- Home
- About
- Sports & Activities
- Events & News
- Membership
- Live Conditions
- Contact
More About The Club
Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club is a friendly, volunteer-run sailing community
based directly on the Kent coast.
More About
The Club
QUICK ACCESS
Learn more about the heartbeat of the club
Explore the rich history of HSSC over the years
Your local sailing community
Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club is a friendly, volunteer-run sailing community based directly on the Kent coast. We combine competitive racing, modern wind sports and relaxed seafront socials in an informal, welcoming setting.
Our coastal location delivers excellent conditions for all levels - from first-time sailors enjoying lighter breezes to experienced racers and foilers pushing performance. Windsurfers, wing-foilers, kitesurfers and traditional sailors all share the same stretch of water, creating a diverse and energetic on-the-water community.
HSSC has a proud history of producing nationally and internationally recognised talent, while remaining firmly rooted in grassroots participation. Whether you are chasing podium finishes, learning a new discipline, or simply enjoying time on the water, the club offers the facilities, support and atmosphere to make it easy to get involved.
Above all, HSSC is about community. New members and visitors are always welcome, and it doesn’t take long to feel part of the club.
Your local sailing community
We combine competitive racing, modern wind sports and relaxed seafront socials in an informal, welcoming setting.
Our coastal location delivers excellent conditions for all levels - from first-time sailors enjoying lighter breezes to experienced racers and foilers pushing performance. Windsurfers, wing-foilers, kitesurfers and traditional sailors all share the same stretch of water, creating a diverse and energetic on-the-water community.
HSSC has a proud history of producing nationally and internationally recognised talent, while remaining firmly rooted in grassroots participation. Whether you are chasing podium finishes, learning a new discipline, or simply enjoying time on the water, the club offers the facilities, support and atmosphere to make it easy to get involved.
Above all, HSSC is about community. New members and visitors are always welcome, and it doesn’t take long to feel part of the club.
Become a member and get exclusive benefits
Check the water and beach before you travel
The Committee
Our Committee is made up of dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and expertise to ensure the club remains welcoming, well-managed and moving confidently into the future.
James Eberlein
Commodore
Responsibilities include: chair committee meetings, represent club externally, preparation of club programme, allocation of duties, preparation of the annual report.
Stu Hards
Vice Commodore
Responsibilities include: chair house committee, maintenance of club assets, domestic issues (bar/galley etc), supervise working parties.
Simon Dodds
Rear Commodore Sailing
Responsibilities include: set sailing programme, organise events, manage boat park, manage sailing and rescue, boats, manage beach access ramp, racing results and prizes, chair sailing section meetings.
Arran Farnes
Rear Commodore Windsurfing
Responsibilties include: set programme and events, manage board store, racing results and prizes, chair windsurfing section meetings.
Charlotte Hollands
Membership Secretary
Responsibilities include: maintain membership and joining forms, keep membership database, regular report to committee, mailshots, new member liaison.
Chris Addison
Honorary Secretary
Responsibilities include: organise meetings and AGM, take minutes of meetings, respond to mail, bar extensions, filing, insurance, licences, etc.
Les Brooker
Honorary Treasurer
Responsibilities include: keep accounts, issue cheques, prepare reports to committee, auditing.
Nicky Corkerton
Events & Promotion Secretary
Responsibilities include: club newsletter, publicity for events, publicity of results, publicity display boards, sailboat exhibition, sponsorship, website.
Tony Wyatt
Training Officer
Responsibilities include: setting RYA training courses and administration
Have Your Say
We encourage feedback from both members and the wider local community
The Committee is always open to listening, and member input plays an important role in shaping the direction of the club.
Remember, the best feedback is always constructive. We welcome considered criticism as long as it is accompanied by a considered suggestion for how it might be improved.
We are committed to understanding thoughtful input and, wherever possible, implementing practical and achievable solutions for the benefit of all.
What is the club here for?
