SAIL Port Stephens celebrated a triumphant return to Port Stephens.

With much of the world in shutdown the event took on a very international stage with drone footage of the races, Port Stephens and the outer islands showing the natural beauty of the region to viewers across the globe.

Mark Rothfield told News Of The Area, “The event was picked up by Big US and European Sailing websites.”

Local sailors showed well in the event too, with Port Stephens Yacht Club members and regular weekend and Wednesday afternoon racers taking out first and second in the Performance Cruising category.

“Una Vita and She’s The One came first and second with local knowledge – both of those boats performed consistently.

“Performance cruising has all sorts of boats in it.”

This year Sail Port Stephens enjoyed great offshore conditions that featured big starts with tricky conditions at the breakwall.

With the 108 strong fleet taking off and running under spin through Shoal Bay and through the heads.

“The Junior Series was held at the Sailing Centre and featured the current Olympic competition boats which are handled boats.

“This was the first major regatta after COVID it had the rest of the world looking at Port Stephens in amazement and a touch of envy, especially as we were able to socialise.

“Windsurfers joined the event with 25 wind surfers participating including doing a marathon around the port and we expect bigger numbers of windsurfers next year,” he said.

Ichi Ban owner Matt Allen was delighted to be back at a regatta where he has enjoyed considerable success, taking home the prestigious NSW title for IRC Division 1 along with ORC honours.

“It was another good day’s racing out there, and everything worked out well. It was a good test of boat speed and tactics,” he said.

 

By Marian SAMPSON