Over 50 boats have signed up for the 2011 version of the Banderas Bay Regatta. The Regatta, now in its 19th year, is unique in that it is designed specifically for the cruising sailor who is carrying extra sails, spare parts, a solar cell panel or two, and lots of provisions.

This year's Regatta will start on Tuesday March 8 and run through Saturday March 12. The welcome reception on Tuesday afternoon will feature the music of local band Mariachi Estrella and the dancers of Ballet Mexicanisimo who will be performing native dances of the Aztecs.

On Friday night, racers and the general public are invited to join in at one of Vallarta Yacht Club's famous Friday night Fish Fry's and after dinner be treated to a performance of Azucar Latina. If you like salsa, mambo, meringue, cha-cha, and cumbia you will enjoy listening and dancing to the music of this lively group of great musicians. They have also been known to throw in a bit of pop, rock and funk during their performances. In other words they do it all and do it well.

The concert is a free event (cash bar). The Fish Fry Buffet is just $150 pesos. Happy hour starts at 5:00 pm, dinner at 6:00 and the music at 8:00.

Saturday is the last day of racing and the culmination of the ever will be an Awards Banquet which will be held at the Paradise Village Resort and Spa with entertainment provided by the ever popular music group from La Cruz, Philo and the Mexican Shuffle Band.

Although the Welcome Party and the Awards Dinner and Beach Party are not open to the general public, visitors are welcome to join in on the nightly festivities at the Vallarta Yacht Club which is located near the Paradise Plaza Shopping Center in Nuevo Vallarta.

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, State of Nayarit / Rivera Nayarit, Philo's Bar and Restaurant, PV Sailing, Vallarta Yachts, Vallarta Adventures, O & A Investment Funds, Marina Rivera Nayarit, Artist Federico Leon de La Vega and Chevron.

For more information and a full schedule of events visit the BBR website at BanderasBayRegatta.com.