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News 2004
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Commodore's
Message
Its nearly that time of year to dust off your boards and
boats and get back down to the beach - unfortunately it also means that it
is that time of year when your Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club membership
fees are due. So what does 2004 hold at Hythe & Saltwood - well your
committee have not been idle over the winter and have worked very well
together planning a season of activities both on and off the water.
I am sure many of you are aware that a major beach project
is planned by Shepway District Council this summer which may affect the Club
in some way. The plan includes a new rock groin situated just off Stade
Street and new flood defences at Moyle Court Road. This work is planned to
start in March 2004 and we are led to believe that the majority of this work
will be completed before the season really takes off and should not cause
too much inconvenience to us.
With this major work taking place we have not finalised the
complete year's programme but intend to make a draft programme available
with the issue of membership cards. Please keep an eye on the regular
newsletters that will be published throughout the year for updated
information on events. Please note that it may be necessary to change dates
of the events throughout the year although this will only be done if it is
absolutely essential. Another excellent way to keep track of what is
happening at HSSC is to register your email address with us. This is very
simple to do just log on to www.hssc.net and register your email address.
Please note that we are able to hold membership fees at the
same rate as last year due in no small part to the band of volunteers that
give so freely of their time - all bar, galley and training duties are
carried out on a purely voluntary basis and all profits are used to benefit
the club. Therefore we ask all members to support us in what way they feel
able whether it be helping at the galley, helping with the rescue boat or
simply coming to the club and supporting us by being there - every little
helps.
We hope that you will renew your membership for 2004 and
would respectfully ask that it is renewed by 1st April 2004. Your membership
card together with a draft programme will be sent to you on receipt of a
completed membership form and appropriate payment. Please note that
completing a storage request form does not guarantee a dinghy park slot or
rack will be allocated. As last year these spaces are at a premium and we
would ask that you only request a place for active equipment. If your
membership card and where applicable storage stickers do not arrive by 1st
April 2004 please assume we have not received your request and do contact
us.
The committee look forward to the coming year and hope that
we get the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and meet new members at
the various events planned. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have
any concerns or suggestions for the Club. Our trays are easily accessible at
the end of the bar.
Don't forget every weekend in March is maintenance weekend
when we try and get the club looking its best for the start of the season. A
couple of hours help from each member would make a big different and be much
appreciated. Major DIY skills are not necessary - just a willingness to lend
a hand!
Antoine Breton
Commodore
Gill Gough
Vice Commodore
Sailing
Information
Following a very successful sailing season last year, we
have another full programme of sailing activities for this year. Our aim is
to continue to widen the appeal of sailing, whether you are a committed
racer or just like cruising with the family. We are particularly keen to
encourage those of you who are new to sailing and to help you enjoy taking
part whatever your level of experience.
We have the usual full racing calendar with weekend racing
starting on Sunday 4th April, and Thursday evening racing beginning on 13th
May. The winter series is again courtesy of Dover Water Sports Centre and
starts on 31st October. We also plan to hold many more fun events this year
including the Ship Inn Race, The Rum Race, a trip out to Goodwin Sands and
other cruising trips. For those of you who are keen to sharpen up your
sailing skills, we are planning to run a series of training sessions early
on in the season.
Please remember we take the business of having fun very
seriously! So, if at any time you are not having fun we need to know!
Happy sailing,
Jeremy Speakman
Rear Commodore Sailing
Windsurfing
Information
Hello, happy New Year and welcome to the new windsurfing
season. As usual Tuesday evening racing kicks-off as soon as the clocks go
forward - 30th of March starting at six pm.
We also plan to run Sunday fun races when the weather warms
up. This is an opportunity for newcomers / improvers to have a go at racing.
Teams selected on the day to be evenly matched, with team captains coaching
their team to win. Rules will be kept to a minimum to encourage all age
groups to take part.
It is intended to run Team 15 racing and beginner training
again this year, providing we have sufficient trained volunteers to safely
support training and events.
Currently we do not have sufficient windsurfing instructors
to support youth training activities and therefore are looking for club
members to take on this role. Training would take place between March and
April and involve first-aid / life saving skills, power boat certificate and
windsurfing coaching qualification If you are interested please contact me.
Applications need to in by the end of February please to plan our training
requirements.
Looking forward to your continued support and best wishes
for the coming season.
Phil Silver
Rear Commodore Windsurfing
Social Events
Information
Hope you are all detoxed and ready for HSSC's summer social
season. We've already had the first event with Burn's Night. If you missed
it where were you? You missed a trio of talents; the fantastic singer
Jonathan Wells, wonderful piper Andrew and some Scottish lass who addressed
the haggis!
Make sure you do not miss the next event which will be the
Fitting Out Supper on March 27th. This will have a Spanish theme and is a
chance to sample Gwen's excellent cooking. On Easter Monday there will be an
Easter egg hunt for the kids and then on May 1st a Cocktail Night with a
highly rated jazz band.
Other events in the year include a family tennis/rounders
tournament, a quiz night and a Blues Brothers theme night culminating with
the Dinner and Dance in early December.
Any suggestions or if you want to lend a hand with any event
please get in touch.
See you soon
Kate Pierce
Social Secretary
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