Members Magazine November 2022

A NOTE FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

It is hard to believe that we have had almost a full year celebrating our Centenary. October 7 was 100 years to the day that we first sailed on beautiful Belmont Bay and we commemorated this with an evening of laughter, dancing and reminiscing. The evening was captured with plenty of photos taken as well as a video compiled which you can find on pages 10 -13 in this magazine.

While the Centenary Construction Project is steadily progressing, we have been working hard behind the scenes, establishing a new wedding and event collection that will be offered in our dedicated waterview wedding and event space aptly named the “South East View”. We are conducting preopening construction site inspections by appointment and are already taking bookings for late 2023. Details can be found on pages 18 and 19.

November traditionally kicks off the festive season, a time for gatherings and socialising as we transition into Summer. While your Club may look a little different being under construction, we are still offering those muchanticipated seasonal events, including our decadent Christmas Day lunch banquet and our legendary weekly Monday night Ham Raffles. Our popular Big Toy Raffle and Electronic and Technology Raffle both return this year boasting bigger and better prizes than ever before. Head to our digital what’s on guide where you can easily add these dates and all the details directly into your calendar, so you don’t miss out.

We are proud to be sharing a story with you about two of our very talented junior sailors. Sophie and Banjo who recently represented Australia in the O’Pen Skiff World Championships in France. These two have shown perseverance and commitment beyond their 14 years. Well done to both Sophie and Banjo on their amazing achievements.

Thank you to all members and guests who have recently taken the time, to vote in our “Creative Canvas Competition” that was held during September. As a result, several local primary schools will receive funding to enhance programs and school projects. Details of the winner can be found on page 20.

Lastly, we are excited to share several centennial tributes we have created in honour of our 100 years of Belmont 16s. As you read on, you will see links that will take you to a historical booklet ‘100 years of Belmont 16s Brooks Parade to Mill Creek’. You will also find a video dedicated to our top milestones both on and off the water as well as some information about our limitededition Centenary Caps and Polos that are on offer at our Reception desk until sold out.

We look forward to welcoming you soon at Belmont 16s.

Scott Williams Chief Executive Officer

DINING DIRECTORY

LUNCH

OPENING HOURS

Download

Guaranteed

OPENING

JUNIOR SAILORS BANJO & SOPHIE

Both teens have been sailing with Belmont 16s for most of their lives. Banjo’s first sailing experience was at 3 years old with his father, with his first official sailing season at the tender age of just 4, while Sophie wasn’t too far behind starting out on Belmont Bay at the age of 6.

Our Club recently sent off two talented Junior Sailors 14-year-old Sophie and 14-year-old Banjo, to compete in the O’pen Skiff 2022 World Championships in Lac d’Hourtin-Carcans, France.

The pair were more excited than nervous about the prospect of competing amongst the world’s best in their age group and they took preparations in the lead up to the Championships very seriously. Sophie and Banjo trained consistently after school and on weekends with other sailors from the Belmont 16s fleet. Recognising that there could also be cultural barriers to success, they made time for learning a few French and Italian sailing terms and pleasantries that they felt could assist them throughout the Championship experience.The Regatta was held over 5 days commencing July 18 and concluding July 23 2022, with both Sophie and Banjo securing

I’M SOPHIE, I’M 14 AND I LIVE IN BELMONT, I WAS 6 WHEN MY PARENTS ENROLLED ME IN MY FIRST LEARN TO SAIL COURSE AND I HAVE SAILED EVERY SEASON SINCE!

I’M BANJO, I’M ALSO 14 AND LIVE IN BELMONT, MY DAD FIRST TAUGHT ME TO SAIL WHEN I WAS 3 THEN SAILED MY FIRST SEASON WHEN I WAS 4!

positions in the top 40 in their division of 153 boats from countries such as France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Japan, India, Thailand, New Zealand and Australia.

Both took away a lot from this experience, Sophie found it interesting how racing in huge fleets is very different to sailing with not many people on the course, while Banjo felt he gained more insights on how to have better boat handling on the start line to get a clear start.

What’s next for these two? Banjo is thinking of heading into more foiling boats like moths in the future while Sophie feels that for now she just wants to have fun on the water with her friends in her Saturday Club racing however, eventually getting into 29er’s and 49er’s is where her focus lies.

SOPHIE: MY FAVOURITE PART OF THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE WAS GETTING TO LEARN ABOUT HOW REGATTAS WITH 200+ BOATS ARE RUN AND MY LEAST FAVOURITE PART WAS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM FRANCE!

BANJO: MY FAVOURITE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE WAS GETTING THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO OVERSEAS AND COMPETE IN A SAILING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!

Want to get your kids into sailing? Try TACKERS!

