It's a Saga at Sail Port Stephens !

by Jody O'Brien on 13 Mar 2009 A keen bunch of local lads from Port Stephens, led by a semi retiree who has re-discovered his competitive streak, are geared up and ready to go for Sail Port Stephens 2009 in a New Zealand designed Beale 8.5 called Saga.

Now.. a 'saga' is defined in the dictionary as any narrative or legend of heroic exploits...and if the crew on a boat of this name is anything to go by, then the boat name works perfectly for them !

Pat Hurley hadn’t raced competitively for over 20 years, but when he bought Saga in 2006 and started racing her out of Port Stephens Yacht Club, he quickly remembered the fun and camaraderie enjoyed in a crew, and over the last 36 months, has gathered a great bunch of people together who all learn something new from each other every time they sail.

Over the last 2 years, he's spent some dollars and cents on a range of new sails, and is genuinely excited about the performance of the boat going into the regatta.

'Last year we scratched the surface of the boat’s potential, particularly in offshore conditions, so we’re going to do the feeder race from Newcastle again this year, and we’d like to repeat our handicap win from 2008' he said.

The Saga crew has a diverse mix of age groups for Sail Port Stephens 2009, ranging from a senior high school student to ex-skiff sailors in their 60’s – and an enthusiastic newbie from Sydney who, whilst only having been part of the crew for a few weeks, has fallen in love with sailing at the Bay and is taking the whole week off work to take part in the regatta.

Pat says when the crew discovered (by chance, or by design...?) that the 28 footer was really quick off the breeze, they quickly changed into a bunch of speed freaks...and he’s looking forward to giving some of the newer, faster boats a run for their money with Saga’s new sail wardrobe and a well prepared crew in what he lovingly describes as pristine water and a picturesque place to sail.

Pat says the social side of the regatta was also big influence in their decision to be part of it all again this year.

'We met some really great people and renewed acquaintances with some old friends – and we’re looking forward to taking part in all the social activities again this year – it’s got a wonderful family feel to it, and is just relaxed, easy good fun' he said.

And as a local, he endorsed the fact that it’s a great regatta and event for wives, partners, families and friends.

'If you’re not a sailor, there’s still so many things to do in Port Stephens, both on and off the water, it’s a really nice spot for a few days away or a week long break ...and the natives are very friendly !' Pat said with a cheeky smile.

Sail Port Stephens racing:

20-22 April - Commodores Cup (PHS)
23 April - Lay Day – Lunching Mischief
24-26 April - Yachting NSW IRC Championship
- Port Stephens Trophy ( PHS)

From little things, big things grow, and Sail Port Stephens would not be possible without the support of the foundation partner group of Nelson Bay Diggers, Shoal Bay Resort and Spa, Peppers Anchorage and All Seasons Salamander Shores –as well as the resource contributions of the supporting partner group in SLAM, d’Albora Marina, Yachting NSW and Business Port Stephens, an initiative of Port Stephens Council.

Wild Oats Wines also joins as a supporting partner this year, and their wonderful range of reds and whites, as well as a stunning rose, will be the wine in everyone’s glass at the regatta.

For more info and to enter, go to sailportstephens.com.au