Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

27/09/2026

Fresh conditions for Race #2 of the Spring Short Ocean Pointscore today

After a strong 30–40 knot southerly overnight, conditions eased enough to provide a fast and challenging afternoon offshore for Race 2 of the Spring Short Ocean Pointscore.

The fleet started in a southerly breeze of around 15–25 knots, with J3 (Jane Hunt) and She’s the Culprit (David Edwards) crossing the starting line neck and neck. She’s the Culprit quickly extended away to lead the fleet through the Heads.

After rounding Nobbys, the fleet began the first windward leg along Newcastle’s coastline towards the rounding mark off Merewether Beach. Halfway up the leg, the breeze shifted from a south-westerly to a gusty south-easterly. Mako (Simon Glover) moved further east to take advantage of the new direction, finding themselves in the lead as they rounded the first top mark ahead of She’s the Culprit.

On the run back towards Nobbys, Mako remained in front and poled out their headsail for the downwind leg. After completing a penalty turn shortly after rounding the mark, She’s the Culprit also continued downwind under two sails.

The two leading boats chose different downwind routes. Mako sailed a faster run before gybing towards the bottom mark, while She’s the Culprit took a more direct line. The shorter distance paid off, allowing She’s the Culprit to regain the lead and round narrowly ahead of Mako.

During the downwind leg, J3 radioed to report steering difficulties. It was later discovered that the autopilot had been accidentally activated, turning the boat back towards home. The crew retired from racing and returned safely to the harbour.

As the fleet began the second windward leg, a rain squall approached from the south and brought another increase in pressure. The breeze settled into the south-east at around 25 knots, with gusts reaching 30 knots occasionally.

She’s the Culprit was first back to the upwind Merewether mark on the second lap, followed by Mako and Summer Salt (Peter Sinclair), and maintained the lead to claim Division 1 line honours and first place on IRC.

On PHS, Mako took the Division 1 victory, followed by Summer Salt in second and She’s the Culprit in third. Summer Salt also finished second on IRC.

In Division 2, Betty D (John Burrows) completed the challenging course to claim the win for Division 2.

Full results online –
https://www.ncyc.net.au/offshore-racing/short-ocean-pointscore/

24/09/2026

We're loving our new pizza oven 😍

Pictured is our beetroot and goat cheese pizza with candied walnuts, one of eight delicious options you'll find on our new menu.

We're cooking hand-made pizzas 12-8:30 everyday, whether you want to enjoy it by the water or take away to the comfort of your own home.

23/09/2026

It’s here. Our new big screen is live and loud on the water like never before, ready for a big weekend of sport!

Saturday, you can catch the AFL grand final between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions from 2:30pm with the Melbourne Street band performing immediately after the game at 5:30pm.

Then on Sunday, settle in with CRocQ at 1:00 before the Knights continue their fight towards the premiership finals against the Penrith Panthers at 4pm.

However, the action doesn’t stop there, stick around as the Wallabies take on South Africa at 7:30pm.

21/09/2026

Something big is coming to the waterfront...

20/09/2026

A picture-perfect start to the new offshore season

The 2026–2027 boating season began at NCYC today with Race 1 of the Spring Short Ocean Pointscore—and Newcastle turned on near-perfect conditions for the occasion.

Following a clear start, the fleet headed offshore beneath warm sunshine and across an unusually calm sea, with barely a wave or any swell. A light north-easterly breeze of around 5–10 knots greeted competitors early in the afternoon before gradually building to 10–15 knots as the race progressed.

In Division 1, She’s the Culprit (David Edwards) led the fleet through the Heads, followed by Mako (Simon Glover) and This Way Up (James Macken), which made their way offshore side by side.

In Division 2, Matilde (Scott Knights) led the charge ahead of FIGJAM (Peter Mansbridge) and Mistress (Ian Watson).

Even before racing began, there was plenty happening offshore. While monitoring the wind conditions from the mark boat, Jack was joined by a pod of whales that surfaced alongside him. They were the first of several whale sightings enjoyed by competitors and officials throughout the afternoon.

The north-easterly course took the fleet along Newcastle’s city coastline between Nobbys and Merewether, providing a spectacular backdrop for the opening race of the season.

As the boats returned through the Heads, Newcastle Harbour was particularly busy. One coal ship was preparing to enter while another departed, leaving a carefully timed window for the outbound ship to clear the Heads before the arriving vessel began its approach.

Once safely inside the harbour, crews hoisted their spinnakers for a colourful final run down the channel to the finish near Queens Wharf.

