WHAT'S NEW AT VYC
A Warm Welcome: Maggie & Manuel Join VYC ⚓️
We’re excited to welcome Maggie (Magdalena Garza Orozco Pareja) and Manuel Barrientos Arriaga to Vallarta Yacht Club!
This adventurous duo shares a love of the ocean, whether through sailing, surfing, scuba diving, or simply enjoying life by the sea.
Born in Mexico City, Manuel moved to the coast in search of a life close to the water. In 1997, he established Organic Café, an espresso bar that has become a beloved local spot. When he’s not pulling shots of espresso, you’ll often find him scanning the forecast for the next big swell to surf, or waiting for the calm glassy summer waters perfect for diving. He’s now setting his sights on learning sailing skills with the dream of one day crossing the Mar de Cortez to Baja.
Growing Our Own: Junior Sailors Become Junior Coaches
Vallarta Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing program is celebrating an exciting milestone this summer: two of our very own sailors are stepping into new roles as coaches-in-training. Nico Palomera and Axel Argott, both products of the Junior Sailing program, are now taking the next step in their sailing journey by learning how to coach.
Junior Sailing Camps 2025: A Summer to Remember!
What a summer it’s been on Banderas Bay! Vallarta Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Camps ran for four weeks and were one of the most successful ever, filled with strong participation, great energy, and plenty of smiles on and off the water. From first-time sailors to returning kids eager to sharpen their skills, the camps were brimming with learning, laughter, and adventure.
Junior Sailing coach Keyla Hernández reflected on the experience: “These Summer camps were one of the most successful ones that we ever had. We had a total of 91 kids through the whole summer—25–26 kids the first three weeks and 15 kids the last one. We were 4 coaches, 2 youth coaches, and 3 volunteers through the summer.”
🌟Welcome Adriana Gonzalez to Vallarta Yacht Club! 🌟
We’re excited to introduce new member, Adriana Gonzalez, to the VYC community!
Adriana moved to Vallarta from Guadalajara back in 1998, fulfilling a lifelong dream to live by the ocean. Ever since she was a child, the beach has been a source of peace, inspiration, and possibility—and it’s no surprise that her life and work continue to reflect that connection to the sea.
She’s a visual artist and writer, currently working in acrylic painting while also exploring writing projects that help her reconnect with herself and her creative spirit. With a natural curiosity and a passion for beauty and meaning, she’s always dreaming up something new.
Vallarta Sailing Foundation: Helping to make a passion for sailing a reality
Sailing isn’t just a sport - it’s a passion, a challenge, and a lifelong adventure.
The Vallarta Sailing Foundation (VSF) is at the heart of this spirit in Banderas Bay, working tirelessly to give young sailors the opportunity to chase their dreams on the water.
Their mission is simple yet powerful: to support young sailors as they grow from beginners to national, international, and even Olympic-level competitors. Thanks to their efforts, local sailors have had the chance to race in major events like the Nacionales CONADE, the National Optimist Championships, and the Mayan Wind Fest. Some such as Elena Oetling have even gone on to represent Mexico on the world stage during the Olympics in Paris!
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