The opening day of the 2026 Sail Port Stephens Commodores Cup Passage Series showcased a puffy 10-15 knot south-westerly breeze, setting the stage for an exhilarating start as 124 boats took to the water from the Nelson Bay breakwall. The impressive fleet was divided into four divisions to manage the competitive sailing conditions.
Division 1
Division 1 featured 28 entries, including David Beck’s CNB 60 Journey and Peter Geddes’ local favourite Road Runner, a Thompson 920. Competitors skilfully navigated their vessels through gusty winds, shifting breezes, and the intricate tide-affected course within Port Stephens’ scenic natural harbour.
Grant Pocklington’s Bakewell White 36 Anarchy from Pittwater made a strong showing, successfully executing crucial sail changes to secure first place in the PHS ranking for Division 1. Pocklington, drawing on two decades of fishing and sailing experience in the region, credited his familiarity with the local sandbars and currents for his success. “This is one of the great sailing courses in the world. You have wind, you have tide, you have physical obstacles you need to get around. It’s very challenging, but fantastic,” he remarked.
Julian Bell’s Beneteau 51st Project and Ian Humphries’ Botin & Carkeek 42 Dirty Deeds from Lake Macquarie Yacht Club rounded out the podium in second and third places respectively. Line honours were claimed by Marcus Blackmore’s RP52 Ammonite.
Division 2
In Division 2, a gripping contest unfolded between Sydney boats King Tide (Jenny Danks and Greg O’Neill) and Andiamo (Lee Haswley), with King Tide emerging victorious. Division 3 saw veteran sailor Peter Lewis and his crew on Ca Va, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440, continue their winning legacy, fending off competition from the larger CaVa, a Beneteau 50 from the Royal Motor Yacht Club.
Lewis expressed his enduring passion for sailing at Nelson Bay, highlighting the camaraderie amongst participants and the stunning environment. “After 19 years I never get sick of sailing here. How better to spend a week on your boat?”
The pleasant breeze favoured Sarah Breenan’s Dufour 365 Grand Large Sweet Chariot, as the non-spinnaker division saw Namadgi 3 take the first spot in the ongoing rivalry of Bavarias.
Following the day’s races, the Sail Port Stephens crowd enjoyed a musical performance from 80s Australian rock band GANGgajang. With an anticipated forecast of an 8-knot breeze for Tuesday, competitors are hopeful for another thrilling instalment of the renowned Round-the-Islands offshore passage racing.
Sail Port Stephens 2026 is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism agency Destination NSW, Port Stephens Council and subsidiary sponsors.
https://www.sailportstephens.com.au/
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