Stay up late with Martha, in an unforgettable late-night series that will redefine your Fridays.
HAVE YOUR SAY!
From supporting brain cancer research to helping strengthen domestic violence services, find out how the Belmont 16s Sailing Club is creating change
MONDAY
11:00am Club Bingo & Helicopter Cash Housie
WEDNESDAY
7:00pm Club Bingo ($40 PRIZES)
7:30pm FREE Trivia
THURSDAY
10:00am App Game ($150 in Meal Vouchers to be won)
11:00am Club Bingo & Helicopter Cash Housie
6:00pm Thursday Meat Raffle (on sale at 4:30pm) 60 PRIZES!
6:00pm Members Money Mania: Jackpot Range $6K - $10K & Cash Wheel
FRIDAY
11.00am Club Bingo ($40 prizes)
9:00pm Nightcaps & Beats in Martha
9:30pm FREE Live Music in The Boat Shed Bar
SATURDAY
10:30am Helicopter Cash Housie
8.30pm FREE Live Music in the Star Lounge
9.30pm FREE Live Music in The Boat Shed Bar
SUNDAY
2:30pm Sunday Spenders Raffle (on sale from 1pm) 35 PRIZES!
Over the last several years my report has dealt with the numerous disruptions to the Club such as the pandemic and the Centenary Project and how we have been dealing with those disruptions. It is refreshing this year to note that those matters are now behind us with the recent completion of the Centenary Project.
From a strategic perspective our primary goals from the Centenary Project were to provide Members with the quality and variety of facilities they deserve, broaden the demographic of the people who visit our Club and to challenge conventional perceptions of what a Club is today. Whether they are from long term Members, those who have recently joined the Club or a broad cross section of visitors, the feedback, or comments that we have received are overwhelmingly positive with “wow” a common word we hear. This is a strong indicator that our strategic intent has been achieved.
My favourite part of the Club right now is Martha Drink and Dine with its mediterranean inspired menu cooked in our Mibrasa charcoal ovens or the diverse beverage range including the selection of signature cocktails produced by our mixologists. The first-floor location with unparalleled views combined with high quality ingredients and superior service levels makes Martha one of the premier dining options in not only in Lake Macquarie but the broader Hunter Region. Martha is proving very to be popular, so I suggest that you book in advance to secure your table.
Recently we have made some adjustments to our branding with the intention of recognising where the Club started its journey in 1922. We have reverted to Belmont 16s Sailing Club to honour our heritage with our logo reflecting the original burgee that the Club first sailed under. Whilst it is important to reflect on the Clubs legacy over the past century, we recognise that it is paramount for our facilities, product range and services to be relevant to ensure they meet the expectations of our current and future members so we can continue to serve our community for the next century and beyond.
Once again, we are proud to have been able to support our local community through a broad range of charities, not for profit organisations and local sporting groups. I know that our ongoing support is vital and appreciated by these organisations.
sailing facilities, comprising sailing offices, meeting and training rooms which have been constructed as a mezzanine level in the Brian Ellis Boat Shed. The enhanced sailing facilities we now have available are amongst the best in Australia and have resulted in greater participation levels including increased demand for children undertaking our Tackers Learn to Sail Program.
Our Board are conscious of making junior sailing safe, affordable, and accessible and accordingly we have recently established the Belmont 16s Sailing Foundation to preserve the legacy and future of our sailing community to ensure it thrives well into the future. The Foundation may be of interest to those Members who have benefited from sailing over their lifetime and wish to give back, with more information available on the Clubs website.
When all is said and done, we are a sailing club and I congratulate our sailors on their successes at local, state, national and international levels. We are fortunate to have the resources available to provide sailing facilities, programs and events which rival those which can be found anywhere in Australia.
While we have created a great new Club, it is our wonderful staff who make our visits to the Club such a great experience. My thanks to our CEO Scott Williams, his management team, and staff for their efforts, particularly through the disruptions of our building project.
In particular, I want to recognise the efforts of our recently retired Operations Manager, Gordon Maxwell, for the incredible amount of behind the scenes work to ensure the success of the Centenary Project. I wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.
Finally, thanks to our loyal members for continuing to support the Club, through the Centenary Project and since its completion. I am sure you will agree that the inconvenience was worth it and share my pride in a Club that is now one of the premier venues in the region.
