Cruisers Converge on Zihua

The biggest buzz within the Mexico cruising community this month is about the 7th annual Zihuatanejo SailFest, which is expected to draw a hundred foreign boats to this tranquil coastal town.

Dubbed a ‘SailFest’ rather than a regatta, the focus is largely on good-natured fun rather than diehard competition, although there is one pursuit race on the event’s six-day schedule. As the event has grown, however, its most important function has become fundraising to aid local schools and community projects. Last year, roughly $45,000 was collected from fleet donations, which was then matched dollar-for-dollar by several expat philanthropists who have adopted Zihua as their part-time residence. In addition to simply donating funds, many big-hearted cruisers also lend their strong backs and construction expertise to projects such as erecting new school buildings. In Mexico, it should be noted, public education is only funded by the government through the sixth grade.

This year’s SailFest kicks off January 29 with a fiesta at Rick’s Bar, aka ‘Cruiser Central’, followed the next day by a benefit concert and BBQ. On January 31 Playa Madera will be the site of a massive beach party with beach games, followed by the traditional chili cook-off later in the afternoon. The event continues February 1 with a Pursuit Race, then a post-race raft-up and potluck. A Sail Parade follows on Saturday, February 2. Slated for Sunday are another BBQ and beach party at Playa Madera, which will include an awards ceremony, an auction and a raffle.

Sure sounds like fun to us, and unlike attending a big-time weeklong regatta, with any luck Z-Fest participants will probably make it through the entire event without getting callused hands or drawing blood. Look for a complete report in the March 1 edition of Latitude 38.