Mixing Sailing Fun & Fundraising at Z-Fest

The coastal town of Zihuatanejo has long been a favoritie stop for cruising sailors, as it has maintained it’s laid-back, ‘old Mexico’ charm, in contrast to the rampant ultra-modern development at nearby Ixtapa and elsewhere along the Mexican mainland. And we’d be willing to bet that a small procession of cruising sailors is heading to Z-town right now, as the town’s largest annual watersports event begins in 12 days.

Slated for February 7 through 12, Zihuatanejo Sailfest combines sailing, smoozing, and partying with a variety of fun-based fund-raising efforts. All the profits go to direct support of education for underpriviledged local kids — many of whom would not have an opportunity to get an education otherwise. Through Sailfest’s ongoing partnership between expats-in-residence, local community leaders and visiting sailors, this multi-facetted event has raised more money than any other cruiser-funded charity. Its coffers have funded the construction of new classrooms, whole new schools, in addition to giving financial support to exisitng facilities and individuals in need.

In Mexico, kids must be able to speak Spanish in order to enroll in a typcial government-funded elementary school. Sailfest funds have helped thousands of indigenes (non-Spanish-speaking) children to overcome this ‘language gap’.

We can tell you from personal experience that Sailfest is also a whole lot of fun. With boat races, beach activities, a live music concert, parties, raffles, auctions and more, Z-Fest is the place to be next week. Learn more about the event here. And more about the educational support program here.