TACKERS

LEARN TO SAIL PROGRAM

TACKERS 1 – HAVING FUN

This course aims to provide children aged 7-12 with a fun, safe and affordable way to get into sailing. All boats, life-jackets and equipment are supplied. Catering for absolute beginners in a fun environment!

TACKERS 2 – TRICKS & TECHNIQUES

This course aims to build on the fun participants had in Tackers 1, to progress their sailing skills. All boats, life-jackets and equipment are supplied.

TACKERS 3 – SAILING FAST

This course aims to build on skills learned in Tackers 2 and focuses on advanced sailing skills through games and adventures on the water. All boats, life-jackets and equipment are supplied.

Belmont 16s is an Accredited Discover Sailing Centre, offering Learn to Sail courses for juniors with experienced instructors during school holiday periods, week days and weekends throughout the warmer months of the year.

Tackers is a fun introductory, games-based kids learn to sail program designed for ages 7 to 12 years. Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience or club membership to participate. All the equipment, including the boats and life-jackets, are provided. Active Kids Vouchers are accepted.

Tackers is delivered in small dinghies specifically designed for the program and supervised by Australian Sailing qualified Instructors and Assistant Instructors who are on the water the duration of time the kids are sailing.

Programs are either 4 or 5 days during the school holidays or over 8 – 10 weeks during term time. Each course is focused on having fun and playing games while learning the basics of sailing. Registration opens 1 November, so get in now before its too late.

CLICK HERE to learn more!

Sailing Manager Nadine: PH (02) 4945 7722

EMAIL: n.steenson@16s.com.au

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF BELMONT 16s

Friday 7 October 2022 will be forever known as the night we celebrated 100 years to the day that our Club had sailed on Belmont Bay. A crowd of almost 300 guests enjoyed a night filled with laughter, chatter, handshakes and hugs.

Host comedian Vince Sorrenti was engaging, Kate Ceberano provided a brilliant performance, and several amazing video presentations featuring

historical footage of the Club dating back to 1922, made reminiscing an easy topic for post celebration banter. President David Berryman and Commodore James Griffiths addressed the audience with thanks and toasted to our centennial achievement, Members, volunteers and Sailors, past and present.

A booklet of our 100-year journey was launched on the night and detailed our top ten milestones both on and off the water.

We captured the evening through video and photography and are gladly sharing this historical moment through our website; you might see yourself or someone you know! Tag your photos @belmont16s on socials so we can all enjoy the memories of the celebration. Click on the links to the right to view the photos, videos, and the historical booklet created for the 100 year celebration of Belmont 16s.

Centenary Celebration Photography Gallery

Celebration Video

Booklet: 100 years of Belmont 16s

BOAT SHED BAR

PACKAGES AVAILABLE FUNCTION

TO MAKE A BOOKING FOR A LARGER GROUP OR SPECIAL EVENT? GET IN TOUCH

a variety of spaces

depending

DO YOU KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE BOAT SHED BAR?

including the Gazeway Skiff, one of our private Terraces or even the full venue. The Boat Shed Bar is the place for craft beers, craft burgers and craft cocktails.

preferences and

for

bashes and

The original Boat Shed was built in 1979 along with major renovations to Belmont 16s. The space was necessary to house the many championship Skiffs that had outgrown previous storage spaces dating back as far as the Club’s establishment in 1922.

Transformed into The Boat Shed Bar in 2015, the space is now home to a vibrant crowd of independent craft beer and fine wine enthusiasts. Inside it you will discover original structures and sailing memorabilia that, pay homage to its past life amongst 16 taps of craft beer and the Burger Bros craft burger menu.

CENTENARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Have you seen the construction progress we’ve been making? Big cranes, concrete pours, and much more! Want to keep up-to-date with all our centenary construction stories? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the details, or visit our website and look through our photo gallery.

The South East View is a brand new wedding space that is refined, neutral and elegant with exclusive use of a private over water terrace. Aptly named The South East View for it’s uninterrupted South East water views of Lake Macquarie. We are now taking bookings and conducting pre-opening construction site inspections for weddings and events.

OVER $8,000 DONATED TO LOCAL SCHOOLS IN OUR CREATIVE CANVAS COMPETITION

14 primary schools in the eastern Lake Macquarie catchment were invited to participate in Belmont 16s inaugural Creative Canvas Competition where we challenged students in years 3 – 6 to produce a piece of artwork that to them represented something they felt was “Uniquely Lake Macquarie.”

The objective of this competition was to aid our local schools in achieving their goals, to help to complete schoolwide projects or to further enhance established programs, while encouraging students to explore art with minimal boundaries in place.

