2:37 AM Wed 10 Mar 2010 GMT
They've been solid supporters of the Sail Port Stephens before it really even got on the official calendar and the crew from Anger Management will be back again in 2010.
Newcastle Father and Son team, Phil & Richard Arnall, took part in the original 'retro regatta', run by Regatta Director Paul O'Rourke and a small team from Corlette Point Sailing Association out of Peppers Anchorage 4 years ago to test the concept that has now evolved to become what Sail Port Stephens is today.
And whilst the first Anger Management, a Beneteau 40.7 has moved onto cruisier waters and the Arnall boys have moved into a more racing focussed boat, a Farr 40 - the enjoyment of and enthusiasm for Sail Port Stephens has not wavered, rather it's gotten stronger every year.
'We really like the format, and the logistics of getting the boat and crew to the regatta there are negligible for us' said Richard.
'We just can't go past a chance to race against the top IRC boats without the hassle of big delivery costs for both boat and crew' he said.
For owner Phil, it's an ideal opportunity to have a change in racing scenery.
'We enjoy going up to the Bay, and the quality of racing is great - we've loved it every year, and we're looking forward to it again in a few weeks time 'he said.
This will be their Farr 40's second outing at Sail Port Stephens under the Anger Management namesake.
In a former life, the boat was owned by Marcus Blackmore and raced under the name of Emotional Hooligan, specifically refitted for the Farr 40 One design circuit.
Last year the Arnalls had taken delivery of the boat one week before Sail Port Stephens, so with a year of experience and getting to know the boat under their belt and some good results in the 2009/2010 NCYC Short Ocean Point Score and Summer Ocean Point Score, along with a 14th overall in the 2010 Pittwater to Coffs Race, they're looking forward to seeing how they match up with some of the interstate and Sydney based IRC boats at this year's event.
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Anger Management - a Newcastle boat that loves geting amongst the IRC competition at Sail Port Stephens - Sail Port Stephens - Event Media
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Out of a crew of 10, just under half will be coming to Sail Port Stephens for the first time, and a number of them are bringing wives and partners - something Richard is a big fan of..
'The great thing about Sail Port Stephens is that it's easy for families to be part of the regatta as well, meaning that we blokes can be earning, rather than having to redeem, the often very expensive frequent family points, which a week away sailing usually costs..'he said.
'The good thing about the quality, cost and range of accommodation, particularly self contained apartments, means that it's easy to bring mother in laws/grandparents - it gives them a few days away at the Bay, and also provides a good built in babysitter for us ! ' he said.
For those with kids who are old enough to get involved in it, this year sees the introduction of a daily Kids Activity Program, organised in conjunction with supporting travel partner, Port Stephens Coaches.
From Sand Dune 4WD adventures to treasure hunts, Dolphin watching and waterslides, there's a stress free solution to keeping kids entertained every day whilst Dads are out sailing - all Mums and kids need to do is get on the bus each morning - the rest is all sorted out for you !
Passes are available online on the event website and need to be booked prior to the regatta getting underway.
This year there is a major prize on offer, a fantastic International triup for 2 to Croatia provided by Mariner Boating Holidays, and between the Arnalls, there is likely to be much discussion about how it might be distributed should their boat's name be pulled from the prize barrel on Sunday the 18th of April at the regatta presentation.
For getting their entry in before 5pm this Friday, they've scored a bonus two entries in the draw, and when asked how they might split it - there were two distinctly different and very definitive answers.
From Richard -'Definitely the holiday to Croatia would go to the owner's son'.
From Phil - 'Leave that one to the Skipper'
That aside, they might have to be satisfied with perhaps being the recipient of one of the fabulous daily prizes from Sail Solutions, with a set of Fendress Fender Covers in red likely to be a perfect match with the boat's distinctive sign writing along the hull.
Family Friendly, Affordable and Fun.
This is Sail Port Stephens
And the best is yet to come.
by Jody O'Brien
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Manly, QLD
