Veracruz 2014

[ShakenNotStirred]

From Gary Anderson:
The governor of the state of Veracruz has made contact with GBCA and LYC to ask them to see about reactivating the Veracruz Regatta in 2014.   He is offering all support with government entities, a new marina that is now built (much more secure), hosting of the awards banquet, setting up tours to locations in the state of Veracruz.  The governor sent a group of 6 officials including the director of tourism for the state, the director of ports, his finance minister and others to visit with us and see what sailors would like to see in order to get the regatta going again.   We need input from those who might be interested in sailing this regatta again.

The GBCA Board met with Gary to discuss resurrecting the Regata de Amigos in 2014.  I understand that LYC is surveying their members regarding this as well. We would like GBCA members' input, as well as anyone who would be interested in racing to Veracruz.

[Bee]

Veracruz is a wonderful city.  Portales with the 16th century cathedral is delightful.  The Maya pyramid at Palenque is also a neat place to visit but maybe a bit too far away.  I wish Stinger was big enough to do this comfortably, but even though I won't be part of it, I do think this regatta should be re-started.  I vote for the Regatta de Amigos.

[hayesrigging]

I vote in favor of bringing in back!!!  Ive done the race four times and its been long enough that I think Im dumb enough to do it again!!!!  Thats a pretty tough 600+ miles to sail but a heck of a lot of fun once you get there!!!!  The city goes all out to accomodate the boats and crews.  I will be filling out my LYC survey shortly and will definitely vote to bring it back. 

[Bee]

Kevin:

I just did the same with the LYC survey.

[Gladden]

I have done the Regatta De Amegos since 2006. The last one was over the top with the Tall Ships in for the party. It was poorly attended in part due to IKE, the economy and gangsters (Time heals all). Now they have the Marina for us they have been talking about since I have been going. Can't wait to see it. Although I would like to see the race to Isla Mujeres resurrected, I think that one was replaced many years ago by Race to The Border in odd years. Isla is a long beat ( I have done it) but all the LYC suggested Florida and Gulf Coast alternatives are a beat with alot more rigs. Gulfport race did not come close to the fun, adventure, good sailing, romance and war stories of any race to Veracruz. GG

[Xavier]

This is the best offshore regatta we ever had. I started doing this regatta in 1988 and done it about 9 or 10 times. I remember one year, I believe was 1992 that we had 100 boats in the regatta, in fact we were escorted by the Coast Guard. Perhaps the economy in the last few years and the insecurity in Mexico were the largest contributors of the decline, but with a new marina, more job security and the backing of the state of Veracruz, I think this regatta can be revive, however, is going to take a lot of effort to get boats to sign up, perhaps GBCA can  start a campaign this year by starting to make people aware of it, start pushing it every regatta by giving away prizes, if you get people to talk about it now and plan for it, you can make it happen.