Moving full sail

Schedule to begin 19 April, this year’s Sail Port Stephens is shaping up to be one of its biggest.

15 April 2021

With a total of over 200 entries, the 2021 Sail Port Stephens – scheduled to run 19–26 April – is shaping up to be a vibrant display of racing and sailing, as well as one of its biggest editions.

So big that Sail Port Stephens have confirmed that all three marinas are at all full capacity, requiring additional mooring to fit all the accepted entries, and that the annual Commodores Cup Presentation, a 300-ticketed event, sold out in two days.

The news is welcomed for host club Bay Sailing Centre, situated on the shores of Salamander Bay.

The Bay Sailing Centre has a 40-year history of running local dinghy sailing as well as world, national and state championships for myriad classes.

Sail Port Stephens have also confirmed that across both the Commodore Cup, scheduled from the 19–21, and the weekend Port Stephens Trophy Series, there will be over 150 unique entries.

Bay Sailing Centre. (Credit: Sail Port Stephens.)

Junior One-Sail, Hosted By Corlette Point Sailing Club, 2016 Sail Port Stephens. (Credit: Craig Greenhill/ Saltwater Images.)

Ichi Ban (Supplied: CYCA.)

Ichi Ban (Supplied: RPAYC)

Whisper, then Chinese Whisper, claimed a race record in the 2020 Teakle Classic Adelaide to Port Lincoln Yacht Race. (Credit: Take 2 Photography.)

Beneateau Figaro 3. (Supplied.)

This year will also see the introduction of a full off-the-beach regatta, planned for the 24–25 April, and will include the NSW IRC Championships. Currently, there are almost 60 confirmed entries for the off-the-beach regatta, including 15 fins and wind surfers.

There are also expected to be 30 odd boats in the Performance Racing and 62 for the Performance Cruising event.

“Sail Port Stephens started in 2007 with just 25 yachts,” said Race Director Jennie Hughes in March. “And once again we’re at absolute full capacity for marina berths and moorings in 2021.”

Confirmed as entries this year include 2021 SailFest Newcastle’s overall IRC winner, Ichi Ban, the 62-footer Whispers – the biggest entry for this year – and a recently arrived, brand new Beneteau Figaro.

Also planned for this week of racing are the Trailable Yachts & Sport Boat Class, TP 52 Series and more.

For a more detailed list of everything to do during this year’s Sail Port Stephens, both on and off the water, click here.

sailportstephens.com.au

baysailingcentre.com.au

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