And they’re off! Twenty-two boats entered the Pink Flamingo Regatta to support the local schools in Barra de Navidad. But wait! There is more. So much more.
Every February, for the past six years, cruisers from all over the west coast of Mexico have been invited to participate in Cruise-In Week, and every year more and more people join in the fun. This year, the festivities began on Sunday evening with a festival held in the town square. Each school set up a table and served homemade Mexican quisine. Whether it was tacos or enchiladas or tamales, it was delicious. All the proceeds from their meals went directly to the school who was serving. What monies were brought in by the drink table were distributed evenly between the schools. Throngs of customers enjoyed the food and visited with their neighbors while waiting for the performers to present their talents. The show was comprised of traditional Mexican folkloric dancers of all ages, vocalists, and young “charros” practicing their roping skills.
Monday night was the welcome party for those who were volunteering. It was held on the sixth floor in the lounge of the beautiful Isla Grand Hotel, overlooking the marina, bay and lagoon. There was a no-host bar while we picked up our grab-bags, bought tee-shirts and mingled about. Jay from s/v Cadenza sat down at the grand piano and played some tunes while Curt from s/v Magic accompanied him with his cornet and Tony from s/v Dolce played the penny whistle. So many people attended. It may have been double the number of volunteers as last year. Once we all settled in, Linda Bello-Ruiz and Elinore Craig called our attention, thanking us for helping out. Elinore followed with instructions for the week.
Tuesday boat owners participated by taking paying customers out for a day sail. It is quite an organizational challenge; getting the visitors from the Barra side, loaded onto a panga and delivered to each boat – and then back again. But I must say (as everyone else did), well done. Everything went smoothly. With our customers on board, each boat had line handlers to help us in and out of the docks. The best part for us cruisers is getting to know other people who have come and fallen in love with Barra as we have. And after a day on the water, they have fallen in love with sailing too. It’s a win-win for all involved.
Wednesday was the sunset sail with music. Everybody loves this one. Again, we took customers out for a sail but we ended up outside the town of Melaque and anchored around m/v Stella Maris. On board was one of the local musicians, Wendy Laurier, who treated us to a live performance. What a voice! Meanwhile, many jumped in the water and swam around their boats while others lounged on deck. We weighed anchor just before sunset and headed back to the docks.
Thursday was a down day. Some years it has been a work day when volunteers go to the schools. One year a group of us went to paint the library and another group went to the kindergarten and cleared brush. We were also invited to one of the elementary schools for a show put on by the children as a thank you. All this was suspended during Covid. We are hoping to bring some version of this back next year.
Taking notice that four boats and sixteen volunteers were from the Vallarta Yacht Club, Andy and Liz Barrow invited us all for dinner at Mary’s Restaurant. (Thank you, Andy and Liz!) What a crew! Some came by boat; others came by car or bus. Which is to say, you don’t have to be on a boat to participate. There are lots of ways to join in the fun. Line handlers are needed. People to coordinate the guests who go out on the boats is another opportunity to help. Or, like Barbi and Dell from m/v Timeless, you can hang out at one of the bars along the beach and be the person who explains what is going on during the race, egging customers to bet on the boat who will win. All proceeds go to the schools, of course. But there are some fun prizes to win for the person whose boat wins.
And this takes us to the last day, one of the most fun days of the week; the Pink Flamingo Regatta. Twenty-two boats were in for the challenge. It was a pursuit race which means there are staggered starts with the slowest boat starting first. That was Rock Star with Charity at the helm. It turns out she was the favorite and gave us all a run for our money. For three quarters of the race, we were almost certain she would win. However, the winds were not cooperating in her favor and it was Carmanah who won first place, Edwina placed second and LLBTR came in third.
The week closed out with an after party in front of the Harbor Master’s Office. Prizes were awarded for the race winners and certificates of thanks were given out to the crews of the participating boats. A drink and pasta bar were set up and for a small fee we enjoyed food and drinks and shared stories about the events of the last week.
So come on down next year and play with us! It’s a whole lot of fun with good people in a beautiful place and all for the children. What could be better?