Sail Port Stephens set for biggest event in regatta’s 18-year history

newy.com.au – Sail Port Stephens will return to Nelson Bay and Port Stephens from 13 April to 3 May 2026, with Port Stephens Council saying the three-week festival will be the biggest in the event’s 18-year history and now the largest sailing regatta in Australia.

The festival is expected to bring more than 300 boats, thousands of sailors and three major regattas to the region’s waterways, while generating an estimated $3.5 million in economic value for the local economy.

For the first time, Nelson Bay will host activities across the full three weeks, including a Regatta Village at d’Albora Marina with daily entertainment, markets and sailing presentations for the wider community.

Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said the council was proud to be a major sponsor of the 2026 event, backing tourism, local businesses and Nelson Bay’s town centre after the peak holiday period.

“Port Stephens is one of the best sailing destinations in Australia. This event brings people to the area after the peak holiday period, helps our local businesses thrive and creates more local jobs,” Mayor Anderson said.

“While visiting sailors, families and support crew are in town, we encourage them to shop like a local – from restaurants and cafes to retail stores and attractions, Port Stephens has so much to offer,” Mayor Anderson added.

Mayor Anderson said the event had grown significantly since it began in 2008.

“Sail Port Stephens started as a small local event with just a handful of entries. It’s now Australia’s largest sailing regatta, with over 300 boats,” Mayor Anderson said.

“It’s a family-friendly festival and free to watch. An amazing experience, no matter if you’re on the water, shore, or in the Regatta Village,” Mayor Anderson added.

The Sail Port Stephens Street Party will also return on Wednesday 15 April, with Magnus and Stockton streets in Nelson Bay to be closed to traffic and opened to pedestrians for the event.

The street party will feature street dining, late-night shopping, pop-up bars and live music, with Love That Hat scheduled to perform from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.