Eight yachts crewed by HMRI supporters enjoyed a magnificent day's sailing on Newcastle Harbour on Sunday, contesting the annual HMRI Cup.

The 43-footer Anger Management, skippered by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Commodore Phil Arnall, displayed great fighting spirit to win the trophy by 4 metres over Matt Fensom’s Long Time Dead.

With sponsor Ord Minnett's crew on board, Anger Management came from the back of the fleet in a handicap start to clinch victory in the last couple of boat lengths to the finish.

Third across the line was Wizzard owned by Mic Hinchey.

NCYC Chief Executive Officer Richard Howard said: “The HMRI Cup is a great way for NCYC to partner with Hunter Medical Research Institute and help raise funds for the great work they do across a variety of research fields.

"This year the weather gods were kind allowing for some great racing and a fabulous after party back at NCYC following racing. The finish was the closest in the Cup’s history.”

HMRI Development Manager Maureen Jack thanked the yacht club, sponsor Ord Minnett and the companies that bought "berths" on the yachts.

"The money raised by this event goes directly to medical research and people were really enjoying themselves as well," she said.

Photo: Anger Management and Long Time Dead cross the line in the 2012 HMRI Cup. Photo by Brooke Hall (NCYC)

RESULTS:

1^st Anger Management (Phil Arnall)

2^nd Long Time Dead (Matt Fensom)

3^rd Wizzard (Mic Hinchey)