Premier Cru wins Port Stephens Trophy
by Jody Ellem on 28 Apr 2008
Premier Cru works to get the kite down - Sail Port Stephens Kirk Maclean
A collection of sailors from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie has combined their knowledge and experience to claim the Port Stephens Trophy (PHS) at the inaugural Sail Port Stephens regatta.
Premier Cru, an Archambault 40 owned and skippered by Keith Stronach took one 1st and two 3rd places, sailed consistantly across all conditions over the 3 days, ranging from almost becalmed, to a lumpy swell with wind gusts of up to 18 knots in Shoal Bay.
Premier Cru began their Sail Port Stephens campaign with the feeder race from Newcastle last Sunday (20thApril).
They left the boat in safe hands at Peppers Anchorage for the first part of the week, returning to resume racing over the long weekend.
Stronach is delighted with the win and says the result is another reinforcing factor that makes him very happy to be sailing an Archambault.
He and his crew have enjoyed every aspect of the Sail Port Stephens regatta, and indicated that they would most certainly be back to defend their title next year.
The feedback has been positive across the entire fleet, and for lots of reasons.
One crew member said it was a fantastic couple of days for the whole family, on and off the water.
'For us, this regatta will be no brainer to come to next year – it’s a nice 1/2 day sail up here from Newcastle, it’s easy to find good, well priced accommodation so you can stay and party – and it’s family friendly for wives, partners and kids to do stuff locally during the day and then join the crew for the functions and social festivities after sailing finishes each day' he said.
'My kids have been out on a dolphin cruise, they’ve gone boogie boarding at Fingal Bay, they’ve had a race on the go-karts, and their mum had some quality time at a day spa when she could put them into kids club at the place we’re staying – everyone’s had a great holiday, and it hasn’t cost an arm and a leg ' he said.
'Oh yeah, in amongst all that ...I’ve been able to enjoy some ripper days on the water, sailing with my mates' he added with a big smirk plastered on his face.
For full results of PHS – go to www.topyachtsoftware.com/results/2008/sps/index.htm
For more information about Sail Port Stephens go to www.sailportstephens .com.au
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