From Brooks Parade to Mill Creek - 100 years of Belmont 16s

PA R A D E T O M S K O ILL O R B CR M EE O K FR

Celebrating 100 Years of Belmont 16s 1922 - 2022

Contents Page Message From The President

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Acknowledgments

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Club Beginnings

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The 16ft Skiff Movement

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Controversy

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Belmont’s New Sailing Club

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Opening Day at Belmont

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Photos Through The Decades 1920’s

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1930’s

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1940’s

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1950’s

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1960’s

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1970’s

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1980’s

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1990’s

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2000’s

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2010’s

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Club Milestones 1. Belmont Sailing Club’s First Race

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2. 16ft Skiff Nationals Hosted by Belmont

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3. Various World Championships Hosted by Belmont

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4. Introduction of Pelicans

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5. NBN Telecasts of Sprints Racing

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6. C.H.S. (Combined High Schools) Regatta

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7. Our Champions

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8. Brian Ellis Boatshed and Sailability

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9. Classes throughout the years

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10. Club House development over the years

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A Century of Champions and Point Score Winners Thanks to all our Life Members

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Message from The President It is my pleasure to introduce the Belmont 16’s 100 year Centenary Celebration booklet ‘From Brooks Parade to Mill Creek.’ I would especially like to thank Stephen Reid, Gary Bruniges and Roger Steel for the compilation of this booklet and the many contributers and supporters of Belmont 16s over the years. Personally it is very humbling to hold the position of President at such an auspicious time in the Club’s history.

I, and I am sure many of you, have wondered what those participants in the initial race would think of the wonderful Club we now enjoy having come from those humble beginnings. It has been a long, and at times stormy journey, however the results are there for all to see. In this booklet we have recognised ten highlights of the Club history, in particular its sailing history. There were so many more which could have been featured and I hope that this booklet will give rise to many discussions of other highlights over the years.

It is always fraught with danger to single out the contributions of individuals and I do not intend to do so. I would however like to say a special thank you to a particular group, being the Life Members of the Club, both past and present. Each of those people have, in their own way, made significant and lasting contributions to the Club and have had a strong influence on the Club growing into the one we all now enjoy.

I hope that you find this booklet to be a good memento and that it brings back some of the fond memories which we all have. One hundred years on and the Club has never been in a stronger position as evidenced by the Centenary Project currently under way. While we will all only see a part of it, I believe that the Club can look forward to another hundred years of success and beyond.

David Berryman President This booklet has been compiled by Gary Bruniges, Stephen Reid and Roger Steel as part of Belmont 16ft Sailing Club’s Centenary celebrations. It is a snapshot of the club’s activities spanning the past 100 years. It is not intended to represent a complete history of the club. It is also not possible to pay tribute to the efforts and achievements of every individual since the club’s inception. Much of the material presented in this document has been sourced from private collections. We thank those listed within the booklet for their generous contributions and offer sincere apologies for any errors or omissions.

Board Of Directors - 2022

Centenary Committee

David Berryman - President James Griffiths - Commodore Mathew Waters - Vice Commodore

President - David Berryman Director - Craig Corke Director- Garry Edwards Director - Alan Benson

James Pilgrim - Sailing Director Craig Corke - Sailing Director Richard Howard - Sailing Director

Troy Dobinson Roger Steel Gary Bruniges Jacky Doyle

Alan Benson - Director Garry Edwards - Director Allen Gray - Director

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Chief Executive Officer - Scott Williams Sailing Manager - Nadine Steenson

Contributions in Compiling Sailing Club History Compiled by Stephen Reid - Gary Bruniges - Roger Steel Family of the Clubs Founding Members

Other Valued Club Members & Friends

Family of Howard ASH Geoffrey Pilcher

ANZ Banking Group Ltd Archives Barry Baldwin - Research Centre Gulgong Museum Margaret Berghofer - Lake Mac. Historical Society Dr. Marcus Bunyan - Art Blart Photographic Archive Michael Chittendenden - Photographer Robin Gordon - Local Historian Jack Logan - Local Photographer Peter Mayo - Royal Motor Yacht Club (Toronto) Michael McMahon - NSW 16ft Skiff Assoc. Secretary Judy Messiter - Lake Macquarie City Library Lloyd Mullholand - NSW 16ft Skiff Assoc. Commodore Glynda Nolan - Lake Mac. Family History Group Greg Ray - Journalist Molly Tappouras - Graphic Designer University of Newcastle Cultural Collections Vicki Williamson - East Lake Macq. Historical Society

Family of Tom CARPENTER Keith Carpenter, Paul Carpenter Heather Wilson, Gay Young Family of Aubrey ‘Spencer’ CLIFT Robert Clift, Jane Kennedy Susan Mattes, Bill Short Family of William Greener HALL Marshall Hall Family of Tom HUMPHREYS Betty Humphreys, Gordon Humphreys Jan Humphreys, Robert Humphreys Joanne Russell, Ann Smalley, Lisa Turnbull Family of George, Clive & Prosper JOHNSON Merle Johnson, Gai McEvoy, Robert Rutter Family of Jack LUNN David Lunn, Maureen Maybury Family of George ‘Ab’ MENZIES Pam O’loughlin Family of Tom MORAN Eileen Goddard, John McQuarie Family of Charles NEWTON Kath Harris, Jill Mayne Norma Murphy, Kay Sternbeck Colin Swan, Wendy Thomas Family of John, Jack and Mark REID Hugh Ronald Reid, John D.C. Reid Family of Albert SMITH Fay Pooley, Gary Smith Kate Smith Family of Edward TURNBULL Gary Turnbull Family of David WATKINS Margo McGuiness, Peter Watkins Family of J. Arthur WOOD Susan Wood Family of Alex YOUNG Elaine Whan

Bruce Abbott Ron Abbott Danny Anderson Peter Aubin Gary Beecham Ken Blackford George Boyd Elspeth Bradbury John ‘Buster’ Brown Gary Bruniges Alan Caldwell Sue Campbell Wayne Carrall Don Catterall William Clarke Del Coulton Athol Crockett Alan Cummings Dale Cummings Jacqueline Ellis Scott Ellis Graeme Engert Lorraine Firth Geraldine Freihaut Mary Fry Chris Fussell Stephen Gallagher Janet Green Roy Green Lorraine Gunten Janice Hansen Peter Harrison Cathie Holbert Ron Hooker Robin Hyland Dorothy James Helen Jensen

Bruce Kafer Annette Luchich Bill Lunn Larry Lunn Charles Mann James McCombie Margaret Milligan John Moore Terry Morgan Judy Perry David Pont Wal Pryor Stephen Reid Lindon Roberts Joy Ruggeri Julian Rundle Gary Steel Grahame Steel Roger Steel Tracy Steel Ross Stutchbury Chris Syme Ron Thomson Cecily Waddingham Keith Waddingham Kel Worth Susie Wright Margaret Yarrow

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Club Beginnings The first regatta held on Lake Macquarie (Awaba) was organised by the Wallsend and Plattsburg Regatta Club for the Queen’s Birthday weekend, Saturday 24th May 1879. Though not lakeside towns this was recreation for their coal mining community. This annual regatta at Speers Point ran for more than 50 years.

Perhaps spurred on by the success at Speers Point the first regatta on Belmont Bay took place on Easter Monday, 18th April 1881. Known then as the ‘Belmont and Pelican Flat Regatta’, a program of sculling, sailing and novelty events was organised.

It was a significant event with the steamer ‘Giraffe’ arranged to take passengers from Cockle Creek to Belmont on regatta day, returning in the evening.

Belmont’s regatta was held annually for 19 years until 1899. Though attempts were made to revive the event, including Easter regattas in 1915 and 1916 the war in Europe put this on hold. It would not be until 1919 that Belmont’s annual regatta recommenced.

The Newcastle Morning Herald - Saturday 19th February 1881

16ft Skiff Movement

At their peak, 16ft skiffs competed concurrently in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria, and for a time on the Derwent in Tasmania. Clubs eager to promote regular 16ft skiff sailing also formed North of Sydney. This included Toronto Sailing Club in 1910, a Club at Speers Point in 1911 and Port Hunter Sailing Skiff Club in 1913. Though this rapid growth was interrupted by war (1914–18), by 1922 Belmont was ready for 16ft Skiff sailing.

Controversy The decision to form a skiff Club at Belmont was not without controversy. In September of 1921, the Belmont Regatta Committee called a meeting to prepare for their annual regatta. By December 1921 with the promise of significant public support, receipt of several cheques and promised donations, a successful regatta looked assured.

Arrangements were made for the laying of buoys, race officials, publicity and refreshments with the date set for Monday 2nd January 1922. There were 8 events planned, with first prize of £8 for the 16ft skiff race. Unfortunately this holiday weekend was one to remember, or perhaps forget.

In nearby Newcastle, the morning of the regatta saw a consistent gale of 65 miles per hour (56.5 knots). This continued into the afternoon with gusts of up to 90 miles per hour (78.2 knots).

