Most likely, the history books will show the 2014 San Diego to Vallarta race as not a particularly fast race, but it wasn’t a slow one either. We had two world class trimarans entered, and without a spectacular weather system to hurl them at once in a while speeds, both entries beat the flat out speed record from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta established by Steve Fossett aboard Lakota (size/type) in 1998. Tom Siebels MOD 70 established the new mark of 2 days, 8 hours, 33 mins, 0 sec. Almost 6 hours later, HL Enloe’s Orma 60 limped across the line (broken port foil), also just an hour under Fossetts benchmark time. Renamed ‘Mighty Merloe’, this tri dominated the maxi-trimaran circuit when it was built and was the design basis for the MOD 70.

In the more traditional monohull fleet, there was good depth of entries. Twenty two boats were divided into four groups. Division 4 (4 boats) had the classic Lapworth designed Westward, who is making the West Coast ocean racing circuit this year, recently placing well in the 2013 Transpac… up to the classic maxi Velos (Tanton 73). Division 3 (5 boats) was the ‘50ish’ class including the venerable SC 50s, a J/125, and Rogers 46. Division 2 was the “West Coast 70s” class (6 boats). It is always a good thing when the 70s decide to show up. They are the hallmark of West Coast downwind sailing. Division 1 was the ‘turbo’ sleds (6 boats). These are the ‘sleds’ of the 21st century. They could also be called the “Transpac” class due to the design philosophy of the “TP” boats – 52s like Vincitore and Meanie, and 65s like Bad Pak. Smaller than the classes 70’s, but seem to have an extra forward gear and lots of speed.

In general terms, 2014 favored the smaller boats and Friday starters. The Division 3 and 4 boats started Friday, March 14, and got off the coast in a moderate but steady breeze. After 24hrs of sailing most of them had committed to staying off shore (recommended at a very nice skippers meeting with weather briefing from BuoyWeather and Peter Isler) and were well down past Punta Baja, gybing for some easterly progress. Saturday March 15 the Division 2 and 1 boats roared out of Point Loma on a better developed westerly breeze, but in 15 hours, most of the fleet was parked up at San Carlos while the Friday starters managed to escape the hole and kept steady progress south. By the time the sleds got going again mid-Monday, the Friday group was well past Cedros Island. This was key for the ‘little’ boats to stay in the game for overall honors.

It is worth writing here, about the completely different, “nuclear fast” trimarans. They started on Saturday also. In a single 24 hour period, with no special weather conditions, the two trimarans, basically match racing as they romped down the coast on a 500 mile/day pace, went winging through the Friday start fleets. Someone has a cool story to tell as we heard there were a few ‘crossings’ with the Tris zooming astern by a few boat lengths at 30 knots. They both went way outside in the first 24 hours (almost to Guadalupe Island) and avoided the trap the other Saturday starters lumbered into. Mostly because they could. But speed has a price. At some point in day two, Mighty Merloe discovered they had a broken port foil. They aren’t sure if they hit something or it just failed after 10 years of really fast sailing and lunging through the ocean. The foils provide significant stability to the tri design while it is hurling along. Without it, the boat is much more prone to pitch poling (bows dig into the water and the boat capsizes stern over bow!). So the crew adapted their tactics, and slowed the boat on one gybe, but held on tight on the other (when the broken foil would be retracted and out of the water anyway). And so it went down to the finish. Orion finished in two days, eight hours, thirty-three minutes, zero seconds. Race Committee spent more time at anchor finishing boats at Punta Mita than both the tris did sailing the 1000 mile course.

So by Tuesday, March 18, the sleds were passing Mag Bay and their hopes of a shot at first to finish were coming back. No special weather/surfing the waves (that is in the brochure)… just steady ‘better’ progress for the big boats. The Friday boats were entering the ‘crossing’ zone (where the race restarts) as they prepared to round the tip of Baja and cross the Sea of Cortez. And again, most of them pulled through this part of the course without major parking. And again…the sleds didn’t. Division 3 boats Bretwalda 3 and Hamachi along with Division 4 Velos played this hole the best and stretched their lead on everyone, which turned into a 1-2-3 overall performance, respectively for these sailors. Congratulations and ‘well played’!

And, for the third time, the sleds slid into yet another dead zone south of Cabo. “Brutal” was how it was described by several of the more experienced competitors. With tracking courtesy of Yellowbrick, family, friends and the Race Committee could watch each boat with, most notably, its speed and distance to go, updated each hour. Not often do you see sleds going 0.8. As for “inside or out” with respect to rounding Cabo… from watching the tracker, it would seem that the inside paid this year. That is not always the case. But for Vincitore (1st Class 1), Peligroso (2nd Class 1) and Pyewacket (1st Class 2), ducking under Cabo this year was the move.

Besides thanking all the skippers and crew that chose to come play with us, to say thank you to the following is an understatement. This event was brought to you by Steve Maloweny, Vallarta Race Chair. This is Steve’s second “PV Chair”, and he, in cooperation with MEXORC, brought the event back to Marina Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta proper. Thanks also to Karen Bush, trophy Chair, and to Commodore Sinks, Director Biehl and all the other members that came down to lend a hand and/or share in the camaraderie of this great west coast race.

