Andrew York and his REO 850, Like Oxygen, always kitted out with Ullman Sails, delivered a standout performance at the 2025 Sail Port Stephens Bay Series, held from May 2–4. The scenic waters of Nelson Bay hosted a dynamic fleet of sports boats, J/70s, and off-the-beach classes as part of the regatta’s Bay Series, with competitors also sailing for the prestigious Australian Sports Boat Association (ASBA) NSW title.

The five-race series came down to a thrilling showdown between Like Oxygen and Malcolm Dean’s Shaw 650, Black Betty. Both boats posted identical race results: 2.5, 2, 1, 1, 2.

“There were zero points between us and the winner,” said York. “We tied with Black Betty in the first race, with the winner just four seconds in front on CHB rating.”

Ultimately, Black Betty secured the title on countback by winning the final race.

Racing across the three days, the fleet faced a wide range of conditions, from consistent breezes to almost nothing.

"Conditions were flat on the first and last day. 8 to 14 knots on day one and 6 to 0 knots on the third,” York explained.

Day two brought the most demanding test, a long-distance race across the heads of Port Stephens in a moderate breeze and heavy seas.

“We cleared out in 12 knots or so,” said York. “We sailed across the heads of Port Stephens, and three-meter swells were coming in, with the tops breaking now and then on the rhumb line course between two of our marks.”

The boat, Like Oxygen (designed by York himself), is traditionally known to excel in stronger breezes. However, its performance in light-air races during the Bay Series showed off some new strengths.

“I was very pleased with our performance as Like Oxygen is designed for and excels in breezes over 10 or 12 knots,” he said. “We were very competitive down to 5 or 6 knots, which was great!”

Despite narrowly missing the top step of the podium, the Sail Port Stephens’ result proves the REO 850’s competitiveness across a wider range of conditions. With continued refinement and a motivated team, Like Oxygen is expected to be a serious contender in upcoming regattas, next up, Airlie Beach Race Week in August.

photos Rachael England