Sport sailing in Lake Chapala is a deep-rooted tradition going back at least a century when the area was in its “golden era” and well-heeled Guadalajara families established vacation homes along the shoreline. Like the lake itself, the practice has gone through its ups and downs over recent years. And this season, both are enjoying a welcome revival.
Under the sponsorship of the State Sports Council (CODE) and the Jalisco Sailing Association (AVJ), a training program to prepare young sailors for national and international competitive events was recently reinstated at the Club Yates de Chapala. Nikolay Borissov, current technical director of the Mexican Sailing Federation, and his wife Yamile Tamayo, an experienced gymnastics instructor, have been brought aboard to coach the Jalisco sailing team.
The school now has an enrollment of 20 kids who hail from Guadalajara and five more who are lakeside natives. Among the latter is Elena Oetling, the 20-year-old star of San Antonio who has racked up multiple awards on the national and international circuits and, with top ranking in the women’s laser radial class, has an easy shot at representing Mexico in the 2016 Olympics. 
At age 11, with only two years of sailing practice under her belt, Chapala’s own Maria de los Angeles Ochoa has already shown championship potential by collecting a batch of trophies in the Optimus dingy class.
Last weekend, sailing buffs from Guadalajara, Chapala and the Jalisco coast gathered at a private country home located on the south shore near San Luis Soyotlan for the two-day El Tangon Cup regatta. The event was marked by a wholesome family atmosphere and warm camaraderie among the competitors.
Back on our side of the pond, members of the Club de Yates are ready for the traditional Regatta de la Luna, an overnight sailing event held under the light of October’s full moon. Boats with four- to five-man crews will cast offshore from the club this Saturday between 4 and 6 p.m., depending upon wind conditions, heading west towards a buoy at San Juan Cosala. With expected arrival there close to midnight, the sailors will then double back towards Tuxcueca, continue east to circle Mezcala Island, finally returning to port around 9 a.m.
