Situated on the waters of Newcastle Harbour in Wickham is Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, home to marina arms, boatyard, commercial centre, and the Club House’s hospitality offering – Nautica.

Earlier this year, NCYC celebrated its 30th anniversary. Having launched in 1994, the club has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving community hub. The Club House that we see today opened in 2008, with the expansions to their function area finalising the current space in 2021.

“A big portion of why it is so successful is the strong sailing community that has been built here,” Ethan Tucker, Marketing Coordinator at NCYC said. 

Whilst sailing is, of course, at the core of the club’s focus, the introduction of hospitality has been a strong connection for the local community since its inception. Known to pull a strong crowd in the warmer months, NCYC is quickly becoming one of Newcastle’s go-to destinations over winter as well with the addition of their Foredeck area that has been transformed into a winter lounge complete with a electric fireplace.

Keen to step outside? You'll still be kept warm with their outdoor lighting and heating. 

“We’ve transformed this area for people to relax and get cosy in. Especially in the evenings when it gets dark, there is a real cosy ambiance in here.”

With Executive Chef Luke Carpenter at the helm, the Nautica menu is a premium Modern Australian offering with a strong focus on seafood – paying homage to the venue’s geographic location.

“Luke is really passionate about produce and sustainable practices. A lot of our seafood is hand selected by Luke and he is particular about where he sources his beef ensuring that it’s ethically processed.”

The modern Australian seasonal menu comes with a sophisticated twist. Current popular dishes include the Chilli Nduja and Prawn Linguini complete with baby spinach, basil, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil; and the Pan-Roasted Etty Bay Barramundi with bok choy, radish, shitakes, and glass noodles served in a spicy laksa broth.

“Seafood plays a really big part of the Nautica menu. Probably 40-50% of the menu is seafood oriented with a lot of warm and brothy dishes.”

The club is also currently promoting their Perfect Plate dish as part of an annual Club NSW competition. Open for voting up until Sunday June 16, keen diners are encouraged to pop into their local clubs, sample their Perfect Plate dish and vote – prizes up for grabs include a $100 dining voucher or a Foodie Getaway worth up to $3,500.

Nautica Dining has seen great success in the past with this competition, being crowned regional winners in 2022 with their Daintree Barramundi dish. This year, its Perfect Plate is a Slow-Cooked Black Berkshire Pork Neck with Mustard Crust served with Jerusalem artichokes, glazed eschallots, quince, cider jus, and cassava crackling – a hearty dish perfect for the winter weather.

“It’s all about getting people to support their local clubs. They come down, dine, and vote on a special dish.”

The Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club stays true to its community hub spirit with special and weekly events happening year-round.

Whether it’s trivia on Tuesdays, $6 craft beer Wednesdays, member nights on Thursdays, happy hour from 4pm-6pm Monday to Friday, or Sail Away Friday offering, live music on Sundays, or a unique ticketed event  – there’s always something happening at the club house.

As NCYC celebrates its 30th year, there’s no better time to experience Nautica and the club’s community spirit. 

Whether you’re drawn by the promise of exquisite seafood, the allure of a cosy winter lounge, somewhere to soak up those serene views of Newcastle’s harbour, or the vibrant community events, book your table at Nautica and enjoy all that this unique venue has to offer.