About
Hobie Cat Regattas are a unique thing to see in Rocky Point. The Sea of Cortez off the coast comes to life each spring and fall with colorful hobie cats gliding across the waves. The traditional 5 de mayo Regatta of Phoenix Fleet 66 and the October Piñata Regatta of Tucson Hobie Fleet 514 put on a terrific show after launching from in front of Playa Bonita. Whether taking part or watching from shore, hobie cats are always a welcome spectacle for residents and visitors alike.
The colorful sails of Fleets 66, 514, and Arizona Fleet 85 have gathered in Rocky Point twice a year for over three decades to enjoy weekends of fun, camaraderie, and competition. The sandy beach stretching west of town is the launching pad for the bi-annual hobie races. The ample patio at Restaurante Puesta del Sol provides a perfect vantage point for spectators.
Hobie cat dates are always a fantastic getaway for visitors to Rocky Point to marvel at the bright sails lining the shore. Sails can be seen afar from anywhere along the malecon in the Old Port, though picking out a spot on the beach near Playa Bonita will offer the best view of the hobie cats. Or, order a tasty libation at the Tiki Beach Bar at Sonoran Sky and settle in to relax on the beach while the hobie cats dart across the water.
Piñata Regatta dates fall mid-October, while the 5 de Mayo Regatta is scheduled as near to the 5 de mayo festivities as possible. Check their websites for details.
Hobie Cat Regattas: Fun Facts & Cool Features
Hobie Cat Fleets 514 from Tucson and 66 from Phoenix have been hosting regattas in Rocky Point for over three decades, including the 1994 Multi-Boat Nationals. In 2016, the two fleets welcomed the North American Hobie Class Association Championship, hosted in Rocky Point. This attracted some of the best catamaran sailors in the world.
The traditional Piñata Regatta and 5 de mayo Regatta in Rocky Point have consistently had over 25 boats each year, attracting sailors and non-sailors alike to enjoy the event. It is always a thrill to look out in the morning and see the multi-colored sails on the sandy shore. During the fall Piñata Regatta, shrimp boats are also common on the horizon as the dates fall shortly after shrimp season begins.
The temps in October and May are ideal for beach cats, while the Sea of Cortez offers warm water and consistent winds. Relaxing on the beach while watching hobie cats skirt across the Sea of Cortez is a wonderful addition to a Rocky Point getaway.
