Members who traveled to Barra de Navidad for Cruise-in Week 2025 will never forget Phred, the adorable bandit who absconded with several snacks and other questionable things. Here is one account of that nefarious character by an anonymous observer.....

 
 Snack Bandit Strikes Grand Isla Resort, Flees with Power Bar and Purloined Panties Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, Mexico
 
– A brazen robbery has rocked the Grand Isla Resort, leaving a trail of crinkled wrappers, a mysterious deposit, and more questions than complimentary cocktails. "I thought I was dreaming," says the victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, "but then I saw him – a blur of fur and desperation – sprinting away with my power bar. The wrapper crinkling was the only sound, besides my own disbelief." The culprit, identified by witnesses as "Fred", described as a "four-legged fiend," left behind what authorities are calling a "calling card" – a small, but significant, pile of evidence right outside the victim's patio door. "And the worst part? It was cleaned up with what appeared to be stolen underwear," the victim lamented. "I'm starting to think this wasn't just about the snacks." But the bizarre events didn't stop there. Witnesses later reported seeing multiple individuals dashing through the resort with women's undergarments adorning their heads, screaming for Cinderella. Sources say that these events are unrelated, but Elon Musk has dispatched his Doge's to investigate but has no comment at this time The individuals were spied the next day, sporting black eyes, bloody noses, and hangovers. In a final twist, the band of suspicious characters, now referred to as the Freeloaders with their leader named Fred were seen fleeing the marina on a sailboat. Armed with tape measures and clipboards, Fred was overheard shouting, "We'll be back!" "We're not sure what they're planning," said a bewildered hotel staff member, "but it seems to involve sails, measurements, and possibly more stolen linens." The Grand Isla Resort assures guests that security measures have been increased, with extra patrols and a strict "no panty-wearing on head" policy now in effect. As for the snack bandit, he remains at large, presumably powered by stolen goods and fueled by a thirst for adventure.

Cruise-In Week at Barra de Navidad was truly unforgettable! For the Vallarta Yacht Club (VYC) crew, it wasn’t just about events—it was about connection, joy, and making a difference for the kids.

A group of 50 members and five boats made the journey from VYC to Barra de Navidad to participate in the week’s activities. Local children were introduced to the joys of sailing, experiencing the thrill of the wind and waves for the first time. Laughter echoed over shared meals, and meaningful partnerships were formed with local schools, strengthening ties within the community. Evenings were spent under the stars, enjoying live music and forging new friendships that will last a lifetime.

A highlight of the week was the Flamingo Regatta—a race not just for the thrill of competition but with a heartfelt purpose: raising funds to support the children who inspire us daily. Thanks to the generosity of participants and supporters, the week's events raised $600,000 MXN, and amazing show of support for local youth programs.

More than a week of adventure, Cruise-In Week was a celebration of generosity, community, and the joy of making a difference. Because in the end, it’s not just about sailing—it’s about the lives we touch along the way.

To learn more about the event and how funds are used to help the local schools, click here. 
 
Members will never forget Phred, the adorable bandit who absconded with several snacks and other questionable things. Here is one account of that nefarious character by an anonymous observer.....
 
 Snack Bandit Strikes Grand Isla Resort, Flees with Power Bar and Purloined Panties Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, Mexico
 
