Today our fleet was offshore racing in Race 3 of the Winter Short Ocean Pointscore, with competitors greeted by a light 6–8 knot north-westerly breeze and cool temperatures off the Newcastle coastline.
Challenge timed the start perfectly to be first boat across the line and quickly established themselves at the front of the fleet. Showing strong speed throughout the afternoon, they steadily extended their lead around the course and ultimately claimed line honours as the first boat home.
The opening minutes weren't without drama. Near the start line, This Way Up and Mako were involved in a port-starboard incident, with This Way Up immediately completing penalty turns before resuming racing. Despite the setback, This Way Up recovered well and remained competitive throughout the race, eventually securing third place on corrected time.
After clearing Newcastle Harbour, the fleet split on strategy as they worked south toward the first rounding mark off Merewether. Most boats elected to continue under spinnaker further offshore before dropping spinnakers and turning back toward the coast. Summer Salt chose a different approach, dropping their spinnaker earlier at the heads and sailing a direct course to the mark. While the offshore route allowed boats to carry their kites longer, Summer Salt's shorter track paid dividends, saving valuable distance and proving to be one of the defining tactical moves of the race.
Conditions gradually built throughout the afternoon, increasing to 8–12 knots from the west before swinging south-south-west and freshening to 10–15 knots for the final leg toward home. With the changing conditions and race timing, the Race Committee shortened course, finishing the fleet at the end of Nobbys Breakwall.
Then, while the Race Committee vessel was stationed offshore observing the fleet, a pod of four large whales surfaced nearby and spent around ten minutes putting on an impressive display, providing a memorable backdrop to the day's racing.
When the corrected times were calculated, Summer Salt's tactical decision and efficient course around the track earned them the Division 1 win ahead of Challenge and This Way Up. In Division 2, FIGJAM took the honours.
Race Results:
PHS Div1 results
1st place - Summer Salt
2nd place - Challenge
3rd place - This Way Up
PHS Div2 results
1st place - Figjam
IRC results
1st place - Challenge
2nd place - Summer Salt
3rd place - She's the Culprit
Thanks to all competitors, volunteers and the Race Committee for another great day of winter offshore racing.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club
Share
Australian Sailing Club of the Year 2019 & 2022 The Clubhouse offers excellent facilities, an active sailing community, and regular social events for members.
When it comes to participating in a sporting and social lifestyle, you can’t go past joining as a member at NCYC. NCYC has a range of membership options to suit your needs with a variety of member benefits. These member benefits vary with each category, and include a 20% discount at the bar, the ability to crew at NCYC, automatic sign in, access to marina facilities, and discounts on learn to sail
13/06/2026
⛵ Sail Our Way – Spinnaker Skills
Our Sail Our Way sailors hit the water today to learn the fundamentals of spinnaker pole work.
Coaches Peta and Alyson started with an onshore session covering pole setup and smooth gybing techniques before heading afloat to put the skills into practice.
The improvement throughout the day was clear to see, with plenty of learning, growing confidence and some great sailing. Well done, ladies!
09/06/2026
The world’s biggest football tournament is here, and Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club is your waterfront home for every moment.
We'll be opening early for select matches, serving coffee and fresh croissants while the action unfolds live on the big screens in Reggie’s Rum & Sports Bar.
Whether you're backing a powerhouse nation or cheering for an underdog, there’s no better place to catch the FIFA World Cup with fellow fans.
Check our daily stories for opening times and join us for every goal, save, and celebration.
01/06/2026
The Next Generation Takes Centre Stage in Interclub Challenge Opener
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club hosted the opening round of the 2026 Interclub Challenge today, welcoming eight youth keelboat teams from across New South Wales for the first stage of the four-week series.
Created in 2001 to help develop young sailors through competitive fleet racing, the Interclub Challenge brings together the youth keelboat programs of Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC), the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), and Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS). Each club hosts a stage of the series, with teams competing across a maximum of six races at each venue.
Racing was conducted in a steady 10–15 knot west-northwesterly breeze on Newcastle Harbour. To accommodate the scheduled departure of a commercial vessel during racing, the race course was positioned closer to the NCYC marina, allowing the fleet to continue racing uninterrupted while maintaining a clear shipping passage through the harbour basin.
The opening race immediately tested the fleet, with four of the eight boats identified as OCS (On Course Side) at the start. Three of those teams correctly returned to restart, having been forced over the line after being squeezed between leeward right-of-way boats and their windward keep-clear obligation. Despite the chaotic opening, the fleet quickly settled into a competitive rhythm.
Race two saw misfortune strike RSYS 1, who were forced to retire after experiencing a manoeuvring issue after the start, while race six delivered another dramatic start where three boats were OCS after approaching the pin end at speed on starboard tack and running out of room before the starting signal. Two boats returned to restart correctly, while one continued racing and were scored OCS.
Race Officer Jack Buchan reflected on the racing and coaching format surmising "The beauty of the Interclub Challenge is that it combines racing and learning. The sailors get immediate feedback from their coaches after each race and then have the opportunity to reset and put those lessons into practice straight away in the next race."
NCYC Head Coach Andrew Omotosho added "The results are always nice, but from a coaching perspective the most rewarding part is seeing sailors grow throughout the day. We saw teams making adjustments, communicating better and applying lessons from earlier races, which is exactly what this series is designed to encourage,"
NCYC 1 (Art, Kate, Hugh and Tom) delivered an outstanding performance on home waters, recording three race wins and claimed overall honours ahead of RPAYC 2 (Ash, Aveer, Victoria, Isabella) in second place and CYCA 1 (Jonathon, Mitchell, Maxwell, Oliver) in third.
