MEDIA RELEASE: April 2, 2015

Sail Port Stephens Spectacle

April 13-19, 2015

It’s not quite the America’s Cup but Sail Port Stephens is one of the biggest events on the Port Stephens calendar and the second biggest sailing regatta in NSW, with the public able to join in the fun during the school holidays from April 13-19, 2015.

A near-record 150 entries from yachties around Australia will see thousands of people converge on Port Stephens during the school holidays, with visitors and locals alike able to soak up the festive atmosphere and watch the spectacle on the blue, dolphin-filled waters of Port Stephens.

Free Live Music

Visitors can also enjoy live music organised by the d’Albora Marinas in Nelson Bay from 11-2 on Tuesday, April 14 and 12-3pm on Thursday, April 16, Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19. A reptile show for kids will also be staged at the marina from 1-2pm on Wednesday, April 15.

Bringing a huge economic boost to the local economy, the Sail Port Stephens regatta takes in the Commodores Cup Cruising events and the Port Stephens Trophy component incorporating the NSW IRC and Sydney 38 state titles. A new Junior Off-the-Beach One-Sail competition will also be staged for the under 18s this year, giving budding sailors the chance to leave mum and dad ashore.

It is expected that many sailors and visitors will also take the opportunity to visit many of the region’s other attractions, including everything from scenic bushwalking trails to dolphin-watching cruises, sand-duning, golf, parasailing and sampling of local oysters, seafood and craft beer.

Sailors keen to compete in Sail Port Stephens can still enter with more information available at www.sailportstephens.com.au

For information on accommodation, dining, attractions, activities and maps, Destination Port Stephens’ website – www.portstephens.org.au – provides a one-stop-shop on holidaying in Port Stephens.

Sail Port Stephens is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.