Vallarta Cup 2026

Vallarta Cup is the traditional kickoff of the racing season in Banderas Bay. It is held two weekends in January, with a single race during the day. Everyone is welcome, from cruisers to performance boats. All boats will be rated using the VYC Handicapping System.

When: Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 10-11 and 17-18

Why: Fun on the water, meet new & old friends, after the race Please come to the Club for results, beer, food and live music

Sailors need to register 2 days ahead for local rating. 

Listen to morning Cruiser Net VHF Ch. 22 8:30 for further information.

Starts: There will be a start for each class or staggered start times may be used, were each boat will have a start time based on their VYC handicap. Start times will be announce at the Roll Call 30 minutes before the first start. First Class or boat starts at 12:35 pm

Classes: Cruising, Performance Cruising and Multi-hull Classes

Courses: Start/finish line in front of Marival Skybar. They will be distance races of 10 to 20 miles. To be selected based on the wind.

Contacts: Race Chairperson: Dave Gould (onthewater@vallartayachtclub.org)

Handicapping: Banderas Bay Handicap Committee

Sponsors: Paradise Village Marina, Marina Riviera Nayarit and Vallarta Yacht Club

The Cruiser/Race Class will appeal to owners of cruising-oriented boats that are not competitive for current PHRF racing, but whose owners and crews would like to test their skills with other similar, displacement-oriented boats.

Rule 52 against power winches is waved. Crews of 4 or less may use autopilot.

WARNING: This is a great time to test your boat and crew before sailing South or South Pacific