16 March 2021
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After building Sail Port Stephens into one of Australia’s premier yachting regattas, organisers are now seeking to replicate the same successful formula for dinghy, skiff, catamaran and sailboard racing.
For the first time, a full off-the-beach regatta will be held on 24-25 April – the peak weekend for Sail Port Stephens activities including the NSW IRC Championships. There will be junior and open divisions, with all classes invited to attend.
Host club, Bay Sailing Centre, situated on the shores of Salamander Bay, has a 40-year history of running local dinghy sailing as well as world, national and state championships for myriad classes. It faces East towards the majestic Port Stephens headlands – a body of water widely regarded as offering one of the best sailboat racing tracks in Australia.
The clubhouse will provide ample rigging and launching opportunities while a public wharf and concrete boat ramp is 100-metres north of the site.
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The event will also bring together all the laid-back fun factors that make Sail Port Stephens so popular with competitors, adding the professional race management resources of Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club was granted the lease to Bay Sailing Centre last December.
“Sail Port Stephens started in 2007 with just 25 yachts, a far cry from the 160 entries received for our last regatta in 2019, and once again, we’re at absolute full capacity for marina berths and moorings in 2021,” said Race Director, Jennie Hughes.
“So, we’re aiming to build the off-the-beach component in a similar way, starting from the ground up. It’s a great time to be at Port Stephens, with ideal weather conditions, lots of social activities and a relaxed sailing carnival atmosphere throughout the area.
“Plus, we’ll be ramping up the media coverage with drone footage and professional photography to give class associations a major publicity boost.”
Restaurants, bars, marinas, local hotels and accommodation suppliers are set to welcome all visitors with the event being held outside the busier Easter and school holiday periods.
“We’ve previously held an event for juniors only in one-sail classes like Lasers, Open Skiffs and Optimists. Opening it up to other classes and adult sailors creates more opportunities for families and couples to compete,” Hughes added.
“Already, the NSW Finn class has expressed interest, and they may bring some boats down from Queensland. We’d love to have them, and I’m looking forward to hearing from other associations as well.”
A number of satellite regattas are also being run at Bay Sailing Centre prior to Sail Port Stephens, including the RS Aero Intergalactic Championship scheduled for 27-28 March and the NS14 Nationals at Easter.
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