What a summer it’s been on Banderas Bay! Vallarta Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Camps ran for four weeks and were one of the most successful ever, filled with strong participation, great energy, and plenty of smiles on and off the water. From first-time sailors to returning kids eager to sharpen their skills, the camps were brimming with learning, laughter, and adventure.
Junior Sailing coach Keyla Hernández reflected on the experience: “These Summer camps were one of the most successful ones that we ever had. We had a total of 91 kids through the whole summer—25–26 kids the first three weeks and 15 kids the last one. We were 4 coaches, 2 youth coaches, and 3 volunteers through the summer.”
Part of what made
this year stand out was the enthusiasm of the sailors and the perfect conditions. “A lot of kids wanted to attend our summer camps. We had kids that had been coming for the last 4 years. We had amazing wind through the 4 weeks—that helps a lot to improve the sailing skills in the kids. We also had access to the pool. With the high temperatures it is super hard for the kids to be on the ramp—having the pool made a huge difference from other years.” Parents noticed, too. One father, Alan, wrote: “Alessa fell in love with all of you. I love that she comes every day to tell me about everyone. I’m really grateful.”
The atmosphere was electric, with so many kids out on Banderas Bay every day. “The kids had so much fun. We were super busy having 25 kids sailing, but they always put a smile on your face. Watching them learning how to sail and improving their skills is a feeling hard to explain. Kids will always impress you with what they are capable of,” said Keyla. Another parent, Adriana, echoed that joy: “Thanks for everything, always grateful with such a beautiful attitude that all of you have with the kids and the experience you have in the water. My daughter was super happy.”
The highlight of the summer was seeing first-time sailors find their confidence. “Watching kids that never sailed before were capable of sailing in team by themselves, having tons of fun and exploring the bay with a feeling of freedom, I think that’s the spirit of the camps and our biggest objective.” That spirit resonated with families as well. Jean, another parent, shared: “Thanks to all the Vallarta Yacht Club team for spreading the virus of sailing in our kids. They loved it. Paul is sailing the laser by himself and Camille had the control of the rudder and the mainsail in the 420 with all her teammates. It’s really amazing.”
Beyond sailing, the kids also enjoyed paddle surf, wakeboarding, pool games, and even practicing capsizing in a safe environment. These activities kept the energy high while building confidence and teamwork. And on the boats, the young sailors advanced quickly. “They learned a lot of things. All of them were able to sail by themselves. They know how to do maneuvers like tacks and gybes,” said Keyla proudly.
Looking ahead, the momentum from this summer will carry into the coming year. “We have some kids that are going to join the Junior Sailing program, and all of them want to repeat summer camp next year.”
Keyla was quick to acknowledge the volunteers who made the program so memorable: “There are not enough words to express how grateful we all are with all your help. Thank you for sharing with us the spirit of sailing and the passion to teach kids the world of sailing. From that day every one of you are part of the memory of each kid that came to the camps. You were part of something way bigger than all of us—the first steps of these kids into sailing.”
⚓ As you can see, the Junior Sailing Camps were more than just a summer activity—they were a chance for kids to discover confidence, teamwork, and a love of the sea. The enthusiasm from this year’s sailors reminds us why youth sailing is such an important part of VYC’s mission. A big thank-you to our coaches, volunteers, and families who made the season such a success—we can’t wait to see these young sailors back on the water next year!