H u n t e r e V e n t

Sail-AwaysuccessStory Jody O’Brien Images Anthony Kelly and Ryan Clifford

In a tough economic climate, it’s exciting to see a start-up business grow 160%. From a quiet, little success of 25 boats at the inaugural event in 2008, “Sail Port Stephens” has experienced that 160% growth in the last 12 months,

with 64 yachts competing across seven days from April 20th to 26th.

S trategically positioned in the last week of NSW school holidays, Sail Port Stephens 2009 attracted yachts from as far north as Brisbane and as far

south as Wollongong, with associated crew and visitors flying direct into Newcastle Airport from Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Both Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Yacht Clubs were well represented; with owners and crews delighted to have a regatta in their own backyard that attracts a very competitive fleet.

It’s anticipated the number of Hunter-based competitors will increase as the event continues to evolve and grow.

To kick-start the week, the cruisey Commodore’s Cup appealed to 20 boats, a number of them including the 2008 Rolex Sydney to Hobart winner “Quest”, relishing the opportunity to have wives, partners and kids enjoy some sailing in the laid-back, three-day 3 race series.

Principal Race Officer, Denis Thompson, worked very closely with local members of the Corlette Point Sailing Association to plot out courses that meandered their way around the Port Stephens Marine Park and were designed to take in the beauty and spectacular landscape of the Bay and surrounding islands just offshore. >

111 Hu

NTe

R L

IFe

STY

Le

From a 65-footer from Sydney to a local competitive 8-metre racer, the fun-loving group embraced the social program with gusto, enjoying the friendly atmosphere provided by Peppers, d’Albora Marina restaurants and All Seasons Salamander Shores for the first three nights of the regatta.

A wonderful array of people of all ages made up the Commodores Cup fleet, and they absorbed everything on offer, including impromptu fun like the morning yabby racing festival.

Competitive spirits were stirred by a haphazard line of feisty crustaceans numbered to represent each boat, with the little kids cheering on the winners, and the big kids eyeing off the losers that were destined for the barbecue hotplate waiting on the finish line.

Thursday’s lay day gave a number of first-time visitors the opportunity to sample some delights in the Hunter Valley vineyards, or take part in the inaugural Long Lazy Lunch at Peppers Anchorage, where guests enjoyed bottles of Robert

Oatley’s finest while listening to tales of the Volvo Ocean Race from special guest speaker, the Hunter’s own Tom Braidwood.

Amongst an intimate mix of yachties, local business people, family and friends, Tom talked of his experiences at sea with well-known yachting journalist and personality Rob Mundle, giving everyone a fascinating insight into life in the toughest ocean race in the world.

By Friday, d’Albora Marina at Nelson Bay was putting up the no-vacancy sign as the fleet almost tripled in size, with the start of the Yachting NSW IRC Championship, the Port Stephens Trophy and the Melges 24 Nationals.

The Bay turned on its best, with fresh breeze, beautiful blue skies and plenty of sunshine, perfect for what was going on off the water as well, the postcard conditions providing a gorgeous backdrop for the Peppers High Tea in Style, where around forty-five ladies enjoyed an afternoon of cold bubbly and high tea delights.

112Hu

NTe

R L

IFe

STY

Le

Kids cheer on the Yabbies.

The sun sets on a beautiful afternoon at Sail Port Stephens

It was a family event for the crew and owners of “Secret Mens Business.”

Tom and Belinda Braidwood catch up with Yachting NSW President, Roger Hickman at the Long Lazy Lunch at

Peppers Anchorage.

Tooheys New White Stag was the official beer of the regatta, and Friday night was their turn in the spotlight with the Spend the Night in Something White theme bringing out the creative genius in many – the stand-out efforts being rewarded with sponsor product.

A large number of crews paid their respects at the Anzac Day Dawn Service and enjoyed another great day of sailing, followed by a fun evening together with a crew dinner at Shoal Bay Resort and Spa.

Sunday’s gale-force wind warning forced an early end to the final day of racing, but with gusts of up to 45 knots, even the seasoned professional crews were happy to stick to lattes and a long lunch at d’Albora before the afternoon prize giving signalled the end of the event for 2009 – everyone leaving with smiles and plans to return next year.

Sail Port Stephens strives to provide a simple, affordable, family-friendly event that involves a bit of sailing, a bit of

socialising, plenty of good food and wine – all just 3 hours’ drive and one day’s sail from Sydney. With final data still being processed, it’s anticipated that the event injected close to $1 million dollars into the local economy over seven days.

Since its inception, Sail Port Stephens, an initiative of port Stephens Council, has had invaluable resource

support from Business Port Stephens, and the inaugural group of Foundation Partners: Nelson Bay Diggers, All Seasons Salamander Shores, Peppers Anchorage, Shoal Bay Resort and Spa; SLAM, the Official Clothing supplier and d’Albora Marina. Newcomers to the Supporting Partner group include Wild Oats Wines, Toohey’s New White Stag and International Paints.

113 Hu

NTe

R L

IFe

STY

Le