Lu Lu Belle crowned Yabby Champion at Sail Port Stephens

3:38 AM Wed 22 Apr 2009 GMT

'And they’re racing - Sail Port Stephens' Craig O'Brien Click Here to view large photo

The Commodores Cup Fleet at Sail Port Stephens took on some different competition today as 20 yabbies lined up representing the boats in the Inaugural Yabby Racing Carnival.

After all the yabbies cleared their drug test, they were allocated a boat and that boat number penned on their backs, with the cheer squads from each boat gathering around the colosseum style arena specially created on the board walk at d'Albora Marina.

Peter Lewis's Lu Lu Belle Yabby was the clear winner after four heats, awarding the crew from Middle Harbour Yacht Club the title of Commodores Cup Yabby Champion.

Sydney boats dominated the yabby winner's podium, with Patrice Six from the CYCA claiming the silver medal.

Full Frontal took third spot amid murmurs on the dock that a protest for race fixing could be lodged as this is the boat on which the yabby farmers, Danielle and Alan Ovenden have been racing all week.

Danielle and Al - farmers of prize winning yabbies - Sail Port Stephens - Craig O'Brien Click Here to view large photo

The discontent was soon settled by the sizzle of the BBQ and the inviting scent of freshly grilled yabbies (those that finished in places 4 to 20 - the price of not performing !! ) filled the morning air.

Ratty Tooey, from Manly Yacht Club, got the commiseration and 10 Points for Trying Prize - their yabby was clearly not a morning crustacean and ran consistently last in all four heats.

There may be another Yabby Racing Carnival staged between now and the end of the regatta with yabby farmers Danielle and Alan checking on the availability and fitness of their racing stock later today.

For daily updates on the regatta go to www.sailportstephens.com.au

Since its inception, Sail Port Stephens has had invaluable resource support from Business Port Stephens, an initiative of Port Stephens Council, and the inaugural group of Foundation Partners in Nelson Bay Diggers, All Seasons Salamander Shores, Peppers Anchorage and Shoal Bay Resort and Spa have, even in tough economic times, all continued to believe in the long term vision for the regatta and what it brings to the region.

International sailing clothing brand, SLAM, continue their support as the Official Clothing supplier, and d'Albora Marina are a great partner with their on-site support and special deals for regatta participants.

the crowd gathers for the Inaugural Commodores Cup Yabby Racing Carnival.. - Sail Port Stephens - Craig O'Brien Click Here to view large photo

Newcomers to the Supporting Partner group for 2009 include Wild Oats Wines as the Official Wine Partner of the Regatta and Tooheys New White Stag - full strength low carb beer, as the Official Beer of the event. International Paints are also participating in this year's event, through the International Paints Magic Moment of the Day - a daily award for outstanding achievements and human feats - good or bad during racing.