La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico - The summer solstice has been celebrated for centuries, with all sorts of traditions growing up around the event. In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice is usually celebrated on the 21st of June, but this year in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico, it will be celebrated on Saturday, June 18 with an Umbrella Downwind Regatta and SUP "Starship" Rally through Marina Riviera Nayarit.

All you need is a dinghy, kayak, surf or paddleboard - and an umbrella or umbrella-like device designed to catch the wind - to be a part of a wind-filled drag race through Marina de La Cruz that starts between docks 2 & 3 and ends at Oso's Oyster Bar.

To participate in the Umbrella Downwind Regatta, meet at the The Poolside Deli at 1:00 pm to sign up (free) for the umbrella race, which is open to all ages and begins at 2:00 pm. All entrants must register to be eligible to win a prize.

Requirements for The Umbrella Regatta

• No engines allowed
• Vessels must be under 16'
• No dagger boards / keels
• Vessels with rudder - NO paddles allowed
• No conventional sail rig allowed
• Paddles can only be used for steering
• 1 large OR 2 small umbrella(s) per person
• Kites not larger then 2 sq. meters
• Be creative when designing your vessel, and earn extra points for Pets on Board.

Next up is the SUP "Starship" Rally, in which three teams of eight people will race through the Marina on an inflatable paddle board. Surf Mexico will supply demo SUP boards for this race, which begins at 4:00 pm.

After the races, you can kick back and enjoy drinks and appetizers and live music at Oso's Oyster Bar, where fabulous prizes sponsored by local businesses in La Cruz and Bucerías will be awarded to the winners in each category. The after-party starts at 5:00 pm.

This fun-filled day is open to the public, and we encourage families to participate. Even if it's just to cheer on the competitors.

For more information, feel free to contact Marina Riviera Nayarit Public Relations Director, Katrina Liana at 329-295-5526.