The wind was so strong it was not possible to walk along the breakwater. The Newcastle Bar was impassable. Vessels could neither enter nor leave the harbour. All outdoor activities were abandoned, including the Belmont Regatta.

Excursion trains to Lake Macquarie were cancelled by the railway department. Not to be disheartened, Belmont Regatta Committee rescheduled for Easter Saturday, 15th April 1922. Alas, someone would throw a spanner in the works.

A sailing movement, which spread around the nation began around the turn of the century.

The Port Jackson Sailing Skiff Club was formed on Wednesday 6th November 1901 and soon decided to restrict their skiffs to 16ft in length.

Length overall, 16ft., and not less than 15ft. 9in.; beam not to exceed 5ft. 6in. outside of planking, 2in. being allowed on each side exclusive of the above for mouldings; no inside gunwales; width of tuck outside planking, 3ft. 9in.; maximum depth, 21in.; minimum depth, 18in.

< The Club’s first Regatta on the front page of The Newcastle Sun 6th January 1923 (Left)

The Newcastle Sun – Monday 2nd January 1922

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The annual regatta at Toronto, for decades, was held on Boxing Day. However, at Toronto Sailing Club’s February meeting a committee was elected to organise an Easter carnival. Rear-Admiral Dumaresq (Commander of the Royal Australian Navy) would be asked to open their newly built boat shed, on Easter Monday.

In April 1922 two newspaper advertisements listed on the same day, suggested Belmont’s regatta was on the Saturday followed by Toronto’s on the Monday. Without consulting Belmont Regatta Committee Toronto Sailing Club decided to also run a program of events on Easter Saturday in direct competition with Belmont Regatta.

similar occasions”. In a sign of things to come, Tom Humphrey’s ‘Aeneas’ and Fred Rayfield’s ‘Newcastle’ (regular Toronto competitors) took part in the Belmont Regatta on the Saturday. Other boats competing in the 16ft skiff race included ‘Britannia’, ‘Doreen’ and a yacht named ‘The Rip’.

The skiff ‘Clift’ competed in the Allcomers race.

Prosper Johnson was Belmont’s starter and Jim Parker a committeeman.

In contrast, Toronto had fourteen 16ft Skiffs participating in Saturday’s races including visiting skiffs from Sydney. This was such a large event the committee decorated the area from Toronto Railway Station to the new Club house with bunting and foliage. A number of flag-staffs were erected for the occasion along with marquees and stalls. In the evening a plain and fancy dress ball was held in the Hotel Toronto Pavilion, which was packed to capacity. About 1000 people assembled at Toronto Railway Station on the Sunday night to welcome Rear-Admiral Dumaresq. Monday’s weather was ideal and thousands of spectators lined the shores at Toronto. ‘Tot’ Walters handed the tiller of his 16ft skiff ‘Verina’ over to the Admiral while ‘Tot’ acted as sheet hand. Admiral Dumaresq skilfully sailed ‘Verina’ into second place in the morning race for 16ft skiffs. In between races he officially opened the new boat shed, with the ceremony conducted on the garden roof of the new building. In a speech the Admiral said “To every father and mother he would say, you cannot do better than bring up your children to openboat sailing. A great service was being done to Australia by Club officials in promoting the sport.”

Both adverts from The Newcastle Sun - Thursday 13th April 1922

One week out from the regatta, Belmont Regatta Committee called a meeting to deal with ‘Urgent Business’. Correspondence received

by Belmont’s secretary, Tom Hawkes, outlined the circumstances behind Toronto’s actions. A decision was made to go ahead with the Belmont Regatta, in the belief the prize money on offer was sufficient to entice enough competitors to make for a successful event.

The Belmont Regatta proceeded in favourable weather conditions however participation was quite low with less than a handful of boats participating. As one newspaper put it “Counterattractions had the effect of diminishing the number of entries and spectators customary on

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Rear Admiral John Suamarez Dumaresq skippering ‘Verina’ at Toronto (Monday 17th April 1922)

Toronto Sailing Club – 1920’s

Walter ‘Tot’ Walters

Rear Admiral Dumaresq

Belmont’s New Sailing Club The Belmont Regatta Committee paid its prize money in the School of Arts on Wednesday evening 26th April 1922. Whether the conflicting regattas were a factor is not clear, however an advertisement was placed in ‘The Newcastle Sun’ one week later. A young man from Marks’ Point named Albert Smith was listed as Promoter. Under the heading ‘Belmont Sailing Club’ the notice read: “PERSONS interested in the formation of a SAILING Club at Belmont are requested to attend a Meeting to be held in the Belmont School of Arts, SATURDAY 13TH INST., at 8 p.m.

A. SMITH. Promoter.”

‘The Sun’ included a brief column the following day, extolling the value of forming a sailing Club in Belmont. “The movement in the direction of forming a sailing Club for Belmont is worthy of all commendation. The township has got the boats, the men, and every advantage for the promotion of aquatic sport. The meeting convened to be held in the Literary Institute on Saturday night should be well attended.” The meeting was a success, with a decision to start a sailing Club at Belmont under Port Jackson sailing skiff rules. Eight skiffs committed to compete with the Club. Work began immediately on fundraising. A ‘Grand Euchre Party’ and Dance was arranged for June 9th 1922 to be held in Belmont’s new ‘Soldier’s Memorial Hall’.

A good orchestra was promised. Another public meeting was called for the following day, June 10th, in the School of Arts.

Albert Smith (Secretary and Skipper of Linnet)

The Newcastle Sun – Wednesday 3rd May 1922

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Main Road Belmont in early 1920’s

Belmont Memorial Hall and Literary Institute (aka. School of Arts) Main Rd. Belmont – 1923

In the month that followed much work was done to establish the Club. ‘The Sun’ noted a Club meeting held on 14th July 1922, fell on France’s National Day. This was pertinent because the meeting’s chairman and Club President, was Mark Christian Reid. It was announced his older brother, John Christian Reid had accepted the role of Club Patron.

John C. Reid – Snr (Patron)

Mark C. Reid (President)

John C. Reid – Jnr (Crew on Arlene)

George Johnson (Treasurer)

Tom Moran (Asst. Secretary)

The Reid brothers were prominent Newcastle businessmen. John was formerly Mayor of Newcastle and Mark a former Newcastle Alderman. The family company, ‘John Reid Pty Ltd’, acted as a shipping agency responsible for much of the trade in and out of Newcastle Harbour.

Complementing this role John C Reid was well known as The French Consul in Newcastle, responsible for the welfare of French Sailors visiting the Port. The Reid’s were well connected politically. Their uncle was Sir George Houston Reid, fourth Prime Minister of Australia (1904 to 1905) and Premier of New South Wales (1894 to 1899). The brothers took an active role in the local community living at their waterfront property ‘Weeroona’ in Walter Street Belmont.

‘Weeroona’ waterfront - Walter St. Belmont – 1923

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Also present at the meeting were Mr. Howard Ash (Manager of building supply firm Fredrick Ash Pty Ltd), Mr. James Parker, Mr. Henry Turnbull, Mr. S Rayfield, Mr. George Johnson (Club Treasurer) and Mr. Albert Smith (Club Secretary). Rules were framed for running the Club and social events were foreshadowed. A rule book was produced with the front cover displaying the title ‘Belmont Yacht Club’ and the Club Burgee. The inside cover listed office bearers for 1922 then rules divided into General and Sailing. The first rule however stated: ‘The Club shall be called the Belmont Sailing Club’. Initially, newspaper reports referred to ‘Belmont Yacht Club’ and at other times ‘Belmont Sailing Club’. Note: This should not be confused with ‘Lake Macquarie Yacht Club’ formed 7 years later in 1929.

George Johnson’s copy of the first rule book

Aubrey ‘Spen’ Clift (Skipper Pippi)

Prosper Johnson (Handicapper)

J.Arthur Wood (Commodore)

Tom Carpenter (Crew on Clift)

Howard Ash (Club Member)

The payment of prize money was fundamental to the Clubs purpose. Rule 3 of the Club’s rule book dealt with Club funds. i.e. “The Funds of the Club shall be used, after payment of expenses incidental to its management, in prizes, to be sailed for by the Club’s skiffs, and for such purposes connected with the development and advancement of sailing as the Committee may determine.”

Other rules were innovations intended to benefit sailing. Rule 18 required all registered skiffs be allocated a unique number. This number was to be sewn or dyed onto each side of the mainsail and be at least ‘2 feet in height and 3 inches broad.’ Using numbers instead of traditional ensigns was intended to make skiffs easier to identify by spectators. Rule 19 asked each boat’s crew to wear a uniform ‘sailing costume’ and Rule 17 specified the Club’s registered burgee would be a blue triangular flag with a yellow cross.

