Lu Lu Belle Crew back for more of eveything at Sail Port Stephens

2:45 AM Sat 20 Mar 2010 GMT

'The Lu Lu Belle crew with team mascot Wilson on their Hunter Valley Adventure in 2009 - Sail Port Stephens' Vanessa Dudley Click Here to view large photo

They bring a sense of style and colour to Sail Port Stephens with their on shore crew gear sometimes featuring pink polo shirts and black funky bandanas, and the boys from Lu Lu Belle are back to do it all again at Sail Port Stephens in a few weeks time.

The Jeaneau 33 from Middle Harbour Yacht Club raced at the regatta for the first time in 2009, and owner Peter Lewis and his crew loved everything about it - on and off the water, with a number of factors combining to influence their decision to return.

'Coming back to Port Stephens is a no brainer for us - the format with the lead in races, the fact that crew can return to Sydney easily and effectively, and the well organised format of sailing and fun - it's all good, and we're really looking forward to the week' Peter said.

For this crew, most of the week tends to be a 'Boys' affair, and in his own words, Peter indicated that whilst they all old enough to, and should know better, there is still likely to be some mischief.

'Everyone who sailed and partied last year is coming back this year, and we've got a few newbies joining us for the first time - there's almost 1000 years of experience amongst us, so it could be messy' he joked.

A very comfortable cruiser racer, Lu Lu Belle is also home for the week, with the boys taking advantage of the great facilities at d'Albora Marina and staying on board, with plenty of entertainment like action DVD's and cards to keep them amused when they get home from the organised social gatherings each night.

Other than sailing and partying in the Bay, the Lu Lu Belle team also has another very important role to play at Sail Port Stephens, as Hosts and Team Leaders of the Hunter Valley Wine Tour on the Thursday Lay Day.

Together with their crew mascot and honorary team member Wilson, they will embark on an adventure to the vineyards that will feature some (well, let's be honest quite a lot of) wine tasting, a leisurely lunch and an entertaining 90 minute bus ride to get you to and from some of the best vineyards in the world.

Bookings for the Hunter Valley Wine Tour are advisable and encouraged, and can be done securely on line at www.sailportstephens.com.au