Australia’s largest sailing regatta, Sail Port Stephens, is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary, with Notices of Race published and online entries now open. From humble beginnings in 2008, it has evolved into a three-week sailing festival attracting competitors from around Australia and overseas.
Sail Port Stephens
12 April to 2 May 2027
NOR, event information and online entries are available at www.sailportstephens.com.au
The 2026 regatta broke all previous records, drawing 271 boats and 2,613 sailors and supporters to the spectacular waterways of Port Stephens, while generating an estimated $9.35 million in economic activity for the region.
Organisers are setting their sights on an even bigger celebration in 2027, with 11 days of racing spread across three consecutive weeks from 12 April to 2 May. The milestone comes as the event enjoys national recognition, having recently won the Australian Sailing NSW/ACT Sport Promotion Award and subsequently been named a finalist in the national Australian Sailing Awards.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club CEO Paul O’Rourke highlighted the regatta’s remarkable evolution, stating, “We started with 20 boats and here we are, 20 years later, with 270-plus. From day 1, the event has always been about combining great sailing with a relaxed social atmosphere, and that’s something we’ve aimed to preserve as the event has continued to grow.”
The anniversary regatta promises to be even bigger and brighter while remaining welcoming. The action begins with the hugely popular Commodores Cup Passage Series from 12-17 April, with more than 110 cruising yachts expected to enjoy six days of racing through the islands and pristine waters of the Port Stephens Marine Park.
The second week, from 23-25 April, brings the grand-prix Performance Series, which incorporates the NSW IRC Yachting Championship, TP52 Gold Cup, and ORC Rob Hampshire Trophy, alongside competitive one-design racing.
Finally, the Bay Series from 30 April to 2 May showcases a diverse fleet of off-the-beach dinghies, cruising multihulls contesting the Cat Stephens series, and large luxury racer-cruisers in the Super RC division.
Complementing the on-water competition is a packed social calendar centred on the popular Regatta Village at d’Albora Marina Nelson Bay, including live entertainment, presentations, and a community street party.
The regatta continues to deliver significant tourism and promotional benefits, with its 2026 media campaign attracting more than 1.15 million social media views.
Managed by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, the event is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, Port Stephens Council, and a loyal network of commercial partners and volunteers.
Notices of Race, event information and online entries are available at www.sailportstephens.com.au.
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