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Other officials elected included, Tom Moran (Assistant Secretary), Prosper Johnson (Handicapper), John Marks (Umpire) and Alex Young Snr. (Starter). It was noted some of the sailing officials were also former members of the Port Hunter Club. The Club’s first Commodore, J. Arthur Wood, was son of Joseph Wood Snr of Newcastle’s Castlemaine Wood and Co. Brewery. A local solicitor himself, J.Arthur Wood had long been a supporter of sailing, both on the lake and the harbour.

Nearing the start of the sailing season, the Club had attracted 50 members. Several new boats were being built in anticipation. The Reid’s were throwing their full support behind the new Club. They purchased current State Champion 16ft skiff, ‘Arlene’ which was the Club Champion of the Port Jackson Club and represented the state in Brisbane. Charlie Newton, brother of renowned sailor Fred Newton, agreed to skipper ‘Arlene’ for Belmont’s coming season. John’s teenage son ‘Jack’ (John C Reid Jnr.) would crew on ‘Arlene’. Just 10 days out from the season opening Mark C. Reid chaired another Club meeting, completing the program for the season.

The season opening would be a handicap race on Saturday 7th October 1922, and the first Club Championship race (a three race series) was set for Saturday November 4th 1922.

An advertisement placed in the Newcastle Herald proclaimed opening day; inviting entries for the Club’s first race. The start was set for 3:15 pm with Mr. David Watkins M.H.R. (Federal Labor Member for Newcastle) scheduled to perform the opening ceremony. The prizes on offer were: 1st place - £12, 2nd place £6 and 3rd place £2. The first prize of £12, was a significant sum in 1922. The Board of Trade had set the basic wage for an adult, male employee in N.S.W. at £3/18/- per week. For many, first prize would have been a month’s wages.

Opening Day at Belmont Opening day at Belmont (Saturday 7th October 1922) was a great success. Around 400 people gathered along the foreshore to witness events. Local Parliamentarian David Watkins (MP) was unable to attend, so in his place J.A. Cadell conducted the opening ceremony.

John Alexander Cadell had for many years been a prominent banker in Newcastle. He was likely asked to perform this task because of his close connection to Club Patron, John C Reid.

However it must have been a highly emotional task for John Cadell to open a sailing Club, ostensibly for young men. Just seven years earlier he lost his only son Tom who, aged just 19, was wounded in action at Gaba Tepe, Gallipoli and later buried at sea.

John Alexander Cadell (Opened Club) Image reproduced with the permission of ANZ Banking Group Ltd

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The Newcastle Morning Herald Friday 29th September 1922 – p3

The seven 16ft skiffs, (one actually a small yacht) and their crews, were ready in uniform. Club President Mark C. Reid congratulated the crews on their ‘splendid appearance’. Mr. Cadell addressed the gathering, reminiscing about his sailing days and telling stories of daring feats by old hands like Podgy Newton, father of Charlie and Fred Newton. Describing Lake Macquarie as a splendid sailing venue, he remarked how impressed he was by the quality of the Club’s 16ft skiffs, in particular ‘Arlene’.

George ‘Ab’ Menzies (Skipper Pastime)

Alex Young (Jnr) (Skipper The Rip)

Charles Newton (Skipper Arlene)

Tom Humphreys (Skipper Aeneas)

Jim Parker (Skipper Clift)

He expressed his hope ‘Arlene’ and other Lake skiffs would compete at the state Championship in Sydney and anticipated top Sydney skiffs would visit the lake during the Christmas break. Mr. Cadell expressed a view of sailing as a clean, healthy sport he would commend to the youth of the country. Three cheers were given for the success of Belmont Sailing Club. Mr. Cadell concluded the ceremony by ordering the boats to start the race.

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Clift - Rigging for First Race (7 Oct 1922)

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Moments in Time 1920’s The Belmont Sailing Club forms and starts sailing • A club house is built on Brooks Parade • 1924-25 State Title on Lake Macquarie (First time away from Sydney Harbour). • First 6 finishers in 1924-25 State Title (from Belmont and Toronto) disqualified for oversized sails • Title awarded to 7th skiff from Sydney

Belmont Starting line in the 1920’s

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Belmont Club House in the 1920’s

Spen Clift’s ‘Camp Cove’

Alf Goninan’s ‘Cantab’

1920’s Sailing at Belmont

Albert Smith’s ‘Daph’

Doc Rayfields’s ‘Newcastle’ and ‘Ab’ Menzies’ ‘Mascotte’

Children on the deck

Moments in Time 1930’s Club is in recess during the Great Depression but re-emerges for 1933-34 season • Sailing at Belmont changed from Saturdays to Sundays • The Club Championship is restarted in the 1935 -36 season

Abandoned Club house - October 25th 1931

Newcastle Herald 13th February 1939 16ft Skiff ‘Eclipse’.

Newcastle Herald – 10th January 1938 Neville Miner’s 16ft Skiff ‘Nu-Tu’

Sailing again, circa. 1936 - Secretary ‘Chocka Orman’ in his distinctive striped blazer

Towing to Speer’s Point InterClub Race.

Newcastle Herald 25th January 1937 Ready for Championship Race at Belmont

Vaucluse classes introduced in 1930’s. - Jack Steel and Athol Crocket rig VS ‘Falcon’ at Belmont.

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Moments in Time 1940’s Sailing at Belmont continues through War years • Many Belmont sailors enlist • Belmont hosts the NSW State Championship for the first time • Belmont win 2 State Titles (Billo Hayward’s ‘Youth’ and Boyd Humphreys ‘Aeneas’)

Newcastle Sun – 7th October 1940 Launching Cecil Waddingham’s ‘Eileen’

Newcastle Herald – 28th January 1941 The ‘Weeroona’ Handicap

Presentation in Belmont Masonic Hall. 1946 Club Championship won by Ron Caldwell’s ‘J L Boyd’

Newcastle Sun – 27th January 1947 Neville Miner’s ‘Aero’ in State Titles at Belmont

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First Belmont boat and crew to win NSW State 16ft Skiff Title (1946-47). Boyd Humphreys ‘Aeneas’

Bill Lunn’s ‘Jewell’ – 1946

Newcastle Sun – 24th January 1949

Newcastle Herald – 24th January 1949 1st Annual Belmont Festival –Reg Clarke’s ‘Pop-C’

Moments in Time 1950’s The Club builds new premises beside Mill Creek • A liquor licence is secured for Belmont Sailing Club Skiffs move from Gaff to Marconi Rigs • Local skiff wins Northern Zone Championship (Keith ‘Niki’ Carpenter’s ‘Radar’).

Flooding of Brooks Parade Club House

Mill Creek site 1950 - before moving Club house

Ladies Committee standing in front of the Clubhouse

Demolishing Brooks Parade Clubhouse – 1952

Colin Humphreys’ ‘Echo’ - January 1956

Northern Zone Championship 1955 -56. - Leading skiffs carry Marconi rig with others using Gaff rig.

Keith ‘Niki’ Carpenter’s ‘Radar’ 1950-51 Northern Zone Champion

Kel Worth’s ‘Thunderbolt’ Northern Zone 16ft Skiff Champion – 1954-55

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Moments in Time 1960’s Club name changes from ‘Belmont Sailing Club’ to ‘Belmont 16ft Sailing Club’ • First Belmont skiff to win Australian Title and 2 State Titles (Doug Reid’s ‘Gazeway’) • Introduction of the Pelican trainer and First C.H.S. (Combined High Schools) regatta • Belmont initiates Champion of Champions. - The Skiffy News’ is published.

• Skiffs begin to adopt buoyancy tanks and trapeze wires.

Reg Clarke’s ‘Pop C’ beside Col Dingle’s ‘Javelin’ - Early 1960’s

Newcastle Herald 7th March 1960 - Kel Worth pips Ron Thomson for Club Championship

1967 Rigging Area

Reg Clarke’s ‘Pop-C’ Anniversary Regatta 1969

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Doug ‘Tubby’ Reid and Crew - 1968-69 Australian 16ft Skiff Champions

November 1969 Edition of ‘The Skiffy News’ proudly displaying ‘Gazeway Australian Champion’ on cover.