– A brazen robbery has rocked the Grand Isla Resort, leaving a trail of crinkled wrappers, a mysterious deposit, and more questions than complimentary cocktails. "I thought I was dreaming," says the victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, "but then I saw him – a blur of fur and desperation – sprinting away with my power bar. The wrapper crinkling was the only sound, besides my own disbelief." The culprit, identified by witnesses as "Fred", described as a "four-legged fiend," left behind what authorities are calling a "calling card" – a small, but significant, pile of evidence right outside the victim's patio door. "And the worst part? It was cleaned up with what appeared to be stolen underwear," the victim lamented. "I'm starting to think this wasn't just about the snacks." But the bizarre events didn't stop there. Witnesses later reported seeing multiple individuals dashing through the resort with women's undergarments adorning their heads, screaming for Cinderella. Sources say that these events are unrelated, but Elon Musk has dispatched his Doge's to investigate but has no comment at this time The individuals were spied the next day, sporting black eyes, bloody noses, and hangovers. In a final twist, the band of suspicious characters, now referred to as the Freeloaders with their leader named Fred were seen fleeing the marina on a sailboat. Armed with tape measures and clipboards, Fred was overheard shouting, "We'll be back!" "We're not sure what they're planning," said a bewildered hotel staff member, "but it seems to involve sails, measurements, and possibly more stolen linens." The Grand Isla Resort assures guests that security measures have been increased, with extra patrols and a strict "no panty-wearing on head" policy now in effect. As for the snack bandit, he remains at large, presumably powered by stolen goods and fueled by a thirst for adventure.
 
 
 

With the sudden passing of our beloved Commodore, Randy Hough, the Vallarta Yacht Club Board of Directors has appointed Eric Bloomquist as Interim Commodore. Eric assumed this role at the January 20th board meeting, stepping up to lead the club through this transition. Bob Carr will continue as Vice Commodore, working closely with Eric to maintain the strength and stability of our club while carrying forward Randy’s legacy of leadership and dedication.

Eric first joined VYC in 2005 when he and his family visited while cruising. With an extensive sailing background and 11 years of liveaboard experience on a trawler, Eric brings both passion and expertise to the role. Professionally, he owned a wood products company in the Midwest, where he attributes his success to building a strong management team—an approach he brings to VYC as well.

A good friend of Randy’s, Eric deeply respected his contributions and unwavering commitment to the club. He credits Randy with teaching him valuable lessons both on and off the water. As Interim Commodore, Eric is dedicated to honoring Randy’s legacy while ensuring the club continues to thrive.

 

 

CHEZ NOUS Turns 50 Years Old

In January, we celebrated the 50th Birthday of Chez Nous, a beloved yacht owned and well-sailed by Al and JoLinda Garnier, members of VYC.

"We have owned Chez Nous (meaning: "our home") since 1975 and cruised from California to Spain in 1979-80 with our three children. Since then we have enjoyed years of local sailing in the Channel Islands, Catalina and the Sea of Cortez," say the Garniers’.

In 2016 the pair decided to travel down to Mexico after their children flew the nest. They found VYC and have been here ever since! 

 We asked Al & Jolinda to share more about their more than half century of cruising.

Where did your love for sailing originally come from? What prompted you to buy your first boat?  

We met sailing for our respective Colleges, Al, Purdue, Jolinda, Ohio State.  We talked of the dream to sail around the world and when the chance came to sell our home in Southern California and buy Chez Nous we did.

What inspired you to sail from California to Spain with your three children, and what were some of the most challenging parts of that journey?  

Al was offered a position on The Haj Terminal project at the new Jeddah airport by an engineering firm and was told he could sail Chez Nous there.  As it turned out we were able to sail to Spain, but entering Saudi Arabia was not possible after the US Embassy in Iran fell.

We had 2 significant weather episodes, one off the West end of Cuba.  Tropical Storm Bob (later to be Hurricane Bob (1979) that hit New Orleans) saw 40-50 kts of wind and spun Chez Nous 360 degrees.  Our dinghy davits failed, dropping our hard dinghy into the water, we lost our inflatable, not to be recovered.  The kids also lost their shark jaws that they had worked months to sun bleach.  Approaching the Straits of Gibraltar, we encountered the ‘Levanter’.  This wind starts in the Eastern Mediterranean gaining strength as it travels west.  Once at Gibraltar the speed increases due to the narrowing with Morocco and reaches 50+ kts.  So for hours we tried to enter the Mediterranean but couldn’t.  Trafalgar light did not change position.  In the morning we turned and went to Cadiz where we waited 3 days for the Laventer to blow out.

