Vallarta Yacht Club celebrated the completion of the 32nd Annual Banderas Bay Regatta in March, an event that continues to embody the spirit of fun, camaraderie, and world-class sailing.
This year’s regatta, themed around the classic sailing film Captain Ron, delivered an unforgettable experience for all participants, with three days of exhilarating racing in near-perfect conditions.
The event saw ideal mid-teen breezes each day, creating what can only be described as champagne sailing at its finest.
Participants reveled in the pristine waters of Banderas Bay, with outstanding performances across all divisions. Adding to the excitement, the signal boat for this year’s regatta was the sistership to the famous yacht from Captain Ron—Chez Nous, owned by Al and JoLinda Garnier. Al not only provided the vessel but also served as Principal Race Officer, ensuring a seamless competition.
A Spectacle on the Water
As always, the beauty of Banderas Bay was enhanced by its marine life, with whales and dolphins making regular appearances throughout the event. One particularly memorable moment featured Mike Seth’s J/133 Lost Dragon sailing alongside a humpback whale and a pod of dolphins. Perhaps inspired by this good omen, Lost Dragon went on to claim victory in the Performance 1 Division.
Other standout performances included:
● Performance 2 Division – Edwina, a Jeanneau 54 helmed by John Matjczyk, secured first place.
● Terry O’Rourke Trophy – Awarded to Swan Fun, a 1971 Swan 55 owned by Joe Heinzmann, for best embodying the regatta’s fun-loving Corinthian spirit. This crew, known for bringing the party wherever they go, made their third consecutive appearance.
● Cruiser Division – Beep Beep, a J/27 sailed by Vallarta Yacht Club member Greg Reaume, took first place, followed closely by Talion (Patsy Verhoeven) and Quincy (Jim Schultz).
● Multihull Division & Pantera Cup – Cricket, a Farrier F-22 owned by the late Commodore Randy Hough, triumphed under the skilled leadership of Afloat Director David Gould. The touching win paid tribute to Randy’s legacy and love for sailing.
More Than Just Racing
As always, the regatta wasn’t just about the competition—it was about the people. From entertaining mark roundings to lighthearted rivalries, there was no shortage of hijinks.
The Captain Ron Award for the slowest boat went to Andy Barrow’s Hey Ya, with its driver, Tim, showing his good humor after some friendly ribbing from the crowd.
A particular crowd favorite was VYC Junior Sailing Director Bart Goodell, who fully embraced the Captain Ron theme by donning a curly wig and red Speedos, flying a hull in the turning basin during the parade.
Join Us Next Year!
The Banderas Bay Regatta continues to be a highlight of the sailing season, bringing together passionate sailors from around the world for a few days of fun, competition, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a first-time cruiser, there’s a place for everyone in this unique event.
Mark your calendars for March and set your course for next year’s regatta—we can’t wait to see you on the water!
For more information about the Vallarta Yacht Club and next year’s Banderas Bay Regatta: visit www.vallartayachtclub.org or contact our events team at info@vallartayachtclub.org.
