On the afternoon of Tuesday, March 8th over 350 racers, regatta committee volunteers, and invited guests were treated to a rousing Welcome Reception that officially opened the 2011 Banderas Bay Regatta. Those attending were treated to the music of the local mariachi group "Mariachi Estrella" and to the dance troupe "Ballet Mexicanisimo."

A mandatory skippers meeting was held on Wednesday morning at it was confirmed that a record 60 boats are entered in this year's race. Handicaps were given to each boat to level the playing field and each boat was also assigned to one of 7 divisions so vessels of like speed would sail together.

After the skippers' meeting, a practice race course and start line was set up so entrants could practice their starts and hone their skills for Thursday's first race.

The Banderas Bay Regatta would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors including: Vallarta Yacht Club, Grupo Lloyd, Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa, Vallarta Lifestyles Publishing Group, Mariners General Insurance Group, the State of Nayarit, Riviera Nayarit, Philo's Bar and Restaurant, PV Sailing, Vallarta Yachts, Vallarta Adventures, O & A Investment Funds, Marina Rivera Nayarit, Chevron, and artist Federico Leon de La Vega.

For more information on the 19th Annual Banderas Bay Regatta and this week's activities, visit BanderasBayRegatta.com.