Zihua Sailfest 2012
Tuesday, Feb. 7th thru Sunday, Feb. 12th

You are cordially invited to participate in the 11th Annual Zihua Sail Fest fund-raising party for the education of disadvantaged children in Zihuatanejo This annual event is held in the beautiful Zihuatanejo Bay located at Lat: 17.6° N, 101.5° W. In the true spirit of a "rendezvous", vessels begin 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. SailFest is a five-day festival that combines fun and games, heart-felt volunteerism and an outpouring of international friendship. Although the tone of the event is light-hearted, the cruisers’ goals are serious – to raise funds for the education of Zihuatanejo’s poorest children.

Cocktail parties, benefit concert, live auctions, sailboat and dingy races, poker chases, kids day, beach parties, seminars, ham radio tests, chili cook-offs, street fairs, regattas and work parties at the schools are just some of the events that highlight this gathering of "free spirits".

In 2011, the troops raised approximately $434,000 pesos, including the generous matching grant from the Bellack Foundation and cruiser/donor Pete Boyce. Bolstered by a $22,000.usd grant from Rotary International, materials donations from the city and state, and the volunteer labor of dozens and dozens of parents, our bright-eyed young scholars now have a new kindergarten and a new primary school in which to learn. This year, 5 schools, and more than 400 children, benefited from educational projects funded by Sailfest.

The funds are administered by Por Los Niños of Zihuatanejo, a Mexican registered non-profit corporation that was established to administer the funds raised by Sail Fest related activities. A nine member advisory committee composed of year round international residents, local bi-lingual Mexican educators and representatives of the sailing community makes all funding decisions.

We hope you plan to join us in 2012 to continue this tradition that began only 10 years ago, but has gained international recognition as a "major" sailing community event. Each year, as many as 102 vessels register and join in the fun! If you are planning to attend (either actually or with a "virtual" vessel) please fill out the registration form so that we can properly coordinate the T-shirts, hats, food, drinks, accommodations and the many other requirements we have found to be necessary. Your collaboration is appreciated and we look forward to seeing you in Zihua.

And the kids are waiting to meet you!

Make a Donation Donations to local Zihuatanejo schools and community projects are made via the LosNinos.us website - the site will open in a new window.