Another huge thanks goes out to Bob Shinn and his Grand Banks 42 Andante, which was the finish boat. Bob and his boat came south in the cruiser rally “FUBAR” late last year. Having a nice platform and being at anchor for five days to finish boats, store provisions, supply a dinghy for support, electronics, radios, etc. is huge. Thanks also to SDYC member Mike Satterly who lives in Sayulita MX and assisted with many logistical details, not the least of which was helping at all hours on the finish boat. Both Bob and Mike are veterans of the PV race , even sailing together years ago when Manzanillo was the destination port. A special crew thanks goes out to Phil and Nancy Rink, a couple from Seattle and cruising MX for the last year, who happened to be anchored near the finish and jumped right in to help keep marks inflated, load beer bags, run for ice, vet finish formulas, and otherwise keep the RC company. And finally, everyone participating should acknowledge the Mexican Board of Tourisim, who actively supports this event, this year helping to underwrite the kickoff party at SDYC and the awards dinner at the Vallarta Westin Resort.

First, we would like to thank the skipper and crew aboard Holua. They lost their prop just 17 miles into the race. Without much indecision, they determined the proper and safe thing to do was return to SD to consider a repair, before deciding to inquire if it would be possible to resume racing. In the end, they decided to retire and forego the trip, and other plans to participate in MEXORC. Tough call, but thank you for all the proper consideration of safety and the rules.

Then, it occurs to me that there are two kinds of ‘courage’ when it comes to light air racing. First, there are those that have put so much preparation, time, money, etc. into participating in the race but realize when the fun meter is broken, and retire from the race to preserve their sanity. SC 50 Deception should be applauded for that kind of courage. They swung by the RC finish boat in Punta Mita in high spirits and good humor. That takes courage and perspective.

Then, there are those who will keep sailing come hell, glassy water, scurvy…whatever. They deal with the seemingly prejudicial weather. They steel themselves against the slatting, and demoralizing lack of progress. While everyone no doubt has these stories…Mirage should be applauded for this courage…they gave their final five mile check in at 0356 PDT. They were going 4 kts. They gave their 2 mile check in at 0500 making 1 kt. At the 0700 tracker ping, they were .4 nm from the finish and going .3. And at 0832, they crossed the finish line! While they didn’t really have another choice, the last five miles of their 1000 mile journey took a little more than four and a half hours. That is a different kind of courage. Standing O.

We hope to see you all in 2016!

[readon1 url="http://sdyc.org/pv/"]Source:sdyc.org[/readon1]

82 contestants from Sayulita, San Blas, San Pancho, Bucerías, Punta de Mita and Colima participated in this second annual tournament, where the Sayulita surfers swept the lead.

Roberto Sandoval Castañeda, Governor of the State of Nayarit, fired the starting shot for the regatta.  

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Punta Mita Resorts and the Riviera Nayarit CVB will host an event that will unite some of the world’s top chefs, sommeliers and golfers at the exclusive golf courses of the Punta Mita Golf Club.

The Mexican team women's U17 start their adventure in the World Cup specialty Costa Rica 2014 on Sunday, when he faces the combined Colombian Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium in activity of the Group D.
 
In his third appearance at youth fair, the Tricolor reaches a level that has come from less to more, because after two draws in the CONCACAF qualifying tournament, a win came to El Salvador 7-0 to put him in the match for the ticket to the United States, who were eliminated on penalties.
 
After securing their passage to quote orb will be played from March 15 to April 4, the "Aztec" was crowned box in premundial after defeating the same to their similar way of Canada, which will also see action on floor Costa Rica.
 
Thus, the team gets motivated, especially since in his previous appearances were unable to qualify for the next round and now strategist Leonardo Cuellar's mission is to get that first goal to make history.
 
Although Mexico among the favorites to look past the first round, the matches are won on the court and his Colombian opponent also arrives wanting to surprise and advance to the finals for the first time in its history.
 
Hand technical Fabian Felipe Taborda, the South Americans had a performance at the highlights of his region premundial balance of four wins, one draw and two defeats.
 
After the encounter with the "cefeteras", which will start at 14:00 local time in the city of Alajuela, will face Mexican March 19 China and closed the group stage against Nigeria four days later.

The Mexican came within 6.75 points of the bronze
 
Mexican diver Laura Sanchez came within a step of obtaining a second medal at the first stop of the World Series of specialty, held in the Chinese city of Beijing, finishing in fourth place in the three-meter springboard.
 
Sánchez Soto, who really Arantxa Chavez made of bronze in the synchronized three-meter, could not repeat podium with a total of 333.00 units came within one step of success.
 
The gold medal went to China's Wang Han, with 368.55 points, followed by compatriot He Zi, with 356.40, while the bronze went to Canada's Pamela Ware, with 339.75.
 
Meanwhile, Paola Espinosa failed to advance to the dispute over the medals after placing fifth in the semifinal A with 292.80 units, like Rommel Pacheco in the boys' division with 453.40 B semifinal in individual trampoline.
 
This Sunday will be in action Alejandra Orozco, who was present at the preliminary test platform.

