The sea conditions off Port Stephens may have been treacherous for rock fishermen, but they provided an action-packed start to the Anchorage Marina Windward-Leeward Series, part 2 of the 2024 Sail Port Stephens Regatta Series. Despite southerly swells reaching 2.5m and sets rising to 4m, the fleet had plenty of surfing opportunities off Hawks Nest beach.
In the TP52 class, Marcus Blackmore’s Hooligan dominated the races, winning all three on scratch and claiming the second two on IRC. Matador, despite facing some challenges and setbacks, finished just 1 point adrift. Owner/skipper David Doherty praised his crew for their resilience and adaptability in the challenging conditions.
In Division 2, Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood, a lightweight Botin Fast 40, showcased its speed downwind with three consecutive wins. The crew, including three international sailors, guided the yacht to victory in ideal conditions.
Another standout entry was the Mylius 50 Daguet 2, which recently arrived from St Tropez for its new owners. Tactician Sean Kirkjian noted the team’s improvement with each race and the benefits of stronger winds.
Today’s Race 4 will feature an offshore Passage Race, with the breeze predicted to drop to around 5 knots at the start time. The competition is fierce, with boats like Noclecks and Let’s Get it On vying for top positions in their respective classes.
Overall, the 2024 Sail Port Stephens Regatta Series is off to an exciting start, with thrilling races and challenging conditions pushing sailors to their limits. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling sailing event.