RIVIERA NAYARIT TO HOST A FULL MONTH OF MAJOR REGATTAS AND WATER SPORTS TOURNAMENTS

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico – February 20, 2014 – March is a month that Riviera Nayarit celebrates its spectacular beaches and exciting range of top quality water sports facilities.  From March 16 – 30, Riviera Nayarit will host – for the third time – the country’s major sailing competition, the Mexico Cup Regatta.  Approximately two thousand participants and four hundred boats will compete in The Mexico Cup Regatta which includes three main competitions: the Ocean Class, J24 and Windsurf.  These three races will take place in the Marina Riviera Nayarit at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, an activity-rich marina sheltered by a tranquil cove and a spectacular boardwalk. The Marina hosts several globally renowned sailing events throughout the year and is considered the Pacific Ocean base to some of the area’s most luxurious yachts. "It’s incredible for us to be chosen to host the Regatta for the third time, based on our world class marina, superb facilities and organization, plus outstanding beaches," said  Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It is our pleasure to remain as the host for this incredible event that attracts such global recognition in the world of sailing and other water-based events.” From March 23 – 30, the Laser Class, Optimist and Club 420 will take place at the Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Vallarta.  In addition, the Regatta’s Kiteboard Class (March 25 - 29) will take place in Bucerías with participants considered the best in the field.  This year’s competitors include Sean Farley, world Kitesurf champion, as well as Demita Vega and David Mier y Terán, silver and bronze medal winners in their respective Windsurf categories during the Pan American Games of 2011. Other exciting events during the month include the Punta Sayulita Longboard & SUP Classic (March 7-9), a stand-up paddleboard and surf competition in the boho-chic Sayulita and the 22nd Banderas Bay International Regatta (March 12 – 16), which showcases competing coastal and off-shore yachts. Designed to be fun but competitive, the event also features nightly entertainment with live music. Raising funds for a good cause, it is the signature event of the Vallarta Yacht Club.

About Riviera NayaritMexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible Puerto Vallarta International Airport.  The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay.  Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, bird watching, international cuisine, and the local artwork from the traditional Huichol tribe. Riviera Nayarit is recognized as a “Virtuoso Preferred Destination.” The region attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns. For more information, visit www.RivieraNayarit.com or follow Riviera Nayarit's Fan Page on Facebook.