Vallarta Yacht Club Warms New Home With Full Event Schedule
Vallarta Yacht Club has officially taken over their new premises in the bar/restaurant area of a commercial building situated among the hospital and immigration offices. “The ink is drying, we have a new home! We have reached an agreement with our longtime partners, the Paradise Village Group, to secure a new facility. Our rent will not change substantially and we anticipate having the new location for at least the next three to five years,” the press release said. They also have a “verbal commitment” for use of the old lot for regattas like WesMex, access to the pool and shower areas for the Junior Sailing Program, and permission to continue using the space on the side of the ramp to store some of the club’s boats. “We may even have a couple of FIBBA staff children as new students in our program.”
After 21 years in their former premises, the facility was taken over by the State of Nayarit in September, leaving the members to ponder the group’s future. Now, along with the good news of a new home, the club has announced a schedule of events that’s sure to keep sailors busy well into 2024. Leading off on the calendar are five events to see out the year. First up is the 2023–2024 Opening Day, at the club’s new home on Saturday, November 4. Then the festive-season month kicks off with The Great Chili Cook-off and Taste of Nuevo. This fun event will require chili cooks, and tasters. Know anyone who can help? Also on the calendar is the annual Lighted Boat Parade and Junior Sailing Fundraiser, a Panama Posse Presentation, and on Christmas Day, the annual Navidad en la Playa — this is where everyone gathers to share good times on the beach and send “On the beach in Mexico” photos to family and friends farther north.
Once the festivities are over, January dawns with a range of on-the-water events including the Vallarta Cup 2024, J/70 Monthly Regatta, and Cruise-Out to Barra de Navidad. And of course there are several ongoing races and get-togethers, such as the fortnightly beer can races, drop-in dinners, happy hours, game days and more.
It sure does sound as if Vallarta is the place to be this winter!
Despite the good news and the great calendar, the club is facing budgeting issues due to “some un-budgeted purchases,” and changes in the USD-peso exchange rate. They have therefore started a fundraising campaign, “New Beginnings,” with a goal to raise $45,000 USD to complete the move and fit-out of their new premises, along with replacing some out-of-date equipment. You can donate to the club’s campaign here.
Another great way to support the club is to get involved. Sign up for the races, join the cruise-out, meet other members at the happy hours and dinner. Of course, you need to be in Mexico to do that, but why not?
“We are working on our budget for next year. Our plan will include adding new members, added income from the other tenants of the building, a review of menu and drink pricing, as well as our annual revision of our dues and fee structure. We foresee a bright future and opportunities in this location that are not available in our old clubhouse,” Commodore Randy Hough wrote. “I think it is going to be fun, challenging at times perhaps, but VYC will be better and stronger by this time next year!”