Jeanneau yachts were well represented through the 110-yacht fleet at this years Sail Port Stephens Regatta, with a wide variety of models taking part. It’s a favourite part of our sailing season and a must-do event on the NSW calendar.
Sadly, for the first time in many years Lee and Andy from PBS were unable to attend due to other commitments, but owners and friends Peter Lewis and Jeremy Clarke stepped in to host our annual Jeanneau Owners function, which is always a highlight of the week. They also saw to it that the daily medals were handed out for the first three Jeanneau’ s across the fleet. For that we thank them wholeheartedly!
The event started on the Monday (March 31st) with plenty of breeze but rather wet, which is a combination not often experienced during this event. Many of the Jeanneau’ s revelled in the conditions with the Sun Fast 3200 “Ataraxia” (Scott Knights) getting a 2nd in division 3, the Sun Odyssey 440 “Ca Va (Peter Lewis) also managed a 2nd, while in the non-spinnaker division the Sun Odyssey 349 “Elysium” (John de Meur and Aki Hirata) who are regular attendees at this event started their week with a win.
Race two was again raced inshore and with breeze, with “Ataraxia”, “Ca Va” and “Elysium” again featuring in the podium results. However, also in those top results was the Sun Fast 3300 “Beluga” (Beverly Small) with a 3rd in division 3, and the Sun Odyssey 39i “Slac-N-Off” (Martin Colebrook) achieved a 2nd in division 4.
That evening was our Performance Boating Sales sponsored Jeanneau owners function attended by 60 people.. We are assured that a terrific evening was had by all.
The racing is run on performance handicap, so the handicap is adjusted after each race, so the better your results the higher your handicap becomes. For this year’s event the breeze got lighter for race 3, and race 4 which was the first to be raced out of the harbour and around the islands, so less suitable for those more cruisey yachts. Despite this “Elysium” managed to win division in race 3, and 2nd in the final race.
So, it was no great surprise that “Elysium” managed to win the series overall and also win the Jeanneau division after an outstanding week, so congratulations John, Aki and crew! The other division winner was PBS client Scott Knights from Newcastle on “Ataraxia”. PBS sold Scott’s Sun Odyssey 349 last year and then sold him the 3200 as he became more racing focused, and he is thoroughly enjoying that yacht. The final podium achiever was “Slac-N-Off” which managed a 3rd overall in division 4. Well done to all the Jeanneau participants.
For those reading this report who haven’t attended this wonderful event, the key element is to secure a pen or mooring as the event is limited by the capacity of the area, so if you would like to join the best fun regatta in NSW next year now is the time to make a booking.
Lee Condell
