Vallarta Yacht Club

September 1, 2010, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit.

The region’s top politicians met at the club today following yesterday’s Rio Ameca Bridge collapse.

Yesterday, the public boat ramp, adjacent to the club, looked like the evacuation of Dunkirk, during WWII, as hundreds attempted to get to PV by watercraft, the result of both Rio Ameca bridges being out of service.

Today, the West Bridge was reopened to two way traffic and politicians of both states met at our club to discuss a plan for the bi-state repair of their shared failed infrastructure. The meeting was attended by Nayarit Governor Ney Gonzales, Jalisco Governor Emilio Gonzales, President of Banderas Bay Hector Paniagua and Mayor of Puerto Vallarta,  Salvador Resendiz, along with many other government agency representatives, press and security.

The meeting concluded with several strategic statements:

• The East (washed out) Rio Ameca bridge will be rebuilt with the cooperation of both states with in six months, as the state’s highest priority.
• The North Nuevo Vallarta overpass structure will be expedited by 30 days, moving up the completion date to September 31, 2010.

Rudy and our staff did an admirable job serving over 80 people, including a large press contingent. Many of the visitors left wearing VYC hats, including Governor Nay.  Jorge, the watertaxi owner was also wearing big smile, as throngs of people were standing in line to get a water taxi to PV, a scene we will probably see for about 6 months more. Also, the highway drive to PV will take a little longer over the next 6 months with only one bridge in service.

UPDATE: The south-bound 'new' bridge that connects Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit has been re-opened for taxis and passenger cars heading both north and south. Authorities recommend that people avoid the bridge unless it is an emergency to keep traffic flowing and to avoid traffic jams.

Parts of the northbound Ameca Bridge collapsed at 2:30 am on August 31, 2010. The government is evaluating the safety and security of the south bound bridge before diverting traffic.  Until an assessment is made, traffic in both directions is shut down.  The only link between Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta is via water taxi.   Below is a link to the story published at Banderas News.

http://www.banderasnews.com/1008/nb-amecabridge.htm

We will direct our readers to additional articles as they become available.

Jay Ailworth has been photographing the on-the- water activities for Vallarta Yacht Club since he and Laurie arrived in Paradise Village Marina several years ago on their Catalina 42  “Strange Bird”.   We’ve all seen his photos on our website, in various press releases and local publications as well as within the walls of our yacht club.  Many members have commented on how great his photos are and some of us even have one or two on display in our own boats, condos or homes. 

Well now Jay has hit the big time!  The latest issue of Amura magazine was delivered to the yacht club recently with one of Jay’s photo on the cover!  Paging through the publication, you will find several additional photos taken by Jay during Copa Mexico, held this past March in Banderas Bay.  For those of you not familiar with the magazine Amura, it is a sublime presentation, to say the least!  It is a very elegant, international publication, with photos and articles of mega yachts and high end real estate beautifully displayed by exceptional photography from around the world. 

Congratulations to Jay on reaching this pinnacle in the world of photography!  You can find a wide array of Jay’s great shots by going to his website www.flickr.com/photos/strangebird.

Recently Vallarta Yacht Club was asked to contribute toward an effort to get medical supplies to small communities in the mountainous Sierra Cuale.  To read about the contributions made by the 4x4 Club of Vallarta with the assistance of Vallarta Yacht Club  and various local businesses, follow the link below.

http://www.banderasnews.com/1007/nb-4x4club.htm

Report from
 Vice Commodore Dan Green
June, 2010

Upon receiving a summary of the member’s survey earlier this month, our General Manager, Rudy Trejo, and I have been discussing the answers and comments made in your survey responses.  Although most of the topics were generated via the survey; we did come up with a few of ours, Treasurer Al Benaroya’s and House Committee Director Jerry Siggins’.  Following, for your information, is a summary report of the actions and decisions we have made to-date.

Vallarta Yacht Club is scheduling “Happy Hour” every Tuesday and Thursday  from 5:00 – 6:00 pm.  All mixed drinks will be offered at 2 x 1 prices each day so check out happy hour, and find out who is still in town!   So come up and enjoy the fun.