The Vallarta Yacht Club community continues to grow with vibrant, well-traveled members who bring rich life experiences and a shared love of the water. Sarah and Danny Hanley—new full-time residents of Puerto Vallarta and enthusiastic recent additions to VYC—are wonderful examples of how life’s winding paths lead people to our friendly little club by the bay.
Danny: A Life of Precision, Adventure, and Plenty of Fishing
Born in New Mexico, Danny spent most of his early years in Albuquerque, with four formative years at NMMI in Roswell. After returning home, he completed a Laser and Optics program at a local community college—training that launched a career at Lawrence Livermore Laboratories and later took him to Oregon.
In the early 2000s, he shifted careers and became an elevator journeyman, eventually moving into elevator inspection work for the State of Oregon. He retired—twice!—and earlier this year he and Sarah sold most of their belongings and made a bold, happy move to Puerto Vallarta. They joined VYC shortly after arriving in May.
Though Danny grew up around boats in New Mexico, most of his time on the water in those early years was spent water skiing rather than sailing. It wasn’t until living in Portland that he and Sarah began sailing on FJs on the Willamette River. A family friend later entrusted them with his 27’ Catalina on the Columbia River—a gift of adventure they enjoyed for several years.
Danny also owned a 17’ center-console Scout, purchased from his dad in 2009, which brought him countless great fishing days on rivers from Portland to Astoria. He sold it this year as part of their transition to life in Mexico, but his love for boating, the water, and the outdoors remains as strong as ever.
Sarah: A Heart for Helping Others, Now Enjoying a New Chapter in Mexico
Sarah was born in Wisconsin and grew up in a small Midwestern town. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned her degree in Occupational Therapy—a career that carried her across the country. From her internship in San Diego to professional life in Los Angeles and then to the Portland area in the late 1980s, Sarah dedicated nearly 40 years to helping others live fuller, more independent lives.
Now happily retired, she’s embracing her new life in Mexico with joy, gratitude, and a spirit of adventure.
Finding Home at VYC
After decades in the Pacific Northwest, Sarah and Danny were ready for a sunnier, slower-paced lifestyle—and Puerto Vallarta welcomed them with open arms. They quickly made the Vallarta Yacht Club part of their new life here, finding community, connection, and shared passion for life on the water.
Whether swapping stories at the bar, jumping in on an event, or simply enjoying the camaraderie that makes VYC special, Sarah and Danny already feel right at home— and we’re delighted to have them as part of the family. Danny had this to say, "After moving here and then settling in, Sarah and I looked at getting back into sailing or motor boating. Undecided on how to proceed with scratching the itch of owning another boat, we found VYC. In a few months of being new members, we have found a very welcoming community of boat lovers who also enjoy social events. This club really makes Puerto Vallarta feel like home."
Please join us in giving a warm VYC welcome to Sarah and Danny Hanley!