SLAM Gear for Sail Port Stephens 2009 Entrants

10:02 PM Wed 26 Nov 2008 GMT

'2008 competitor FKP Mean Machine will be wearing SLAM caps at SPS 2009-they’ve entered already for 09 ! - Sail Port Stephens 2009' Kirk McLean Click Here to view large photo

Sail Port Stephens Clothing sponsor and supporting partner SLAM are providing a little incentive for the 2008 fleet to return...a set of SLAM caps for the entire crew, personalised with the individual boat name - if they get their entry finalised by the end of the year.

As well, the first 10 new entrants will also be rewarded - with a special SLAM gear pack as a welcome to Sail Port Stephens.

The Notice of Race for Sail Port Stephens 2009 is now on the event website - www.sailportstephens.com.au- and entries are open for the regatta, held from 20 to 26 April.

With great sailing inshore and offshore, quality affordable and family friendly social activity and a wide range of accommodation to choose from, this regatta has a promising future.

The successful format of the inaugural regatta will be repeated in 2009, featuring a cruisey start to the week with the Commodores Cup, a 3 day 3 race series from Monday to Wednesday that takes in the beautiful sights and sounds of the Port Stephens waterways and surrounding islands.

It's a good opportunity to maybe introduce kids into day-sailing, or enjoy a laid back few days with regular crew and their families before the action steps up a notch on Friday the 24th with the Yachting NSW IRC Championship and the Port Stephens Trophy (PHS).

Inshore and offshore, it's pure windward leeward competition for the IRC Class with 6 races over 3 days, whilst the PHS fleet will take on the Port Stephens Trophy courses in and around the Bay.

Start lines are close to marinas and racing is underway around midday each day, and finished by around 4, leaving plenty of time to take advantage of the social program which offers affordable, and family friendly fun each night at a different location - with bus transport to and from venues.

And to get you in the competitive mode right from the start, there are two feeder races the weekend immediately prior to Sail Port Stephens - starting at Pittwater on Saturday morning (18 April) and racing to Newcastle for a free overnight marina pen at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club....and a welcome function at the brand new NCYC Clubhouse...!

The final sprint on Sunday morning (19 April) starts just off Newcastle heads, and finishes in Nelson Bay.

And then a fantastic week of sailing and socialising awaits .... so join the fun in 2009 and find out what everyone's been talking about !