We received an incredible response of 25 beautiful and thoughtful submissions from 7 of these schools. Four finalists were selected with these students immediately qualifying for a $100 OfficeWorks gift card each. After notifying the finalists and their schools we left the final voting process to our Members and visitors. Spanning over a 3-week period the Club displayed each student’s artwork along with their schools goal or project they would achieve should they receive funding from this competition should they win. Over 900 votes were cast digitally with the most votes going to 12 year

old Sabine of Valentine Primary School. Sabine advised it took her 3 days to complete her art (pictured above) She explained that she had chosen to draw many of her favourite animals she sees around the Lake, she also felt the shape of Lake Macquarie itself was unique and also commented that she decided to use a style similar to indigenous dot painting to acknowledge that the greater area of Lake Macquarie lays on Awabakal land.

Valentine Primary School will be using their $5000 first place donation towards enhancing their nature play area within the school grounds where children are encouraged to enjoy an outdoor space while deepening their imaginations and strengthening friendships. We would like to take the time to the time to congratulate all students and schools who entered this competition, the calibre of artwork submitted was inspiring and overwhelming. And we would also like to thank all who took the time to vote for these amazing artworks.

WINNER: Sabine, Valentine Public School

FINALIST: Jorja-Lee, Wiripaang Public School

FINALIST: Jarra, Floraville Public School

FINALIST: Maddison, St. Francis Xavier’s School Belmont

ADULT $169 | CHILD $59

Seating is limited, so book now and don’t miss out!

This Christmas Day lunch we have an exquisite festive banquet menu. Chilled Australian prawns with cocktail sauce, local rock oysters with lemon, and seafood salad with dill mayonnaise, we have seafood covered! After something traditional? Try our carvery selection of honey glazed ham, roast turkey, slow roast beef and roast pork leg with crackling. All that and more on our lunch menu.

Why not do something special this Christmas? Let us take care of your Christmas Day lunch with our premium location on the water and delicious festive menu. Dining will be seated in the waterfront side of our Club, you can take in the stunning views over Lake Macquarie.

CLUB GRANTS

Belmont 16s exists for its Members and the local community. We provide a large amount of financial assistance, sponsorships and meeting facilities for a broad range of sporting, welfare, community and not-for-profit organisations to help them make their valuable contribution to society. We are always looking for opportunities to do more for our Members and local community. It’s our pride and joy to support causes we believe in!

At Belmont 16s supporting the local community is extremely important to us. Clubs were created as mutual organisations through which communities could provide facilities that were otherwise beyond their means. The ClubGRANTS scheme covers activities that are aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people. Although the scheme is a requirement of regulations, each year participating clubs voluntarily exceed the minimum requirements. This year Belmont 16s has assisted in supporting over 34 of local not-for-profit groups through the ClubGRANTS scheme. These funds assist not-for-profit community groups in their delivery of projects and services that support local disadvantaged communities.

Do you know of a not-for-profit organisation in need of some support? Applications for ClubGRANTS begin in February of each year. To apply visit clubgrants.com.au the local community need your support!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR CLUB GRANTS

Belmont Men’s Shed

Belmont Neighborhood Centre

Sailability Belmont was started by a group of volunteers in 1997, who were 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.

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. 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.”

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.

It was during a shopping trip to the local butchers in Charlestown where Chef de Partie Tyler Rolfe came across the dry ageing processing of a chuncky T-Bone in a specialised fridge. After mentioning it to Belmont 16s’ Executive Chef and learning that there was several ways to “Dry Age” Tyler was encouraged to explore this style of food preparation further and showcase it to our Members.

I cut the strip loin into steaks and coated it in a Koji rice blend leaving it for 3 days on wire racks to age in a controlled temperature environment. After the 3rd day, I found that the dry aged Portoro was a lot firmer, dryer and had much more flavour compared to the normal steaks. Tony added these to the specials, and we sold out that night with really positive feedback.

Given it’s popularity I was given the opportunity to recreate this the following week with a higher number of steaks. This time I recreated the process with 28 large Hunter Valley T-Bones. I was conscious that these cuts were twice the size and thickness as the Portoro’s and felt that they would need a further day of ageing so I left them sit on wire racks in the Koji rice blend for four days in controlled temps.

I found that Koji rice was a “quick” dry age that only takes a few days instead of the few weeks it would take in the more traditional method of a temp controlled sealed space with salt rocks. For my first attempt I used a Portoro blood line strip loin, Tony (Executive Chef) said the superior marbling in this cut would assist in pulling more flavour during this process.

On the 4th day and given their size I trussed them to keep their shape and prepare them for service time. There were 28 T-Bones in total, and they all sold out. The next time I try dry ageing, I’d like to do a rib-eye steak with a bordelaise sauce and more adventurous garnishes.

