Having a Whale of a Time on the Course in Banderas Bay
Banderas Bay is one of the most desirable destinations on the Mexico cruisers’ dream list. But, thanks to the Vallarta Yacht Club, it also has a busy racing season. In February they hosted the WesMex Regatta with over 100 small-boat sailors in Optis, ILCAs [International Laser Class Association] and 420s. The vast majority of the 50+ Opti fleet and ILCAs were Mexican nationals except for Bill Pagels, who went south from Alameda Community Sailing Center to race with the ILCA 7 fleet, finishing in fourth.
The Vallarta Yacht Club is also a host for the Banderas Bay Blast in November and for the Banderas Bay Regatta, which got underway yesterday with an eclectic collection of 22 boats in four divisions. Baja Ha-Ha lead guitarist Patsy Verhoeven took first in the over-45-ft cruising division aboard her Gulfstar 50 Talion in race one.
Following the WesMex Regatta in February, J/70 racing kept this busy cruising destination involved in racing. And just as in the Banderas Bay Blast, it’s been idyllic sailing weather, with the addition of breaching whales distracting skippers and trimmers from keeping an eye on the course and trim.
The whale above decided to join the monthly J/70 regatta hosted by Vallarta Yacht Club. Seven boats showed up to race, with the whale show dominating the action during race three on the second day of the regatta. Vallarta YC’s membership director Charity Palmatier said it was “the most fun thing that happened.” Not to say the racing wasn’t fun, but who can resist a whale show?!
Charity tells us Carlos Sainz, affectionately known as ‘Tata,’ is an ILCA coach for the Vallarta YC junior sailing program. “And not incidentally, he’s a product of our program as well. He has just finished his bachelor’s degree in biology and is now pursuing his master’s degree, also in science!”
But wait, there’s more to tell about the sailing genes in this crew. Skipper Eduardo’s cousin is Elena Oetling, two-time Mexican Olympian in ILCA 6, most recently in the 2024 Paris Olympics. “So high performance clearly runs in his veins,” Charity adds. “All are great guys, and I particularly love the boat name, which is in reference to a highly endangered and beloved amphibian which resides in the canals outside Mexico City. They are a fan favorite for sure.”
When was the last time you sailed down to Vallarta Yacht Club for a J/70 or WesMex regatta, or perhaps a Banderas Bay Blast or Banderas Bay Regatta? Let us know in the comments below. Better yet, send us an email and some photos!