Anger Management happy to return to Sail Port Stephens

Jody O’Brien, SPS

Posted: 10  Mar. 2010

Anger Management will be back for another tilt

They’ve been solid supporters of the Sail Port Stephens before it really even got on the official calendar and the crew from Anger Management will be back again come April.

Newcastle father and son team Phil and Richard Arnall took part in the original “retro regatta”, run by regatta director Paul O’Rourke and a small team from Corlette Point Sailing Association out of Peppers Anchorage four years ago, who tested the concept that has now evolved to become what Sail Port Stephens is today.

The first Anger Management, a Beneteau 40.7, has been sold and the Arnalls have moved onto a more racing focussed boat, a Farr 40 and they are looking forward to the April event. “We enjoy the format, and the logistics of getting the boat and crew to the regatta there are negligible for us,” said Richard.

“We really can’t go past a chance to race against the top IRC boats without the hassle of big delivery costs for both boat and crew” he said.

For owner Phil, it’s an ideal opportunity to have a change in racing scenery. “We enjoy going up to the Bay - and the quality of racing is great – we’ve loved it every year. We’re looking forward to it again in a few weeks time," he said.

This will be the father and son Farr 40’s second outing at Sail Port Stephens under the Anger Management namesake. The boat was formerly owned by Marcus Blackmore and raced under the name of Emotional Hooligan and sailed on the international Farr 40 One-Design circuit.

The Arnalls took delivery of the boat one week before the 2009 Sail Port Stephens. With a year of experience and some good results out of the Newcastle CYC, along with a 14th overall in the 2010 Pittwater to Coffs Race, they’re looking forward to matching up with some of the interstate and Sydney based IRC boats at this year’s event.

Out of a crew of 10, just under half will be coming to Sail Port Stephens for the first time, and a number of them are bringing wives and partners – something Richard is a big fan of..

“The great thing about Sail Port Stephens is that it’s easy for families to be part of the regatta as well, meaning that we blokes can be earning, rather than having to redeem, the often very expensive frequent family points, which a week away sailing usually costs," he said.

“There’s a quality and cost-effective and range of accommodation; particularly self contained apartments, meaning it’s easy to bring mother in laws/grandparents – it gives them a few days away at the Bay, and also provides a good built in babysitter for us, “ he said.

For those with kids that are old enough to get involved in it, this year a daily Kids Activity Program has been introduced, organised in conjunction with supporting travel partner, Port Stephens Coaches.

From Sand Dune 4WD adventures to treasure hunts, Dolphin watching and waterslides, there’s a stress free solution to keeping kids entertained every day whilst Dads are out sailing – all Mums and kids need to do is get on the bus each morning – the rest is all sorted out for you.

Passes are available online on the event website and need to be booked prior to the regatta getting underway.

This year there is a major prize on offer, a fantastic International trip for two to Croatia provided by Mariner Boating Holidays, and between the Arnalls, there is likely to be much discussion about how it might be distributed should their boat’s name be pulled from the prize barrel on Sunday April 18 at the regatta presentation.

For getting their entry in before 5pm this Friday, the Arnalls have scored a bonus two entries in the draw - and when asked how they might split it – there were two distinctly different and very definitive answers.

From Richard -“Definitely the holiday to Croatia would go to the owner’s son.” While Phil said: “I’ll leave that one to the skipper!”

That aside, they might have to be satisfied with perhaps being the recipient of one of the fabulous daily prizes from Sail Solutions, with a set of Fendress Fender Covers in red likely to be a perfect match with the boat’s distinctive sign writing along the hull.

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