Junior Sailing News
It’s not every day you watch a 10-year-old grow into a national champion, world traveler, and inspirational coach—but that’s exactly what Vallarta Yacht Club witnessed with Cris Ortiz. Cris has been part of the VYC family since she was just 10 years old. Her mother, Marie Elena Vivas, moved the family to the area after recognizing that her three children were exceptionally talented sailors who needed regular training in Banderas Bay to reach their full potential.
Cris grew up in the Junior Sailing program at VYC and, along with her twin sister Andrea, was a force to be reckoned with. The two dominated WesMex Regattas, often leaving with three trophies apiece. Early in her sailing career, Cris earned spots in several prestigious international competitions during her Optimist (Opti) days.
Get ready for an unforgettable splash of summer! This year, we're thrilled to launch a three-week-long VYC Junior Sailing Summer Camp, welcoming young sailors ages 7 to 17. With 10–15 campers joining us each week, it’s shaping up to be an exciting summer! Trust us, it’s anything but ordinary.
Rising Star: Lyn Salgado’s Passion for Sailing
Vallarta Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing program is home to some incredible young talent, and among them is Lyn Salgado, a rising star whose dedication and love for the sport continue to impress. With the support of generous VYC members, Lyn recently competed in the Mayan Wind Fest in Cancún, where she secured an impressive third-place finish in her ILCA sailboat.
Vallarta Yacht Club's summer program offers kids an unforgettable experience learning to sail on Banderas Bay and so much more! Since its inception in 2007, the VYC Summer Program has introduced hundreds of children to the exhilarating world of sailing aboard our club’s fleet of sailboats.
The 18th WesMex International Small Boat Regatta concluded with resounding success, leaving sailors and spectators alike thrilled by the displays of skill and camaraderie on the open waters. Hosted and organized by the Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Nayarit in picturesque Banderas Bay, this annual regatta has become a cornerstone event in the small boat sailing community, attracting participants from around Mexico, the USA and this year, Belize.