David Berryman President
It is my pleasure to present my 20th annual CEO report for the year ended 31 March 2024, following a year of significant inconvenience to our loyal Members.
This trading year was highly disruptive as the various contractors worked their way through the Club which included the construction of a temporary entry as well as the relocation or closure of other facilities as Graph Building completed the much anticipated Centenary Project. The transformation of the Club has aligned with the initial vision and design intent and has resulted in the desired generational change to position our Club well into the future. Notwithstanding the associated construction fatigue and inconvenience, the Club still generated a financial surplus of $1.398M which we consider to be a strong result given both the disruption and the various one off costs including rebranding, new uniforms, advertising, training and setting up various kitchens. Our balance sheet remains healthy despite using cash reserves to fund around 60% of the $22M project cost.
During the Centenary Project we also took the opportunity to build the shell of an additional lakeside restaurant located next to Martha on the first floor. This space will be fitted out during next year with a planned launch in late 2025. We are still contemplating the style of this new outlet and are seeking to engage with Members to collect your thoughts through a survey with further details currently available on our website. Our team are also working on a strategy to reduce some of the pressure on our car parking at peak times which is a byproduct of the transformation of your Club.
One of the consequences from Covid was the increased willingness of society to embrace technology such as online shopping, tap and go payments or the use of QR codes. Whilst some may claim that cash is becoming a redundant commodity due to the dominance of cashless payment systems, cash currently remains the only tender that can be used to play one of our gaming machines. The NSW Independent Panel On Gaming
Reform are currently considering cashless gaming, with a recommendation anticipated in November which will provide further clarity and direction. Our intention is to provide our Members with the option to use technology to facilitate choice, provided that can be achieved in a responsible way.
As your Club has grown, so has the size of our team who are here to deliver you with the superior service levels that you deserve every time you visit Belmont 16s Sailing Club. Despite having to work in a difficult and constantly changing physical environment during construction, our diverse team of 190 individuals have combined cohesively with a desire to exceed your service expectations and I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank each and every one of them for their efforts. In particular, I would like to pay homage to recently retired Operations Manager Gordon Maxwell for his outstanding contribution to the Club since his tenure commenced in 2006.
In a year that required innovative decision making, tenacity and the resolve to focus on the bigger picture, I would like to pass on my gratitude to President David Berryman and the Board for their wisdom, faith and ongoing support.
Finally, but most importantly, I would like to thank you for your perseverance and support whilst your Club was transformed into the magnificent offering that we have today. Together with the balance of the team I look forward to seeing you at the Club again soon.
Scott Williams Chief Executive Officer
Season 2023/2024 was another successful year of sailing here at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club!
The Lion Club Championship and the Aristocrat Yearly Pointscore were both tightly contested, with both titles still up for grabs coming into the last race of the season. Congratulations to the crew of NHS Building Supplies, consisting of Joel Beashel, Adam Beashel and Beau Crockett the 2023-24 16ft Skiff Club Champions. Noah Steenson, Glen Young and Greg Steenson sailed Hunter Heart Safe to victory in the Aristocrat Yearly Pointscore. Congratulations! Both Joel and Noah enter the history books as the youngest skippers to win either Championship at just 16 years of age.
On the representative stage Belmont crews performed strongly. Henry Makin’s crew sailing Skelcon were our highest ranked entrant finishing 3rd overall in the 16ft Skiff National Titles and 4th overall in the 16ft Skiff NSW State Titles. On the Cherub representative stage, Motorboat sailed by Zac Heyes & Peter McLeod claimed victory finishing 1st overall in the Cherub Australian Championships. Motorboat also placed 2nd overall at the NSW State Championships.
At the club level, Cherub Club Champion this year was Hooligan – Georgia Steenson and Morgan York, while the Cherub Pointscore Winner was New Order – Andrew Stewart and Dave Stewart. In the Lasers our Club Champion this year was Hurley – Thomas Farley and the Yearly Pointscore Champion was No Hassles – Wayne Thomas.
As always, I congratulate our various Start Crews, Rescue Boat Crews, Radio Officers, and numerous Volunteers. Without these individuals giving so freely of their time, week in and week out, our racing simply would not be possible. Thanks, must also go to our generous Sponsors, the Club, its Board of Directors, Management and Staff.
