“Learning is a result of listening, which in turn leads to even better listening and attentiveness to the other person. In other words, to learn from the child, we must have empathy, and empathy grows as we learn..”

Alice Miller

SAILFEST 2023

What is Sailfest?

Sailfest is a two-week regatta in paradise with the sole aim to raise money to support the education of local impoverished children.

Events include a Sail Parade, Rally Round the Rock, Sunset sails all hosted by volunteer sail and motorboats that offer spots on board for guests. The highlights are Music concerts involving local and international musicians on boats anchored in the bay as well as in private homes around Zihuatanejo.

There is a Meet and Greet, Benefit concert, and Gala dinner all happening at the beautiful pier in Zihuatanejo with students from our schools performing music and traditional dances. Auctions, chili cook-off, and school tours are all offered throughout the two weeks. So one can either sail off into the sunset or keep your feet firmly on the ground there is something for everyone.

History

In 2001 over 100 boats arrived in Zihuatanejo and wanted to do something to help a local school. They held the first Sail Parade and raised 2000 USD. Richard and Gloria Bellack offered to match whatever they raised. They brought school supplies and their muscles back the next year and went to work painting and making repairs. Little did they know Sailfest was born!

SAILFEST PROGRAM 2023

FROM 12 TO 26 FEBRUARY 2023

ZIHUATANEJO, GUERRERO, MEXICO

The Cruisers´ Desk and the Sales Desk are located beside the restaurant Casa Arcadia on Playa Principal

Opens from 13- to 24 February 2023 from 10.00 to 18.00

CALCUTTA EVENT
Rivalry and fun competition are what make our Rally Around the Rocks event special. Our Calcutta allows you and everyone you know to bet on your favorite boat(s). In previous years, our boats have canvassed not only their friends and family; but as well, their yacht clubs, service clubs, local businesses in their community, and everyone else they have ever known. It’s a chance for land-based connections to donate to Sailest in a fun and exciting way.

The first prize in this event goes to The Boat That Raises The Most Amount Of Money! The second prize is awarded to the first boat across the finish line. All boats will be handicapped with a staggered start to ensure a spectacular race across the finish line.

Please visit our Facebook page to find out more about the Rally boats, and why you should bet on them.

Please donate here.

Sunday, February 12
Walk-Run 
Registered runners/walkers welcome! Starts at pier 7:00 am. Register at the  City Hall 10 am to 3 pm Mon- Fri at the Office of Tourism. The cost is 250 pesos which includes a t-shirt & water.  Payment at City Hall.

Monday, February 13
Sailfest Welcome “Meet and Greet”
 6 pm to 10 pm. At the pier. Entertainment by our students. Dance to Steve’s Friendz Band. Free admission.

Tuesday, February 14
Valentine´s Day
Sunset music cruise.  Tickets at the cruisers´ desk.
House music concert in Casa Carolina, Barra de Potosí, $700 peso  donation. Tickets are online and at the sales desk.

Wednesday,  February  15
Live Auction
Viewing of items at 4 pm – starts at 5 pm to 7 pm – inside the museum.  Free admission.

Thursday, February 16
Chili cookoff
1 pm to 3 pm. Taste tickets 5 for $100 peso donation. At the museum, tickets are at the door. Chili makers welcome!  

Friday, February 17
School Tour
11 am to 1 pm.  Colegio de Bachilleres Entertainment by the High-School students.  Sign up at the sales desk.

Music in the backyard
Ali Todd at O´Riley´s Tortuga Bar in Barra de Potosí at 7 pm.  Tickets $500 peso donation.  Advanced tickets at the bar, online, or at the sales desk.

Saturday , February 18
Sail Parade
 9 am to 2 pm. Around Zihua Bay then to Ixtapa and back. Tickets are $500 peso donation at the cruisers´ desk.

Sunday, February 19
Parade of students from Sailfest Schools 5 PM  – from Cinco de Mayo to Plaza Kyoto

Monday February 20
Literario
Join the elementary children as they read to you.  Books as gifts are welcome.  Sign up at the sales desk.

Tuesday, February 21
Silent Action and Garage Sale
3 pm to 5 pm at the museum.  Free admission. Drop off items for the garage sale at 10 am to 11 am at the museum on the 21st as we don’t have room to store them.

Wednesday February 22
Benefit concert
7 pm to 10 pm. At the pier,  featuring the M-Docks from the USA, $350 peso donation. Tickets are online and at the sales desk.

Thursday, February 23
School Vist
Casa Para Niños in Zihuatanejo, – home of Rice and Beans. Perhaps you can sponsor a child.  Register at the sales desk.

Friday, February 24
Gala dinner
6 pm (cocktails) 7 pm (dinner) up to 10 pm.  Door prizes and entertainment by the students. $1,000 peso donation.  Tickets are online or at the sales desk.

Saturday February 25
Rally Round the Rock
Morning fun sailing event.  $500 peso donation.  Tickets at the cruisers´desk.

Champagne brunch
11 am to 1 pm (at La Vista Pacífica in La Ropa Beach) – $400 peso donation.  Tickets are online and at the sales desk.

Sunday, February 26
Volunteer / Windup Beach Party
1 pm to 6 pm. Escondite in Playa Blanca – $200 peso donation (includes burger and fries and a margarita or a beer).  Tickets are online and at the sales desk.

Ongoing
House music and cruise events
Check for events and sign up at the cruisers’ desk located near Plaza del Artista.

Raffle Tickets
5 tickets for $100 peso donation. Great prizes donated by local merchants and artists. Draws held during major events.  Get your tickets at the sales desk.

The cruisers´ desk and the sales desk are located beside the restaurant Casa Arcadia on Playa Principal.

Questions?  Please contact carolromain@gmail.com