The Vallarta Yacht Club was founded in 2002 by a group of cruising enthusiasts with a desire to celebrate yachting life, promote Banderas Bay as a world-class sailing destination, and encourage people from all walks of life to participate in a life on the water. Today, VYC has evolved from a small group of cruising enthusiasts to being regarded as the premier yacht club on Banderas Bay hosting regional, national and international championships as well as an active junior sailing program at all levels.
The Vallarta Yacht Club was founded on three principles:
To provide a comfortable and active social environment for members and guests in Banderas Bay who have an interest in yachting, other aquatic activities, sport fishing, diving, and related social activities and feel part of a friendly community.
To promote, support and organize regional, national and international aquatic events such as sailing regattas, sport fishing tournaments as well as marine training and educational programs and seminars. Whether you’re here to join in, learn something new, or just have a good time, our goal is to make sure you have a great experience.
To commit to giving back to our community. We sponsor charitable events and activities to help make Banderas Bay an even better place to live and visit.
Flag Officers
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Commodore | Randy Hough | commodore@vallartayachtclub.org | |
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Vice Commodore | Bob Carr | vicecommodore@vallartayachtclub.org | |
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Rear Commodore | Andy Barrow | rearcommodore@vallartayachtclub.org | |
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Treasurer | Cliff Cook | treasurer@vallartayachtclub.org | |
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Secretary | Annie Bloomquist | secretary@vallartayachtclub.org |
Directors
- On the Water: Dave Gould, onthewater@vallartayachtclub.org
- Ashore: Sheryl Singer, ashore@vallartayachtclub.org
- Junior Sailing: Bart Goodell, jrsailing@vallartayachtclub.org
- Club Development: Eric Bloomquist, ebloom64@gmail.com
- Long Range Planning: Al Garnier, agarnier@reinrag.net
- Membership: Charity Palmatier, membership@vallartayachtclub.org
- Director at Large: Esther Zuniga, zulest@gmail.com
Liaisons
- Paradise Village Liaison: Dick Markie, pvliason@vallartayachtclub.org
Welcome to Vallarta Yacht Club, where sailing is more than a sport—it's a vibrant lifestyle! Founded by a passionate group of sailing and water sports aficionados, our club is your gateway to exhilarating on-the-water adventures and a thriving social scene. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of competitive regattas, joining unforgettable cruises, or diving into our dynamic junior sailing program, VYC offers an array of experiences designed to captivate and inspire.
As a member, you gain exclusive access to our premier facilities, enjoy special discounts at the Picante Grill bar & restaurant, and partake in a calendar brimming with exciting activities and events. Plus, your membership supports our mission to give back to the Banderas Bay community.
Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Explore our membership levels and fees, and submit your application (see below). Prefer a personal touch? Visit us at the club and chat with our membership team directly. For any questions, reach out to us at [membership@vallartayachtclub.org].
Join us and make waves with VYC!
> Membership Levels
> Membership Fees
> Membership Application
We invite you to join Vallarta Yacht Club and become part of the Banderas Bay community, where friendly, nautical-minded, fun-seekers come together to share stories, adventure and lots of laughs. Founded in 2002 by a group of enthusiastic boaters, we have a long history of welcoming people from all walks of life, young and old, from around the world. VYC takes pride in hosting prestigious national and international sailing events, alongside our signature and annual races. With a variety of on-the-water activities in stunning Banderas Bay, there’s something for everyone—racers, cruisers, dinghy sailors, fishermen, or sailboarders as well as providing an active social scene and a fun, comfortable place to hang out. When you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted like family!
Discover Benefits of Membership:
- Exclusive Events: Access to special member-only events, parties, and networking opportunities
- Nautical Activities: Participate in regattas, club races, cruises and more
- Social Activities: Engage in a diverse range of activities crafted by, and for, members
- Use of Club Boats – Use small sailboats and motorboats, exclusively for members
- Get Out on the Water: Experience Banderas Bay with over 90 days of on-the-water events annually
- Affordably Priced: Enjoy great value for membership in an Internationally respected yacht club
- Community Involvement: Volunteer and support the Banderas Bay community through charitable events and fundraisers
- Cruisers Seminars: Learn from others and share your knowledge in our engaging seminar series
- Junior Sailing program – Enroll your kids (ages 7 to 18 years) in our robust, professionally coached sailing program that has produced Olympians
- Nautical Hub: Relax, work, or play in our clubhouse, designed for comfort and camaraderie
- Member Discounts: Benefit from member discounts at Picante Grill, our delicious restaurant and bar
- Bring your guests: Bring family and friends to the club and your discount extends to them
- Reciprocal privileges - Enjoy temporary member privileges at yacht clubs all over the world
Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Explore our membership levels and fees, and submit your application (see below). Prefer a personal touch? Visit us at the club and chat with our membership team directly. For any questions, reach out to us at [membership@vallartayachtclub.org].
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS AND FEES (click to expand)
Please reach out to us if you have questions at: membership@vallartayachtclub.org.
SIX MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
- FLAG
- Part-time (6 mos) or full-time (12mos) residents
- Full access to club facilities and events
- Member discounts at Picante Grill bar & restaurant
- Access to Club’s boats
- Club voting privileges
- The privilege to fly the standard VYC burgee
- Refer a friend and receive a 50% refund on annual dues (limited to one per year)
- Part-time membership does not have to be consecutive months
- VYC reciprocal club membership card for use with VYC reciprocal clubs around the world
- Memberships for those under 50 receive significant discounts.
- GOLD FLAG
All the Benefits of Flag Membership- An additional 15% discount on member pricing at the Picante Grill
- Special burgee signifying Gold Flag status
- YOUTH
- Available for ages 6 - 22
- Full use of Club facilities and events
- Member discounts at Picante Grill
- Small boat access
- After 6 months as a member in good standing, Youth Members become a Flag Member at age 23 without paying the initiation fee
NOTE: Parents of students in the Junior Sailing Program are eligible to become Flag members, without an initiation fee, after their children have participated in the program for a minimum of 6 months.
- ASSOCIATE
Perfect for Cruisers and short term visitors- Dues paid monthly after annual membership initiation fee
- Only pay dues for the months you are in the Banderas Bay Area
- Full access to Club facilities and events
- Member discounts at Picante Grill
- The privilege to fly the standard VYC burgee
- VYC reciprocal club membership card for use with VYC reciprocal clubs around the world
- RECIPROCAL
A free two week Associate Membership- For members of verified reciprocal clubs
- Initial two weeks free
- Extend for up to 2 months after the first two weeks for a monthly fee
- Annual fee and monthly dues apply after two months
- CORPORATE and MEGA YACHT
- Customized rates for organizations and yacht crews
- Annual fee applies to six or more members
- Contact the Membership Director for details membership@vallartayachtclub.org