3:03 AM Thu 5 Feb 2009 GMT
Just like every other regatta around the country and the world, Sail Port Stephens likes to think that boats and crews have had such a good time, that they will come back again for more the following year.
So when the Notice of Race goes on the event website, there's almost a 'waiting with baited breath' atmosphere that lingers as the organising committee eagerly antiicpate when the first boat will dip their toes in the water of the on-line entry system.
And one of first of the 2008 fleet to sign up for another year was L'attitude, a lovely racer cruiser (or cruiser racer, whichever way you look at it !) from RMYC at Port Hacking in Sydney's south.
The crew from L'attitude will make their way north again in a few months to participate in the 2nd Sail Port Stephens regatta from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 April.
A character filled bunch with a love for sharing a good bottle of Cab Merlot at the end of a big day on the water, the crew has been sailing together for over 30 years.
Their average age is now around 70, and they are a wonderful mix of retired and semi-retired professionals with decades of experience in their chosen fields, but also in their passion of sailing.
John said it was an easy decision to get everyone together for Sail Port Stephens 2009.
'We all had such a marvellous time last year - the racing was a good competition and just good fun, both in the Commodores Cup at the start of the week and the Port Stephens Trophy at the back end of the week' he said.
And the regatta got the tick of approval from the wives and partners as well.
'With the boys having sailed together for so many years, all of the better halves (ie: us wives!) also really enjoy each other's company and love to get away as a group - being at Port Stephens gave us the opportunity to be able to drive up from Sydney, and come and go at our own leisure, exploring the local shops and generally just relaxing in a beautiful spot' said John's wife Margaret.
'We did lunch and coffee somewhere different each day when the boys were sailing, and were able to squeeze in a massage at the Day Spa at Peppers Anchorage, where we stayed, with the boat in a berth at the marina there on site...' she said.
And because the racing, particularly at the start of the week, has a cruisey relaxed way about it, there was plenty of energy left over when John and the boys returned to the marina that we were able to all enjoy the social activities together each night ' said Margaret.
L'attitude is a deck saloon cruising yacht which the crew likes to race when she's a having a break from her regular cruising duties.
A Dehler 41DS design launched in 2003, she is one of only two yachts of her kind in the country, and has twice cruised north beyond the Whitsunday Islands and once to Hobart.
The name comes from a saying 'Adventure is not a dream it's AN ATTITUDE'.
This profound phrase certainly appealed at the time of launch, and continues to grow and evolve in its application over the last 6 years of sailing adventures.
Sail Port Stephens 2009 racing:
20-22 April - Commodores Cup (PHS)
23 April - Lay Day - Lunching Mischief
24-26 April - Yachting NSW IRC Championship
- Port Stephens Trophy ( PHS)
From little things, big things grow, and this growth would not be possible without the support of the foundation partner group of Nelson Bay Diggers, Shoal Bay Resort and Spa, Peppers Anchorage and All Seasons Salamander Shores -with the important resource contributions of the supporting partner group in SLAM, d'Albora Marina, Yachting NSW and Business Port Stephens, an initiative of Port Stephens Council.
For more info and to enter, go to sailportstephens.com.au
by Jody O'Brien
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