7:50 AM Mon 12 Apr 2010 GMT
Graham Morton's magnificent Margaret Rintoul V took line honours in the opening race of the Commodore's Cup at Sail Port Stephens this afternoon, the 18.5 metre German Frers designed yacht from Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney powering to the finish line in a lightening westerly breeze shortly before 3.00pm this afternoon.
Racing offshore was the perfect combination of the steep cliff faces, waves and harsh light of the Rolex Sydney Hobart and the green water and sea life of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.
With the tidal change, currents, big wind shifts and breeze against the tide for the final beat to the finish, the front order was rearranged and gaps opened up before the fleet once again compressed.
"It wasn't just a straight out sail," said Pro Denis Thompson, who was delighted with the opening day of the third annual Port Stephens Regatta, in particular the two divisions converging at the finish after being sent on slightly different courses.
Jeff Carter's Farr 40 Edake, skippered by Chris Baggage until Carter arrives later in the week, led Margaret Rintoul V around the first mark of the fifteen nautical mile course but was soon overpowered by the largest in division one in the gusty 15-18 knot westerly breeze.
Overall honours on day one went to Tony Kirby's X41 Patrice Six from Robert Curtis' Secret Mens Business One in division one with Bradley Sewell's Sydney 32 Mainstay picking up the opening division two win on corrected time from Keith Masters' Northshore 38, Moet.
Kirby has successfully started the week in cruising mode with the other half of his crew arriving Thursday night for the commencement of the NSW IRC Championships on Friday.
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Commodore's Cup Division 2 winner, Bradley Sewell's Mainstay - Sail Port Stephens 2010 -
Andrea Francolini
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The opening day of the Sail Port Stephens regatta brought beautiful sunshine and superb sailing conditions for the three islands race, which the crews of the 35 yachts contesting the Commodore's Cup thoroughly enjoyed.
Patrons eating lunch at The Wharf Restaurant got more bang for their buck when the start gun fired at 12.30pm sending the fleet on its way from the breakwater right in front of the seafood restaurant. Division one was away first and those who meant business cracked kites right on the gun, making for a colorful and spectacular start to the event.
Then it was division two's turn; only two of the fleet flying spinnakers at the start, the rest deciding to sail in the true style of cruising by poling out headsails - much easier if you are trying to take in the beautiful scenery of the bay, or have your young family sailing with you.
As event co-ordinator Jody O'Brien commented: 'Postcard weather today - couldn't ask for a better start to the week with blue skies, sunshine and nice breeze - everyone's in great spirits and we aim to be doing everything possible for that to continue throughout the week.
'There are smiles all round - from those who are here for their third regatta to those who are first-timers to Sail Port Stephens - it's just a great atmosphere on the waterfront and it certainly feels like there's a fun week ahead.'
A couple of navigators failed to heed Denis Thompson's earlier warning, Troy Dillon's CMist softly touching the bottom and having to withdraw from racing after starting their engine.
Racing in the Commodore's Cup continues from 12.30pm tomorrow and Wednesday. Locals and those taking a holiday break in the region are welcome to take in some of the racing from d'Albora Marina at Port Stephens, or to follow racing from their own vessels.
For more information, please visit:
www.sailportstephens.com.au
by Lisa Ratcliff & Di Pearson
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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