Sail Port Stephens brings around $1m to the local economy

by Janelle Gardner on 28 Feb 2012 Sail Port Stephens is one of the most popular and fastest growing sailing regattas in Australia.

After just four years the regatta has grown from a fleet of 25 boats to over 125 with crew, friends and family expanding the attendee numbers to over 4500.

In 2012 the regatta will be held from 16-22nd April. Organised by Corlette Point Sailing Club and supported by Port Stephens Council and Destination NSW, it continues to expand its audience in the sailing community. The 2011 regatta saw an 11% increase in entries over 2010 and 31% increase on 2009*.

Sail Port Stephens is one of many regional events on the 2012 NSW Events Calendar. As part of their research, Destination NSW estimate that the net economic impact of Sail Port Stephens was somewhere around $1 million to the local economy. With the average visitors staying around six days and enjoying a wide range of activities, this economic value is spread across the business community.

'Sail Port Stephens is a regatta for the whole family and for the whole community. In the lead up to the more quiet time for the tourism industry, the regatta introduces the beauty of the Ports Stephens region to a wide range of people which directly benefits the local economy,' said Bob Westbury, Port Stephens Mayor.

'Local businesses are becoming even more supportive as the regatta develops. 'Busy cafes, busy hotels, busy petrol stations. As the regatta grows, local and regional businesses are seeing the direct benefit - customers through their doors.'

2012 sees an expansion of the regatta with junior classes being introduced. Timed for the school holidays, the expansion will enable more family groups to enjoy the sailing. When not expanding their skills on the water the youth sailors can indulge in the family fun day as well as taking in the movies and activities based around the Soldier’s point Holiday Park. Sail Port Stephens organising committee have also developed the onshore activities at the Nelson Bay waterfront precinct. This year there will be a weekend regatta market which will further serve to draw in the crowds to local retailers.

For more details contact Janelle Gardner, Mobile: 0422844198, Email: Sail Port Stephens website

*Sail Port Stephens, post event report, 11-17th April 2011.