Banderas Bay Regatta in Vallarta-Nayarit Puts Fun First
No race in the Mexican Pacific is as dedicated to all-out fun as the 25th Annual Banderas Bay Regatta (BBR), February 28th-March 4th. Five days & nights of partying on & off the water, it’s no wonder volunteer crew spots fill up fast.
The Five-Day Party Race of Banderas Bay Regatta
Headquarters:
Vallarta Yacht Club
Paseo Cocoteros No. 1-20
Nuevo Vallarta
When:
February 28th-March 4th
Registration:
Every sailor deserves to stretch his sails in a good race now and then. That’s why Vallarta Yacht Club hosts this colorful “competition” for 35-50 cruisers to hit the water solely in the name of fun. Now celebrating its 25th year, Banderas Bay Regatta (BBR) has become the largest of its kind in the Mexican Pacific, welcoming boats from around the world to partake in five days and nights of sailing, live music, fishing, feasting, and of course, enough margaritas to fill the Bay.
It’s All About Having FUN!
What stands out about BBR compared to other regattas is that it’s actually more of a non-stop party than an actual race. What else would you expect when you pit dozens of boats that aren’t actually designed for racing against each other? You’ll see a running theme as you peruse the schedule – race for a few hours (sometimes while fishing), then party all night long. Here’s what’s happening when:
- February 28th
9-10am: Skipper Sign-In
10-11am: Skippers Meeting
11:30am-12pm: BBR Boat Parade
1-5pm: BBR XXV Day 1, “Cruise in Company” – Nuevo Vallarta to Punta de Mita
5pm: Opening Beach Party
- March 1st
1-5pm: BBR XXV Day 2, “Downwind Dash” – Punta de Mita to Nuevo Vallarta
6pm: Cuban Night Dance Party!
- March 2nd
7am-4pm: BBR XXV Day 3, “Race N’ Fish!” (fishing until 2pm, race until 4pm)
5pm: Weigh-In, Fish BBQ, & Awards
- March 3rd
Tacos & Tequila Night
- March 4th
1-5pm: BBR XXV Day 4, “Final Fight” – The real deal.
7pm: Awards Night & BBR Beach Party
Don’t Have a Boat? Volunteer as Crew.
Every year, a handful of lucky volunteers are invited to crew on participating vessels. Simply fill out this form, and cross your fingers! No worries if you don’t get picked, though. You can always join Happy Hour festivities at Vallarta Yacht Club, or watch the race from shore with a pair of binoculars (especially the Boat Parade, 11:30-12pm on February 28th).