Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico - Warm waters, winds from 12 to 25 knots, plenty of sunshine, and the already famous parties await you at arguably one of the best sailing venues worldwide. The 2014 J/24 North American Championship Regatta Copa Mexico will take place in Nuevo Vallarta on the waters of Bahia de Banderas, March 16-21, 2014.

This is definitely a regatta not to be missed, so mark your calendars and make plans to attend this event which will be part of the Copa Mexico in its third edition. Those of you who have attended the past two editions or the 2007 Worlds event there can attest to the excellent sailing conditions in Banderas Bay, one of the largest in North America.

The host club will again be the Marina Riviera Nayarit located at the Cruz de Huanacaxtle on the north side of the bay — they’re ready to receive all of the participants with their accustomed excellent hospitality. The town itself, not long ago a sleepy fishing village, has seen tremendous growth recently due to the marina. Now with many great restaurants catering to every palate from international cuisine to real authentic Mexican food from both the region and the country. There is also a chandlery and spare parts store with a huge selection within walking distance!

Close by is the city of Puerto Vallarta offering a taste of the "real" Mexico experience, with its cobblestone streets and buildings hundred of years old, art galleries, exquisite food for all tastes, plus a night life that is unparalleled!

All this alone would be reason enough to visit beautiful Banderas Bay; but if you add the superb sailing and weather conditions, plus the friendly people and great parties, it’s a hard combination to beat. Last time, the Brazilians “won” the dance contest, the party AND the regatta! Can you top that?

As of this writing, there are already 53 teams registered with many of the world’s top sailors in attendance. Mauricio Santa Cruz and five other teams are coming from Brazil. Mike Ingham, Tony Parker, Chris Snow, and many of the USA’s best sailors are also coming. There will be teams from more than ten countries participating, including Monaco, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Peru, Canada, and many others. The regatta organizers are expecting a fleet of around 60 to 70 boats!

Check out j24mex.com for all of the official lowdown on the 2014 J/24 North American Championship Regatta, Copa Mexico. The sailing instructions will be available at registration and on the event website by March 10, 2014. You can also contact Leopoldo Farias, President of the J/24 Class Mexico by email - leopoldo_farias(at)hotmail.com.