Champion of Champions 1967

Sailing Club Christmas Cards 1969 displaying VJ ‘Bedlam’ and State Champion ‘Gazeway’

Moments in Time 1970’s Belmont Skiffs win 3 Australian Titles and 6 State Titles • Belmont hosts 16ft Skiff World Championships NBN Television airs Belmont Skiff Sailing • Belmont-Marks’ Pt Club joins with Belmont 16’s

1971 Club donates bus to children’s disability service

John Moore’s ‘Nu-Romp’ 1972 World 16ft Skiff Champion

John Moore’s ‘TAA’ Circa 1975-76 Season

Skiff starting line 1973

Gary Bruniges’ ‘Viggers Shondell’ 1975

Inter-dominion Series – 1976

1977 – Skiffs off Club house

John Anderson’s ‘2HD’ 1976

Cartoonist Lumsden’s regular contribution Belmont Skiffs fill first 4 places (Aust. Championship, Perth 1973)

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Moments in Time 1980’s Belmont 16ft Skiffs travel to Hawaii • Minimum crew required on a skiff reduced from 4 to 3 Single luff 140 sq ft spinnakers replaced with larger double luff spinnakers

1981 - Start of Belmont Bay Championships

1984 Belmont Skiffs travel to Hawaii

1984 Crew of Schweppes – Note 4 sailors 1980’s ‘Natural Gas’ battling ‘Monier Newcastle”

1981 Bruce Dobinson Voted Best and Fairest

1981 Randall Smith’s ‘Steel Mark’

1980’s Skiff at Belmont

Ross Stutchbury’s ‘Litt and Rae’ 1989-90 Season

David Croft’s ‘Blundell Trading’ 1984

Club Promotion at Charlestown Square

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Moments in Time 1990’s Skiffs adopt one design hulls and asymmetrical spinnakers • Club skiffs win State Title 6 times and Australian Title 4 times • Belmont 16ft Sailing Club wins ‘Most Improved Club’ award

Bundaberg Rum Sprint Series - March 1991

Bundaberg Rum Sprint Series - March 1991

John Millward’s ‘Castrian Homes’ 1991-1992 Season - Note: 3 sailors

Graham McKellar’s ‘Luxury Afloat’ 1994 - 95 Season

Danny Anderson’s ‘Light Ice’ 1996 – 97 Season

Gary Bruniges’ ‘Pelican Marina’ 1997 – 98 Season

Graham McKellar’s Luxury Afloat 1996 – 97 Season

Scott Davis’ ‘Ansett Wridgeways’ Early 90’s

Daniel Hunt’s ‘Sea Food Catering Co.’ 1997 – 98 Season

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Moments in Time 2000’s Belmont 16ft skiffs win 4 Australian Titles • Belmont 16ft skiffs win 5 State Titles Introduction of self tacking jibs on skiffs

‘Skiff Odyssey’ 2001 Volunteers

‘Skiff Odyssey’ 2001 Winners of the 2000-01 Australian Title

John Boyd’s ‘Skilled Engineering’ 2000-01 Season

Ian Coulin’s ‘Sunbrela’ 2000-01 Season

Malcolm Dean’s ‘NES’ 2000-01 Season

Trent Morgan’s ‘GTS’ 2000-01 Season

Scott Ellis’ “Tooheys Extra Dry’ early 2000’s

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Keiren Humphries’ ‘Mitre 10’ 2008-09 Season

Moments in Time 2010’s Belmont Skiff wins Australian Title • Introduction of Carbon Masts and Spars • Brian Ellis Boat shed built and opened by Brian himself • Starter’s Boat ‘Bebe’ replaced with the more modern ‘Doc Thomson’

We can’t sail without our volunteers! - 2010

Pelican sailors at Opening Day (17th Dec 2011) of new ‘Brian Ellis’ Boat Shed

‘Empty Jets’ 2012-13 at Drummoyne

‘ATB Morton’ - Belmont Club Championship Heat 3rd November 2013

‘Aristocrat’ at Manly - 2014-15 Season

‘Pepsi Max’ at Drummoyne - 2015-16 Season

Belmont Skiffs at Middle Harbour 2016-17 Season

‘TJS Services’ Winner 2017-18 Australian Title - Lake Illawarra

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Milestone 1 Belmont Sailing Club’s First Race - Saturday 7th October 1922

Skiff No. 5 (Arlene) Skiff No. 1 (Clift)

Skiff No. 6 (Aeneas)

Skiff No. 2 (Newcastle)

Skiff No. 7 (Pastime)

Skiff No. 4 (Linnet)

The first race held on 7th Oct 1922

Club Championship Cup Newcastle Sun Monday 9th October 1922

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Milestone 2 16ft Skiff Nationals Hosted by Belmont BELMONT HOSTING - AUSTRALIAN 16ft CHAMPIONSHIPS Season

Venue

Skiff

Skipper

State

1971-72

BELMONT

GAZEWAY

DOUG REID

NSW

1991-92

BELMONT

BEECHWOOD HOMES TOO

GARY BRUNIGES

NSW

2000-01

BELMONT

SKILLED ENGINEERING

JOHN BOYD

NSW

2009-10

BELMONT

FLUID BUILDING

CLINT BOWEN

NSW

2014-15

BELMONT

BRYDENS LAWYERS

LEE KNAPTON

NSW

2021-22

BELMONT

RONSTAN

NATHAN WILMONT

NSW

1971 – 1972 – The Golden Championships Belmont was awarded the Australian Championship for the 1971–72 season, coinciding with the club’s 50th (Golden) anniversary. Belmont was ‘on the rise’ with Doug ‘Tubby’ Reid sailing ‘Gazeway’ to wins in 4 of the 6 NSW Championships between 1966 and 1971. He won the Australian Title in 1969 and placed second and third in 1970 and 1971 respectively. Belmont’s fleet was getting stronger with ‘Gazeway’ the benchmark. Belmont was lauded for the manner in which it hosted the carnival. Breezes were favourable and hospitality outstanding. ‘Gazeway’ won 4 of the 7 heats to claim the title ahead of ‘Evelyn’ sailed by 6 time Champion Jack Cassidy.

18 year old Gary Bruniges skippered ‘Shondell’ to third place, putting Belmont’s future in good hands.

‘Gazeway’ – 1971-1972

‘Beechwood Homes Too’ - 1991-92

‘Skilled Engineering’ - 2000-01

1991 – 1992 – Australian Titles Return The 1991-92 season saw the Australian Championship return to Belmont after a 20 year absence.

Gary Bruniges was back following time in the 505 class. His sheet hand, Scott Sherry, had been fifth hand in ‘Gazeway’ when it won the Australian Title two decades earlier. The club was again in the ascendancy heading into the 1991–92 season. John Millward secured the NSW State Title for Belmont for the first time in 12 years. He won the 1990-91 title sailing ‘Castrian Homes’.

Gary warmed up for the Australian Title, winning the 1991-92 State Title for the fourth time, in ‘Beechwood Homes Too’. Leading into the final heat of the Australian Championship, only two skiffs could win the title. i.e. Belmont’s ‘Beechwood Homes Too’ and ‘Castrian Homes’. Gary won the race and the Championship for a second time.

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2000 – 2001 – Genetic Misfortune delivers a Belmont Triple Treat Following an illustrious career in the Cherub class, twins John and Gary Boyd progressed to the 16ft skiff class. In combination with Mick Jackson and a new boat with a revolutionary rig design, they proved a potent force. Their skiff ‘Skilled Engineering’ dominated an 85 strong fleet winning five heats and conceded just 5.7 points for the series. This was in contrast to the second placed ‘BC Coatings’, with a total drop of 65 points. The result continued the perfect record of Belmont skiffs winning Australian Championships on their home course. The progressive approach influenced rig and boat design for the coming decade, innovating shorter and more responsive rigs and introducing the self-tacking jib. Skilled Engineering repeated the result in 2001 and 2002. David ‘Dimps’ Johnson joined the twins as For’ard Hand for their 2003-2004 season title win aboard Trojan Fibreglass.

‘Bryden’s Lawyers’ - 2014-15

2009 – 2010 – The Dynasty Ends The 2009-10 Australian Championship was contested in light to moderate conditions. The run of Belmont skiffs winning at home came to an end. Sailing light to moderate breezes, Manly skiffs won 5 of the 7 heats. Phil Cooke mastered a rare Northerly in ‘Netkiosk’ to win race 1.

‘Fire Stopping’ won heat 2 ahead of ‘Netkiosk’. In heat 3 Belmont’s Kieran Humphries took ‘Mitre 10 Kurri Kurri’ to victory ahead of Gary Bruniges’ ‘The Face Place’. Eventual series winner ‘Fluid Building Services’ held off ‘Mitre 10’ to win heat 4, the duo was separated by 11 seconds.

Manly’s ‘Sutech Building Consultants’ won the fifth heat from ‘OAS’ with ‘Tooheys Extra Dry’ placing third. ‘Netkiosk’ saluted again in heat 6 however the third placing by ‘Fluid’ secured the Championship for Clint Bowen and his crew, with one heat left to sail. 1997 Champion Danny Anderson sailed ‘OAS’ to a 17 second win over ‘AB Window Fashions’ to win the final heat with ‘Mitre 10’ placing third. ‘Mitre 10’ finished second overall with ‘OAS’ third.

