Puerto Vallarta Takes Center Stage

Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas will host the first edition of the 2016 Copa Federacion Mexicana de Vela (FMV Cup) to be held from February 19 to May 30. The international event will convene for four months of intense competition bringing together some 800 boats and 2,500 sailing enthusiasts and their companions, and expected to contribute over $17 million USD to the destination.

“The FMV Cup reaffirms Puerto Vallarta’s position in the international landscape as an ideal destination for sailing and boating events,” said Alvaro Garciarce, President of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “The waters around the Bay of Banderas have proven to be the best venue for international sporting events of this level. We welcome all participants and their guests and trust they will enjoy their visit to Puerto Vallarta.”

Set on the Bay of Banderas, a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club, Puerto Vallarta’s rich history is reflected through its diverse culture, gastronomy and residents. Its horseshoe shaped bay shelters tropical lagoons, rainforests, mangroves, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and spectacular mountains, making it a prime ecotourism destination ideal for a variety of water sports and the observation of Humpback whales that visit the area every year from Dicember to March.

The 2016 FMV Cup will include the following races:

Puerto Vallarta Race is an annual run from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta, from February 19-25, 2016. This year marks the 32nd time the 1000nm race heads south to enjoy the sportsmanship and friendship typical of this event that is sailed by some of the best seafarers and fastest boats in the sport, making it fiercely competitive. www.pvrace.com

WESMEX Now in its eleventh year, it is one of the most important youth sailing events in all of Mexico. With sailors as young as 10 years old, it is a qualifier for the Mexican Sailing Team which represents the country in various international youth competitions around the world. Scheduled for February 26-28. www.wesmexregatta.org

MEXORC will take place from February 28 to March 3, with over 70 boats and 500 competitors and visitors participating. www.mexorc.net

XXIV Regata International Bahia de Banderas now on its 24th year the event will take place from March 9 to 12, 2016. One of the more social events, it is one of the biggest regattas for cruisers and racers in the world and is the largest and oldest on Mexico’s West Coast. www.banderasbayregatta.com

2016 Laser World Championships brings together some of the world’s best Laser Class sailors from April 12 to May 28th for a series of four World Championships, including Women’s Radial, Master’s Radial, Master’s Standard and Men’s Standard. Being an Olympic year, some of the participating nations will use the Laser World Championships to qualify their representatives for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. www.laserworlds2016.org

Source: Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board