VYC Membership meeting
Vallarta Yacht Club

WesMex International Small Boat Regatta

WesMex International Small Boat Regatta has become the biggest sailing event in Mexico, and just keeps getting bigger and better. This year we are expecting more than 250 competitors in Optimist, Laser, and iQFoil. Sign up now at www.wesmexregatta.org.

Interested in volunteering? There are plenty of opportunities on and off the water. Contact chair@wesmexregatta.org for more details.

Painting with Federico

 The next class with Federico Leon de la Vega will be Thursday February 23. New students are being accepted. You may begin at any time. We will continue learning the value of thw sketchbook. The focus will be on how to draw your image on paper in such a way that you retain what your heart felt while viewing your subject. This strengthens the path to your masterpiece.

Note that this class will be held under the large palapa near the Marina Residences pool.

S1000 pesos or $50 US per person

Banderas Bay Beercan Series

VYC Wednesday Beer Can Rally. The Beer Can Rallies will sail off Bucerias every other Wednesday until Banderas Bay Regatta in March 2023.

We start these fun events November 9. They continue every other Wednesday until March 15 where the race will be part of the Banderas Bay Regatta "Start Your Heart Out" practice day. The beer can races are free to enter and can be sailed just for fun. If you will be sailing in BBR, please contact VYC to make sure we know enough about your boat to assign a handicap.

Cruisers' Roundtable - Fred Roswold and Judy Jensen

Meet Fred Roswold and Judy Jensen, proud owners of S/V Wings. This retired couple from Seattle have been avid racers and cruisers for many years, sailing their 43' sloop on Banderas Bay and various destinations in Mexico and the world. Both professionals in their former lives, Fred in IT and Judy in the legal field, they have been living in La Cruz since 2014. With family scattered across Washington State and the US, they have had the opportunity to cruise around the world and have plenty of fascinating stories. Join them and be captivated by their adventures on the high seas.

Painting with Federico

The next art class will take place Thursday March 2, 2023 at the VYC. New students are always welcome. The classes are suitable for painters of any level of experience or skill.. You will be taught at your level with individual attention. This class will focus on how to call attention to what matters. Recalling what makes your idea worth painting. Soft and hard edges, which and why.

$1000 pesos or $50 US per person

Movie Night at VYC presents “The Weekend Sailor”

 The first Whitbread Round-The-World Yacht Race was won by the Mexican ketch Sayula II, skippered by Ramón Carlin, a Mexican businessman. With little experience beyond sailing on the weekends, Carlin and his crew of family and friends sailed off determined to do their best. Sayula II survived violent storms and a capsize, ultimately taking 152 days to sail 32,500 nautical miles and become the overall winner of the race.

Narrated by Simon le Bon, this is a fascinating story of one of the greatest achievements in Mexican sailing history. The boat that the Mexican crew used, Sayula II Is currently in Marina Vallarta.

As always, the popcorn is free!

Whale Watching

I am organizing a whale watching trip for Friday March 3, 2023. It will be a charity event with the proceeds going to The Special Projects for Local Schools. Do we have some boat captains who would like to provide their boat and crew for this project? 

Who would like to sign on as a passenger for this trip? Tickets will be $400 pesos and include a light snack for breakfast and water. This trip is not available to the general public. It is for VYC Members and their Guests. 

If your are interested in participating with your boat OR being a passenger, please contact lesliemariko@gmail.com  as soon as possible so arrangements can be finalized.

Painting With Federico

This week’s lesson is about composition: bringing the elements together into a framable painting.. Bring your sketchbook. If this is your first time at these classes, and it’s all new to you, Federico will provide your first sketchbook and pencil as a welcome gift. Please note that the class day has changed to Mondays and on March 6th will be 3 pm to 5 pm

.$1000 pesos or $50 US per person

Presentation: Manta Rays in Banderas Bay and Beyond

Proyecto Manta Pacific México focuses on protecting manta rays in Bahía de Banderas through research, community involvement, and conservation efforts. They use visual census, photo ID collection, acoustic and satellite tagging, data analysis, and modeling to identify factors influencing manta ray aggregation. PMPM works closely with local communities, involving fishermen and students in research activities to raise awareness and promote sustainable tourism. They aim to foster knowledge about marine conservation and promote community-supported manta ray protection guidelines. Join their presentation to learn more about their important work!