Mission:
1) Increase members’ activity afloat via:
- Participation in sailing, windsurfing and sports relating to the use of the sea
a fun, vibrant social scene, family friendly, supportive environment whereby members can try, develop and improve
2) A 'bay on display' for existing members:
- Sustain / increase numbers of members racing
- Diverse offering of activities & socials
- Inclusive of age and ability
- Who tell friends how good the atmosphere is at the club
3) Passers-by and the community see and hear about:
- An active, fun, friendly club, with good food
- Where new members are given a warm welcome and become active engaged members
Vision:
Activities:
- Get members on the water - diversify our programme
- Increase recreational sailing/windsurfing opportunities
- Inc kiting, winging, kayak, SUP, swim
Be a welcoming and pleasant environment for all:
- Understand & remove barriers for those who don’t participate
- Develop new member training and retention pathways
- Attract returnees back into sailing/windsurfing
- Mentor and support new members into active members
- Maintain & enhance club facilities to support sea sports
Relationships:
- Formalise the Redoubt/Cinque Ports/Martello Lakes relationship for training/onboarding
- Sustain relationship with Loaf - good food and social activities
Our History
Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club began life in 1961 as the Saltwood Sailing Society, founded by local sailing enthusiasts who wanted a place to enjoy dinghy sailing and the developing sport of windsurfing. For its first decade the club was based at Cannongate, a location just east of the Hotel Imperial.
In 1971 the club relocated to Hythe, where the current clubhouse was built on the seafront. The new clubhouse was officially opened on 25th September 1971 by Sir Alec Rose, the celebrated British yachtsman and circumnavigator, marking a defining moment in the club’s story.
Since then HSSC has grown steadily, becoming a vibrant community hub for sailors and wind-powered sports enthusiasts of all ages, while retaining its friendly, volunteer-driven character.
👈 Click to expand images!
A Legacy of Global Champions
HSSC has a storied history of producing world-class talent. Our roots run deep with past champions like Marc Carney, Graeme Fuller, and many more who have competed at the highest levels nationally and internationally.
We are particularly proud of our home-grown talent:
Jenna Gibson: Fastest female windsurfer on the planet. A former Hythe Hotshot, Jenna holds the official World Speed Record (48.03 knots) recorded in 2024 and was also the first woman in history to break the 50-knot barrier.
The Olympic Pathway: Former members Claudia and Elliot Carney competed at the highest level in the Olympic Class, racing nationally against the UK’s elite talent and Olympic hopefuls.
The Hythe Hotshots: Our legendary youth team were RYA T15 National Champions (2005-2006). To date, over 10 of our windsurfers have represented the South East squad, with 5 representing Team GBR at international events.
HSSC Commodores Over The Years
Year | Commodore
1961-1962 | Col. G. Ledger
1963-1964 | Dr J. Barham
1965 | Maj. R. Williams
1966 | J. L. Hunt
1967 | Mr P. Durham
1968 | Sir John Trelawny
1969 | J. Charlier
1970 | I. Glendenning
1971-1972 | C. J. Harnden
1973 | Maj. H. Bruce
1974-1975 | J. Lambert
1976-1977 | D. Charman
1978-1979 | R. Constant
1980-1982 | Mr B. Dodds
1982-1985 | A. Record
1986-1988 | Mr R. Elston
1989-1991 | Dr N. Padley
1992-1993 | Mrs Helen Derry
1993-1995 | Mr David Finch
1995-1997 | Mr Gary Doherty
1998 | Mr Andrew Gibson
1999-2001 | Mr Mark Brooks
2002-2004 | Mr Antoine Breton
2005-2007 | Mr Barry Hall
2008-2010 | Mr Jeremy Speakman
2011-2013 | Mr Anthony Wyatt
2014-2016 | Mr Graeme Fuller
2017-2019 | Mr Chris Addison
2019-2022 | Mr Marc Carney
2022-2023 | Mr Adrian Smith
2023-Current | Mr James Eberlein
What is the club here for?
