Over 90 boats, comprising sports boats, J/70s, International Canoes, RS Aeros, Finns, OK dinghies, Windsurfers and a smorgasbord of other classes, contested on three race tracks in the Sail Port Stephens Bay Series which was held from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st May, 2023.

The J/70 Class competed for the first time at the event as a one-design division with seven boats entered.  The entries comprised three boats that travelled from Sandringham Yacht Club in Victoria and four boats from Sydney, including Jabiru and Swish from RSYS, Jabberwocky from MHYC and Birubi from RANSA. 

D'alborah Marina at Nelson Bay with their travel lift helped eveyone into the water Thursday afternoon and provided berthing for the weekend.

Sailing conditions on Friday and Saturday were excellent with 8 to 10 knots westerly breezes and sunshine on both days.  The Race Committee did an excellent job setting fair courses.  Joust's skipper Rod Warren commented 'The race area was nice and shifty.  A highlight of the weekend, apart from the racing and getting to know other teams was definitely dodging sandbanks and watching surf break over them later in the day'.  Sequel's owner Tony Landgren said 'The close competition was the highlight for us.  One mistake and then into recovery mode! We will be back!'

Unfortunately on Sunday racing was abandoned due to a gale warning for offshore waters and 30 knots plus winds on the race area. 

Racing amongst the J/70s was tight with only one point separating the first two placegetters on the series and a further seven points to third.  The elapsed time for each race was approximately 45 minutes and there was only a couple of minutes separating the fleet in most races. 

After the six races, Swish (Steven Proud RSYS) was the first placegetter, Joust 70 (Rod Warren Sandringham YC) was second and Jabiru (Karyn Gojnich RSYS) was third. 'Port Stephens is a great regatta venue with a large expanse of sheltered water and unlike Sydney Harbour, no ferries to dodge or power boat wash to contend with' said winner Steven Proud.

As well as enjoying  good racing the crews were able to join in the regatta social events.  The organisers did a very good job of getting everyone together after racing each day with daily results presentations and lucky draw prizes.  Adam Keyes-Tilley from Madness commented 'We really enjoyed the regatta & hospitality of the Bay Sailing team, Newcastle Yacht Club & D’Albora Marina - they were very accommodating.  Great race track, challenged us with the tide at the top mark and fantastic courses from the volunteers'.

Several lucky sailors received $500 vouchers to use at Bannisters Port Stephens. This event will be a permanent addition to the J/70 Class event calendar.  Save the date for next year May 3-5, 2024.

Final results

Event website: www.sailportstephens.com.au/bay-series

Photos PromOcean Media