What is Banderas Bay Regatta?
Now in its 32nd year, Regata Internacional Bahia de Banderas (Banderas Bay Regatta) has been the high point of the Banderas Bay racing season for decades. The event is, and will always be as a cruisers’ regatta, with the goal of providing a safe, low-key venue for cruising yachts and even a few racing yachts ranging in size from 20 to 100 feet. Race courses and race classes are designed for fun and ease of sailing for those boats that may not necessarily be designed or even intended to be raced. The intention of the event is to have fun on the water. Success is measured in smiles.
The motto of BBR is “They had a party and a yacht race broke out!”
The History of BBR
Thirty-two years ago, The late Terry O’Rourke and a few other local sailors founded Regata Internacional Bahia de Banderas A.C., the official organization of the event. Terry liked to tell the story that in the first race, the leading boat called the race committee declaring they were dropping out of the race even though he was almost to the finish line - because he caught a fish! Starting out with just a few cruising boats racing around Banderas Bay, the event has evolved into 5 days of parties and three days of racing with dozens of boats participating. BBR is kicked off with an opening party, and participants are encouraged to decorate their boats and crews to pass by a reviewing and judging stand in Paradise Village Marina. Some boats go to great lengths to win the coveted Best Decorated Boat trophy.
About 15 years ago, BBR was signed over to Vallarta Yacht Club as one of the club’s two signature events, and has been proud to introduce sailors from all over the world to the amazing sailing conditions of beautiful Banderas Bay.
In respect to the founder of Banderas Bay Regattas, every year the Terry O’Rourke Perpetual Trophy is awarded to that boat that best exemplifies the spirit of the event.
What’s special about BBR 2025?
Every year, Banderas Bay Regatta declares a theme for the event. For 2025, the BBR theme will be “If it’s gonna happen…”, a nod to the legendary character Captain Ron. Let’s see those eye patches!
While an after-sail party is held every night of BBR, the final event is always an epic beach party with hundreds of attendees, an amazing band, and presentation of trophies. This year we look forward to seeing crews dance to the podium for their trophies!
How to participate?
If you are a yacht owner, you can sign up on the event website: https://www.banderasbayregatta.com. If you haven’t sailed in the event before, you’ll be asked to provide information about your boat that will be used to determine your handicap, and ultimately determine the class you will race in. We try to ensure that similar boats are together, so cruising boats compete with other cruising boats. Depending on the number of participants, details like size and type of boat will also be used to determine racing class.
If you are like a lot of cruisers, the idea of racing your home may be somewhat intimidating! We’ve put together a humorous guide to how cruiser racing works, and how you can get started, called Racing for Cruisers.
Want to participate in the event but have misplaced your yacht? No problem! BBR maintains a crew list, and many participating yachts need crew. Just go to the event website and sign up as volunteer crew.
If it's gonna happen...
It's gonna happen out there! We look forward to seeing you on the water!