Meet Bart, a member since 2016 and an all around great guy!
Let’s start with your sailing story — how did you first get into sailing, and what brought you to Vallarta Yacht Club? How long have you been a member?
My family started sailing when my parents bought a 2 person sailboat. I was 10 years old. I joined Vallarta Yacht Club when I retired from teaching first grade and moved to Mexico in 2016.
What inspired you to take on the role of Director of Junior Sailing?
When I joined the club, I began helping the Junior Sailing coaches as a volunteer. I wanted to continue working with small children and share my passion for dinghy sailing with them. It wasn´t long before the leadership of the club noticed my interest and convinced me to take on the responsibility of Director.
What are you most proud of from your time leading the Junior Sailing program?
I recognize in some of our youth sailors a passion for sailing so strong that they will make time in their lives for sailing for the rest of their lives.
Can you share a favorite memory or standout moment with the kids on the water?
Our Junior Sailors compete in CONADE Nationals every year. The event was held in Puerto Vallarta a few years ago. Following the awards ceremony, our coaches posed for a picture with all of the Vallarta Yacht Club competitors´ medals hanging from their arms. It was impressive to see so many Vallarta Team medals.
How have you seen the program grow or change during your time at the helm?
Our racing teams are attending more regattas away from Vallarta Yacht Club. The Optimist Class created a National Circuit which created opportunities for Optimist, Laser and 420 Classes. Some of our youth compete in Hobie 16 National Championship as well.
6. What makes the VYC Junior Sailing program special compared to other programs you’ve seen?
Our youth sail dinghies surrounded by dolphins, sea turtles, humpback whales…just to name some of the abundant sea life in Banderas Bay. Local wind and wave conditions allow young sailors to get their boats up on a plane frequently.
7. For members who may not know much about Junior Sailing, how can they support or get involved?
Members are encouraged to donate funds or to volunteer ashore or on the water. They can also sponsor a child who comes from a family that otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of sailing lessons.
What did working with young sailors teach you — about leadership, patience, or sailing itself?
I´ve learned that children who participate in a youth sailing program learn to work as a team and they learn to problem solve on their own. Sailing builds self confidence.
Tell us a little about your personal life - where did you grow up, who is your family, what brought you to live in Mexico?
My parents and my brother were monohull racers and cruisers. My parents gave me a Laser for my 13th birthday. We camped at regattas. We lived in Santa Cruz, California. At the age of 18, I rebelled from monohull sailing and bought a Hobie 16. My 5 children grew up camping at Hobie regattas. I had the goal of living in Mexico most of my life. My students and their families were Mexican immigrants. I met my partner Juan. I knew that the water would be warm in Vallarta. I was thrilled to discover that Vallarta Yacht Club had a fleet of like new Hobie 16s!
What’s something most people at the club might not know about you? (Hidden talent, interesting past job, etc.)
I lived with a family in the small town of Chillán, Chile in 1977. I was a junior in high school. Augusto Pinochet was in power. I will always be grateful to my parents and the Chilean family that I lived with for giving me that opportunity.
Looking ahead — what’s your hope for the future of Junior Sailing at VYC?
I hope that we can increase the number of children participating in the program. Banderas Bay is such a great body of water for sailing. The children who do participate are so very fortunate.
Any advice you’d give to young sailors just starting out — or to parents thinking about signing their kids up?
There is an abundance of sea life to enjoy out on the bay. Sailing is a competitive sport that you can be involved in for a lifetime. Sail and become friends with families that are passionate about sailing!