Monday, March 17, 2014

J/24 North Americans Preview

J/24 sailing Puerto Vallarta, Mexico(Riviera Nayarit, Mexico)- The hosts for the upcoming J/24 North American Championship/ Copa Mexico are really excited about getting the ball rolling March 16th to 22nd at the La Cruz Yacht Club in Nayarit (a beachside resort NNW of Puerto Vallarta).  As they say about Bahia de Banderas and Mexican hospitality, “warm waters, winds from 12-25 kts, plenty of sunshine and famous parties await you at arguably one of the best sailing venues worldwide!”

What have the J/24 Mexican fleet cooked up for entertainment?  Amazingly beautiful and exotic venues for virtually every evening.  If you have not participated in a “Copa Mexico” event, do it.  It should be a “bucket list” event.  Certainly two of the highlighted festivities are the “don't miss” Brazilian teams party on Wednesday where authentic drinks and dishes from that “mucho exotic” country will be served!  The other is the gala dinner, closing & awards ceremony they host outside at the end of their spectacular pier encircling the harbor (complete with pretty hosts, fashion show, fireworks show & mariachi bands!).  The finale is truly something not to be missed.

J/24 spinnakers- sailing Puerto Vallarta, MexicoForty-three boats from eight countries (Brazil, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Peru, Sweden, & USA) are registered with many of the world's top sailors in attendance.  Past World Champion Mauricio Santa Cruz from Brazil is leading the charge of four boats from Brazil.  Many leading American teams are present, including Mike Ingham on DIGGER, Tony Parker sailing BANGOR PACKET, Chris Snow, Val Lulevich and the hilarious crew on SHUT-UP & DRIVE, and Seattle’s Mark Laura on BABA LOUIE (if you want to learn how to fly Boeing 737’s, call him- top banana at ALASKA AIRLINES).  The Italian crew led by Giovanni Campi are sailing ALEBRIJE and hope to do well; they’ve been training a lot for the event. Monaco’s Ian Ilsley is sailing JOBBITS and is looking to capitalize on their good performances in Europe (2013 Europeans and 2014 Primo Cup).  All the top Mexican crews will be present, including Jorge Murrieta on TRES DOLORES, Peter Wiegandt on Team MEXICO, Ken Porter on COMEX, Mario Velazquez on VENDETTA and Javier Velazquez on TRINQUETE.  For more J/24 North Americans sailing information