The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club was out in force at this year’s Sail Port Stephens Regatta, with 15 yachts proudly representing the club across PHS, ORC, and PHRF divisions. There was plenty of close racing, plenty of laughs, and more than a few stories shared over a cold one at the end of each day.
A real highlight off the water was the Monday night RPAYC dinner, where over 80 members and crew came together to celebrate the week. Big thanks to Sean Gartner for coordinating the evening—it was classic Alfreds spirit in action, and a great way to mark such strong club participation.
On the results front, RPAYC’s performance in the PHS Team competition was also worth a cheer, with our boats finishing 3rd overall in the club standings—a testament to the depth and consistency of our fleet.
PHS Division
Across all four PHS divisions, Alfreds boats were well and truly in the mix.
In Division 1, Popeye (Craig Douglas) claimed a hard-fought 3rd overall, with XS Moment (Ray Hudson), Daguet 2 (Peter Byford), Condor (Ross Hennessy), and Banter (Stephen Jurd) all finishing in the top 10. Bushranger (Gerry Hatton) and Vento (Campbell Letchford) also held their own in a tough fleet.
Division 2 saw Seremisa (Sean Gartner) place 5th, with Bullwinkle (Peter Farrugia) and Gunner Goodwin (Robert Alpe) following closely behind.
In Division 3, La Troisieme Mi-Temps (Matt Doyle) picked up 3rd overall, with two race wins in the series. Una Vita! (Ken Peachey, in partnership with PSYC) took 5th, while Serendipity (Bob McClung) represented the club further down the order.
In Division 4, Vittoria (Alan Reece) finished 8th, and King Tide (Jenny Danks) and Crest (Stephen Ainge) added to the club’s strong presence.
ORC Division
In the ORC series, RPAYC boats continued to show form.
In Division 1, Condor (Ross Hennessy) finished 4th overall, with two race wins. Bushranger (Gerry Hatton) followed closely in 5th, and Daguet 2, Vento, XS Moment, and Banter all put in strong performances across the series.
Division 2 saw Bullwinkle (Peter Farrugia) earn a podium 3rd place, with Gunner Goodwin (Robert Alpe) in 6th, and Seremisa (Sean Gartner) in 7th. King Tide also raced consistently to round out the division.
Super 40s – PHRF
In the fast-paced PHRF Super 40 division, RPAYC entries were right up there.
Condor (Ross Hennessy) placed 2nd overall, just one point off the win. Bushranger (Gerry Hatton) followed in 3rd, and Vento (Campbell Letchford) placed 7th, capping off a strong Super 40 showing.
A Word of Thanks
RPAYC would also like to extend sincere thanks to Pantaenius, the event organisers, and the many race officials and volunteers who made this year’s regatta such a success. Sail Port Stephens continues to grow in stature and is now firmly established as the preeminent regatta on the east coast of Australia—a credit to the professionalism, passion, and hospitality of all involved.
Great sailing, great company—it’s what the Alfreds are all about. To all 15 yachts and their crews, thank you for representing RPAYC so proudly at Port Stephens. Whether on the racecourse or around the dinner table, you made this regatta one to remember.
Report written by Rob McClelland, RPAYC Commodore
Images by Sail Port Stephens Media – Mark Dujmovic Hover UAV & Mark Rothfield Promocean Media.