SAIL Port Stephens has become a welcome addition to the region’s sporting calendar for the region.

The event has seen fifteen successful years, and commenced on April 24 with a revamp to the regatta formula.

Around 90 yachts are expected to compete in the inaugural Passage Series.

For spectators it presents beautiful vistas.

For the competitors it more than delivers exciting opportunities in their sport.

This year Port Stephens Yacht Club has nine entries in the fleet.

Michael Kirby, skipper of She’s The One and Commodore of Port Stephens Yacht Club, believes the event delivers great opportunities to improve sailing skills while showcasing the region.

Sail Port Stephens organisers are anticipating more first-time competitors at the event.

“Our objective was to make better use of the finite number of berths and moorings, in order to grow the event and allow fresh participation,” Regatta Director Paul O’Rourke said.

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s annual feeder race on April 23 saw the 22 nautical mile crossing of Stockton Bight from Newcastle Harbour

Sail Port Stephens also includes an inshore Bay Series that will bring together Finns, Lasers, Tasars, Aeros and Windsurfers from May 20-21, sailing out of the Bay Sailing Centre.

Trailer sailers are accommodated with three days of passage racing, starting May 19, and a dedicated windward-leeward course will be offered for sports boats and J70s.

The International Canoe class is a late addition to the Bay Series.

The Canoe is the world’s oldest sailing dinghy, dating back to the 1860s.

Sailed solo with hiking planks and a high-aspect sloop rig, they’re exceptionally fast and exciting to sail and watch.

Sail Port Stephens is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, along with sponsors and event partners.

By Marian SAMPSON