Zihua Sailfest 2003

Bigger and better'n ever, SailFest 2003 took place January 29 to February 2, 2003 with amazing amount of participation, more fun than ever, and remarkable fundraising results.

Over 100 boats from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo participated, and several hundred volunteers united to have all kinds of water and land-based events. A total of $11,500 was raised, which was again matched by the Bellack Foundation to become a grand total of $23,000 USD in financial assistance for the Netzahualcoyotl Indian School. T-shirts were sold, special event birgies went up, and dozens of organizers spent weeks pulling this five-day event together - and it all seemed to go off without a hitch!

Sail Fest 2003 - Article published in El Diario de Zihuatanejo, February 11, 2003 (Spanish). Click on El Diario Logo below to read...(100k) Read about Zihua Sail Fest 2003 in Another Day in Paradise

Events included boating related info seminars on Southbounder Cruising to Central American and the Panama Canal; Jim Corenman's great Wireless E-Mail Seminar on the latest developments in Airmail/SailMail; and even a Ham Test for those wishing to upgrade their licenses. Hours of fun were had in a Gala Beach Party of games and races at Las Gatas Beach, a Pursuit Race where nearly everybody wins, a Poker Chase for land racers, and a sunset dingy raft-up pot luck appetizer party aboard Profligate, Latitude '38's giant cat.

A Saturday charity sail aboard Profligate was tons of fun, and other cats Wavy and New Focus rode along. Sunday wrapped up with a beautiful 61-boat sail parade around Zihua Bay and up the coast to Ixtapa, and a huge Barbecue Feast and Raffle Drawing at Las Gatas Beach Club where over $4,000 USD in prizes were drawn. Children from the school sang, and several hundred folks had a grand old time sipping cerveza, and feasting on meals from 6 different local food vendors. Over 70 local businesses, restaurants and shops donated all the wonderful prizes, too! Special guests included Lic.. Esteban Espinosa Pesa, the Subsecretary of Education from the State of Guerrero and, of course, Marina Sanchez Hernandez, the founder and director of the 'Netza' School.

Special thanks go to all the cruisers and virtual cruisers who participated, our special event sponsors Rick's Bar, Latitude '38, Villa Del Sol, Banditos Bar & Grill, MJ & Ritchies Restaurant, Jaguar Tours, Sanka & JJ's Grille, & Casa Bahia. All our food vendors and beverage donors get kudos, as do our hosts at Beach Club Playa las Gatas. Let's not forget Zihua's working fleet and our local Harbormaster, too.

Muchas Gracias also to The Bellack Foundation, and Bill Underwood of the Underwood Foundation, who came in with a generous cash donation as well and a commitment to sponsor next year's event. Next year, the Office of Tourism & Conventions and the local hoteliers claim they will chime in with more support.

And too many other supporters and friends to mention! ….

The funds raised by SailFest 2003 will help build a huge, critical retaining wall at the Netza School and begin the funding for a permanent 50-bed dormitory to replace the current rustic "shelter" now housing 28 children 4 nights a week. Hereafter, the wall will be called "Muro des Veleros" - The Cruisers Wall - and all will be invited to visit it, paint their boat name and picture, plus take in the fantastic view of Zihua Bay up at the school.

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