The annual Sail Port Stephens regatta is on again, creating an unforgettable spectacle of sailing for everything from grand prix racing and sports boats, to cruising yachts, one-sail dinghies and 16-Foot skiffs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The “Bay” presents a picture perfect amphitheatre for inshore racing while the islands off Port Stephens draw favourable comparisons with the world’s best yachting meccas.
Nelson Bay town centre is set to come alive as a nautical fever grips the region.
Key dates this year are 9-15 April, with the iconic Commodores Cup scheduled for the first three days and the Garmin NSW IRC Championships and Pantaenius Port Stephens Trophy series and class titles on the final three days.
A lay day on the Thursday allows crews to savour the many tourism attractions.
In 2017, the regatta expanded its format. A Sailability/Special Olympics lead-up event was added to the program along with a Women Who Sail Australia conference, both of which have returned.
Also returning are national titles for the Australian Sports Boat Association, NSW titles for IRC and Super 12s and Performance Racing and Cruising Divisions.
Sail Port Stephens is adding a new 16-Foot Skiff ‘Keg Run’ event – it’s on 21-22 April. There’s also the Port Stephens Strata Junior Off-the-Beach One-Sail series for competitors aged under 18 on 17-18 April.
The region’s three major marinas – d’Albora Marina Nelson Bay, The Anchorage and Soldiers Point Marina – will be brimming with boats.
The packed social calendar begins the Monday night with a Wild Oats welcome party and rounds off Wednesday with a Beach Buoys themed ball for the Commodore’s Cup presentation.
Post-racing events are also held on the Friday and Saturday at d’Albora Marina’s Broughtons at the Bay function centre, which becomes regatta headquarters.
Saturday’s racing sees a Broughton Island passage race, taking yachts out to the pristine island around nine kilometres off the heads.
Sail Port Stephens has linked with the Hunter Medical Research Institute to raise funds for brain cancer research on this day, while Flagstaff Marine Beneteau provide the refreshments.
Friday night is free sausage sizzle and drinks night, thanks to sponsor Pantaenius.
Sail Port Stephens acknowledges the support of the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, along with Port Stephens Council, Pantaenius Insurance and Garmin. Secondary sponsors include Port Stephens Strata, d’Albora Marina, Anchorage Marina, Gill, Wild Oats, Harken, Heineken3 and the Seabreeze Hotel.