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2014 – 2015 – Knapton makes it seven The 2014-15 series saw Manly’s ‘Brydens Lawyers’ successfully defend its title from the previous season. This was skipper Lee Knapton’s seventh Australian Title victory. ‘Brydens’ won the opening heat by eight and a half minutes in a very light North Easterly breeze. The breeze improved slightly for heat 2, with Manly duo ‘Bell Potter’ and ‘Fluid Building Services’ scrapping it out for line honours with ‘Bell Potter’ winning by 5 seconds. ‘Brydens’ claimed a second victory in heat 3 from clubmates ‘Fire Stopping’ and ‘Sutech Building Consultants’. Ben Bruniges made the most of a South Easterly that shifted to the North East, sailing ‘AB Window Fashions’ to a 1 minute, 7 seconds win in heat 4. The result was Belmont’s first victory of the series. Danny Anderson won heat 5 by 29 seconds from ‘Fluid’ and ‘Fire Stopping’. The series’ strongest breeze presented for heat 6, a gusty Nor-Easter. It saw ‘Sutech’ get the better of ‘AB Window Fashions’ by 10 seconds. Heat 7 saw ‘ATB Morton’ repeat its fifth heat win ahead of ‘Fire Stopping’. ‘Brydens’ best 6 heats accumulated 16 points for the Championship, 5 points better than ‘AB Windows Fashions’ with ‘ATB Morton’ third’.

2021 – 2022 – The stars come out to play 45 skiffs contested the 2021-22 Australian Championship on Belmont Bay. Entries were diminished due to pandemic restrictions limiting interstate travel. Manly skiff ‘Fluid Building Services’ was sailed by Olympians, Nathan Outteridge, Iain Jensen and Tom Slingsby. Manly dominated the series, filling the first 3 places. ‘Ronstan’, sailed by 470 class supremo’s Nathan Willmot and for’ard hand Nathan Page, with Belmont’s Brett Davis on the sheet, won the Championship. Although not winning a heat, the trio were consistent in placing second 3 times and in the top five on 5 occasions. ‘IMEI’ won 2 heats and finished a point behind ‘Ronstan’ with ‘Moonen Yachts’ a point further back, despite having won 3 races. Belmont’s ‘Insight Building Services’ posted a win, a second, a third and two fourths, however a fourteenth placing in race 5 proved costly, delivering a 6th place finish overall.

‘Ronstan’ - 2021-22

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Milestone 3 Various World Championships Hosted by Belmont BELMONT HOSTING - WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Year

Carnival

Skiff

Skipper

Country

1971

WORLD 16ft CHAMP.

GAZEWAY

DOUG REID

AUSTRALIA

1972

WORLD 16ft CHAMP.

NU-ROMP

JOHN MOORE

AUSTRALIA

1973

WORLD 16ft CHAMP.

IMPERIUM

DAVID MCKAY

AUSTRALIA

1974

WORLD 16ft CHAMP.

MCKELLAR SAILS

GRAHAM McKELLAR

AUSTRALIA

1975

WORLD 16ft CHAMP.

VIGGERS SHONDELL

GARY BRUNIGES

AUSTRALIA

1988

420 CLASS WORLD CHAMP.

WILLIAM SANCHEZ

FRANCE

2006

OK DINGHY CHAMP.

NICK CRAIG

GREAT BRITAIN

2011

MOTH WORLD CHAMP.

NATHAN OUTTERIDGE

AUSTRALIA

2014

CONTENDER WORLD CHAMP.

MARK BULKA

AUSTRALIA

World Championship at Belmont 1972

SAIL No. GBR2116 SAIL No. AUS2571

Gary Bruniges celebrating his 1975 World Title

Creation of the World 16ft Skiff Championships If there was ever an example of entrepreneurship within the club, the World Championship series was it. The series grew from the Champion of Champions series which the club ran from 1967 to 1969. The club’s Champion of Champions series sought to build upon ‘Gazeway’s’ successes by bringing together the Club Champions from every 16ft skiff club in Australia. This three race series in September was for a purse of $500.00. A 1967 briefing note from Commodore, A J Beecham to ‘Gazeway’ skipper Doug Reid (reporting on a meeting of sponsors) about the suggested match race stated ‘the contest is definitely on’. The note provides some insight into the club’s reliance on private and commercial sponsors to host such events.

Club members Wal Jones, Eric Grahame and Occa Hanson each contributed $50.00. The club provided $150.00 and the Philip Morris Company contributed $200.00 plus a trophy. Conditions were ‘Winner Takes All ($500)’ and the contest must be named ‘The Belmont Sailing Club, Champion Of Champions, Sailing For The Marlboro Cup’.

The competition and healthy respect between ‘Gazeway’ and ‘Minx’ (sailed by Trevor Beardsmore from Middle Harbour) in a period bookended by the mid 1960’s and early 1970’s made for one of the class’s greatest rivalries. The pair frequently swapped interclub, NSW and Australian titles.

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The Champion of Champions series was no exception with ‘Gazeway’ winning the 1967 series, ‘Minx’ the 1968 series and ‘Gazeway’ the 1969 series.

The World Championship series was raced from 1971 to 1975. It was a variation on the theme of the Champion of Champions series with international skippers invited to compete.

1971 World Series This saw New Zealander Neville Paul and California’s Bob Kettenhoffen amongst the skippers competing. The series produced different winners over the three heats. ‘Gazeway’ won the first heat, Queensland supremo Neville Buckley sailed ‘Julie Anne K’ to victory in heat 2, with current Australian Champion Minx taking out heat 3. ‘Gazeway’s’ consistency of a first, second and third placing saw Tubby and crew win the title by 34 points from ‘Minx’, with ‘Julie Anne K’ a further 8 points back in third.

1972 World Series This saw Bob Kettenhoffen return for another crack at the title along with New Zealand’s 12ft and 18ft skiff world Champion Don Lidgard and the UK’s Bob Hoare. Belmont’s John Moore introduced a ‘high aspect’ rig on ‘Nu-Romp’. To that time ‘big rig’ masts were around 28ft 6 inches in length. Moore increased the mast length to 32 feet or just over one metre longer than the conventional set up. The increased mast height made for a mainsail with a shorter ‘foot’ and a narrower jib. Perfect for light weather, Moore dominated the series and won the Championship.

World 16ft Skiff Championship at Belmont in the 1970’s

Mark Bulka winning the 2014 Contender World Championship

1973 World Series Belmont’s domination ended at the 1973 series with former world Moth class Champion David McKay skippering ‘Imperium’ to a win for the St George Sailing Club. The series heralded increased international representation with Mark Hughes from the USA, Peter ‘Spud’ Rowsell from the UK, Germany’s Uli Libor and New Zealand’s Bruce Farr competing. Farr is a world renowned yacht designer and designed several 16 foot skiffs after competing in the Championship.

1974 World Series September 1974 saw the trophy once again travel to Sydney with reigning Australian Champion, Graham McKellar, and crew of Col McIndoe, Murray Rottenbury and Ron Cant sailing ‘McKellar Sails’ to the series win. First prize was a colour television set. So what? Well, colour television didn’t start in Australia until March 1975. Whether it was progressive thinking on the club’s behalf or just the pending demise of black and white viewing that decided the trophy choice is unknown. Either way, the McKellar household had to wait six months before it could fully appreciate the spoils of the win!

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1975 World Series 1975 saw the Championship trophy back in Belmont’s grasp after Gary Bruniges skippered ‘Viggers Shondell’ to victory. The series saw light conditions, which Gary said was not their best weather. There was little difference in points between ‘Viggers Shondell’, Graham McKellar’s ‘McKellar Sails’ and Mandy Atkins’ ‘Mantana’. The title came down to the last work to windward in the last race. ‘Mantana’ tacked and went East whereas McKellar split and went North. Bruniges’ decision to cover ‘Mantana’ proved fruitful as the wind shifted East and ultimately delivered him the Championship ahead of ‘Mantana’ and ‘McKellar Sails’.

Other World Championships From time to time the club has hosted World Championships for classes not sailed at Belmont. e.g. 420’s, OK Dinghies, Moths and Contender world Championships. This brings people to the club but requires significant resources and commitment. i.e. providing a start boat, rescue craft and volunteers.

1974 Program 16ft Skiff World Series

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Milestone 4 Introduction of Pelicans

The ‘Pelican’ was formally introduced into the Belmont 16ft Sailing Club as a junior training class in 1962. Esteemed club members Kel Worth, Occa Hanson, Ron Thomson and Ron Caldwell had observed the class at the Mounts Bay Sailing Club whilst they were representing NSW at the 1960-61 16ft Skiff Australian Championships in Perth. The Belmont version of the class was modified and its performance specifications improved through the introduction of a jib and spinnaker. These introductions clearly aligned the craft more closely, with the boat handling skills required to sail 16ft skiffs and VJ’s. Time revealed that these inclusions were indeed a masterstroke as the class has given thousands of children an introduction to sailing with many progressing to state, national and international honours.

1960’s - Pelicans ‘Zippy and Bewitched’

1965-66 Pelican ‘Tiki’

1975 - Pelican Presentation

1990’s – Pelican ‘O’Neil’s Tyres’

Stephen Gallagher recalled how he came to sail in the first Pelican ever built at Belmont. ‘While visiting my friend Stephen Parker we were watching his dad, Roy Parker, building the Bob Miller (aka Ben Lexcen) designed ‘Gazeway III’ for Doug Reid. Stephen took me outside and showed me a Pelican which Roy had built for him and asked me to be his for’ard hand. We started to sail the boat which was called ‘Yandoo’ on Sunday mornings before the skiff race’.

