Marina Riviera Nayarit to Host El Salvador Seminar Jan. 18
January 3, 2012
Byline: Capt. Pat Rains
LA CRUZ, Mexico — In advance of the third annual Cruisers Rally to El Salvador, the next in a series of free informational seminars will be held Jan. 18 at Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz, near Puerto Vallarta. Gather in the marina’s VIP room at 10 a.m. and bring your questions.
“Everyone will receive a free color copy of the new 42-page Bahia del Sol cruising guide and an information packet,” said rally organizer Jean Strain. “After the seminar at La Cruz, we will have a drawing for some fun prizes. Refreshments will be served,” she said. Details about the seminars and the rally can be found at elsalvadorrally.blogspot.com.
The final seminar prior to the start of the El Salvador rally is set for San Diego — Jan. 28, at the West Marine store at 1250 Rosecrans St.
“We will have a slide presentation at that seminar,” Strain said. “The first 50 people will receive an information package with maps, a rally sticker, a gift card and touring details.” She said guests will also receive the new Bahia cruising guide and refreshments, before a drawing for prizes.
For more information about these seminars, email Bill and Jean Strain of S.V. Mita Kuuluu at elsalvadorrally.blogspot.com or find rally information on Facebook.
The Cruisers Rally to El Salvador is an open cruise for yachts, both sail and power. All boats travel independently but must arrive at Bahia del Sol sometime between March 10 and April 29, where a pilot will be provided for crossing the bar into the sheltered estuary. But boat owners need to register in advance, also for free, on the rally’s website in order to get the hoard of freebies and discounts and to be eligible to win cash prizes — which have been as much as $3,000 U.S.
The purpose of the rally is to introduce yatistas to El Salvador and Central American cultures, and to facilitate international nautical tourism. Local schoolchildren are often invited to meet the cruising boaters who arrive from around the world, so it’s a true cultural exchange.
