Banderas Bay Regatta Early-Bird Sign-Up Ends February 15

You may think Mexico is all about cruising, but you’d be wrong. Racing to or in Mexico can be some of the most fun and competitive sailing you’ll find anywhere. And it’s warm. March is a busy month for racing on Banderas Bay, starting off with the WesMex International Small Boat Regatta March 4–9, followed by the grand prix MEXORC regatta March 7 to 11, which is then followed by the Banderas Bay Regatta. There’s more than enough racing for everyone.

The Banderas Bay Regatta, put on by the Vallarta Yacht Club, includes competitive racing, though many cruisers will lighten ship and get out to challenge other Mexico cruisers. How do we know? Assistant Baja Ha-Ha Poobah Patsy “La Reina del Mar” Verhoeven is signed up to race her Gulfstar 50 Talion.

The regatta runs March 17–21, with lots of casual to competitive racing plus a full schedule of social events. You must sign up by February 15 to get the early-bird discount.

Banderas Bay features steady, warm breezes, well-practiced race committee work, and often whales, which surface to keep an eye on the fleet. If you’re heading south with the Puerto Vallarta Race or are already down there, the month of March will give you plenty of opportunity to race on one of the most magical sailing venues anywhere.