FMV Cup Brings 2500 Sailing Enthusiasts to Make Banderas Bay Their Battle Ground Bea Broda - Travel Bea
go to original March 2, 2016

Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas is hosting the first edition of the 2016 Copa Federacion Mexicana de Vela (FMV Cup) which will continue until May 30. The international event convenes for four months of intense competition bringing together some 800 ships 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 December to March.

The 2016 FMV Cup includes the following races:

Puerto Vallarta Race is an annual run from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta which finished this year on February 24 with John Schulze's Santa Cruz 50 "Horizon" finishing first. This year marks the 32nd time the San Diego Yacht Club members headed 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. More information at PV Race.

XXIV Regata International Bahia de Banderas now on its 24th year and 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. More information at Banderas Bay Regatta.

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. More information at Laser Worlds 2016. 

MEXORC is taking place now through March 3.One of the most important events on the international sailing calendar, it is expected to bring over 70 vessels accompanied by more than 500 competitors and visitors. More information at MEXORC.

WESMEX is 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. More information at WESMEX Regatta.

Visitors to Puerto Vallarta can watch the races from various locations around the city including the Los Muertos Pier, the Malecon and from the many hotels and restaurants located along the beach.

The majority of the participating sailboats will dock at Marina Vallarta which is open to the public and provide a unique opportunity to admire many of the competing sailboats as well as luxury yachts.

Puerto Vallarta’s Marina Vallarta, located just south of the airport, is a 500-slip marina surrounded by condos, and a boardwalk housing a variety of shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. The Marina area is also home to an 18-hole golf course, luxury accommodations, and spas.

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