Moet brings sister ship to Sail Port Stephens

by Jody O'Brien on 23 Mar 2009
A lovely bunch of lads from Wollongong came to Sail Port Stephens last year on their Northshore 38 called Moet, and even with an injury to the forestay putting a premature end to the regatta, they still had a marvellous time, and have been talking about it all year with their sister ship, Negotiator, also from Wollongong.

So they're both lining up for a week of Sail Port Stephens fun in 28 days time !

For Negotiator’s skipper Wayne Taylor, it was so easy to say yes to bringing his boat to the event this year.

‘No-one could argue that Port Stephens is a great spot to be on a sailing boat..and when you add a very enjoyable well organised regatta and an opportunity to go head to head with Moet....how could we stay away ‘ he said with a happy grin.

Both boats will contest the Commodores Cup – April 20 to 22 and the Port Stephens Trophy – April 24 to 26.

The crews hail from Wollongong and the South Coast, and having heard that there is plenty for the non sailors to do and enjoy on land whilst others are off sailing, some of the wives are coming along this year and very much looking forward to a week in a holiday house at nearby Dutchies Beach, combined with some time on the water, and some time in the local al fresco cafes on the waterfront.

Both Wayne and Moet’s skipper Keith Masters joke that 6 races during Sail Port Stephens is 'enough competition for us old blokes', so you won’t see them in the feeder race fleet from Pittwater to Newcastle and then Newcastle to Port Stephens.

A selection of the crew will deliver the two Northshore 38’s, and have them ready for the others to arrive in the Bay to step on board for a week of fun sailing on scenic courses shared with gorgeous water wildlife like dolphins and seahorses in the beautiful Port Stephens Marine Park.

Whilst neither crew has been able to partake in a lot of racing in recent times, when they get together the competition is fierce with the crews loving the rivalry and the social activities...in no particular order or preference..!

For these two boats, number 76 and 77 out of the mould in 1989, there is always a race within a race, with the ultimate prize being the all important constant source of entertainment in the form of 'Bragging Rights ' !

Wayne is even considering finding a swing mooring after the regatta, and leaving Negotiator in the water at Port Stephens for a month or two to enjoy a little cruising in the area and maybe a dive or two.

For all these lads and their partners, April 20 to 26 will be a time for fun, in many different forms.

'We’re all looking forward to Sail Port Stephens, both on and off the water' said Keith.

Sail Port Stephens racing:

20-22 April - Commodores Cup (PHS)
23 April - Lay Day – Lunching Mischief at Peppers with the Long Lazy Lunch
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 www.sailportstephens.com.au