Zihua SailFest Sets a Record
We’re proud to say that Latitude 38 played a role in starting Zihuatanejo SailFest in 2002. But back then we never could have dreamed that fledgling cruiser gathering would evolve into the most successful sailor-supported charity event in all of Mexico. Since the beginning, the focus of fundraising efforts has been to support the education of local underprivileged kids.
As Z-Fest celebrated its 15th anniversary last week, the efforts of cruisers, plus a dedicated group of expat volunteers, local merchants and service groups, raised a record $1,410,295 pesos ($77,000 USD), augmented by a Rotary Club grant of $795,000 pesos ($43,000 USD) to Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, SailFest’s registered Mexican charity.
As longtime organizer Lorenzo Malbut explains, "The weeklong festivities included a welcome dance party, sailing events, concerts, a gala dinner, school visits, chili cook-off and street fair, and auctions and raffles, with gifts and services donated by more than 200 local businesses."
During three sailing events, 343 guests rode along — also a record — having made a donation to the cause.
"Perhaps first among our cruising heroes this year is the Patricia Belle," says Lorenzo, "a 66-ft home-built schooner. They welcomed aboard 75 paying guests for the three sailing events, and then invited a large group of Mexican kids and parents to go sailing for free on Sunday.
"Since 2002," explains the longtime expat-in-residence, "the SailFest partnership has built more than 90 classrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and playgrounds at underprivileged schools in low-income communities, and has awarded hundreds of academic and English-language scholarships."
In the planning stages this year is one of Por Los Niños’ most ambitious projects to date: construction of a new vocational high school that will serve 105 at-risk local teenagers. Repeat attendees to Z-Fest such as the Patricia Belle crew and dedicated part- or full-time expats such as Lorenzo take great pride in the life-changing efforts they’ve made, while having a good time in the process. Lorenzo’s SailFest motto: "Building a brighter future while having almost too much fun."