diego to Banderas Bay. You'll see racing yachts from 40 to over 100 feet, often with professional crews. This is long-distance yacht racing at its best, attracting some of the world's top racers. Depending on the weather, the fastest yachts usually finish in 4-5 days. Competitors will be arriving in the bay for several days. Follow the race: https://pvrace.com/
Nayarit Sailing Week - March 7-11
New for 2026! Nayarit Sailing Week is a single, week-long celebration of sailing on beautiful Banderas Bay, rolling multiple events into one. It will feature three main events: the biannual MexORC big-boat race, the WesMex International Small Boat Regatta, and the J70 Monthly Regatta. Get ready for a week of non-stop sail racing! Learn more: https://nayaritsailingweek.com/
WesMex International Small Boat Regatta - March 4-9
Now celebrating its 20th year, the WesMex International Small Boat Regatta brings small boat sailors from across Mexico and the globe to compete on Banderas Bay—widely considered one of the world’s best venues for small boat racing. The event draws up to 200 competitors annually and is the biggest event of its kind in Mexico. Featured boats include the youth-focused Optimist class, the Olympic-class ILCA Dinghy, and the two-person C420. For 2026, we’re also including three sailboard classes: the iQFoil foiling board, the Techno 293, and the Windsurfer LT. Visit the official site: https://www.wesmexregatta.org/
Banderas Bay Regatta - March 17-21
The 33rd edition of the annual Regata Internacional Bahia de Banderas (BBR) continues the long-standing tradition started many years ago by a few cruising boats that just wanted a fun race. Known for its not-so-serious racing and legendary parties, the BBR is the event sailors look forward to all year! It kicks off with a boat parade out of Paradise Village Marina and wraps up with dancing the night away at the famous BBR Beach Party. This year’s theme is “Tales from Margaritaville,” a tribute to the great Jimmy Buffett. Seriously, you don't want to miss this one. Get the details: https://www.banderasbayregatta.com/
The Vallarta Yacht Club is definitely a place for sailors—it was started by cruisers, and that laid-back cruiser vibe is still a big part of who we are. We'd be thrilled to have you join our boating family.