REGATA COPA DE MEXICO

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SAILING MEXICO’S FIVE SEAS From Olympic star-studded races to exclusive international boat shows, Mexico is a one-stop shop for all of your heart’s sailing desires. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping competitions or the shiniest of new yacht toys, you’ll find the best of the best on these sparkling waters.

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SALIDA VALLARTA RACE / REGATA COPA DE MEXICO

REGATA COPA DE MEXICO

RIVIERA NAYARIT The first stop in Mexico for any fast-sailing adventurer is Nuevo Vallarta, host to the country’s biggest water sporting event: The three-week-long Extravaganza Nautica. Thanks to rare winds of up to 20 knots, the biennial festival’s sailing races thrill with swifter speeds than those of other short circuit routes. During Olympic years like this one, you can find world champions in your midst at the Regata Copa de Mexico. The Olympic edition serves as a warm-up for the London races later this summer, though there’s nothing slow about these high-powered trial runs. Even if you don’t catch the pros in action, Bucerias and La Cruz make great marine playgrounds anytime, with powerful winds created by the area’s thermal currents. Visit www.regatacopamexico.com.

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SAN DIEGO A PUERTO VALLARTA / SAN DIEGO YACHT CLUB

SETTING SAIL / SAN DIEGO YACHT CLUB

If you fancy an odyssey of the international kind, Regata San Diego a Puerto Vallarta is the premier US-to-mainland Mexico circuit graced by distinguished yachtsmen like Roy Disney. Stretching for a whopping 950 nautical miles, the offshore race hits few landmarks but breeze by whales, sea turtles, sun fish and other sea creatures for a charming sampling of Mexico’s marine life. Visit www.sdyc.org/pv.

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CHIC BOUTIQUES / CANCÙN

12 METER AMERICA’S CUP CHALLENGE / COZUMEL

ISLA MUJERAS AND COZUMEL True thrill-seekers chasing after the ultimate adventure can follow in the footsteps of Regata del Sol al Sol competitors from St. Petersburg, Florida to Isla Mujeras, Mexico. Unlike other races along various coasts, this three-day journey is a test of endurance without any sea-to-shore communication whatsoever. Skilled hands might encounter winds of up to 45 knots and brave waves of up to 12 feet, and it’s a game of high strategy to best what hurdles the weather throws at you. As triumphant veterans of the race like to say, it’s just you and the elements. Visit www.regatadelsolalsol.org. For a sailing experience just as novel—but perhaps with a little less stress—take the 12 Meter America’s Cup Challenge in Cozumel. Man the very boat that Dennis Conner led to beat out Australia in the 1987 world series race, simulating a condensed route that the celebrated sailor himself had conquered. Whether you opt to be a primary grinder, navigator or cooler queen, you’ll be an integral part of the crew. Hop on a tender to your historic vessel, which relies entirely on wind power with no engines, and gear up for the win. Visit www.12metre.com.

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TRUE NORTH IV YACHT

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MARINA VIEW FROM WYNDHAM CABO SAN LUCAS / TESORA RESORTS

CABO MARINE SHOW / CABO SAN LUCAS MARINA

LOS CABOS AND CANCUN Mexico is more than just competitive fun, and exclusive fairs like the Cabo Marine Show in Los Cabos prove that the yacht society does serious business here. Come July, enjoy unparalleled access to beloved manufacturers like Azimut, Benetti, Atlantis and more. The show is a nautical version of every shopaholic’s favorite mega-mall, boasting everything from top-of-the-line fishing gear to radio and GPS systems. Those who have fallen hard for Mexico’s adventure offerings can even have a tête-à-tête with real estate agents who hold the key to the area’s choice properties and gated communities. Visit www.cabomarineshow.com.

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SAILING / CANCUN

BOATS / CANCUN

Alternatively, gadget enthusiasts can cut across the middle of Mexico for the first-ever Cancun Boat Show & Salon Nautico, which has a dedicated focus to small fishing and recreational boats. Beyond readymade beauties from industry leaders like Ferretti, Marquis and Mercury, the show will also introduce elite consumers to advanced services like boat building and drydocking. Visit www.boatshowcancun.com.

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MEXICO’S MARITIME MASTERS Per Peterson’s Alchemy claimed not one but two top honors at the Regata Copa Mexico this year. Main trimmer Chuck Skewes, a professional sailor who has been involved with Ullman sails for a quarter of a decade, recounts his love affair with La Cruz sailing in the spring.

“The town of La Cruz is a great small Mexican town with facilities for anything you want. There is a fullservice boatyard with travel lift, restaurants, taco shops, stores and hotels. The town is very clean and welcoming to the sailors. “The conditions of Banderas Bay in March are ideal for sailing: the seas are fairly smooth and the temperature of the air and water are ideal. When we motor out of La Cruz in the morning, the bay is completely flat except for the occasional whale or manta ray splash. As the start time nears the wind starts to fill and by the time the first start goes off it is perfect sailing conditions. This repeats itself every day without fail.”

ALCHEMY / COPA REGATA MEXICO

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MEXICO’S MARITIME MASTERS Though John Flynn was first dazzled by Californian waters as a teenage seafarer, his new nautical love are the routes by a sunny island in the Mexican Caribbean. Here, he shares how he went from shooting the coastline breeze to running one of world’s most unique racing programs.

“My first experience sailing was at 13 years old. We spent our summers sailing on Lidos and Hobie Cats all over Newport Bay, but our big adventures were week-long forays to Catalina Island on a Santana 22, and I became hooked. When I moved to Cozumel Island in Mexico 22 years ago, I saw that Cozumel is a perfect location with year-round winds and calm waters. In 2003 Colin Percy, who created the St. Maarten 12-Meter Challenge, approached me about joining forces and bringing two of his fleet here to Cozumel—can you imagine sailing an America’s Cup-winning yacht? Crewing one of these historic sailboats around an authentic America’s Cup course is a lifetime opportunity. I jumped in with both feet.”

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