She’s the Culprit secured Division 1 fastest time and completed an excellent opening day by winning both PHS and IRC. This Way Up placed second on PHS, followed by Mako in third, while Summer Salt (Peter Sinclair) finished fourth on PHS and second on IRC.

In Division 2, Matilde claimed fastest time and the PHS victory, with Figjam second and Mistress third.

Full results available on our website –
https://www.ncyc.net.au/offshore-racing/short-ocean-pointscore/

13/09/2026

Today marked the 21st annual Blessing of the Fleet and we were blessed with calm skies and waters.

We were joined once more by Reverend Canon Garry Dodd from Mission to Seafarers Newcastle who performed the blessing on our boating community for safety in the upcoming season.

Thanks to everyone who participated and we look forward to seeing you on the water.

04/09/2026

DOCKFEST | MOËT VIP LOUNGE
Make your Sunday at DockFest one to remember with an exclusive Moët VIP Lounge experience.

From 3:00pm–6:00pm, enjoy three hours of unlimited Moët & Chandon Champagne, French wine, French Rosé, and premium beer, alongside a selection of delicious finger food and an oyster bar from 3:00pm–4:00pm.

Enjoy exclusive upstairs VIP access through to 10:00pm, with live music from Chiara and Love That-hat adding to the atmosphere throughout the afternoon and evening.

Sunday 4 October | $189pp

Limited VIP tickets available — book your DockFest experience now.
EAO Entertainment

30/08/2026

What a weekend — and what a journey it’s been!

We’ve just wrapped up the 10th SheSails Open Regatta at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, celebrating 10 years of women coming together through a shared love of sailing, racing and time on the water. 💙

Founded by NCYC sailors and long-standing members Mary and Jan 10 years ago, what started as an idea during a chat on a morning walk has grown into an incredible sailing community.

The level of competition was high for our 10th Regatta with 7 teams competing representing with our friends from Mooloobaba Yacht Club sending along two teams. Lake Macquarie Yacht Club also supported the Regatta sending a further two teams, Newcastle selected two crews.

And Belmont 16’s were also represented sending along a team consisting of three skippers( what could go wrong) from their 16’s and 13’s classes.

Our fantastic and loyal team of volunteers, managed Race Committee , Mark and Support craft duties who all once again went over and above to deliver a stunning regatta.

The weekend was all about high level competitive racing, plenty of laughs, frowns a fair bit of tension all while getting peeps who are passionate about sailing afloat. ⛵️

It was also extra special to have Jan back at NCYC to celebrate the milestone and see just how far SheSAILS has come since its inception.

Special mention to Mark Boat driver Neal who has carried out Mark Boat duties at all 10 Regattas.

10 years. 10 regattas. Countless women on the water and incredible sailing community. 💙

Here’s to everything SheSails has achieved — and what is yet to come!

Belmont 16’s 1st (22)
Mooloolaba Team Orange 2nd (23)
Lake Macquarie Yacht Club 3rd.

25/08/2026

A huge congratulations to our fellow NSW & ACT sailing clubs named as finalists in the 2026 Club of the Year! ⛵

We’re proud to see Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club among them. Bring on the awards! 🏆

Good luck to all the finalists, and we’ll see you at the 2026 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards on 19 September.

NSW & ACT SAILING AWARDS - FINALIST ANNOUNCEMENT!

Congratulations to the member clubs recognised as finalists in Club of the Year - Category A for 2026!

⛵ Canberra Yacht Club
⛵ Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia
⛵ Lake Macquarie Yacht Club
⛵ Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

Who will be the winner ❓

Join us at the 2026 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards Presentation at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on Saturday 19 September. Purchase your tickets here: https://www.sailing.org.au/events/364571

23/08/2026

DOCKFEST | 3–4 OCTOBER

DockFest returns for two days of live music, waterfront atmosphere and great food at NCYC.

Saturday features and , while Sunday brings .franceschi and Love That-hat to the stage.

Make Sunday extra special with our Moët VIP Lounge. From 3:00pm, enjoy three hours of unlimited Moët & Chandon Champagne, French wine, French Rosé and premium beer, French-inspired finger food and an oyster bar from 3:00pm–4:00pm, with VIP access through to 10:00pm. $189pp.

Then stay for the NRL Grand Final live on the big outdoor screen from 7:30pm.

DockFest all weekend. VIP Sunday. Grand Final Sunday night.

Limited VIP tickets available — book now.