Sailfest: Sailors Giving Back, As Told by California-Based Yacht Broker Peter Benziger

Peter Benziger, Denison Yacht Broker and three-time volunteer at Sailfest, brings us this story.

Denison yacht broker Peter Benziger has worked on or around boats way before he ever joined the team at Denison Yachting. Working in boatyards and marinas on the East Coast growing up, he became an avid J-24 sailboat racer. He and his wife, Margie, completed an eight-year circumnavigation of the world aboard their Tayana 47, covering 42,000 miles and visiting 44 countries. With a rich history in sailing, it goes without saying that Peter is involved in the community in many ways.

Every February, cruisers from around the world have gathered in Zihuatanejo, Mexico for two weeks of fun and philanthropy. This event, known as Sailfest, raises money for school construction projects implemented by the Mexican non-profit organization Por los Ninos (For the Kids).

Benziger, a dedicated, three-time volunteer at Sailfest, brings us this captivating story.

Since 2002, the proceeds from Sailfest have been used to construct 139 classrooms, science laboratories, computer centers, kitchens, bathrooms, and gymnasiums. This includes construction of 14 completely new schools and repairs to 29 existing schools.

This year, Sailfest 2022 raised 3,450,000 pesos ($175,000 U.S. dollars) – a record despite the lingering shadow of Covid-19 and the struggles of the tourism sector to recover economically. 

Funds are raised through generous contributions from the cruisers as well as Zihuatanejo’s multinational tourists – many of whom schedule their vacations around the growing list of events put on by the Sailfest committee of over 85 volunteers. 99% of these funds go directly to the school projects for the kids.

On-the-water activities include sunset music cruises featuring local and international artists, a “Rally-Round-the-Rock” race, where paying guests can crew aboard a monohull or catamaran or help officiate at the Start/Finish line. There’s also the annual Sail Parade from Zihuatanejo to Ixtapa. Guests take a leisurely cruise between the bays of the two world-class resort towns while enjoying food and beverages, and, occasionally, a pod of dolphins or a breaching whale.

Onshore activities this year included a Chili Cook-Off, rock & roll bands on the beach, elegant house parties with musical entertainment, numerous raffles, a live auction, and the traditional gala dinner, with music provided by school children from the community.

In Zihuatanjeo, many of the schools are ramshackle, wooden classrooms staffed by idealistic teachers who are, frequently, unpaid. Drop-out rates are high, with young girls often leaving school due to pregnancy and young boys needing to help their parents support the family or, perhaps, attracted to the cartels.

All schools built by Sailfest have been certified by the government. This certification means that the schools can receive textbooks and classroom materials, paid teachers, nutritional support, and a path for academic advancement and successful careers.

Benziger celebrated with students from the Collegio Bachilleres High School. This school was built entirely with Sailfest funds and currently hosts 300 students. With another 135 students expected to matriculate next September, the director mentioned that they needed another classroom. The success of Sailfest 2022 means a new classroom will be built here, as well as many other projects at other community schools.

Cruisers – both sail and power – are invited to bring their boats to the next Sailfest on February 12-26, 2023. If you can’t bring your boat down, hop on a plane and come join us.

Por los Ninos is a Mexican registered charity founded in 2005 to administer the funds raised by Sailfest. Visit the website www.porlosninos.com to learn more!