MESSAGE FROM THE COMMODORE

Can it really be September and nearing the end of this years sailing season? The summer seems to have slipped by very quickly (probably a sign that I am getting old!), but thanks to the efforts of this years Committee, especially Pam, Gwen and their teams of helpers, it has been very successful from the clubs point of view, with the Membership up and the bank balance looking a lot healthier than last year.

The weather unfortunately has been a typical English summer, of the worst kind, and although the Tuesday evening windsurfers have been lucky with their race series the dinghy sailors have not faired so well with their Thursday evening racing and indeed Sundays have been far from ideal with frequent off shore winds.

Nevertheless there are still some weeks left before we hibernate for the winter so lets see as many as possible out on the water for a final flourish.

REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CLUB HOUSE

At the beginning of the season the house committee re-decorated the ladies and men's changing rooms. Unfortunately however the floor paint used on the floors did not adhere properly which has resulted in the lifting of the paint. It has therefore been decided that a new floor should be put in place in both changing rooms, either rubberised or tiled and we are at present getting quotes for this to be carried out.

Some of the girls who have worked in the galley this summer have also voiced concerns at the dilapidated condition of the galley. It is hoped at some stage to move the galley to another location and plans are being drawn up by an architect at present and will be shown to members at a later date. However, before the galley can be relocated a great deal of money will need to be raised and this may take a number of years. In the meantime it has been suggested that new worktops be put in place in the existing galley, together with a separate washbasin for the washing of hands, new lino on the floor and perhaps the re-vamping of the cupboard doors. Again we are looking into the cost of this.

The boat park appears to be filled to capacity again, despite the fact that a number of new spaces were created when the park was re-arranged. I have therefore been asked by the sailing section, that if anyone has a boat in the park that they have not used this year and will possibly not be using next year, would it be possible for it to be relocated elsewhere so that active members who sail on a regular basis can be offered boat spaces.

I would also like to give a big thank you to Claudia Carney who, with Gwen's help, has keep the clubhouse clean for us this season - well done!!

Finally, to those members who helped me organise and run the Ship Inn race, in particular Dave Avery, Jeremy Speakman, Chris Rutt and Alistair Ling who manned the rescue boats, and Pam and Gill Ling who waited in the wind and rain at the finishing line, to take down the results, hand out chocolate and drinks to the racers and check that everyone was accounted for at the end of the race. Thank you.

Willie Wire - Vice Commodore

A FEW WORDS FROM PAM

This year, membership has grown by nearly 25% with us welcoming upwards of 30 new members and their families which is great news and hopefully with more advertising and training on offer we will see an increase on this figure next year.

Now, to the Range boat. Many of you are probably aware of the problems we are having with the Range boat anchoring in front of the sailing club. This has resulted in a number of confrontations between members and the boats crew. I have therefore gotten in touch with the Head of Hythe Ranges explaining the problems being caused by the boat and asking if it can in future it be anchored to the west of the club i.e. off Stade Court. As soon as I have any further information regarding this I will pin it to the notice board in the club. In the meantime there is up-to-date information for all members on the board pointing out the dangers of the Ranges and a map of the "no go zone."

Pam Wire - Secretary

WINDSURFING SECTION

We are hoping to start an Autumn series on Sunday Mornings from the beginning of October finishing around Christmas. Start time will be 11am with three races (hopefully) being held.
Marc Carney will keep you updated.

SAILING SECTION

The sailors have had a pretty good summer all round. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who played a part s duty officer/race officer and rescue boat people. It was nice to see more people involved this year, so lets hope that we can build on this in the future.

We have had a few interesting events over the summer. The trip to the Mermaid was a wonderful day. The sun shone, the wind was good (eventually) and the Boss managed to stay intact for the journey there and back!!!!

Trips to the Goodwin Sands and the Ship Inn proved to be a more lively on the weather front. A few intrepid sailors braved the elements on those occasions and all have lived to tell the tale. Photographs of some of these events can be seen on the club website.

Racing on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons is still happening until the middle of October and we are currently looking at winter sailing possibilities for the more hardy sailors. We will keep you informed.

Chris Rutt - Rear Commodore Sailing

FORTHCOMING SOCIALS

A big thank you to Phil Hards and everyone else who have helped in the galley and behind the bar this year, not only during events, but also with the clearing up afterwards. Also, those of you who have organised the various events, which were all brilliant. The summer party again was a big success and a big thank you must go to Mark Forge, who saved the day by loaning us the spit roast, supervising the cooking of the pig and after a long day carved up the meat, ably assisted by Dave Finch.

To the girls who have run the galley on Sundays this year, I must say you have been magnificent, earning the club upwards of £400 - a brilliant amount considering how awful the weather has been. I feel that doing the Sundays on a rota system has worked really well, and again re-iterate that the more people on the rota the less Sundays will fall on anyone person. Can I put you all down again for next year please? If anyone else would like to help please let either Pam or me know before the start of next season.

Well we are drawing to a close with regards to social events for this year. However the BIG ONE is still to come. This year I have booked the Stade Court Hotel for the "Laying Up Supper"- the date for this is Saturday 26th November from 7pm to midnight. Because it is a smaller venue than previous, there will only be 80 tickets available. Therefore it is crucial that you buy your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The hotel has also informed me that it is possible to continue your evening there by booking a room for £54.54. This will need to be booked at least 21 days in advance.

On that note I will close - but don't forget the other social events leading up to the BIG ONE.

These are:

OCTOBER 1ST BLACK & WHITE NIGHT (CURRY)
NOVEMBER 5TH GUY FAWKES PARTY
NOVEMBER 26TH LAYING UP SUPPER
DECEMBER TBC CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Gwen Finch - Social Secretary

HSSC Autumn Newsletter