Big Grins on Day One at Sail Port Stephens

by Jody O'Brien on 20 Apr 2009 A steady breeze ranging from 15 to 20 knots, at times gusting up to 25, made day one of Sail Port Stephens a rather busy one for the fleet of 15 starters who lined up for the Commodores Cup.

There wasn’t a lot of sunshine to kick off the week, but plenty of fun was had by all in flat water inside the Bay – making it an ideal day for mums and kids to enjoy a bit of cruisey sailing with partners and family.

At 65 foot, the biggest boat in the fleet, Margaret Rintoul V, got home first in 1 hour and 38 mins, while the handicap honours went to Harlequin, a Hanse 400 from Sydney’s oldest sailing club, Sydney Amateur Sailing Club.

Two boats, Saga (PSYC) and Full Frontal (NCYC), with a bit of local knowledge, took full advantage of the breeze and enjoyed some fun in a short downwind leg under spinnaker, while the rest of the fleet kept their powder dry for later in the week.

PRO Denis Thompson’s decision to keep them inshore today made everyone very happy, and the flexibility of choice with courses means that the race management team is consistently able to provide a positive experience for all levels of sailing ability.

For those sailing in Port Stephens for the first time, today’s Amber Triangle Course took them past the event’s Foundation partners, cruising by All Seasons Salamander Shores, Peppers Anchorage and Shoal Bay Resort and Spa – with the sights getting the thumbs up from all.

'We’re having a magic time – this place is just a great place to enjoy a family holiday and have a few hours on the water each day' said one competitor with a grin from ear to ear and a Tooheys New White Stag in hand after a big day on the rail!

The fleet will grow tomorrow with a number of the DNC’s back on deck after securing crew and finishing repairs from the weekend feeder races.

The social revelry is now underway at Peppers Anchorage with the Wild Oats Wines Sunset BBQ – and with clearing skies and a similar breeze forecast for tomorrow – as per last year, there’s likely to be a few tired and emotional competitors on the water after a evening of simple fun seeing old friends and making new ones, catches up with them in the morning light...

Just as well racing doesn’t start til 12:30 and the start line is about 5 minutes from d’Albora where most of the boats have taken marina berths for the week......

For the full results of today’s race go to:
http://topyachtsoftware.com/results/2009/sps/series/com-cup/01RGrp1.htm

Since its inception, Sail Port Stephens has had invaluable resource support from Business Port Stephens, an initiative of Port Stephens Council, and the inaugural group of Foundation Partners in Nelson Bay Diggers, All Seasons Salamander Shores, Peppers Anchorage and Shoal Bay Resort and Spa have, even in tough economic times, all continued to believe in the long term vision for the regatta and what it brings to the region.

International sailing clothing brand, SLAM, continue their support as the Official Clothing supplier, and d’Albora Marina are a great partner with their on-site support and special deals for regatta participants.

Newcomers to the Supporting Partner group for 2009 include Wild Oats Wines as the Official Wine Partner of the Regatta and Tooheys New White Stag – full strength low carb beer, as the Official Beer of the event.

Check out daily updates at www.sailportstephens.com.au