Finally, I would like to thank our Vice-Commodore Mat Waters, our Sailing Committee, Administration staff Nadine Steenson and David Sullivan.
James Griffiths Commodore
PELICANS Hot Chilli
Kamikaze
O`PEN SKIFFS
Lazy Sailing
Lazy Sailing
FLYING 11S Lil Ripper
Gary
LASERS Hurley
No Hassles
CHERUBS Hooligan
New Order
Motorboat
16FT SKIFFS NHS Building Supplies
Hunter Heart Safe
Jadon Morris
Harry Yager
Andy Fisher
Andy Fisher
Charlie Nosworthy
Harry Yager
Tom Farley
Wayne Thomas
Georgia Steenson
Andrew Stewart
Zac Heyes
Joel Beashel
Noah Steenson
Noah Morris
Rowan Towndrow
Club Championship
Yearly Point Score
Club Championship
Yearly Point Score
Elliot Fisher
Bryce Towndrow
Morgan York
Dave Stewart
Peter McLeod
Adam Beashel
Beau Crockett
Glen Young
Greg Steenson
Club Championship
Yearly Point Score
Full Rig Club Championship
Full Rig Yearly Point Score
Club Championship
Yearly Point Score
Cherub Australian Champion
Club Championship
Yearly Point Score
Guaranteed to satisfy any taste and occasion, let us show you around!
Book your table here
Curated cocktails and Mediterranean food with uninterrupted water views.
FRI - SUN From 12pm daily
(Bookings encouraged)
Classic bistro dining with member Meal Deals from Monday to Wednesday.
LUNCH From 12pm daily
DINNER From 5pm daily
Mouth-watering craft burgers, wings and loaded fries
WED - FRI From 5pm SAT - SUN From 12pm
Contemporary dining featuring weekly specials and club favourites
LUNCH From 12pm daily
DINNER From 5pm daily
Home of independent craft beer and the largest sports screen in Lake Macquarie.
WED - FRI From 5pm SAT - SUN From 12pm
Treat yourself to a signature coffee, light meal or gourmet dessert.
OPEN EVERYDAY From 9am till late
Noah Steenson and Joel Beashel Shine
At just 16 years old, Noah Steenson and Joel Beashel have made headlines in the sailing world with their extraordinary achievements. Noah recently made history as the youngest skipper ever to clinch the 16ft Skiff Yearly Pointscore Championship. Competing against seasoned sailors with decades of experience, Noah and his crew displayed unparalleled consistency, completing every race across Club, State, and National levels. His journey began at age six at the Belmont 16s Sailing Club, progressing through various classes to become a standout in the 16ft Skiff class.
Joel Beashel, equally impressive at 16, boasts a string of victories in different boat classes. From securing the Flying Ant Nationals title twice to winning the Optimist Nationals and triumphing at the Flying 11 and 29er Nationals, Joel’s talent and determination shine through. He also holds the distinction of being the youngest skipper to win the prestigious 16ft Skiff Club Championship.
Their achievements underscore the vibrant junior sailing community at Belmont 16s Sailing Club. The past season witnessed a surge in young sailors joining the competitive 16s skiff fleet, with Noah, Joel, and their peers leading the charge. These juniors have not only competed but excelled, proving their mettle in a challenging environment.
Noah and Joel’s success extends beyond the racecourse. Both are actively involved in mentoring younger sailors, contributing to the growth and spirit of sailing at Belmont 16s Sailing Club. Their dedication and passion inspire others to pursue their sailing dreams, fostering a supportive and thriving community.
As these young sailors continue to make waves, their journey serves as a testament to talent, perseverance, and the bright future of sailing at Belmont and beyond. Join us in celebrating Noah Steenson, Joel Beashel, and the next generation of champions making their mark on the water!
DJ BEATS FROM 9PM EVERY FRIDAY
Stay up late with Martha, in an unforgettable late-night series that will redefine your Fridays.
Starting from July 5, every Friday night from 9pm to midnight, Martha Drink & Dine will transform into a sophisticated haven of chill vibes, cosy lounges, and flame-side moods. Our resident DJ, from local Lupo the Boy collective, has worked closely with the Martha team to curate a “Marthesque” playlist. Expect smooth tracks and chill beats that set the perfect ambiance for winding down.