What led you to sail to Mexico in 2016 after your children left the nest, and how did that change your sailing lifestyle?  

In 2006 we sailed Chez Nous into the Sea of Cortez to participate in the Cruising Club of America’s International Cruise. It was a 3 month stay, returning to Los Angeles in June as retirement was a couple of years away.  Semi-retired in 2008 allowed time to properly prepare for Chez Nous for permanent stay, but we had other items on our must do list including the Camino de Santiago, which we have now done 4 different routes.

Tell us the story about naming Chez Nous and why she was christened on her 50th birthday.  

Chez Nous is the name of the commons at Koutstown Teachers College in Eastern Pennsylvania where JoLinda spent her freshman year.  She liked the name and it always stayed with her.  When we purchased Chez Nous it had a different name on the documents but nothing on the hull. Since it was our plan to live aboard and sail around the world it seemed fitting to call her ‘our home’.  We were young and not all that up on tradition when we bought Chez Nous, so we just did it.  As the 50th birthday approached we thought we should register her in the great book in the sea, which is what christening is meant to do.

What led you to find the Vallarta Yacht Club in 2016, and how has being a member enriched your sailing experience?  

We arrived in Paradise Village Marina in March 2016 just as the Women’s Laser Worlds were presenting awards and the men’s were about to start.  We saw how busy the yacht club was with lots of preparation and we volunteered to help.  greenlr01@gmail.com";,"type":"person"}">Linda Green asked if we knew anything about race committee and Al was assigned to the pin boat as scribe.  JoLinda helped on the ramp getting to meet all the young well fit men.  Yacht Clubs bring sailors into a community of like minded folks, which is just right.

Do you have any advice or tips for fellow sailors, especially those just starting out on their own journeys? 

“Follow your dreams” is the best advice, but to do that successfully there are many things to consider, the most important is planning, planning, planning.

Link here to article in Los Angeles Yacht Club newsletter, Lufflines: 

https://d282wvk2qi4wzk.cloudfront.net/upload_AvV3wR9m23_GHr4pVuBed_1738794908458_OWlxsRdQiSPc

 

Randy Maya ArticleWe cherish and honor the memory of Commodore Randy Hough, who crossed the bar on January 15th, leaving behind an indelible legacy of unwavering dedication and passion for Vallarta Yacht Club and its community. His contributions, large and small, touched countless lives, and his influence will continue to inspire us all.

Randy had been a member of VYC since 2007 and served as Commodore from 2021 to 2025, shaping the club's direction during that time and helping to foster a strong sense of camaraderie. He once quipped that he would be 'commodore for life,' a statement that proved prophetic, as his passion for the club never wavered—even when his health began to decline. Randy's enduring commitment was a testament to his belief in the club and the people who made it what it is.

Randy's close friend, Andy Barrow, summarized his impact in this heartfelt tribute:

“Randy’s heart and soul was our club. He gave the past four years of his life to us, steering us through some of the most trying times our VYC family has ever experienced. Prior to coming to Mexico, he led an extremely interesting life that involved cars, motorcycles, boats and yacht clubs. In typical Randy style, he worked hard to develop a high level of expertise in all of them. After 17 years of being his friend I continue to learn more about what he achieved in his life. Whatever he did, he took on with a level of intensity that was often astonishing, and always difficult to keep up with.

For me, he was a true and sincere friend, and we shared many adventures together. I will miss those conversations in the club, his standing when a lady approached, and his firm handshakes with expressions of thanks.

Fair winds Randy.”

While we mourn Randy's passing, we also celebrate the countless ways his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us. His spirit will live on in every sail, every gathering, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Let us all carry forward his passion, dedication, and love for the VYC community as we move ahead, knowing that his legacy will forever be a part of VYC.

 

 

 

  1. LIVE MUSIC ON THE VYC PATIO
  2. 24th Annual Great Chili Cookoff - A Big Success!

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