Regatta winners tune-up for Sail Port Stephens

Di Pearson, SPS media

Posted: 16 Mar. 2010

Paul Clitheroe's Balance comes straight from a major win - Andrea Francolini pic

Already 50 boat owners, including major regatta trophy winners, have put their hands up to enter Sail Port Stephens 2010, Australia’s fastest growing regatta, and entries don’t close until April 3!

To be held from 12-18 April, this is the third running of Sail Port Stephens, which is becoming increasingly popular due to its proximity to Sydney, cost effectiveness, family friendly venue and holiday atmosphere of beautiful Port Stephens.

Big names already entered are winners from the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta held earlier this month, including Paul Clitheroe and his Beneteau 45 Balance crew who won IRC Division 2, Rod Jones and his Club Marine Blue crew, winners of the SB3 keelboat class, along with Guy and Clark Holbert’s Rumbo, which finished third in the Farr 30 division.

Both Clitheroe and the Holberts’ from NSW will sail in the IRC class at Port Stephens while Jones, from Queensland, will be out to win the SB3 Australian Championship, his win at the Sydney Harbour Regatta giving his crew great practice for what is to come.

Other noted entries so far are Rob Hanna’s TP 52 Shogun from Victoria and Roger Hickman’s Wild Rose, a Farr 43 from Sydney. Both have the goods and Hanna has come oh so close with his recent purchase and aims to peak at Port Stephens.

Sail Port Stephens attracted 25 entries in its inaugural year, then took a massive leap to 64 last year and Event spokesperson, Jody O’Brien, has expectations of seeing 85 boats on the start line this year in what is undoubtedly Australia’s fastest growing regatta.

“We’re delighted in the growth in the last two years,” said O’Brien adding: “I believe Sail Port Stephens has an exciting future ahead, as more and more people discover what a great regatta it is.

“We’re committed to delivering a memorable experience every year, both on and off the water – which naturally makes people want to keep coming back – everyone from the seriously competitive racing fleets to those who want to enjoy the cruising options with a bit of competition thrown in.”

Next year, O’Brien has the goal of getting 100 boats to the start line with the added incentive of enticing those fearless enough to try for the grand slam of sailing - a clean-sweep of the Audi IRC Australian Championship, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Blue Water Pointscore and IRC NSW Championship - all in one year!

Over the next years, the event is also expected to attract many State and National Championships, starting with the SB3 Australian Championship this year.

Sail Port Stephens is open to boats in the following categories: IRC, Performance Racing, Performance Cruising, Cruising (Commodores Cup), Sports Boats and the SB3 keelboat. It comprises the Commodores Cup from 12-14 April and Port Stephens Trophy events, NSW IRC Championship and SB3 Australian Championship from 16-18 April.

Each boat entered in the regatta will receive an entry in the major prize draw for every race they start. The prize, a Mariner Boating Holiday for two to Croatia, will be drawn on-site at d’Albora Marina at the the regatta presentation.

Daily prizes will be awarded to winners - or grinners - and there’s plenty on the social agenda too, such as the Tyrrells Gala Yachties Ball at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers and High Tea, Moonlight Movie and Dinner, the Wild Wilson Hunter Valley Tour and more.

Tickets for all social functions are available on-line at the official website.

Organised by the Corlette Point Sailing Association, Sail Port Stephens incorporates the Commodores Cup, SB3 Australian Championship, Port Stephens Trophy and the inaugural NSW IRC Championship, ratified by Yachting NSW.

Further information: www.sailportstephens.com.au

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