FROM THE NORTH SHORE

Tania Elias Calles beat the Guinness Record

Tania Elias Calles, the top Mexican sailor, beat the Guinness Record for sailing in a laser without a motor, as the first step of her 2010 Challenge. Her challenge took place as part of the Riviera Nayarit Extravaganza Nautica

Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico – Sailing by following the stars “like Christopher Columbus” without a compass or light, and even after the few electronic supports aboard failed, Tania Elías Calles accomplished her challenge and achieved a new Guinness Record for distance by sailing by wind alone in a laser sailboat from Los Cabos to Riviera Nayarit.  Her next step is to sail from Cancun to Puerto Progreso in 2011, as part of her route to the Olympic Games in London in 2012. 

This first step of her challenge coincided with the celebration of the Nextel Bicentennial Mexico Cup Regatta during the month-long Riviera Nayarit Extravaganza Nautica, the largest sailing, beach and water sports festival ever held in Mexico. She will also defend her title as the Central American champion in the Laser Radial class which she has secured in four consecutive events.

In addition to the loss of her electronic equipment, she also suffered a fall into the sea and wet most of her ropes, which could have suspended her challenge because of the danger of hypothermia.

 “The sailboat overturned and all of my ropes got wet.  I was only able to rescue two of my lycra leggings. There were also moments in which exhaustion almost overcame me and I fell asleep while sailing. It seemed as if I slept for hours but my team told me that it never was more than ten minutes,” said Ms. Elias during the press conference announcing her achievement.

 “My preparation to beat the Guinness Record was the same as I used to win the Central American title. The only thing that I lack is to have a full-time trainer to implement a four year plan to the 2012 Olympic Games, step by step, beginning with the Central American, Pan-American and Olympic Games, without missing the international regattas where I can participate,” continued Ms. Elias. “I hope to secure sponsorship for my 2012 Challenge and participation in the Scottish World Championship.”

About the Riviera Nayarit Nautical Extravaganza
During February and March, Riviera Nayarit was the site of eleven major international regattas and beach tournaments, as well as a variety of sports and cultural events, February 27- March 20, 2010.  Major events include the Nextel Bicentennial Mexico Cup Regatta, the San Diego to Nuevo Vallarta Race, the Latin America Boat Show exhibiting over 120 boats, International Beach Volleyball Tournament and World Cup Beach Soccer competition as well as Elias Calles’ 2012 Challenge. Email to a friend

M. SILVER ASSOCIATES - Maria Castro
E-mail: mariac@msilver-pr.com
Phone: (212) 754-6500
Website: RivieraNayarit.com

Feedback about this Article

Previous Articles
Puerto Vallarta Photo Gallery
Riviera Nayarit Photo Gallery