The Mexico J/24 Class Association had a few changes in 2012, starting with a new governing body led by Mr. Elias Fares and his able team. It was also decided to change our format from four quarterly championships to two semester championships. Not all of the regattas in the calendar will count toward these as you can see in our yearly calendar (regatta information available on the “J/24 Event Calendar” on this website). Only the most important events will be tallied, taking into consideration the most favorable wind and weather conditions throughout the year as well. This year will also be very important with preparations for the many important international events taking place here in 2014. This year will be a very intense one with elimination rounds to qualify for these regattas, which we are sure will be a great success. Mexico will again be host for the Central American and Caribbean Games. The venue has not been decided upon at this time. The games will be hosted by the State of Veracruz on our Gulf of Mexico coast. Veracruz is well known for its winds of 20 plus knots, but the possibility of cold weather from the North at year’s end is a concern. Therefore, the venue might be moved to a yet unknown location. Another huge event scheduled next year is the J/24 North American Championship which we have hosted on two occasions, 2003 and 2009. On both occasions we have had large fleets with very competitive sailing and of course Mexico’s wonderful weather and terrific parties! This time we are planning to make the NAs part of COPA MEXICO, held at Bahia de Banderas on the Pacific Coast. For those of you who have had the opportunity to sail there (the 2007 Worlds were held here), you are well aware of the great place it is to sail in. Excellent wind conditions, warm weather and some of the best J/24 sailors in the world practically guarantee a memorable event. Copa Mexico in its own right has become one of the world’s premier sailing events with many classes ranging from Ocean racing classes down to Optis including our own J/24, with over 3,000 sailors participating make it an event not to be missed! For those of you who have come to sunny Mexico for a sail, come sail with us again, and those who haven’t come and see what a truly great place this is!!