7:07 AM Fri 5 Mar 2010 GMT
The mighty Secret Men's Business 1 crew will return to Sail Port Stephens in 2010, but they will be without one of their secret weapons - she's brushing the opportunity to sail with her Dad - one of the co-owners of the boat - to head to Europe with the Australian Women's Match Racing Squad.
Nina Curtis, the 22 year old daughter of Rob Curtis, will be overseas with Nicky Souter and Katie Pellew (nee Spithill) to compete in the match racing circuit including the Go for Gold regatta at Weymouth - the sailing venue for the 2012 Olympics.
A trimmer and tactician with Nicky at the 2009 World Championships, Nina will be sorely missed on Secret Men's Business 1, along with younger brother Dean, who's likely to still be in Europe after competing at the Farr 40 worlds in Dominican Republic on the Farr 40 Estate Master team.
Ever the (justifiably) proud Dad, Rob is philosophical about missing his grown up kids at Sail Port Stephens this year.
'Nina and the girls have got a real chance at the London Olympics, so it's no wonder I've been dumped and she's now passing up the crew spots on Secret Men's Business1 to compete in Europe' he said.
'And whilst Dean might get back in time to join us, it's also highly probable that he might get a better offer and stay on in the northern hemisphere a little longer' Rob joked.
'We'll still have a great crew at the regatta - with a lot of like minded people who enjoy sailing hard and socialising with a smile - we certainly like to go on tour and we do tour very well !! ' Rob said.
'We really enjoyed our Sail Port Stephens experience last year and love the social stuff - we've got some fantastic apartments that are a short walk to the marina, so we're all very ready to have a great time in April - starting with the feeders races, and then a seriously fun week of sailing coupled with the change in social scenery every night - can't wait!' said Rob.
With many of the crew having already experienced the delights of sailing around Croatia, Rob would love to be in a position to have to divvy up the Mariner Boating Holidays major prize of a trip for 2 to Croatia, should Secret Mens Business1 be the lucky name drawn out of the prize barrel by Trevor and Maggie Joyce on Sunday the 18th of April at the regatta presentation.
'It'll be a battle, but we'll figure it out' he said with a laugh.
The Mariner Boating Holiday to Croatia valued at $15,000 is not the only prize on offer at Sail Port Stephens 2010.
Sail Solutions have joined the family as a prize partner this year, and each evening at the social function, business owner Greg Newton will team up with the Event MC to present some prizes for any notable efforts of the day that have nothing to do with handicaps or line honours.
With gorgeous Fendress Fender Covers and significant discounts on Rolly Tasker Sails part of the prize mix, the competition for recognition is set to be fierce and the entertainment factor of each presentation likely to be a fond memory of this year's regatta.
And the engine room of the regatta continues to run with the generous resource support of Business Port Stephens, an initiative of Port Stephens Council, the foundation partner group of Peppers Anchorage, Shoal Bay Resort and Spa, All Seasons Salamander Shores and Wests Nelson Bay Diggers.
The supporting partners of Port Stephens Coaches and d'Albora Marina, together with official clothing partner SLAM, are an integral part of the regatta's success.
As part of a long term strategy to draw a closer connection between the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens to showcase the incredible offerings that both locations provide to visitors, Tyrrells Wines are the first Hunter Valley brand and icon to join the SPS family, together with Wild Oats Wines whilst Lion Nathan continue their fantastic support - this year with Boags Beers as the official beer.
Family Friendly, Affordable and Fun.
This is Sail Port Stephens.
And the best is yet to come.
by Jody O'Brien
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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Manly, QLD