During the 1962-63 season, two other boats arrived on the scene. These were ‘Little Gretel’ and ‘Greta’ sailed by Dallas Bellamy and the Cuthbert brothers. Racing began with these three boats.

A couple of other boats arrived for the 1963-64 season, namely ‘Old Sid’ sailed by Kelvin Worth and ‘Swift’ sailed by Charles Gibson. Stephen’s dad built him a boat for the following season which he called ‘Typhoon’. The fleet expanded fairly quickly after that, including a boat called ‘Tiki’ sailed by Gary Bruniges.

2010 – Pelican ‘Hagar’

2013 - Pelican Pirate Day

2012 – Pelicans ‘Jazz and Syntax’

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Milestone 5 NBN Telecasts of Sprints Racing

16ft skiff sailing burst onto local television screens in summer of 1978. The concept of short course racing had been explored by the 18 foot skiffs on Sydney Harbour with the Iain Murray skippered ‘Colour 7’, sponsored by Channel 7, the dominant skiff of the day. The Managing Director at NBN television, George Brown, lived at Valentine and had been a long time and enthusiastic supporter of the Belmont 16ft Sailing Club. George brought both of his passions together, television and sailing, and voila, the Sprint Series was born. Sailed on a short course in front of the club, the format pitted two skiffs against each other in a round robin ‘qualification’ series. This series was sailed prior to a semi-final series which culminated in a two-skiff grand final. Technologically the series was a challenge. There were two cameras on top of the club.

There was a camera sited in the front yard of Kel and Eric Gray’s mother’s house further along the shore and an ‘on water camera’ was placed aboard the Dingle family’s cruiser ‘Mirrabooka’.

Stephen Reid’s Skiff ‘NBN’ – 1978

Col Dingle’s ‘Mirrabooka’.

Pictures from the water were beamed back to the club via a microwave link from a transmitter tethered to the cabin roof on ‘Mirrabooka’ to a receiving dish on the top of the club. The two ‘link’ operators perhaps had the most difficult jobs in keeping the transmitter and receiver physically aligned whilst Colin “Blue” Dingle expertly hurled ‘Mirrabooka’ around the course.

‘Blue’ made sure viewers were treated to a ‘ringside’ seat as the skiffs did battle whilst the link operator on the cabin roof hung on for dear life! Legendary NBN director Reg Davis oversaw the whole operation from the OB van where the series was being recorded. Jim Sullivan and club Commodore Kevin Buxton provided the commentary.

A crew of 20 was used for the two days filming of races. There were 27 races filmed during the first weekend of the Sprint Race Series. Crews quickly learned the sprint format was unforgiving.

One mistake and you were ‘gone’. Not only ‘gone’, but ‘gone’ in front of a big television audience.

The racing was replayed weekly on NBN’s very popular Sunday morning sport show. Gary Bruniges sailed ‘Tubemakers’ to a win in the inaugural series. The series went through a number of incarnations over several years.

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Milestone 6 C.H.S. (Combined High Schools) Regatta

The ‘Combined High Schools’ regatta was first contested from 14th to 19th May 1967. It brought together students from 42 high schools sailing 35 different classes of craft. 206 entries were received for the regatta with a final starting list of 112 boats. Sailors from as far as Port Macquarie, Griffith and Nowra gathered at Belmont for the four heat series. The largest representation was the VJ class which was a popular class on Lake Macquarie. The VJ has spawned many a great open boat and yacht sailor. The VJ’s accounted for 35 of the 112 starters, with Heron’s, Moths, Sabot’s and Flying Ants amongst the other classes strongly represented. Classes with ten or more boats in the fleet sailed for individual class trophies, as well as the overall Championship.

This was determined on a handicap system. The inaugural winner of the overall Championship was ‘Venture’, a 12ft skiff representing St Ives High School.

The skiff was skippered by Peter Shipway who was a student at Vaucluse High School. ‘Venture’ won the regatta after posting a win, a second and a fifth, where the best three results, of the four heats sailed, counted. The skipper’s name should be familiar to many in the sailing fraternity as Peter later sailed in 31 Sydney to Hobart races and 8 Admiral’s Cup series. Off the water Peter has been a well-respected sailing and yachting commentator on both the ABC and in commercial television. Chris Paul from Belmont High School skippered Pelican class, ‘Katey K’, to fourth place overall. Chris narrowly missed third place on a count-back. His performance was instrumental in Belmont High School taking out the ‘Champion School’ section of the 1967 regatta, followed by St Ives High School and North Sydney Boys High School. Conducted in late autumn, the C.H.S. regatta is frequently beset by either very light to non-existent winds or rig busting gales. Les Lumsdon’s cartoon pointed this out in a Newcastle Morning Herald, 1968 cartoon.

Les Lumsdon Cartoon ‘We’re not competing, it’s our Tent that blew away’

Belmont Sailing Club Trophy for Champion School C.H.S. President Merv. Allen and Club Commodore ‘A.J.’ Beecham

From its inception the regatta was guided and nurtured by foundation convenor Bob Snape.

Bob’s enthusiasm and dedication since 1967 cemented the event as a breeding ground for a host of world, national and state Champions. Bob sadly passed away in 2021 and the regatta continues to be a fitting tribute to his commitment and hard work.

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Milestone 7 Our Champions BELMONT 16 FT SKIFFS - NSW STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Season

Skiff

Skipper

Venue

1945-46

YOUTH

BILLO HAYWARD

SYDNEY HARBOUR

1946-47

AENEAS

BOYD HUMPHREYS

BELMONT

1966-67

GAZEWAY

DOUG REID

BELMONT

1968-69

GAZEWAY

DOUG REID

YARRA BAY

1970-71

GAZEWAY TOO

DOUG REID

BELMONT

1971-72

GAZEWAY

DOUG REID

BELMONT

1972-73

VIGGERS SHONDELL

GARY BRUNIGES

LAKE ILLAWARRA

1973-74

GAZEWAY

DOUG REID

SYDNEY HARBOUR

1975-76

VIGGERS SHONDELL

GARY BRUNIGES

GOSFORD

1977-78

TUBEMAKERS NEWCASTLE SUPPLY CENTRE

GARY BRUNIGES

GEORGES RIVER

1990-91

CASTRIAN HOMES

JOHN MILLWARD

GEORGES RIVER

1991-92

BEECHWOOD HOMES TOO

GARY BRUNIGES

BELMONT

1994-95

BEECHWOOD HOMES NORTH COAST

JOHN MILLWARD

DRUMMOYNE

1996-97

LUXURY AFLOAT

GRAHAM McKELLAR

LAKE ILLAWARRA

1997-98

PELICAN MARINA

GARY BRUNIGES

ST GEORGE

1998-99

PELICAN BOATING CENTRE

GARY BRUNIGES

Heat at each Club

1999-00

CUMMINGS BUILDING

ALAN CUMMINGS

Heat at each Club

2000-01

SKILLED ENGINEERING

JOHN BOYD

Heat at each Club

2002-03

LUXURY YACHT CRUISES

GREG SEARANT

Heat at each Club

2003-04

TROJAN FIBREGLASS

JOHN BOYD

IYC-GR-SG-MH-MA

2007-08

O.A.S

DANNY ANDERSON

IYC-MA

‘Aeneas’

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‘Beechwood Homes’

‘Viggers Shondell’

‘Cummings Building’

BELMONT 16FT SKIFFS - AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP Season

Skiff

Skipper

Venue

1968-69

GAZEWAY

DOUG REID

YARRA BAY

1971-72

GAZEWAY

DOUG REID

BELMONT

1972-73

GAZEWAY TOO

DOUG REID

PERTH

1974-75

VIGGERS SHONDELL

GARY BRUNIGES

MANLY

1991-92

BEECHWOOD HOMES TOO

GARY BRUNIGES

BELMONT

1993-94

BEECHWOOD HOMES

GARY BRUNIGES

BRISBANE

1996-97

LIGHT ICE

DANNY ANDERSON

BRISBANE

1998-99

PELICAN BOATING CENTRE

GARY BRUNIGES

PERTH

2000-01

SKILLED ENGINEERING

JOHN BOYD

BELMONT

2001-02

SKILLED ENGINEERING

JOHN BOYD

MIDDLE HARBOUR

2002-03

LUXURY YACHT CRUISES

GREG SEARANT

BRISBANE

2003-04

TROJAN FIBREGLASS

JOHN BOYD

GEORGES RIVER

2016-17

T.J.S SERVICES

HENRY MAKIN

LAKE ILLAWARRA

2020-21

RIVER WILD

WARWICK ROOKLYN

GOSFORD

The 1996-97 16ft Skiff Australian Title was won by Danny Anderson with for’ard hand Sean Harrison and sheet hand Aaron Morgan. All 3 had strong family ties to the club. Sean’s father, Peter, had been for’ard hand on title winner ‘Gazeway’. Aaron’s father Terry was also a skiff sailor, club director and race starter. Sean and Danny had sailed Pelicans and VJ’s together. Aaron had been a junior sailor at Belmont. Danny and his father John built two new skiffs together. Danny sailed ‘Light Ice’ and John skippered ‘Bradville Garages’. The series was sailed in very windy conditions on a treacherous and unrelenting Moreton Bay seaway. In a fairytale result, Danny’s ‘Light Ice’ took first place, with his father John’s ‘Bradville Garages’ finishing second.

