Annual San Jeronimito River Regatta

A LITTLE HISTORY

The Regatta began October 12, 1987, when inhabitants of the community of San Jeronimito, near Petatlán, Guerrero, during a day of hunting, opted to be transported in pangas (wooden boats) along the river as a new hunting strategy.

The new mode of transport, which took them downriver to the San Valentin sand bar, proved to be much more exciting than they expected, and the group decided to repeat the trip the following year.

Through the intervening years, the Regatta spontaneously evolved into an annual event without a great amount of organization even though the participants steadily increased year by year, its arrangements being undertaken with the support of the local community who, under the bridge of the River San Jeronimito, have delighted the tired adventurers with delicious and typical regional foods.

UNDER THE SAN JERONIMITO BRIDGE

The Annual San Jeronimito River Regatta traditionally makes 2 stops before arriving at its final destination (the San Valentín sand bar). Said stops are the aforementioned San Jeronimito Bridge as well as one made in the archaeological community of La Soledad de Maciel (La Chole). The starting point of the Regatta has changed over the past several years in order to take advantage of the many rapids and obstacles that exist up-river, providing a touch more excitement and adventure for the event.

It is important to point out that in this competition no trophies or individual prizes were awarded, the first to arrive was not the winner, rather it was cooperation and sharing of experiences and the company of others that kept the event going in good faith, year after year.

Upon termination of the 1999 Regatta, it was decided that an Organizing Committee would be chosen, given the acceptance and expansion over time of the event. Said Committee was to be responsible for successfully seeing to all necessities of the XIV Annual Regatta.

Toward this purpose and to provide the Regatta with the favorable image it deserves, it was decided to put together Rules of Participation, and to establish the Competitive Leg of the Regatta as that which lies between the Starting Point and the San Jeronimito Bridge. Three watercraft categories were established:

• INFLATABLE CRAFT
• HARD-BOTTOMED CRAFT
• KAYAKS

Prizes and honorable mentions were publicly awarded to the first 3 places.

One of the main objectives of this First Organizing Committee was to create a list of participants and sponsors, which serve in the organization of subsequent Regattas, as well as achieve sufficient organizational structure to be considered an option in National Circuits as an eXtreme sport.

ALL THAT IS NEEDED IS A WATERCRAFT, A LIFE JACKET, A HELMET, IMAGINATION AND THE DESIRE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME

The Annual San Jeronimito River Regatta is currently currently in its 18th year. The first time that the event was effected it was a spontaneous act with no organization whatsoever with the sole intention being the celebration of "Dia de la Raza", counting only on the avidness and friendship that united the children of several of the families of the town of San Jeronimito, and it is they who currently form events Organizing Committee.

On this occasion with the intention of continuing the tradition, carrying the image of "Father Jesus of Petatlán" as the Patron of the event and after taking the traditional photograph of all the participants, the start of the XVIII Annual San Jeronimito River Regatta will occur at a place known as "El Camalotito" (up-river from San Jeronimito Bridge) on Saturday October 9 at approximately 9:00 am, with the participation of some 150 vessels and some 500 team competitors, with estimated arrival at the finish line at the San Jeronimito River Bridge at approximately 12:00 noon. Subsequently the awarding of prizes and mentions will take place in the area of the San Jeronimito Bridge, and there will be live music and public activities to enjoy.

Mention should be made of the enthusiastic sponsors of this event: Modelo Brewery (Corona); Liberación (travel agency); Hotel Melia Azul Ixtapa; Comercial Mexicana; Fibazi; Coca Cola, Hotel Radison Ixtapa, Hotel Kristal Ixtapa, Hotel Pacifica Ixtapa, Imprenta Roque, El Arbolito Seafood, Public Notary No 3, Viajes Bravo, Pescados y Mariscos Gilbert´s, Cartonera del Pacifico, Kawasaki of Zihuatanejo, Lavandaria Expres, Publi Zihua, Restaurant El Faro de Pacifica Ixtapa, the constant and uncompromised support of the H. Town Halls of Zihuatanejo and Petatlán who provide ambulance and transportation; the media which cover the event to give you the information that you need; as well as the helpful and very necessary participation of medical and rescue personnel that, given to their knowledge and skills, make the safe evolution of this event possible.

The Annual San Jeronimito River Regatta has already become a tradition with its widespread dissemination, finishing each year with a greater acceptance and higher participation on the part of the citizenry, the authorities, companies and organizations, who with their support make this cooperative event possible.

We are grateful to everyone involving for publicising and covering this event.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT: CARLOS SOTELO PIRSCH

SECRETARY: GILBERTO SANCHEZ BUSTAMANTE

TREASURER: GUSTAVO PEÑA CORTEZ

Translated from a press release provided by the Organizing Committee of the XVIII Annual San Jeronimito River Regatta