The team was really looking forward to attending the Port Stephens Cup. It is the most friendly and fun event of the calendar. It is the best entry level regatta for Hansa in NSW.  

The inclusive team from Dobroyd has a She Sails and Indigenous focus. All three boats have female skippers, two are vision impaired and the other hearing impaired. There is an all girl crew and two male crews.

Attendance at the event was excellent - Competitors travelled from Belmont, Gosford, Port Macquarie and Dobroyd. Port Macquarie and Port Stephens had a combined crew with Kathryn and Jason.

Saturday's first race was extremely competitive with several lead changes. Sarah winning by a boat length over Molly. The second was also close, Molly edging Sarah out.

The winners in the afternoon singles was shared around. Again there was contested starts and close racing. Michael, John, Richard and Dylan won heats.

On Sunday morning, the singles had close racing with three different winners. John Garbutt won in a countback over Doug Munk, with Dylan Saunders third.

The presentation ceremony during the Port Stephens Cup. Photo credit: Port Stephens Cup.

The doubles had a little more breeze. Molly had a couple of wins, with Kathryn and Jason winning the last race. Molly Boland and John Sanderson won, with Sarah Plunkett and Margaret Sanderson second and Kathryn Stevenson and Jason Elwes third.

The Port Stephens Cup was awarded to John Garbutt.

During Sunday lunchtime, there was a little value added to the event with a mini rules session on mark rounding and some mark rounding coaching on how to execute a Jenny Craig at the bottom mark, 'in fat, out skinny.'

Saturday nights social event was lots fun and a lot of catching up with old and new friends.

Overall, an absolutely fabulous weekend on Grahamstown Dam, near Raymond Terrace, with great breeze.

Singles winner John Garbutt. Photo credit: Port Stephens Cup.   

Doubles winner Molly Boland and John Sanderson. Photo credit: Port Stephens Cup.