‘Gazeway’

‘Light Ice’

‘Beechwood Homes Too’

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‘Beechwood Homes’

‘Skilled Engineering’

‘Trojan Fibreglass’

‘River Wild’

‘Luxury Yacht Cruises’

‘TJS Services’

‘Pelican Boating Centre’

The 2002-03 16ft Skiff Australian Title was won by Greg Searant and crew in their skiff ‘Luxury Yacht Cruises’. The series was held on Moreton Bay with the first 3 races in exceedingly fresh and lumpy conditions. There were a couple of light to moderate days in the middle, returning to extreme conditions for the last two heats. While new rigs and a spinnaker chute proved a masterstroke, Greg attributed much of their success to crew work, refined through time on the water. Such was their commitment the boys had sailed at both Manly and Belmont each weekend during the previous season. This dedication paid off with ‘Luxury’ winning the title with a heat to spare. Placings were (2-1-1-3-3-1-DNS).

The 2016-17 16ft Skiff Australian Title was won by ‘TJS Services’ sailed by brothers Henry and Grant Makin and Israel Smith. The series was sailed at Lake Illawarra in a variety of conditions and unusually produced a different winner for each heat. TJS had been damaged several times during the Championship which saw a number of nights spent repairing the skiff, frequently with the assistance of fellow competitors. TJS had a two point lead over ‘Fire Stopping’ (Manly) heading into the final heat. The Belmont crew was excited to be in that position and felt quietly confident as they had good boat speed. Despite a poor start TJS slowly picked up positions and finished third, one place behind ‘Fire Stopping’. The result secured the Championship for ‘TJS’ by one point.

Our Juniors On The World Stage - Like Sister and Brother: Scott and Jacqueline Ellis: Jacqueline Ellis won the inaugural Women’s World Laser Championships in Falmouth, UK, 1988 and would follow it up with another victory in South Africa in 1996. She also claimed the Asia Pacific title four times. How good are those sailing genes in the Ellis family? Jacqueline’s brother Scott was a bronze medalist at the 1989 World Laser Championship and won the Asian Pacific title in 34

1995. The 2016 ‘29er’ World Championship in Medemblik, The Netherlands, was won by Tom Crockett (skipper) and Harry Morton (crew) in their boat ‘NHS’. It was the biggest fleet of 29ers to have competed a world title event with 229 boats from 29 countries.. They dominated in heavy breezes and held their own in light air, winning the event with a race to spare. The lads started sailing together in Pelicans at Belmont in the 2006-07 season. Tom was the youngest person to have won the 29er worlds, aged just 14.

A number of former Belmont junior sailors have been successful in sail boarding. These include Bruce Wiley, Greg Beecham, Grant Long and Michael Lancey. Chris Nicholson represented Australia at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games in the 49’er class. He teamed with former Drummoyne 16ft skiff sailor Daniel Phillips at the Sydney 2000 games. Gary Boyd became the club’s second Olympian in the 49’er class when he joined Nicholson for the 2004 Athens games.

Tom Burton in the Laser Class was awarded the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games then went on to win a Laser Men’s World Championship in Sakaiminoto, Japan.

BELMONT SAILORS - WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Year

Class

Boat

Competitor

Venue

1971

16FT SKIFF

GAZEWAY

DOUG REID

AUSTRALIA

1972

16FT SKIFF

NU RUMP

JOHN MOORE

AUSTRALIA

1975

16FT SKIFF

VIGGERS SHONDELL

GARY BRUNIGES

AUSTRALIA

1988

LASER (Women’s)

AROUND THE BUOYS

JACQUELINE ELLIS

ENGLAND

1996

LASER (Women’s)

AROUND THE BUOYS

1996

LASER (Grand Master)

2014

29’er

2016

29’er

2016 2019

JACQUELINE ELLIS

SOUTH AFRICA

BEN PIEFKE

SOUTH AFRICA

ATB MORTON

KURT HANSEN - HARRY MORTON

DENMARK

NHS

TOM CROCKETT - HARRY MORTON

NETHERLANDS

LASER (Men’s Olympics Gold)

TOM BURTON

BRAZIL

LASER (Men’s)

TOM BURTON

JAPAN

BELMONT SAILORS - INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Year

Class

Event

Competitor

Venue

1988

LASER (Women’s)

ASIA PACIFIC

JACQUELINE ELLIS

NEW ZEALAND

1990

LASER (Women’s)

ASIA PACIFIC

JACQUELINE ELLIS

AUSTRALIA

1993

LASER (Women’s)

ASIA PACIFIC

JACQUELINE ELLIS

SINGAPORE

1994

LASER (Women’s)

ASIA PACIFIC

JACQUELINE ELLIS

AUSTRALIA

1995

LASER (Men’s)

ASIA PACIFIC

SCOTT ELLIS

GUAM

1997

J24 (Women’s)

ASIA PACIFIC

JACQUELINE ELLIS

AUSTRALIA

2014

29’er

NTH AMERICA

KURT HANSEN - HARRY MORTON

CANADA

Belmont ‘Laser’ Sailor Jacqueline Ellis

Olympic ‘Laser’ Sailor Tom Burton

World Champion 29’er Sailors Tom Crocket and Harry Morton

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Milestone 8 Brian Ellis Boatshed and Sailability

The club’s newly built boatshed was named in honour of a valued club member Brian Ellis and was officially opened by Brian at a dedication ceremony on 17th December 2011. The shed provides storage for the club’s many sailing craft. Brian served as a director in an unbroken run from 1973 until 2011. During this tenure he filled the roles of Treasurer (1980 to 1985), Commodore (1985 to 1987), Vice President (1988 to 2001) and President (2001 to 2009). Away from the club Brian was a Design Engineer with Lake Macquarie City Council and his vocational skills and experience were invaluable as he managed projects for the betterment of the club.

Brian was an accomplished sailor beginning in the Cadet Class in England in 1950 before going on to win the World Cadet Championship in 1953, 54 and 55. He sailed an Olympic Finn in 1959 and 60 and was a trialist for the British team for the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. Sailing two seasons in the Dragon Class he competed in Edinburgh Cup Week at Cowes. Brian won the Merlin Rocket Championship in 1964, was runner-up in the class Champion of Champions in 1964, winning in 1966. He won the Eastern England Enterprise Championship in 1963 and Tideway on the Thames (Putney to London Bridge and back) in 1963 and 64 in a fleet of more than 300 craft. Upon moving with his family to Australia, Brian owned and sailed 16ft skiffs at Belmont.

These included ‘Scattered Sevens’, ‘Chiko’, ‘John Harris Motor Cycles’ and ‘Monier Newcastle’.

Brian won the Interdominion Championship in Auckland and represented at numerous NSW and Australian Championships.

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Brian and Pam Ellis

‘Scattered 7’s’ Brian Ellis - March 1971

The completed boatshed

Opening Day 17th Dec 2011 Brian (left) chatting with friend Gary Bruniges

Sailability Belmont was started by a group of volunteers in 1997, seeking to provide opportunities for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, to participate in sailing. The initiative was Championed by, then Club President, Kevin Buxton. Having provided sailing opportunities for 25 years, Sailability Belmont is celebrating its Silver Jubilee in 2022. Wendy Evans was a member of the inaugural committee in 1997 and has sailed regularly at Belmont since that time.

Sailability Belmont is one of the most active groups in the country. Some of its sailors compete in Championships whilst others simply enjoy sailing as an activity. The Brian Ellis Boatshed is home to approximately 20 Hansa, Access Dinghies with a variety of configurations. i.e. mainsail only, mainsail and jib and single and double handed craft. Operating most of the year, sailing takes place each weekday morning (9am to 12 noon).

Volunteer Barry Clarke says he has seen many wonderful stories unfold as a result of the program. He recalled a gentleman who was vision impaired learning to sail. A volunteer sailing behind him gave directions by radio. ‘Small bells were sewn to his sail so he knew when he was luffing’. When he became confident, said Barry, he provided lessons to a vision impaired girl who accompanied him in his boat. ‘They both loved the feel of the water.’ ‘Then there was a man who uses a wheelchair following an accident. He said he could find nothing to fill his days, until he learned to sail at Belmont Sailability. So he could assist other people with a disability, to sail, he attended 4 mornings a week. He said it made him feel useful and gave him purpose in life.’ ‘A long-time sailor has said he can play other sports in his wheelchair, but he is still in his wheelchair. When sailing, the chair is ‘back there’ (on the shore) and he feels equal to other people.’

