Sail Port Stephens adds cats, keelboats, and more to its expanding 2026 lineup

by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club 17 Oct 05:38 UTC April - May 2025

Sail Port Stephens © Salty Dingo

Sail Port Stephens 2026 will be the biggest and best in the regatta's 18-year history, with new events being added to further spice up the racing format.

For the first week, more than one hundred yachts will contest the iconic Commodores Cup Passage Series on the sparkling waters of Port Stephens.

Jewel in the crown for Week 2 is the grand-prix 3-day regatta including a brand new Interclub 40 teams challenge, an Australian Invitational Challenge with Elliott 6 keelboats and a sportsboat/J70s series. Alongside this event is the NSW Yachting Championship featuring world-class IRC boats and TP52s.

Sail Port Stephens - photo © Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

Finally, the focus turns to the all-new Super Series. Joining the series will be the premiere of 'Cat Stephens' for cruising multihulls, along with an international series - once again using the Elliott 6 racers - and a Super Racer Cruiser division for luxury yachts over 50ft that start and finish off Nelson Bay, while off the beach dinghies sail out of the Bay Sailing Centre.

Uniquely in 2026, for the entire duration of the event, the regatta base of d'Albora Nelson Bay will be home to a dedicated race village and regatta headquarters on the marina forecourt, along with vendor stalls and kids' entertainment. While nearby, the breakwall creates a natural amphitheatre enhanced with grandstand and commentator to watch the racing.

The fun doesn't stop when the racing does, back ashore after sailing, sailors can expect daily results, live entertainment, daily media and leaderboard, and local hospitality scene. One of the cornerstones of the social calendar is the Sail Port Stephens Street Party by Port Stephens Council on Wednesday the 15th connecting Sail Port Stephens to the rest of the community.

Sail Port Stephens - photo © Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

This growth has been made possible through the ongoing support of Destination NSW, Port Stephens Council, Pantaenius Australia, and other long-time supporters.

Regatta Director Paul O'Rourke said: "We're always looking to enhance the experience for our participants while engaging the local community. The Race Village and Spectator Grandstand will do both, cementing Sail Port Stephens as one of Australia's leading destination events."

The new catamaran and inshore divisions will provide more opportunities for competitors, with Racing Manager Jack Buchan saying: "Adding more divisions can be challenging with limited berthing but by introducing inshore sailing, we can boost on-water activity and encourage greater local participation."

Competitors will be able to join the Sail Port Stephens WhatsApp to receive regular event announcements including daily briefings, course information, and social schedule.