The annual SailFest Newcastle Regatta was created in 2019 to be a celebration of all things sail – both on the Harbour and off our beaches.
It rekindles the historic Newcastle Regatta, first held in 1845, and evokes the maritime traditions of Australia’s oldest export port while showcasing modern sailing technology.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club is the major host for a smorgasbord of sailing events, comprising grand-prix offshore racers, Olympic-class Sailing Champions League keelboats, Try-Sailing experiences and more.
The headline act is the TP52 Gold Cup that attracts a star-studded fleet from Sydney… the hottest TP52 showdown outside Europe’s 52 Super Series. They’ll be racing offshore alongside the rest of the offshore keelboat divisions.
Inshore, we’ll see the Sailing Champions League tournament contesting the club vs club competition out the front of Honeysuckle.
Port Hunter 16ft Sailing Club runs the historic Cock of the Harbour race that crowns the fastest sailing vessel on Newcastle Harbour and remains one of the oldest trophies in Australian sailing.
At the same time, families can also enjoy a Try-Sailing experience in the sheltered waters of Throsby Basin, Carrington. A free initiative, it allows budding sailors (ages 6 – 12years) to learn a new skill aboard a NCYC’s Tackers dinghy.
The Harbour presents a perfect amphitheatre for sailing and spectating, allowing visitors to stroll the Foreshore and watch everything from dinghy sailing to Olympic class boats and skiffs in the Honeysuckle Basin, and TP52s and ocean racing off Newcastle Beach.
There are lots of social activities along the waterfront, creating a relaxed sailing carnival atmosphere. Included is a treasure map taking in the highlights of inner-city Newcastle.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club General Manager Paul O’Rourke serves as Race Director for SailFest Newcastle, overseeing all aspects of the event and contracting relevant specialists. Denis Thompson from On Track Event Management is Principal Race Officer while Mark Rothfield from Promocean Media serves as Media and Marketing Director.
- SailFest Newcastle Regatta is generously supported by the City of Newcastle, Port of Newcastle, and Transport for NSW.