“AFTER I MENTIONED IT TO OUR EXEC CHEF TONY HE EXPLAINED THERE WERE SEVERAL METHODS, SUCH AS USING A FRIDGE, SALT BLOCKS AND EVEN KOJI RICE.”

What is Koji Rice?

Koji rice is white rice that has been fermented with a Koji starter and is used in many Japanese foods such as miso, mirin and soy sauce. It is readily available in your local Asian Grocer.

Koji Rice Dry-Aged Beef

Recipe Ingredients

200 - 400g cut steak, Koji rice

Equipment

Spice grinder, flat tray, wire racks

Methods

1. Blend the Koji rice in spice grinder until a fine powder

2. Coat the steaks heavily with the rice powder until they are completely coated on all sides

3. Put onto a tray with wire racks and leave in fridge to age for 2-5 days (4-6 days for thick or large steaks)

4. After the aging period, wash the steaks under water and dry

5. Cook the steaks to your preference

Want to see this on the menu?

Complete this survey and let us know what you think of Koji rice dry-aged beef? Is this something you’d like to see at Belmont 16s?

THE HAMS ARE HERE!

Bring home a ham this Christmas for a perfect feast! Win a ham every Monday night until Christmas. Tickets on sale from 4:30pm and drawn at 6:00pm. Take some inspiration from our Sails Eatery menu and serve the ham with a beautiful glaze. Glazing takes ham from a humble stand-by to a showstopping centrepiece on the Christmas table, adding

layers of flavour along the way. Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Remove the skin from the ham leaving the fat on. Score the fat with a knife in a criss cross pattern and then place garlic cloves into the corners of the grooves. Mix 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of dried mustard, 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of maple syrup together and then brush evenly over the ham. Bake in the oven for approximately 45 minutes until heated through, basting 4 - 5 times throughout until golden brown. Once cooked remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

ADD TO

All NEW COCKTAILS TO LOOK FORWARD TO!

Shaking up new cocktails!

If you’re a Belmont 16s Member then you know the Boat Shed Bar’s Weekly Cocktail special. For only $15 you can get yourself a beautiful, hand crafted cocktail. Here is a sneek peek for whats coming your way! Bright, colourful and full of flavour! Tempted to take a photo for social media? Make sure to tag us!

HERE ARE 7 OF OUR BEST COCKTAIL TIPS

Chill your glasses ahead of time

When shaking, use lots of ice and always add last Use small glasses, for a colder cocktail

Use fresh ingredients

Get a solid set of bar tools and glassware Taste test! A good cocktail is balanced in flavour Save any carbonated ingredient until last, this helps to keep the fizz last longer

SEE OUR COCKTAIL LIST HERE

NEW COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM

AS PART OF OUR ONGOING CARE AND COMMITMENT TO ENSURING THE VALUED MEMBER EXPERIENCE, IT IS OUR PLEASURE TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE WILL BE INTRODUCING THE NEW OK2PLAY? TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM INTO OUR VENUE THIS MONTH.

It is the goal of Belmont 16s to normalise the conversation when it comes to seeking help. OK2PLAY? is a new digital platform that checks in with our members prior to entering the venue to confirm they feel “OK” to play today via our Ascent Rewards Kiosks located near the Reception desk.

For most of our Belmont 16s Members, using the facilities that our venue offers is a fun and social experience. For those that respond yes to the OK2PLAY? program, their experience will remain unchanged. For Members who find at times, they

don’t feel “OK”, this as an opportunity for them to discreetly ask for assistance. The OK2PLAY? platform provides in-venue assistance at the time it is needed. At the push of a button or by scanning a QR code, a message is sent directly to an onsite senior member of our team who can reach out and provide an empathetic channel to seek further help.

AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR COMMUNITY, BELMONT 16S HAS A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR PATRONS, MEMBERS, AND COMMUNITY. BY IMPLEMENTING OK2PLAY?, WE ARE INVESTING IN SUPPORT AND TAKING OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR MEMBERS SERIOUSLY.

SUPPORT THE CLUB WITH

CENTENARY CAPS & POLOS

You can now get yourself some limited edition Centenary Celebration merchandise! These caps and polos feature the Belmont 16s Burgee flag with text celebrating our 100 years of sailing history. First come first served, stock is limited so buy now before everything sells out.

Caps are being sold for $30, with the polos being $35. They can be purchased from the Belmont 16s front desk Reception. Come in and get yours today!

Did you know the original Belmont 16s Burgee was designed back in the 1922? The flag we use today has remained remarkably similar to the original. Belmont 16s hopes to continue flying our Burgee flag for another 100 years to come.