THE FUTURE OF SAILING AT BELMONT 16s IS BRIGHT

We are humbled to see that our Sailing Community is growing. Our learn to sail Tackers program remains popular, continuing to sell out with participants transitioning into their next level of junior sailing.

Our Flying 11 fleet were strong competitors in the recent Flying 11 Nationals. Congratulations to “Cheeky”, sailed by Marshall Day and Leo Pirret who finished 1st overall. Notable mention to “Giggle & Hoot”, sailed by Keisha Day and Amy Ellis, who placed 2nd overall and were the 1st all-girls crew.

Also in January, we had 10 16ft Skiffs head to Manly to battle it out with some of the best sailors in the country. In a tough fleet of 47 boats, SKE Electrical was the highest placed Belmont skiff, coming 4th overall.

Our Cherub fleet dominated earlier this year at the Cherub Australian Championships, with Harden Up 3170 – Banjo Nicholson and Thomas Steenson taking out the overall Championship. We also came away with 3rd place, Veterans Champion, Cadet Champion (under 18), Junior Champion (skipper between 18-21) along with First Female Skipper. In total Belmont had 8 in the top 10 total standings, showing the amount of talent we have amongst our Cherub fleet.

Currently our Skiff fleet has the strongest numbers seen in many years. We have 33 skiffs registered and some of the best sailors on Lake Macquarie. With such a strong growth and vast achievements this season, we felt that sitting down with our Sailing Manager Nadine Steenson would be a wonderful way to share some of those lesser-known titbits about her, our Club, our sailors and our sport.