Sail Port Stephens 2027: Entries open for milestone 20th anniversary regatta
by Mark Rothfield 14 Oct 23:29 PDT
12-17 April, 23-25 April, 30 April - 2 May 2027
Cape 31 at Sail Port Stephens © PromoceanMedia
Australia's largest sailing regatta is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary, with Notices of Race published and online entries now open for Sail Port Stephens 2027.
From humble beginnings in 2008, Sail Port Stephens has grown into a three-week sailing festival attracting competitors from around Australia and overseas.
The 2026 regatta broke all previous records, drawing 271 boats and 2,613 sailors and supporters to the spectacular waterways of Port Stephens, while generating an estimated $9.35 million in economic activity for the region.
Now organisers are setting their sights on an even bigger celebration in 2027, with 11 days of racing spread across three consecutive weeks from 12 April to 2 May.
The milestone comes as Sail Port Stephens enjoys national recognition, having recently won the Australian Sailing NSW/ACT Sport Promotion Award and subsequently been named a finalist in the national Australian Sailing Awards.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club CEO Paul O'Rourke said the anniversary was a fitting opportunity to reflect on the regatta's remarkable evolution.
"We started with 20 boats and here we are, 20 years later, with 270-plus," he said. "From day 1, the event has always been about combining great sailing with a relaxed social atmosphere, and that's something we've aimed to preserve as the event has continued to grow," he said.
"Our 20th anniversary regatta promises to be even bigger and brighter, but just as welcoming."
The action begins with the hugely popular Commodores Cup Passage Series from 12-17 April, with more than 110 cruising yachts expected to enjoy six days of racing through the islands and pristine waters of the Port Stephens Marine Park.
The second week, from 23-25 April, brings the grand-prix Performance Series, incorporating the NSW IRC Yachting Championship, TP52 Gold Cup and ORC Rob Hampshire Trophy, alongside competitive one-design racing.
Finally, the Bay Series from 30 April to 2 May showcases a diverse fleet of off-the-beach dinghies, cruising multihulls contesting the Cat Stephens series, and large luxury racer-cruisers in the Super RC division.
Complementing the on-water competition is a packed social calendar centred on the popular Regatta Village at d'Albora Marina Nelson Bay, including live entertainment, presentations and a community street party.
The regatta also continues to deliver significant tourism and promotional benefits, with its 2026 media campaign attracting more than 1.15 million social media views.
Managed by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Sail Port Stephens is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, Port Stephens Council and a loyal network of commercial partners and volunteers.
Notices of Race, event information and online entries are available at www.sailportstephens.com.au