Overall Results:
1st place: NCYC 1 – Art, Kate, Hugh, Tom – 7 points
2nd place: RPAYC 2 – Ash, Aaveer, Victoria, Isabella – 10 points
3rd place: CYCA 1 – Jonathon, Mitchell, Maxwell, Oliver – 11 points
4th place: CYCA 2 – Max, Bailey, Eoin, Eddie – 22 points
5th place: RPAYC 1 – Lauinia, Max, Fred, Maxi – 22 points
6th place: RSYS 2 – Rory, Cara, Matteo, Max – 23 points
7th place: RSYS 1 – Alistair, Callan, Lucien, Leonardo – 30 points
8th place: NCYC 2 – Harry, Bryce, Darcy, Will – 35 points
The Interclub Challenge now moves to the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron after the long weekend before continuing at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and concluding at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia later in June.
31/05/2026
Long lunch by the harbour? Celebration dinner with friends? Casual birthday or engagement? Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club is made for the special occasions.
With harbour views, fresh coastal dining, and group bookings of up to 50 guests available, it’s the perfect setting to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the moment.
Relaxed, refined, and right on the water, this is what waterfront tastes like.
Book your next special occasion with NCYC.
29/05/2026
From boardroom meetings for 10 to waterfront cocktail parties for 400, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club brings people together on the harbour.
Sunset views, sea breezes, refined coastal spaces, and effortless entertaining in the heart of Newcastle.
Corporate events, celebrations, launches, long lunches, and everything in between, this is what waterfront feels like.
Contact NCYC Functions today and start planning.
28/05/2026
Dock Rock on the Water is turning up the volume this June Long Weekend at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.
Live bands, harbour views, seafood towers, and sunset sessions on the water. That’s your long weekend sorted.
Saturday table bookings and premium Sunday tickets are available now. Book your spot today.
20/05/2026
COACHING CONTINUES WITH FUNDING SUPPORT!
We are excited to announce that we have received ongoing funding from Australian Sailing through the 'Sail Our Way' grant program supported by the Department of Health.
This additional grant support will allow us to continue our women's inshore coaching program on the club's fleet of Elliott 6s.
The coaching program aligns with our SheSAILS@NCYC Committee's strategic plan and aims to empower & link the women & girls of Newcastle with OPPORTUNITIES in sailing through PATHWAYS, CONNECTION & INCLUSION.
The 4-session program will continue with Saturday midday coaching in August and Friday evening coaching in November.
Each program is ideal training and preparation for the SheSAILS@NCYC Open Regatta on 29/30 August and the new SheSAILS@NCYC Intermediate Regatta on 5 December 2026.
Check out the dates and further information on our website - https://www.ncyc.net.au/sailing-academy/skill-development/
Registrations are open now!
We are very grateful to Australian Sailing for supporting this valuable program of coaching at our club.
Australian Sailing SheSails Australian Sailing - NSW & ACT She SAILS at NCYC
Today we were back on the water racing the first race of the Winter Short Ocean Pointscore.
A short delay waiting on a coal ship to pass gave the Race Committee an extra fifteen minutes to confirm the course direction for the day and the race started in 5-8knts NNW breeze.
Summer Salt crossed the start line too early at the pin end, carried by the tide, and were forced to return to restart leaving KD4 at the boat end were the first boat to hoist a spinnaker.
The wind quickly faded as the fleet arrived at the heads and it was a slow race for the remainder of the day.
It was a test of patience and persistence as the little remaining wind soon felt like it was completely gone. There was just enough air flow for the fleet to make 3NM to the first rounding mark off Bar Beach where the Race Committee set up a finish line to shorten course.
——- ——- ——-
PHS Div1 results:
1st place - KD4 (Joe de K**k)
2nd place - Challenge (Michael Trask)
3rd place - Aurora (Dennis Hume)
PHS Div2 results:
1st place - Figjam (Peter Mansbridge)
Full results on our website:
https://www.ncyc.net.au/offshore-racing/short-ocean-pointscore/
10/05/2026
Another Super Saturday on the water as Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club hosted its 10th annual SheSails Development Regatta ⛵️
Founded a decade ago by NCYC sailors Jan Howard and Mary Holly, the regatta was created to provide a supportive pathway into fleet racing for female sailors — combining learning, confidence-building, teamwork, and plenty of fun along the way.
Celebrating learning afloat, while creating friendships and camaraderie, this event aims to bring sailors from Newcastle and afar together.
The day began with shore-based and on-water coaching sessions focused on race starts, racing rules, and course layouts before crews hit the water for three exciting races in a stiff and building 12 knot southerly.
There was a great deal of excitement and enthusiastic communication as crews negotiated the start line, worked the wind shifts on -route to the top mark and hoist the set spinnakers downwind. Making for an unforgettable day of racing.
Back ashore, sailors, mentors, and volunteers came together over food, drinks, and plenty of laughs to celebrate a fantastic event and reflect on a brilliant day afloat.
A huge congratulations to all six crews — including our visiting team from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club — along with our instructor mentors and dedicated volunteer Race Management Team who made the day possible.
Here’s to another decade of supporting women in sailing 💙⛵️
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Location
Category
Telephone
Website
Address
95 Hannell Street, Wickham
Newcastle, NSW
2293
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 9pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 9pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 9pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 10pm |
| Friday | 9am - 12am |
| Saturday | 8:30am - 11:59pm |
| Sunday | 8:30am - 9pm |