Hanse owners' Port Stephens Sail Away

"It's not just the boat, but the opportunity for adventure that goes with it", said one of the 18 Hanse owners who took part in the annual Hanse Owners Sail Away. This comment sums up the attitude of the Hanse Owners, who, on board boats ranging from 32 to 47 feet, spent a long weekend cruising the coast between Sydney and Port Stephens and enjoying some great company along with fine food and wine.

After a pre-departure briefing on the Friday night, owners headed north on a southeasterly breeze of between 15 and 20 knots, which, combined with a messy and lumpy sea, proved a challenge that the owners warmed to with gusto.

After lazing away the afternoon, sundown saw the Hanse owners gather for drinks followed by a sumptuous three-course meal at Peppers Resort. Laughter and conversation, combined with fine food and wine saw the night fly by and when owners retired it was for some well deserved rest.

Sunday dawned with bright blue skies and a gentle breeze. After breakfast, it was a sail out to Broughton Island 8nm northeast of the entrance to Port Stephens. Yachts anchored in a protected little cove and crews lunched on board.

A gentle northeast breeze filled in and spinnakers went up for a afternoon sail back to the Anchorage Marina. After the late afternoon return sail, the planned sundowners for Sunday night was moved to the marina for drinks, and owners socialised on the dock, toasting what had been a great day.

The forecast for the return sail south sounded promising with southeast winds forecast to move around to the northeast throughout the day. A pleasant beat to the south throughout the morning soon turned to a motor as the wind switched direction, but failed to sustain any strength.

All yachts made it back in the early evening of Monday night, happy, tired and planning the next adventure on board.

— by Team Windcraft