Sailability Belmont Volunteers

Hansa Access Dinghies in Boat Shed

Belmont Sailors

The joy of sailing

The club proudly supports Sailabilty, providing boat storage, rescue craft and financial assistance.

Sailability Belmont’s President, Chris Syme, reveals the group has more than 50 volunteers and 40 sailors. Sailors, volunteers, family and carers enjoy lunch together most days. Chris says the future looks bright with new volunteers joining the ranks but newcomers are always welcome.

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Milestone 9 Classes throughout the years

Since Belmont 16ft Sailing Club’s inception in 1922, the predominant class sailed has been the 16ft skiff. However the club’s founding members realised early, other classes were needed to foster youth sailing and in time produce 16ft Skiff sailors.

1924 – Cadet Dinghy Belmont’s earliest training craft was introduced on 6th December 1924.

While the 16ft Skiffs were competing in an interstate selection race, the club ran a trial of Cadet Dinghies. The purpose was ‘to produce a cheap and safe small craft to foster the sailing spirit of the younger generation’. The boats were limited to 10 feet in length, their ‘extreme beam’ no wider than 4’ 5” and a limited sail area. They were intended for boys under 17 and ladies. Three boats participated in the trial. A sealed handicap was run, the winner being 13 year old Tom Baker and his crew of two other boys sailing ‘Narwee’. The club soon had 9 dinghies including, ‘Swastika’, ‘York’, ‘Kitty Wake’, ’Dainty’, ‘Zephr, ‘Cornstalk‘, Bamboo’ and ‘Spook’. Curiously, ‘Spook’ was built with a tuck bow, not unlike the Pelican introduced years later. A Point Score and club Championship was held for Cadet Dinghies but this ended with the Great Depression.

1961 – Pelican Pelicans were introduced to the club in 1961 after some club members, whilst in Perth for a 16ft Skiff regatta, observed Pelicans being sailed. Returning to Belmont, they decided to adapt the Pelican to local requirements, adding a spinnaker and a jib. This was to develop in children, the skills needed to sail a 16ft Skiff when the young sailors reached an appropriate age and skill. The Pelicans are sailed in the morning before the other craft have begun to compete and, in most instances, the wind is relatively light.

Pelican

Vee-Jay

Cherub

Flying 11

1974 – Vaucluse Junior The Vaucluse Class of dinghies became popular in the 1930’s. The Vee-Jay (Vaucluse Junior) was attractive because it was suitable for teaching teenagers to sail. i.e. it was easy to right after a capsize, easy to handle and fast. The Vee- Jay was considered the first unsinkable skiff and relatively inexpensive, often built at home. While Belmont Sailing club did not adopt these craft, they could be seen rigging at the club. Races for Vee-Jay’s were included at the Belmont club’s Annual Regatta from 1934 onward. Initially the Vee-Jay’s and Vee-Ess’ (Vaucluse Senior) were sailed at Toronto. By 1939 the ‘Belmont Cadet Dinghy Club’ was operating, running races on Belmont Bay. By 1974 a decision was made to merge the Vee-Jay club at Belmont with Belmont 16ft Sailing Club. The Vee-Jays continued to compete at Belmont for several decades, but in time the popularity of newer craft saw numbers dwindle. However the Vee-Jay left a legacy in having helped attract generations of youngsters into sailing.

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1984 – Laser Dinghy The Laser Class was introduced to the club in 1984. It was the club’s first involvement in a one design boat. They are sailed around the world, being an Olympic class.

Though being a single handed craft, the camaraderie amongst the sailors is strong. At Belmont the Laser is popular amongst all ages but is particularly popular with older sailors.

1989 – Cherub Class The Cherub fleet started sailing at Belmont in the 1989-90 season, with a start-up fleet of 6 boats. An exciting, light weight, development sailboat, the Cherub class encourages new ideas. The reason the Cherub is so popular is the friendships developed on and off the water at the club and interclub level. The Belmont fleet has excelled, winning 15 Australian Titles. The successful skippers include Adam Piper, Andrew Hewson, Kane Sinclair, John Boyd, Scott Day, Trevor Fay (winning 7 Australian Titles) and Kristopher Fay (winning 3 Australian Titles); all with the aid of a crew member. The Cherub is a progressive class, adjusting rules and allowing improvements to keep the boat modern and relevant. This has attracted significant numbers of female sailors to the class, with females making up 40% of the fleet.

Note: The 29’er Skiffs were adopted at the Club for a number of years, however numbers dwindled and the class was eventually discontinued.

Laser

O’pen Skiff

29er Skiff

2003 – The Flying 11 Division The Flying 11 was introduced in 2003 as an intermediate class as sailors graduate from the Pelicans. It is a light weight craft, designed with teenage sailors in mind. With Pelicans having been adapted for Belmont’s requirements, competition is restricted to the one club. The Flying 11 allows sailors to continue sailing a craft with mainsail, jib and spinnaker, and compete with other clubs. Flying 11’s are a one design boat with strict class rules.

Competitive racing takes place in New South Wales and Queensland, with a number of Flying 11’s to be found in New Zealand. Belmont sailors winning Australian Titles have included Justin Sharrock and Chris Fay, Owen Long and Thomas Steenson, Tom Crockett and Tom Dawson, Joel Beashel andMarshall Day and Marshall Day and Leo Pirret.

2018 – O’pen Skiffs The ‘O’pen Skiff’ was introduced to the club as a trial class in 2018.

Though the Pelican remains the primary training class, the attraction of the O’pen skiff is it is an uncomplicated boat allowing parents without sailing experience to readily rig the craft. They are single handed, meaning the need to find crew is removed. Initially marketed as the ‘O’pen Bic’, the craft were renamed ‘O’pen Skiff’ in 2019. The first O’pen Skiff Championship and Yearly Point Score at Belmont was contested in the 2021-22 season. Whilst the Pelican in its modified form is only sailed at Belmont, the O’pen Skiff is an international class, giving young sailors the potential to compete nationally and internationally.

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Milestone 10 Club House development over the years

Belmont 16ft Sailing Club has come a long way from its volunteer built boat shed, over the water off Brooks Parade. With some generous businesses supplying building materials at cost price and the ladies committee fund raising, including a popular girl competition, the club was built in the off season in 1923. This is in stark contrast with our modern registered club and generous boat storage facility by Mill Creek. This can be proudly attributed to subsequent committees and volunteers during the past 100 years.

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Brooks Parade 1923

Clubhouse Opening 6th October 1923

1940’s Brooks Parade

Club Entrance 1967

Club reclaims land from Lake 1971

Club Foyer 1972

Ariel View 1975

Club Entrance 1977

Extension Completed 1979

Club Interior 1982

Club Exterior 1982

Club Extending over water – Completed 1992

Aerial View 1992

Club House 1997-98

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Aerial View 2001

Club Rendering 2011

Lake Frontage 2012

Club Entrance 2022

Conceptual Render for The Centenary Construction Project 2022

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A Century of Champions & Point Score Winners

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Thank you to all our Current Life Members

Robert Abraham

Brian Arkell

Gary Beecham

Alan Benson

David Berryman

Gary Bruniges

Craig Corke

Troy Dobinson

Jackie Doyle

Garry Edwards

Pam Ellis

John Flanagan

Stephen Gallagher

Allen Gray

James Griffiths

Peter Harrison

Barry Irving

William Jackson

Mary Johnson

Bruce McIntosh

Terry Morgan

Doug Reid

Stephen Reid

Allan Robinson

Barry Thomas

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Thank you to all our Current Life Members

Anthony Waters

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Thank you to all our Life Members in Memoriam

John Anderson

Peter Aubin

Alf Beecham

Lew Bikerstaff

James Boyd

Neville Bruniges

Kevin Buxton

Ron Caldwell

Ross Campbell

Keith Carpenter

Cecil Clarke

Reg Clarke

Brian Ellis

Harold Ferris

Roy Green

Jim Gallagher

William Greener Hall

Occa Hanson

Allan Harrington

Mervyn Harris

William Hawkins

Tom Hedley

Claude Brandon

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Gainsford Hetherington Colin Humphreys

Thank you to all our Life Members in Memoriam

Trevor Humphreys

Tom Humphreys

George Johnson

Alan Kafer

Lance Long

Jack Lunn

William Lunn

William Mansfield

Neville Mcintyre

John Moore

Charles Orman

Fred Oughton

Herbert Reay

Ken Ruggeri

Mike Scully

Mervyn Smith

Randall Smith

Ron Thomson

Alfred Waddingham

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1920’s

1930’s - 1940’s

1950’s

1960’s

1970’s - 2020’s (Present)

1990’s

2000’s - 2010’s

48 2010’s - 2020’s (Present)

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B E L M O N T

16 F T

SA I L I N G

C LU B

The Parade, Belmont NSW 2280 | (02) 4945 0888 | www.16s.com.au

1st addition published 1 October 2022