Regattas and Cruise-Outs
There are a number of on-the-water activities in Banderas Bay. Regardless of whether you are a racer, cruiser, dinghy sailor, fisherman or sailboarder, there are plenty of ways for you to find out just how great Banderas Bay really is!
Sailboat racing events
VYC is proud of our many sailing events, and during our short history we have been selected to be the host for a number of prestigious national and international sailing events. We maintain an inventory of yacht racing marks, ground tackle, flags and other equipment necessary for race management. We also have a number of VYC members who have become expert in all aspects of yacht race management, including several certified race officers, mark boat operators, on-the-water safety experts, scorers, and overall race event planners. Our expertise has been demonstrated many times in past events, including:
- J/24 World Championships - 2007
- Optimist North American Championships - 2007, 2014, 2018
- Pan American Games - 2011
- Laser World Championships – 2016
- J/70 Mexican National Championships - 2019
Banderas Bay is one of the best venues for sail racing in the world. Very consistent daily thermals bring mid-afternoon onshore winds between 10-18 knots, with no more than 1 meter swell during the highest wind periods. Shallow water provides for easy race mark placement, and racing is close enough to the beach to allow for easy viewing from the many resort hotels nearby.
March 4 - 9, 2026
Since its inaugural event in February 2006, the WesMex Regatta has become Banderas Bay's premier small boat event and one of the most important youth sailing events in Mexico. As one of two "Signature Regattas" hosted by the Vallarta Yacht Club, it is sanctioned by the Mexico Sailing Federation, AMVCO, ILCA Mexico, and iQFoil. This event serves as a key qualifier for the Optimist North Americans, Optimist World Championship, and ILCA Youth World Championships. For registration, regulations and race results click here.
17 - 21 March 2026
For over 30 years, the Banderas Bay Regatta has been the premier cruiser regatta in Mexico. Focused on fun cruiser racing, the event is known not only for great races around beautiful Banderas Bay, but also for great after-race parties. The event includes a wide variety of racing classes, from racing boats to cruising boats, and from Hobie 16s to large traditional schooners. The event starts with parade of decorated boats, and finishes with a beach party that is always memorable. Event success is measured in smiles!
The motto of Banderas Bay Regatta is "They had a party and a yacht race broke out!". Find out more at https://www.banderasbayregatta.com.