Sail Port Stephens 2008- Great sailing awaits !

by Jody Ellem on 11 Apr 2008 Sail Port Stephens Official Patron and Commodore of the CYCA, Matt Allen, is encouraging NSW yachts and their crews to support the inaugural event- April 21-27, with feeder races from Pittwater to Newcastle on Saturday April 19 and then from Newcastle to Port Stephens on Sunday April 20.

Having raced Farr 40's in the area over the years, Mr Allen is very familiar with the beauty of the region, both as a competitive sailing destination and a great family holiday spot.

For everything that it has to offer, he believes the Sail Port Stephens regatta has great potential, and urges boat owners and crews to get their entries in for 2008.

'Every big event starts as a small event, and Sail Port Stephens is a fantastic concept that I encourage boat owners and crews to get involved in - there'll be some good quality sailing, a great range of social events and plenty of activity for partners and families to enjoy on and off the water' he said.

There’s something for all tastes on the water as well, ranging from sheltered waterways to challenging offshore island courses – with the racing under the direction of well known Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson.

The week long, fun packed event kicks off with lead in races from Pittwater to Newcastle (19th April) hosted by Royal Royal Motor Yacht Club and Newcastle to Port Stephens (20th April), hosted by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.

Mid week, the emphasis is on social activities, both on and off the water, with racing starting and finishing at a gentlemanly hour, allowing for enthusiastic participation in activities like canapés on the boardwalk at Peppers and Sunset Cocktails at Shoal Bay Resort and Spa.

The final weekend, staged over the Anzac Day break -25, 26, 27April - includes the Yachting NSW IRC divisional championships. There are some great long weekend activities available to family and friends like a Long Seafood and Semillon Liquid Lunch and a Spectator Cruise, as well as a Pirates of the Caribbean Party.

Port Stephens has excellent facilities from five-star to back packer accommodation, restaurants and activities for all tastes, as well as safe secure marinas to leave your boat.

With strong support from Yachting NSW, Port Stephens Council, the local business community, it is envisaged this will evolve as one of the great events on the sailing calendar.

For more information and to enter, go to www.sailportstephens.com.au