SAIL Port Stephens returns from 13 April, shaping up to be Australia’s largest sailing regatta.
The three-week festival is projected to attract 300 sailing boats, thousands of sailors and $3.5 million dollars in revenue for the region.
Growing steadily since its launch in 2008, the event now brings three major regattas to Nelson Bay and the waterways of Port Stephens, hosting the Commodores Cup in week one, performance racing in week two and Super Series events in week three.
“Sail Port Stephens started as a small local event with just a handful of entries,” said Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson.
“It’s now Australia’s largest sailing regatta, with over 300 boats.
“This event brings people to the area after the peak holiday period, helps our local businesses thrive and creates more local jobs.”
During the festival, a “regatta village” will be set up around the d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay.
Live entertainment, markets and sailing presentations will continue in Nelson Bay throughout the three-week event.
One of the regatta’s highlights will be the Sail Port Stephens Street Party on 15 April.
Magnus and Stockton Streets will be shut down to make way for late night shopping, live music and pop-up street restaurants and bars.
By Joseph RICHARDS
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