Guadalajara goal without going home with the winning slogan and out of the huge hole in which is sunk when the monarch received León on Sunday, who needs to amend the way.
 
This meeting, with the closing date 11 of the Torneo Clausura Liga MX 2014 , will take place on the court Omnilife Stadium at 17:00 with Roberto Garcia as Chief Referee.
 
The improvement of Guadalajara was evident when taking as a parameter a past season, which was one of the worst teams, but the reality is that their needs are many, especially in the attack, which already accumulated 280 minutes without scoring in the Liga MX.
 
The "Sacred Herd" has this man to be able to tip the scales in their favor, and having so many strikers, an error that comes from planning staff, shared responsibility for coach Jose Luis Real, who did not tell Nestor Glass by suspension, and of course your policy.
 
Guadalajara, who has 13 points in tenth position, has taken five wins in the ten most recent home games against the Guanajuato, two defeats and three even.
 
Meanwhile, the "green Tummy" suffered an unexpected loss to Veracruz last week, the party that dominated at will, just not had the strength that characterizes them, which combined with the neglect did let go three points at home.
 
Will have to see if the Uruguayan coach Gustavo Matosas decide to use them to their owners or rest after the long journey they had to go to Ecuador, where they lost to Emelec in the Copa Libertadores.
 
Leon, who has 14 units, has only won two of the last ten games against the disputed Jalisco in any field, with two draws and six defeats.

On March 12, the 3rd Beach Polo event was announced at the Hard Rock Hotel in Nuevo Vallarta in presence of renowned Beach Polo player Pablo Pierre, who will be part of the participating teams.

It will also have the presence of players of this sport from countries that include Italy, Canada, Argentina and Mexico. Jose Antonio Amutio, Marketing Director of Tucane, mentioned that 6 Polo events have taken place in the Riviera Nayarit and this will be the 3rd Beach Polo event, which will include the latest technology to keep people informed.

Other attendees will include Italian player Alberto Ardissone, promoter of the sport, who made possible the 1st Polo tournament in Carelles, which has been one the highest handicap events, as well as the distinguished participation of Mr. Guillermo Esteta, President of the Polo Federation in Mexico.

The trophy for the champion will be made of parota wood crafted by the Mexican artist Rodrigo Cuevas.

The event will take place May 1st – May 4th at the Riviera Nayarit.

Mexican Ocean Racing Circuit, or MEXorc, the international that began in the 60’s, will return to Puerto Vallarta on March 23 to 29, 2014 when the participants of the San Diego to Puerto Vallarta Yacht Race come to the shores of the Mexican Pacific Coast destination.

Among the many different events that are held in Mexico’s Pacific Treasure is the 2nd National APEN All Stars Riviera Nayarit Championship this March 8-9, a national competition that will showcase the best cheerleaders in Mexico.

Sayulita is preparing to receive surf lovers to celebrate the 5th edition of Punta Sayulita’s Longboard & SUP Classic, which will gather more than 60 national and international competitors of longboard and stand up paddle, who will demonstrate their abilities by challenging the ocean waves to take the championship title. It will be held from March 7th through 9th at Punta Sayulita beachfront.

This is the North American supremacy tournament held among teams from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Prizes for the holes-in-one include a Honda CR-V and a golf cart.

The 2nd CANAMEX Flamingos Riviera Nayarit Cup will take place on March 8, 2014 on the greens at the Flamingos Golf Club.

The tournament seeks to establish supremacy in North America for amateur golfers; it’s an international competition where teams from Mexico, Canada and the United States vie to win the top spot for their respective country.

The three teams will consist of 40 golfers for a total of 120 participants. They will have approximately 6 hours to finalize three 9-hole formats, alternate shots, best ball and Match Play or Best Score.

During their tour the players can choose hole-in-one prizes that include a Honda CR-V for Hole 6 or a Golf Cart for Hole 8, as well as several prizes for the Oh Yes, including golf clubs and other articles. There will also be a final raffle at the end for a slew of gift certificates.

The foreign teams consist of about 50 percent residents and 50 percent visitors who flew in just for the tournament.

Steve Trace, co-captain for the Canadian team has teed off on greens in all three countries and spends half of his year in Bucerías because he loves the regional golf courses.

“There are fantastic golf courses here, we play at least three times a week. We love this place. This tournament is a great challenge and Flamingos has a beautiful course,” said Trace.

Mike Nord, captain of the U.S. team, mentioned he’s played all the courses in both the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, but that his favorite was Flamingos for its beautiful scenery and level of difficulty.

“The wildlife, the plants, the vegetation is unique. We rotate the players, so this tournament definitely helps us to make new friends within all three countries,” said Nord. “It’s the perfect place to socialize.”

The Riviera Nayarit is also a place with a perfect climate that allows golfers to play year round while the greens in the States are under several feet of snow, and Nord was very grateful for this country’s blessings.

“This is a golfer’s paradise, an ideal spot for the game. Right now it’s raining, cold, there’s ice and snow (in the U.S.), yet here you wake up every morning with a beautiful golf course ready to go. Like I mentioned before, I love Flamingos, I love to play here and I’m always ready to come back and play again,” he ended.