9:26 AM Tue 21 Apr 2009 GMT
High clouds scattered across the sky for the first half of the day, but the sun and wind managed to move them on and competitors and visitors to Sail Port Stephens have been treated to a glamour afternoon both on and off the water.
Race two of the Commodores Cup started in a five to ten knot south easterly and boats were quick to hoist kites to enjoy a four mile run, but as the majority of the fleet cleared the first mark, the breeze kicked in to 25 knots, forcing most crews to re-think their original sail plan.
With reduced sails, the boats worked their way towards the Mallaboola mark up in the western reaches of the Port Stephens Marine Park where they turned the corner, cracked sheets and ran, before sheeting on again and threading their way back through the Islands, then working back up to a laid mark in Salamander Bay.
Guests at All Seasons Salamander Shores and Peppers Anchorage were treated to the pretty sight of a bunch of yachts racing, ranging in size from 27 to 65 foot, as they sailed backwards and forwards past both venues, with local boat Flyblown and Patrice Six clocking up a very hard fought battle, crossing the finish line 2 seconds apart.
At 65 foot, it's pretty difficult for the rest of the fleet to beat Margaret Rintoul V home, and she finished first yet again - back at d'Albora Marina after a pleasant two hours and 14 minutes on the water.
Last year's winner Bushranger moved one spot up the ladder to take eight place today, but she's out of the running for the Silverware this year, with the battle for the title to be fought out tomorrow between the smaller boats in the fleet who currently have a claim on first, second and third in the series point score, but it is yachting after all......and anything could happen on the water tomorrow !
For a full list of today's results, go to topyachtsoftware.com/results/2009/sps/series/com-cup/02RGrp1.htm
The Commodores Cup will conclude tomorrow afternoon, with a prize giving dinner tomorrow night - then crews take a well earned lay day rest before racing steps up a gear on Friday with the Yachting NSW IRC Championship and the Port Stephens Trophy, along with the National titles for the Melges 24 - a get up and go one design sports boat, one of the fastest growing trail-able fleets in the world.
From Friday through Sunday, yachts of all sizes will race on a range of courses and areas around the Bay and offshore, with great spectator spots to watch the starts off the break wall at d'Albora Marina.
There are a number of vantage points - including Peppers Anchorage at Corlette Point and from the jetty in front of All Seasons Salamander Shores at Soldiers Point, where locals and visitors can take in the spectacle of a fleet of over 30 boats, ranging in size from 65 to 24 foot.
The Sandy Foot Bar Courtyard at Shoal Bay Resort and Spa is also an ideal spot to sit back with a coffee and watch the boats round the marker buoy at the bottom of the Shoal Bay Basin.
About a third of the total number of competitors are already in race mode in the Commodores Cup, and from Thursday the size of the fleet more than triples, with close to 65 boats taking to the water across the Anzac Day weekend.
For daily updates, go to www.sailportstephens.com.au
Since its inception, Sail Port Stephens has had invaluable resource support from Business Port Stephens, an initiative of Port Stephens Council, and the inaugural group of Foundation Partners in Nelson Bay Diggers, All Seasons Salamander Shores, Peppers Anchorage and Shoal Bay Resort and Spa have, even in tough economic times, all continued to believe in the long term vision for the regatta and what it brings to the region.
International sailing clothing brand, SLAM, continue their support as the Official Clothing supplier, and d'Albora Marina are a great partner with their on-site support and special deals for regatta participants.
Newcomers to the Supporting Partner group for 2009 include Wild Oats Wines as the Official Wine Partner of the Regatta and Tooheys New White Stag - full strength low carb beer, as the Official Beer of the event, and International Paints have joined in the fun, sponsoring a daily award known as the International Magic Moment of the Day.
by Jody O'Brien
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