Puerto Vallarta, México – As the start of the 2026 Puerto Vallarta Race approaches, final preparations are underway for one of offshore sailing’s most demanding passages on the West Coast calendar. On February 26, crews will depart San Diego Yacht Club and set a southerly course toward Mexico, beginning the 1,000-mile race to Banderas Bay.
The upcoming edition reflects a broad reach, with 26 boats entered from across the United States and beyond. Teams from California, Nevada, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Washington will be joined by an international entry from Australia, underscoring the race’s growing appeal. For many competitors, the event offers a rare balance of technical offshore sailing and a rewarding finish in Puerto Vallarta, supported by years of cooperation between San Diego Yacht Club and local hosts.
Several top performers from the 2024 race are returning, including Amazing Grace, Blackwing, Pyewacket, and Vitesse, all seeking to repeat past success.
The fleet will also welcome new challengers, among them the Rogers 46 Natural Nine and Patriot IX, a Class 40 making its debut in a major West Coast offshore race. Patriot IX represents the US Patriot Sailing program, which uses competitive sailing to connect more than 1,000 active-duty, reserve, and retired veterans nationwide.
Boat size and speed will be defining features in 2026. Nearly two-thirds of the registered fleet measures over 50 feet, with the 73-foot Velos standing as the largest entry. A group of seven TP52-style yachts forms one of the strongest divisions in recent race history, setting the stage for closely contested results throughout the fleet.
Results will be calculated using ORR certificates combined with US Sailing’s Forecast-Time Correction Factor, designed to balance the effects of shifting weather as boats start on different days. Divisions will begin racing on staggered starts scheduled for February 26, 27, and 28, based on rating.
Many crews will sharpen their offshore skills earlier in the month during the SDYC/NHYC Islands Race, which begins February 6 and circles Catalina and San Clemente Islands before finishing in San Diego. The race provides valuable preparation, allowing teams to test systems and settle into overnight routines ahead of the longer passage south.
Late entry remains available for the 2026 Puerto Vallarta Race through February 6, while the Islands Race will accept late registrations with added fees. Full details are available at pvrace.com and islandsrace.com.
The 2026 Puerto Vallarta Race is supported by Marine Weather University, Velas Vallarta, Bebemos Tequila, Flamingo Vallarta Hotel, Sailing Supply, and Marina Vallarta, continuing a strong cross-border partnership that has defined the event for decades.
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