Vallarta Cup is the traditional kickoff of the racing season in Banderas Bay. It is held 4 Saturdays in January, with a single race during the day and an evening party at the Vallarta Yacht Club clubhouse the evening of each race day. Everyone is welcome, from cruisers to performance boats. All boats will be rated using the VYC Handicapping System.

When: Saturdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27th

Why: Fun on the water, meet new & old friends, after the race Please come to the Club for results, beer, burgers and live music

How: Registration Form & Race Instructions available at www.vallartayachtclub.org. Registration forms and entry fees can be dropped off at VYC in Nuevo.

Entry fees: 800 pesos (or 200 pesos per race)

Sailors need to register 2 days ahead for local rating.

Listen to morning Cruiser Net VHF Ch. 22 8:30 for further information.

Starts: There will be a start for each class or staggered start times may be used, were each boat will have a start time based on their BBR handicap. Start times will be announce at the Roll Call 30 minutes before the first start. First Class or boat starts at 12:35 pm

Classes: Cruising, Performance Cruising and Multi-hull Classes

Courses: Start/finish line in front of Marina entrance. They will be distance races of 10 to 20 miles. To be selected based on the wind.

Contacts: Race Chairperson: Andy Barrow (onthewater@vallartayachtclub.org)

Handicapping: Banderas Bay Handicap Committee

Sponsors: Paradise Village Marina, Marina Riveria Nayarit and Vallarta Yacht Club

The Cruiser/Race Class will appeal to owners of cruising-oriented boats that are not competitive for current PHRF racing, but whose owners and crews would like to test their skills with other similar, displacement-oriented boats.

Rule 52 against power winches is waved.

WARNING: This is a great time to test your boat and crew before sailing South or South Pacific