WELL WORTH A TRIP DOWN UNDER FOR THE 2011 AUSTRALIAN MASTERS NATIONALS
The Australian Laser Masters Nationals – the first Masters Nationals in Australia for more than 25 years – are being held at the beautiful holiday resort of Port Stephens next February. Situated about160km (100 miles) north of Sydney, Port Stephens is an easy 2½ hour drive up the freeway from Sydney Airport. Comprising approximately 119 square kilometres (46 sq miles) of crystal clear waterways Port Stephens is quite a bit larger than Sydney Harbour, and while much of the Port is relatively shallow it contains sufficient deep water to accommodate large vessels – the troop-carrier Queen Mary sheltered there during World War 11.
The area is characterised by pretty bays, white sandy beaches and lush bushland. With gamefishing, surfing, beach and rock fishing, sailing, water cruises, boat charters, bushwalking, horseriding, waterskiing, swimming and parasailing Port Stephens is a bluewater paradise. There are a number of excellent golf courses and the Hunter Valley winegrowing region is only about an hour’s drive inland.
Accommodation caters for every budget, ranging from 4 and 5-star hotels to a variety of motels, B & Bs and some well-run caravan parks with on-site cabins. There are also many luxury holiday homes available for short-term rental, some right on the beach near the regatta site at Soldiers Point – a few minutes on Google will give you the picture.
The nearest accommodation to the boat park is the 3½-star All Seasons Salamander Shores hotel which is located only 100 metres from the sailing club. For the regatta they’re offering a special rate of AUD$119 per room, twin share, which includes a full hot buffet breakfast every morning. This rate is based on a minimum 3-night stay. You can find them at www.salamandershores.com Ask for the Laser Masters special deal.
The regatta runs from Friday February 11 – Monday February 14, 2011. Ten races are scheduled altogether – two on the Friday, 3 each on Saturday and Sunday with the final two on Monday. Naturally the course length will be arranged so Masters sailors are not too knackered after the days when three races are scheduled. Tony Denham, who was PRO for the Laser Worlds and World Masters at Terrigal in 2008, has agreed to run the regatta. He’ll be using the normal trapezoid courses, and the course area is only about a 10-minute sail from the beach.
There’s lots to do in the area generally, and accompanying spouses and partners will have plenty to entertain themselves with while competitors are out sailing. There is a welcome cocktail party on the Friday night and a Masters Dinner on the Sunday night, both included in the regatta entry fee.
February is generally a great time to be on the east coast of Australia a bit north of Sydney. The prevailing wind is a mild NE sea breeze with occasional southerly changes sweeping up the coast. Temperatures are generally in the high 20s C but it can be quite humid.
Around 180 – 200 boats are expected from all parts of Australia and New Zealand plus a number of regular international competitors from further afield have already indicated their interest. Laser cubes will be awarded along normal ILCA guidelines and GGMs have the choice of either Standard or Radial rig. Charter boats are available from the Australian factory ans one local Laser dealer but availability is limited so early booking is essential. Contact details for charter boats are in the NoR.
The Notice of Race, entry form and more information about accommodation and charter boats is available on the event mini-site. Just go to www.laser.asn.au and click on the Laser Masters Nationals logo on the right-hand side of the home page.
February is a great time to holiday in Australia and international airfares are at all-time lows. Sailing conditions should be ideal and competition at the regatta should be top-class, with at least 12 current or recent World champions sailing in the various fleets. Hope to see you at Port Stephens in early 2011.
