Sail Port Stephens set for record start

The annual Sail Port Stephens regatta opening April 9-15 has already attracted almost 60 yachts from a local Elliott 780 trailer sailer to Graham Buckeridge's Frers 61 Margaret Rintoul V, all intent on mixing fun with three days of old-fashioned passage racing.

With entries still open until 5pm on Thursday March 29, Sail Port Stephens is set for its largest ever fleet when the starter's flag drops on April 9 for the opening event, the Commodores Cup regatta, organisers say.

Alongside an eclectic smattering of older or modified racing designs, there are (thus far) 12 Beneteaus, seven Jeanneaus, four Hanses, three Bavarias, three Dufours and a brace of Dehlers entered in the regatta.

But if there's an entry that defines the intent of Commodores Cup racing it's Julian Bell's Beneteau First 50, 51st Project. Their motto is 'a bad day sailing is better than a good day in the office'.

"New boat but the rules remain the same for us, no sheep stations at stake, always ready to have a great time on and off the water!" Bell adds.

Also in that boat are John and Kim Clinton — their Beneteau, Holy Cow, has previously been seen in the Whitsundays and Sydney-Hobart but not Port Stephens for some time. It's easily recognised by black and white cow spots, a cow horn and fluoro-lime crew.

John Clinton is better known as the drummer from the Wolverines, an Aussie country rock band hailing from Tamworth, and Holy Cow is also a fully licensed charter vessel.

Meantime, the yacht club 'hub' for Sail Port Stephens is Broughtons at the Bay function centre on Level 1 of d'Albora Marina Nelson Bay. It's where to head for registrations, briefings, daily prize draws, protests and post-race fun.

The packed social calendar begins the Monday night with an official welcome party, followed by Paella night on Tuesday, and rounding off Wednesday with a Beach Buoys themed ball for the Commodores Cup presentation. The ball dinner has a seating limit, so crews need to buy tickets in advance.

A lay-day separates the Commodores Cup from a long-weekend of more serious racing. It's a chance for crews to explore the sand dune tours of Stockton Bight, take in a dolphin watch cruise or just enjoy the region's many dining options.

Two feeder races help deliver the large fleet of yachts north from Pittwater on the weekend prior to the regatta.

First, the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club stages the Club Marine East Coast Blue Water Pointscore Race 6 Newcastle Race on April 7. Entrants berth overnight at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, which then hosts the Newcastle-Port Stephens race at 10am on Sunday, April 8, with divisions for PHS, IRC and ORCI.

Details at Sail Port Stephens. (Photos Craig Greenhill and Mark Rothfield).