Martha Bar will feature a selection of bespoke cocktails inspired by classic nightcaps and post-dinner drinks. Indulge in the rich flavours of mulled wine, savour the sophistication of digestives, and enjoy the timeless elegance of classic neat spirits cocktails each paired with a selection of nibbles , the perfect late-night snack.
Sink into lounges and cosy up by the flames, drink in hand and enjoy those moments after dinner and before bedtime a little differently Fridays.
Martha Drink & Dine
When. Fridays Time. 9pm - Midnight Reservations.
Not required, but you can book if you prefer
It’s the perfect spot for a post-dinner catch-up with the girls, a romantic date night, or a relaxed group gathering.
CHECK YOUR BALANCE ON THE KIOSK OR MEMBER APP
WAYS TO SPEND YOUR POINTS
Pay by points at any ground floor bar or outlet
Pay by points for raffle tickets and get bonus extra tickets (Thursday 4pm and Sunday 1pm)
Pay for Bingo with your points and get bonus raffle tickets (Thursday 4pm and Sunday 1pm)
Spend your points outside the club with your Ascent Rewards GSL Card $$$
Accelerate your Points up to 3.3 times the value in Sails Eatery or SALT Kitchen
1,500
Redeem your member points at the kiosk to claim up to 3.3 X THE VALUE Sails Eatery and SALT Kitchen
*Ascent reward point balances will reset after 31 August (excluding Platinum+, Platinum & Prestige Members). Terms and conditions apply.
Lake Macquarie unites against domestic violence
Together we raised $10,110 for essential domestic violence support services.
Our Harbouring Hope Luncheon, held Friday 10 May was a beacon of light in the ongoing battle against domestic violence.
The event drew an incredible attendance, raising funding for Got Your Back Sista of over $10,000 on the day through major auctions and prizes sourced by Belmont 16s and GYBS volunteers.
Got Your Back Sista was established in 2016, with a vision to see women and their children happy, thriving and living independently after escaping the trauma of family violence by providing furniture and household items to set up a safe
home, as well as empower women to thrive by running courses and programs to rebuild their confidence, self-esteem, physical and emotional wellbeing and create pathways to study and employment.
Special guest speaker Rosie Batty AO, a renowned anti-violence campaigner, shared her profound journey of hope and resilience after the tragic loss of her 11-year-old son, Luke. Rosie’s dedication to raising awareness about family violence has made her a national beacon of strength and inspiration. Guests also had the unique opportunity to have copies of her book “Hope” signed by Rosie herself.
Locally based TV personality, Chef and Author, Steph De Sousa, a talented MasterChef Alumni was our engaging and inspirational Event MC, sharing her own powerful story for the first time, touching on her journey from domestic violence to a life filled with optimism and achievement. Steph’s commitment to domestic violence prevention added a heartfelt dimension to the event. Attendees were also invited to have their copies of Steph’s cookbook, “The Air Frying Queen,” signed during the luncheon.
Steph De Sousa&
Scott Williams, CEO of Belmont 16s Sailing Club, reflected on the day, stating,
“Today marks a marquee event in our commitment to fight against domestic and family violence. The overwhelming support and generosity shown by everyone involved highlight our community’s determination to make a difference.”
The event included a gourmet two-course lunch accompanied by beverages and featured an engaging Q&A session with Rosie and Steph and GYBS founder Melissa Histon, allowing attendees to delve deeper into their experiences and insights, sharing their experiences and details around the current status of those who are seeking refuge from an abusive home life.
The OzHarvest Nourish Program recently held an insightful tour and Q&A session with the Belmont 16s Sailing Club Team, aimed at students aspiring to pursue culinary apprenticeships in our area. The event, featuring our Executive Chef Tony Maher and Executive Sous Chef John Leadbitter, provided an opportunity for these young culinary enthusiasts to explore the multifaceted world of professional cooking.
During the tour, students were taken through both the front and back of house, gaining an understanding of the complex nature of running a dining destination that caters to hundreds of people, seven days a week. The engaging Q&A session revealed fascinating details about the famous personalities our lead chefs have cooked for (Movie stars and royalty were among the names dropped!), the unique challenges and rewards of a dedicated culinary career, and the incredible opportunities that a creative job in cooking can offer, including the chance to travel the world.
