Windward-Leeward day for Port Stephens Trophy at Sail Port Stephens?

7:52 PM Thu 19 Mar 2009 GMT

The Tribes have spoken, the Regatta Organisers have listened....and the Principal Race Officer is seriously considering some adjustments for the PHS fleet competing in the Port Stephens Trophy from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 April at Sail Port Stephens 2009.

There has been some murmuring around the marinas that whilst this fleet loves the laid back style of the event with its scenic courses in the pristine waters of the Port Stephens Marine Park, they'd also like to have some windward leeward action incorporated into their sailing program.

PRO Denis Thompson and Regatta Director Paul O'Rourke have looked closely at the charts, taken into account that there is a Melges 24 Nationals happening inside the Bay at the same time as the Port Stephens Trophy fleet will be wanting to stretch their legs, and have figured out a course configuration that they believe will satisfy and delight everyone.

'There are a number of boats lining up in the Port Stephens Trophy fleet who are very competitive, and have some very experienced sailors on board 'said Denis.

'When I was talking with a number of them at the Audi Sydney Harbour regatta a few weeks ago, the question about some windward leeward courses for the PHS/Port Stephens Trophy fleet was asked...' he said.

PRO Denis Thompson - Crosbie Lorimer

With the large range in boat sizes, Denis has indicated that there'll be a bit of juggling to ensure that the smaller boats aren't feeling like it's taking forever to round the mark, but that the biggest boat isn't home & hosed and twiddling their thumbs waiting for the rest of the fleet to cross the finish line.

Denis said the beauty of the Bay is that there are a number of quality options to choose from - and plenty of water to spread everyone out across.

Final sailing instructions will be uploaded onto the Sail Port Stephens website in the next few weeks, but at this stage, it is likely that the Port Stephens Trophy fleet will race windward leewards on the last day of the regatta, Sunday 26th April.

Sail Port Stephens racing:

20-22 April - Commodores Cup (PHS)
23 April - Lay Day - Long Lazy Lunch Mischief @ Peppers Anchorage
24-26 April - Yachting NSW IRC Championship
- Port Stephens Trophy ( PHS)

From little things, big things grow, and Sail Port Stephens 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 -as well as the resource contributions of the supporting partner group in SLAM, d'Albora Marina, Yachting NSW and Business Port Stephens, an initiative of Port Stephens Council.

Wild Oats Wines also joins as a supporting partner this year, and their wonderful range of reds and whites, as well as a stunning rose, will be the wine in everyone's glass at the regatta.

For more info and to enter, go to www.sailportstephens.com.au

by Jody O'Brien