Mission:
1) Increase members’ activity afloat via:
- Participation in sailing, windsurfing and sports relating to the use of the sea
a fun, vibrant social scene, family friendly, supportive environment whereby members can try, develop and improve
2) A 'bay on display' for existing members:
- Sustain / increase numbers of members racing
- Diverse offering of activities & socials
- Inclusive of age and ability
- Who tell friends how good the atmosphere is at the club
3) Passers-by and the community see and hear about:
- An active, fun, friendly club, with good food
- Where new members are given a warm welcome and become active engaged members
Vision:
Activities:
- Get members on the water - diversify our programme
- Increase recreational sailing/windsurfing opportunities
- Inc kiting, winging, kayak, SUP, swim
Be a welcoming and pleasant environment for all:
- Understand & remove barriers for those who don’t participate
- Develop new member training and retention pathways
- Attract returnees back into sailing/windsurfing
- Mentor and support new members into active members
- Maintain & enhance club facilities to support sea sports
Relationships:
- Formalise the Redoubt/Cinque Ports/Martello Lakes relationship for training/onboarding
- Sustain relationship with Loaf - good food and social activities
Our History
Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club began life in 1961 as the Saltwood Sailing Society, founded by local sailing enthusiasts who wanted a place to enjoy dinghy sailing and the developing sport of windsurfing. For its first decade the club was based at Cannongate, a location just east of the Hotel Imperial.
In 1971 the club relocated to Hythe, where the current clubhouse was built on the seafront. The new clubhouse was officially opened on 25th September 1971 by Sir Alec Rose, the celebrated British yachtsman and circumnavigator, marking a defining moment in the club’s story.
Since then HSSC has grown steadily, becoming a vibrant community hub for sailors and wind-powered sports enthusiasts of all ages, while retaining its friendly, volunteer-driven character.
A Legacy of Global Champions
HSSC has a storied history of producing world-class talent. Our roots run deep with past champions like Marc Carney, Graeme Fuller, and many more who have competed at the highest levels nationally and internationally.
We are particularly proud of our home-grown talent:
Jenna Gibson: Fastest female windsurfer on the planet. A former Hythe Hotshot, Jenna holds the official World Speed Record (48.03 knots) recorded in 2024 and was also the first woman in history to break the 50-knot barrier.
The Olympic Pathway: Former members Claudia and Elliot Carney competed at the highest level in the Olympic Class, racing nationally against the UK’s elite talent and Olympic hopefuls.
The Hythe Hotshots: Our legendary youth team were RYA T15 National Champions (2005-2006). To date, over 10 of our windsurfers have represented the South East squad, with 5 representing Team GBR at international events.
HSSC Commodores Over The Years
Year | Commodore
1961-1962 | Col. G. Ledger
1963-1964 | Dr J. Barham
1965 | Maj. R. Williams
1966 | J. L. Hunt
1967 | Mr P. Durham
1968 | Sir John Trelawny
1969 | J. Charlier
1970 | I. Glendenning
1971-1972 | C. J. Harnden
1973 | Maj. H. Bruce
1974-1975 | J. Lambert
1976-1977 | D. Charman
1978-1979 | R. Constant
1980-1982 | Mr B. Dodds
1982-1985 | A. Record
1986-1988 | Mr R. Elston
1989-1991 | Dr N. Padley
1992-1993 | Mrs Helen Derry
1993-1995 | Mr David Finch
1995-1997 | Mr Gary Doherty
1998 | Mr Andrew Gibson
1999-2001 | Mr Mark Brooks
2002-2004 | Mr Antoine Breton
2005-2007 | Mr Barry Hall
2008-2010 | Mr Jeremy Speakman
2011-2013 | Mr Anthony Wyatt
2014-2016 | Mr Graeme Fuller
2017-2019 | Mr Chris Addison
2019-2022 | Mr Marc Carney
2022-2023 | Mr Adrian Smith
2023-Current | Mr James Eberlein
Governance & Club Information
Constitution, policies and key documents
Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club operates with transparency and clear governance to ensure the club remains fair, well-managed and forward-thinking. Our constitution, policies and important club documents are available to view below.
Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club
48 Marine Parade,
Hythe,
Kent,
CT21 6AW,
United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
©
Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club. All rights reserved. • Privacy policy • Cookie policy • Terms of service • Club constitution