2009 Puddle Jump Events Slated

Among the hundreds of cruisers arriving in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean this season, many are considering making the 3,000-mile passage to the South Pacific this spring — the so-called Pacific Puddle Jump.

As in years past, Latitude 38 will devote lots of editorial coverage to that annual migration, and will hold special events in both Mexico and Tahiti for ‘Class of ’09’ Puddle Jumpers.

Our Zihua Puddle Jump Kickoff Party is slated for February 9 (the day after the Zihua Fest, location TBA), and our Banderas Bay event will be February 12, 2-5 p.m. at the Vallarta YC, at Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Vallarta. We anticipate that both events will be co-sponsored by Tahiti Tourism, whose representatives will present an inticing and highly informative digital slide show. Each crew will be interviewed and photographed for inclusion in Latitude. Plus, we’ll have guest speakers, party games, free drinks and snacks, and more.

In celebration of the arrival of this year’s fleet, Latitude 38 will assist Tahiti Tourism in hosting the Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendezvous, June 19-21. This free event is focused on cross-cultural appreciation and includes a cocktail party, a sailing rally to Moorea, Polynesian music and dance performances, and cruiser participation in traditional Tahitian sports — the highlight of which is the six-person outrigger canoe races. It’s great fun for both young and old, so if you’re heading west this spring we urge you to time your arrival at Papeete to coincide with the fourth annual Sailing Rendezvous.