THE 2026 Sail Port Stephens Commodores Cup Passage Series got underway on Monday, marking the 19th year of one of Australia’s premier offshore sailing events.
A record-breaking fleet of around 124 starters hit the line immediately off Nelson Bay’s breakwall, making this year’s edition even bigger than a Sydney to Hobart race start.
The Commodores Cup Passage Series action will continue until Saturday, 18 April.
Leading lights in Division 1 include Marcus Blackmore’s RP52 Ammonite 52, the Kerr 40 Mk3 Condor, Shaw 11m Little Nico and two Farr 400s – Bullwinkle and Vento.
Onshore celebrations kicked off on Monday, with an official Welcome Party at d’Albora Marina Nelson Bay.
The sailing excitement began on Sunday, with the running of the Newcastle to Port Stephens Race, a key feeder event into the regatta.
Crews were treated to exhilarating strong reaching conditions across Stockton Bight, with standout performances across the fleet.
Taking line honours, and securing both PHS and ORC handicap victory, was the Thompson 920 Road Runner (LMYC), which powered to the finish at speeds of up to 20 knots, completing the course in an impressive 1 hour 41 minutes.
IRC honours went to KD4, skippered by Joe de Kock, capping off a highly competitive offshore race.
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