Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico - The 2012 version of the Banderas Bay Regatta is about to begin. The Regatta, now in its 20th year, is unique in that it is designed specifically for the cruising sailor who is carrying extra sails, spare parts, a solar cell panel or two, and lots of provisions.

This year's Regatta will start on Tuesday, March 20th and run through Saturday, March 22nd. Thursday, March 23rd is the first day of competitive racing. The actual race is preceded by the traditional and crowd-pleasing Boat Parade. Competing boats will pass through the entrance channel to the Paradise Village and Nuevo Vallarta marinas starting at 11:30 am.

The theme of this year's parade is "Don't Worry - Be Happy" and the boat that best displays that spirit will take first place in the parade competitions. The Boat Parade is the first and best chance for sailboat racing fans to see the boats and their crew "up close and personal" as they head to the start line for the first of three days of racing.

Spectators can watch the parade from positions on either the south (near the Port Captain's office) or north (by the Paradise Village amphitheater) side of the marina entrance which borders the Paradise Village Resort in Nuevo Vallarta or from either jetty. Saturday is the last day of racing and the culmination of the event will be an Awards Banquet, which will be held at the Paradise Village Resort and Spa.

The race committee is setting up this year's courses to bring the boats much closer to the shore so spectators will have better views of the races. Some of the best viewing will be from the beach between Paradise Village and the Marival, or from the Marival Sky Bar and any of the Paradise Village Beach Clubs.

The Banderas Bay Regatta would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors including: Vallarta Yacht Club, Grupo Lloyd, Paradise Village Marina, Vallarta Lifestyles Publishing Group, Mariners General Insurance Group, State of Nayarit / Rivera Nayarit, Philo's Bar and Restaurant, PV Sailing, Vallarta Yachts, O & A Investment Funds, Todo Vela Mexico, and Los Arroyos Verdes Jardin Botanico.

For more information and a full schedule of events visit the Banderas Bay Regatta website.