Hunter boats B Squared, skipper by Gary Boyd, came in fifth, Why Be Flat (Kane Sinclair) sixth, Absolute Pearler (Peter McNeil) eighth and Critical Mass (Mark Langford) ninth.

Why Be Flat held the lead going into the final day, but it was Sydney boat Roulette, skippered by Mark Johnson, that came out on top after the last of nine races held off Newcastle and Merewether since Friday.

Johnson was named state champion and rated Newcastle waters among the world's best for etchells racing.

Johnson sailed the uniform one-design, three-man keelboat to victory with the help of top laser sailor Peter Conde and ex-world laser champion Nik Burfoot.

It was Johnson's first NSW title but Conde won the state crown as a skipper 20 years ago.

"It was just perfect out there, 13 knots and a very steady breeze," Johnson said.

"It was a great line-up of sailors which makes the win even better. Etchells are the ultimate three-man boat and a very true test of skill."

● Wangi Wangi sailor Nathan Outteridge was crowned Lake Macquarie's sportsperson of the year for the second time running on Saturday.

The Australian and world 49er champion beat a strong field that included Commonwealth Games discus champion Benn Harradine and Hockeyroo Alison Bruce, Matthew Baus (lawn bowls) and Ryan Brown (motor racing).

- Tess Campbell