One of the most popular sports in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is sailing. Every year, thousands of sailing aficionados come to enjoy and practice their favorite sport in the beautiful natural setting of Zihuatanejo. The Zihua Sail Fest, which is celebrating its twelfth anniversary, has become one of my favorite events of the year.
In true spirit of a “rendezvous”, vessels start arriving in November from as far away as Alaska and the Caribbean and drop anchor until February to participate in what is becoming one of Mexico’s premier sailing events.
The Zihua Sail Fest is a five-day festival that combines fun and games, heart-felt volunteerism and an outpouring of international friendship. The general mood of the event is light-hearted, but participants’ goals are pretty serious: To raise funds for the education of Zihuatanejo’s disadvantaged children.
Sailboat and dinghy races, cocktail parties, concerts, live auctions, kids’ day, beach parties, chili cook-offs, regattas and school events are just some of the activities that highlight this gathering. (In fact, Capella Ixtapa’s seafood chili recipe won the contest last year!)
Last year, bolstered by grants from Rotary International, materials donations from the city government, and the volunteer labor of dozens of parents, the event raised $474,000 pesos. The money provided our community with a new kindergarten and primary school. Projects funded by the last Zihua Sail Fest benefited five schools and more than 400 children.
This year the festival takes place from February 5th until February 10th. Last year 102 vessels registered and we are hoping for even more this year! If you are interested in partaking in this year’s events, please join me at Capella Ixtapa and your Personal Assistant will happily help in your planning. For more information on the fundraiser & foundation visit PorLosNinos.com.
Photo by: Christian Ramiro González Verón via Flickr
