The largest number of class events and marine conferences in Sail Port Stephens history will be staged as part of the 2017 regatta, which will be held April 3 to 9.

Regatta director Paul O’Rourke said the event has grown significantly in the past decade, to the point that it had outgrown its April school holiday time slot.

“We’re expecting a record number of entries to celebrate the 10^th anniversary milestone of Sail Port Stephens,” he said.

“With the change of dates, our participants should have more marina berths available and more accommodation options, plus it avoids a clash with other events.”

Women Who Sail Australia’s second annual Gathering on the Bay will kick off the regatta, serving as an entree to the main event.

Running in Nelson Bay between March 31 to April 3, Gathering on the Bay will include a dinner, talks and an expert panel discussion.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Sailors With Disabilities and Marine Rescue.

Regatta staple race the Commodores Cup is scheduled for the first three days of the event (April 3-5) while the iconic NSW IRC Championships and Port Stephens Trophy series will round out the week (April 7-9).

As many as 20 crews will contest the Australian Sport Boat Association’s national titles during the last three days of Sail Port Stephens.

At the same time, more than 10 super-charged Super 12s will vie for the NSW state title, the strongest fleet to date.

ASBA president Chris Bland said Port Stephens was chosen as the national titles venue due to its central location for owners trekking from southern Queensland and Victoria.

“Last year the [Sail Port Stephens] regatta offered some spectacular sport boat sailing and this year won’t disappoint either,” Bland said.

“We’re going to have 10 boats... but more likely 15 and as many as 20.

“At last year’s nationals in Queensland we had nine boats, so it’s looking better.

“There’s a good chance we’ll get a nice mix of conditions.

“Timing-wise it also works well for us being the week before Easter – most of our boat owners are aged 30 to 60 and have young families, so it means they’re free to spend Easter at home.”

The Junior One-Sail Regatta, to be hosted at the Port Stephens Sailing and Aquatic Club, will be held between April 11 and 12 as a standalone event.

The off-the-beach series is designed for competitors under the age of 18. It is open to O’pen Bics, Sabots, Lasers and Optimists.

Read more on sailportstephens.com.au.