2026 Sail Port Stephens Passage Series | Nelson Bay
Get ready for one of Australia’s biggest sailing events—the 2026 Sail Port Stephens Passage Series! This annual regatta brings sailors from all over the country to the beautiful waters of Port Stephens for some thrilling racing and a fantastic coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re going to compete or just spectate, this is an event you simply cannot miss.
Week 1: The Commodores Cup | 13–18 April 2026
A favourite for cruiser-racer crews who enjoy longer, scenic passage racing, the Commodores Cup delivers five days of racing under PHS, based out of Regatta HQ at d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay. Courses make the most of Port Stephens, inshore and offshore islands, bays, fixed marks, plus some laid buoys, with one race per day.
- Dates: 13–18 April 2026 (includes a Reserve Day if racing is required)
- Open to: cruising and racing yachts
- Divisions: Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker
- Handicap: PHS (adjusted daily)
- Safety: YA Category 5 (with YA Category 7 available for Division 7 short inshore races)
Registration for this series
- Sunday 12 April 2026: 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
- Monday 13 April 2026: 8:00 am–9:00 am
Social highlight
- Sail Port Stephens Street Party: Wednesday 15 April 2026 at Nelson Bay.
Week 2: Performance Racing | 24–26 April 2026
Week 2 is the Performance Racing Series based out of Regatta HQ at d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay, with racing concentrated close to the marina breakwall (plus passage racing in the mix). It comprises the prestigious NSW Yachting Championships (IRC), Rob Hampshire Cup (ORC), Act 3 of the TP52 Gold Cup (TPR and IRC), and the new Super Racer Cruiser division (IRC). Expect a blend of windward-leeward racing and passage racing, depending on division.
Major series running this week:
One of the state’s top yachting events, this championship attracts the best of the best from around Australia. Tight, tactical racing where every move counts.
- NSW Yachting Championships – Series Sponsor: Heineken Beer
- ORC Rob Hampshire Cup – Series Sponsor: Seabreeze Hotel
- InterClub 40 Teams Challenge (team format, scored on ORC fixed ratings)
- TP52 Gold Cup — Act 3 (TPR and IRC)
- Plus other inshore divisions across the weekend
Also on the water:
Australian Invitational Elliott 6 Series, J70s, and Sportsboats race windward/leeward courses, with the regatta office, official briefings, daily prizes and social functions all based at d’Albora Marina.
Registration for Week 2 series:
- Thursday 23 April: 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
- Friday 24 April: 8:00 am–9:00 am
Week 3: Super Series | 1-3 May 20262 – 4
This three-day event held at the Regatta HQ at d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay, brings the month to a close with the Super Series, plus an Off the Beach regatta hosted from Bay Sailing Centre, Salamander Bay.
Super Series divisions
- Super Racer Cruiser Division: passage racing each day, with start/finish off the marina wall at Nelson Bay.
Learn more about Super Racer Cruiser
- Cat Stephens: multihull passage racing each day, start/finish off the marina wall.
- International Invitational Challenge (International Elliott 6 Series): three days of windward/leeward fleet racing, based at d’Albora Marina.
Registration for Super Racer and Cat Stephens series:
- Thursday 23 April: 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
- Friday 24 April: 8:00 am–9:00 am
Registration for International Invitational Challenge:
- Thursday 30 April: 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
- Friday 1 May: 8:00 am–9:00 am
Off the Beach:
A high-performance showcase featuring a wide array of dinghies, skiffs, and windsurfers. Hosted by Bay Sailing Centre, Salamander Bay, with up to three windward/leeward races per day. Daily briefings and sign-on/off happen at the clubhouse, followed by daily results and prizes at The Cheeky Dog (Bannisters Port Stephens).
Registration times:
- Friday 1 May – 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- Saturday 2 May – 7:30 am to 9:00 am
- Briefing from approximately 10:00 am
A Week of Racing, Entertainment & Coastal Fun
The Passage Series offers a perfect mix of competitive sailing and onshore fun. From daily race briefings around d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay to daily results and presentations, there’s plenty to enjoy on and off the water.For those wanting to be close to the action, the 2026 Commodores Cup (Passage Series week) runs 13–18 April 2026, so plan your accommodation around the racing and the social calendar. Whether you’re after a waterfront apartment, a family-friendly holiday home, or a luxury escape, booking ahead at Nelson Bay Accommodation ensures you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Book Your Stay with Nelson Bay Accommodation
The 2026 Sail Port Stephens Passage Series promises spectacular racing, great entertainment, and an unbeatable coastal vibe. Whether you’re one of the competitors on boats or just bringing off-water support, this event includes all the elements that make it worth looking forward to. Book your stay now and start counting down the days to one of Australia’s top sailing festivals!
