Lu Lu Belle crew love the lay day at Sail Port Stephens

10:35 AM Fri 24 Apr 2009 GMT

'Lu Lu Belle swaps the water for the vineyards on the Lay Day - Sail Port Stephens' Anthony Kelly Click Here to view large photo

The boys from Lu Lu Belle had an entertaining lay day at Sail Port Stephens, with a bus trip to the Hunter Valley to fill in their time.

What was originally intended to be the full crew partaking in the activity turned into three enthusiastic wine connoisseurs and Wilson (yes, the same sort of Wilson that became famous as Tom Hanks only friend in Castaway).

Some mechanical issues meant that the original 21 seater that owner and head pirate Peter Lewis had booked with Port Stephens Coaches was not able to make the trip and the only bus available was a 54 seat air conditioned luxury coach.

So off they set, like rock-stars in their crew party shirts and bandanas en route to the Petersen's Champagne House with a hit list of three vineyards that they planned to get to before or after lunch.

Vineyards love the sight of a big bus rolling up to their door - so imagine their surprise when just three Hawaiian shirted Lu Lu Bellers emerged as the door flipped open.

What they lacked in numbers they made up for in entertainment value, as was enjoyably discovered by the team at a local restaurant where they landed for lunch....and didn't move from until well into the afternoon - they managed to achieve most of their tasting goals there, and with their trusty driver Ron, they enjoyed a magic afternoon of good laughs, fine food and of course great wine !

Peter and his mates have had a great time all week at Sail Port Stephens, both on and off the water, and are already pencilling it in their diaries for next year.

'Everything about this regatta is great - the people, the atmosphere, the close proximity to Sydney - we are just loving it ! ' he said.

Wilson also had a great day...and has requested that this become a Lay Day tradition for Sail Port Stephens....and with any luck and good management, next year will see all 54 seats on the Port Stephens Coach filled....and plenty of mischief to be directed by the Lu Lu Belle pirates.

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.
International Paints are also participating in this year's event, through the International Paints Magic Moment of the Day - a daily award for outstanding achievement and human feats -good or bad during racing.

by Jody O'Brien

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