Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

2022 Sail Port Stephens overall

by Mark Rothfield 10 Apr 2022 10:04 UTC 4-10 April 2022
IRC Div 2 winner Soozal - Sail Port Stephens 2022 © Roni Bintang

As so often happens in yacht racing, the story is denied a fitting finish due to a lack of wind when it's needed most. And it was certainly the case at Sail Port Stephens today, with a predicted 10-knot sou'easter failing to materialise.

Inshore and offshore, they sat, with no fairy tales coming true for those primed to make a late charge at the various titles. AP flags barely mustered the energy to flutter, and those who led overall after yesterday's racing began drafting their acceptance speeches.

Others upped stumps early and got a head start on the delivery trip home. What didn't fade, however, was the buzz that existed all week as Port Stephens laid on a perfect smorgasbord of conditions for five simply glorious days of racing.

In the final wash-up, the results were a repeat of yesterday's media release.

Zen was the outstanding TP52, scoring three firsts from four races to eclipse Celestial by three points and Gweilo by five. ORC went to Matador from Zen and Celestial, while Quest triumphed in the class-based Gold Cup handicap system, edging out Smuggler and Matador.

IRC Division 2 results went to Keiran Mulcahy's Soozal from Bushranger, helmed by Gerry Hutton, and Bob Cox's Nine Dragons after four of seven races were completed. On ORC overall, Bushranger turned the tables on Soozal, with Nine Dragons again third.

IRC Division 3 had something of an unexpected winner in Stormaway, a Sydney 36, which edged out the highly fancied SoFarr and Get It On. Only two passage races were completed, as offshore conditions precluded the smaller yachts venturing offshore, but yesterday's three-leg inshore course was effectively a giant windward-leeward.

Performance Cruising results for Division 1 went to Virago, six points clear of Austmark and KD4. A pair of seconds was enough for Lunacy to comfortably win Division 2 from Amante and Llama II. The Bavaria 41 Elusive held off Animal Farm and Young at Heart in Division 3, while the S&S 42 Vittoria claimed Division 4 from Inception and Lady A.

The Fareast 28R national champion for 2022 is Cool Runnings, helmed by Glenn Hewett, from David Ferguson's FAREAST 28R and Julian Todd's Sweeney-Todd.

Finally, the newly introduced Australian Club Championship trophy for the best-performing yacht club of the week, based on individual results from the different divisions, went to Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.

Off-the-beach regatta

The postponement flag also hung limp over the off-the-beach racing at Bay Sailing Centre, following two days of high winds. The Tasar class managed seven of nine scheduled races, with a discard coming into play after six. Hugh and Anna Tait on Serendipity AUS2925 held on to first place, with Chris Dance and Peter Hackett second on Magic AUS2980, and third going to Rick Longbottom and Daryl Bentley, on Timely Element AUS790.

In other classes being sailed at the Bay Sailing Centre's Off-the-Beach series the Finns completed four races on Saturday, and that was all she wrote. Rockal Evans proved unbeatable, with Marcus Whitley and Phil Chadwick completing the podium.

A large fleet of Windsurfers and raceboards also completed a number of short-course races.

That wraps up the 2022 Sail Port Stephens regatta, which was generously supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, and sponsors including Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, Bannisters Port Stephens, Sea Breeze Hotel, d'Albora Marinas and more.

Related Articles

The value of insurance.
Fire and boats are never a good mix. It used to blamed on gas, now it is electricity... Fire and boats are never a good mix. In the old days much of it ended up being blamed on gas, whereas today, electricity is often the route cause. Posted on 3 Jul
Jazz Turner Faces Everything and Rises
Non-stop, solo, unassisted British Isles navigation has captivated sailors & non-sailors alike Jazz Turner's Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin Vega 27ft yacht has captivated sailors and non-sailors alike. Posted on 2 Jul
60m Perini Navi Sailing Yacht Katana delivered
An important milestone in the relaunch of the Perini Navi brand The Italian Sea Group is proud to announce the delivery of S/Y Katana, a 60-metre sailing ketch. This marks an important milestone in the relaunch of the Perini Navi brand, now fully integrated within the Group. Posted on 2 Jul
Packing for a Summer Sailing Weekend
Just because it's summer doesn't mean you're going to stay warm and dry all the time Just because it's summer doesn't mean you're going to stay warm and dry all the time, particularly when you're out on the water. The day may start windless, with a little dew on the ground, but a sea breeze can pick up in the afternoon. Posted on 1 Jul
Jazz Turner completes Project FEAR
Drama right to the end in her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles Jazz Turner has completed Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin 27 yacht. A flotilla of supporters met her in Seaford Bay, which grew and grew the closer they came to Brighton Marina. Posted on 1 Jul
New Zero Weight 2-in-1 Shorts from Henri-Lloyd
When the weather's hot, there's nothing better to keep you cool on or off the water When the weather's hot, there's nothing better than Henri-Lloyd's Zero Weight 2-in-1 shorts to keep you cool on or off the water. Posted on 30 Jun
Barton Marine Partners with Amarcord Marine
To Distribute Product Range in Hungary Barton Marine continues to expand its distribution network through the appointment of Amarcord Marine Ltd in Hungary. Amarcord Marine is the sister company of Galco Yachting Ropes, a well-established family-owned manufacturer. Posted on 30 Jun
Preparing my boat for crossing the Atlantic
Nico takes you aboard Sine Finis, revealing essential steps in preparation for an ocean crossing Sailboats navigate through harsh environments, saltwater, waves, wind, and high forces, sometimes violent. Whether sailing for an hour or preparing for an ocean crossing, ensuring my boat is ready and well-equipped is always a priority. Posted on 30 Jun
Grand Soleil 65 Performance
A new chapter in the Plus line Following the success of the Long Cruise version, Cantiere del Pardo unveils the new Grand Soleil 65 Performance: the sportier evolution of a model already celebrated for its elegance, build quality, and onboard comfort. Posted on 29 Jun
Project FEAR is in the final few days
Charity circumnavigation almost over, in record time, with a record total raised Jazz Turner is expected to reach home (Brighton Marina) on Monday 30th June or Tuesday 1st July. She has sailed round the British Isles - all round Ireland and the Shetland Islands - without any assistance in 27 days so far. Posted on 28 Jun
Selden 2020 - FOOTERMarine Products Direct 2023 - Calypso FOOTERBarton Marine Pipe Glands