8:38 AM Sun 19 Apr 2009 GMT
 | | 'The view from the deck of Harlequin - looking across to a competitor in Newcastle to Port Stephens race - Sail Port Stephens 2009'
Dominic Grundy
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A fleet of 14 boats headed north this morning in the Newcastle to Port Stephens Feeder Race to Sail Port Stephens, and in a 26 mile sprint in large swell and strong winds, it came down to a matter of seconds separating the first and second over the line.
The Business, a Sydney 38 from RPAYC in Pittwater took line honours in a time of 2 hours 48 mins and 55 seconds, followed VERY closely by the Farr 395 Typhoon, owned and skippered by Barry Kelly from Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, in a time of 2 hours 49 mins and 24 secs.
Raging Bull, also from RPAYC, surfed in about 10 minutes later on some breaking waves at the entrance to Port Stephens.
The rest of the fleet, ranging in size from the 65 foot cruiser-racer Margaret Rintoul V to a 32 foot Archambault from NCYC, were all finished within an hour of the first three boats.
Raging Bull, owned by Mark Griffith from Sydney's northern beaches, has enjoyed some great results over the weekend with today's third and the daily double in Saturday's race from Pittwater to Newcastle, part of RPAYC's Bluewater Offshore Point Series.
The two time Super 30 National Champion crossed the line first in Newcastle Harbour yesterday after a brisk spinnnaker run up the coast, and also claimed the handicap win.
All boats and crew are now readying themselves for a week of racing at Sail Port Stephens, with the cruisey Commodores Cup Series starting tomorrow at 12:30.
Up to 65 boats will take part across the week, including some of the best grand prix racers vying for the title of Yachting NSW IRC Champion.
Sail Port Stephens Event Manager Jody O'Brien is delighted with the number of boats that will compete over the next seven days.
'We've grown the event by close to 160% over the last 12 months, and the positive buzz and excitement amongst the competitors is fantastic - it looks like it's going to be a great week ! ' she said.
All crews and boats are now happily ensconced at d'Albora Marina enjoying a few quiet drinks before Sail Port Stephens begins tomorrow, with the first race of the Commodores Cup starting at 12:30 just off the break wall in Nelson Bay.
With strong winds still predicted to continue tomorrow, it could be quite a show for spectators to view from land as the boats get underway.
The week's social fun also kicks off tomorrow with the Wild Oats Wines Sunset BBQ at Peppers Anchorage, and a lively and family friendly program of events will continue throughout the week.
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.
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 sponsorship of a special daily award...more to be revealed at the regatta.
Check out daily updates at www.sailportstephens.com.au
by Event Media
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