The Nourish Program, a key initiative by OzHarvest, focuses on creating a pathway to engagement and employment in the hospitality industry for young people aged 16-25 who face barriers to education and employment. OzHarvest delivers a comprehensive curriculum facilitated by qualified chefs and industry professionals. The program not only imparts valuable hospitality skills but also focuses on building self-esteem and addressing individual needs to enable students to succeed.
Importantly, the program is free of charge for participants.
The course runs twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10 am to 3:30 pm at the Lake Macquarie PCYC located in Windale. Young people aged 16-25 who have experienced barriers to employment or education are encouraged to apply. Once an expression of interest is submitted, applicants will be contacted by phone for a detailed discussion about their suitability for the program. It’s essential for the Nourish team to meet potential candidates and their support persons to better understand their needs, ensuring the best possible outcome for each student. As places in the program are limited, the final class composition will be determined after all prospective students have been met.
Rachael Baxter, our Human Resources Manager, emphasised the significance of fostering local apprentices at our Club: “Supporting local apprentices is crucial to our Club’s ethos and the local skill shortage. We currently have five apprentices, with many of our past graduates staying on with us and taking on leadership roles in one of our five dining offerings Initiatives like the OzHarvest Nourish program not only strengthens our industry skill level but also contributes to the growth of the local hospitality industry.”
For more information or to apply, click below.
Together, we can provide a lifeline to those who need it most.
Starting July 1 and running for three months, Belmont 16s Sailing Club, in collaboration with Belmont Rotary, will serve as a designated collection point for DV Safe Phone donations. This initiative is a crucial community effort aimed at providing domestic violence victims with functional mobile phones, ensuring they have a lifeline in times of need.
The DV Safe Phone project seeks to collect old intact and working mobile phones , which are then refurbished with new sim cards and distributed to domestic violence victims. These phones provide a critical means of communication, allowing victims to reach out for help and stay connected with supportive services. By partnering with Belmont Rotary, Belmont 16s is making it easier for community members to contribute to this vital cause.
Members and visitors of Belmont 16s Sailing Club are encouraged to drop off their old mobile phones at the donation box located at the club’s reception area. Chargers are also welcome. Before donating, donors are asked to clear all
data from their devices. Detailed instructions on how to do this will be provided to ensure privacy and security. Each donated phone will be refurbished and given to someone in need, offering them a crucial tool for communication and safety.
Scott Williams, CEO of Belmont 16s Sailing Club, expressed his thoughts about the initiative: “We are always looking for ways to support our community, and partnering with Belmont Rotary for the DV Safe Phone project is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference. By providing a convenient dropoff point at our Club, we hope to encourage more people to donate their old phones and help those in need.”
Allan Large, President and Club Services Director of The Rotary Club of Belmont Inc., shared his enthusiasm on the partnership: “We were in the process of seeking a location that would be accessible for people in the area to donate their old phones, and are pleased Belmont 16s reached out as they offer the perfect solution. This collaboration will see a lot more people knowing about this program, and hopefully that means even more community members will be able to contribute to this cause.”
For more information on the DV Safe Phone project and how you can help, please visit the Belmont 16s Sailing Club reception or contact Belmont Rotary. Your contribution can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
Does my old phone have to work? All phones even the ones that appearing not to work or have cracked screens are recycled and parts can be replaced.
What if I forget to erase my phone?
Don’t worry, DV Safe Phones have a process where all received phones are charged, tested and factory reset. So your data will be erased before being sent out.
What if I forget to sign out of the Apple Account?
In this case your phone would only be used for parts eg screen, microphone, battery.
I know someone who needs a DV phone, where do they get one?
Contact one of the local domestic violence agencies and ask them for a DV Safe Phone. If they don’t have them on hand, they will contact DV Safe Phones to arrange you a phone.
Scan for instructions on how to best prepare your old phone for donation
Once your phone has been prepared, you can find the DV Safe Phone box at reception.
Funds raised for vital brain cancer research
We purchased and gave away 280 beanies during our 7th annual Mark Hughes Foundation Beanies for Brain Cancer event. As a result, we are pleased to once again be donating $8,157 to this incredibly worthy cause!
Do you know an organisation that needs a hand? We would love to discuss how we can help.
$8,157
A
place for our generations, a place for your legacy
Donations, bequests and contributions will nurture the next wave of sailors, provide essential resources, and preserve the rich tradition of our sport.
Want to know how you can contribute to the Bemont 16s Sailing Foundation?
CLICK HERE
