Sail Port Stephens attracts hot fleet

While ex-tropical cyclone Debbie was parked in the northern Tasman Sea and driving onshore conditions along the NSW and Queensland coasts, some 110 yachts and sailing dinghies were setting sail for the 2017 Sail Port Stephens regatta in Nelson Bay, NSW.

Organisers say Sail Port Stephens from April 3-9, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, has its biggest ever fleet of grand-prix and high-performance yachts, along with a packed social calendar for the hundreds of sailors.

All levels of sailing and age demographics are also engaged, with the mixed fleet racing including 15 Jeanneau entries, 14 Beneteaus, seven Northshores and a handful of Hanse yachts jousting on the course.

There is an 18-strong NSW IRC Championship fleet with five top TP52s and two Rogers 46s among them.

The National titles for the Australian Sport Boat Association has attracted 21 boats, including six interstaters, while the Super 12 State title division has eight entries. The Junior One-Sail dinghy division is out there, too.

Regatta Director Paul O’Rourke said one of the objectives is giving this audience an unforgettable and unique holiday experience while visiting Port Stephens and enjoying the family-friendly environment.

"That’s been one of the key messages from our competitors — don’t mess with the sailing and don’t mess with the socialising."

Regatta patron Matt Allen, President of governing body Australian Sailing, believes there’s something unique about Sail Port Stephens.

"I was talking to some people the other day and asked them to name their favourite regatta — most of them said ‘Port Stephens’, which is interesting," he says.

"The sailing waters are among the best in Australia and you get some terrific tactical racing against a good fleet of boats. You can also enjoy a couple of beers and have dinner, which brings the friendship and the camaraderie together. You’re not that far away from Sydney... but you’re far enough."

The last couple of months in Port Stephens has been thronging with the game boat crews pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the town during the marlin season, and the Interclub and Shootout competitions, followed by the Trailerboat Fishing Tournament last weekend.

Now it's the sailors turn to spend some coin and kick up their keels in Port Stephens.

More at www.sailportstephens.com.au.

Photo Credit: Sail Port Stephens