Hornet SSC Weekly Dit 2 May 2025

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tonight is the Commodores Dinner, and everything is set for a truly memorable evening. Well begin with welcome drinks in the Fabrosa at 19:00, with the call to dinner at 19:30.

With the recent upturn in the weather, its been great to see so many members out working on their boats and enjoying the clubhouse. Many are making the most of the Bank Holiday, setting sail to explore the Solent—and even venturing further afield.

Looking ahead to Bank Holiday Monday, we have our VE Day Street Party Celebration. The response has been overwhelming, and the event is now fully booked. Please note that we will begin setting up in the roadway early on Monday morning, so we kindly ask that you park across the road to avoid being blocked in when the gates close at 09:00 AM.

Enjoy the weekend ahead!

Brian 

Melissa Dear

After more than 16 years of dedicated service to Hornet, Melissa Dear will be retiring, with her final day being the 16th of May 2025.

Melissa is a familiar face to many and has been a central figure in the daily operations of the club. Her commitment, professionalism, and warm presence have made a lasting impact on both members and colleagues alike. She has been especially outstanding in her role supporting HSSC functions, where her attention to detail and tireless efforts have contributed significantly to their ongoing success.

Melissa will be greatly missed, and we are sure you will all join us in thanking her for her many years of service and in wishing her every happiness in the next chapter of her life.

In recognition of Melissa's commitment to the Club, I have again organised a Leaving Fund for Members to show their appreciation. If you would like to contribute, please make a bank transfer to the Club account with 'Melissa Fund' and your surname as a reference. Account details are HSSC Ltd 30-98-97 45697963. Or you may pay via bank card in the office. Cut Off date for Melissa's fund will be Friday 9th May 2025.

May Lift Schedule 

To view the May 2025 Lift Schedule please select the link below.

Water to Mid Stream Pontoon Update

The materials have arrived to repair the water supply to the Midstream pontoons have arrived. The repair will be conducted my the marina team and as soon as it is completed I will inform members and our colleagues at RNSA and POG.

Membership Card Printer Update

The printer manufacturer has still not returned the repaired printer.

Once it is returned I will update you with details of the re-commencement of the new card rollout. 

Electricity Meter Cables

Please return your Blue HSSC electrical cables to the Marina Office as soon as possible. 

If you use your own cable please submit your meter readings to the Club Office.

Galley and Bar

The Galley and Bar are now open as usual having recruited an assistant chef Simon Higgins. Simon is a welcome addition to the team and I am sure you will all meet in due course. 

Please note that due to being at maximum capacity for the VE Day Street Party on Monday 5th May the Galley will serve breakfast rolls, tea and coffee only up to 12.30. Following 12.30 the Galley is utilised for the event. The Bar is unaffected.

Emsworth Weather Channel

Please see the details of the new weather channel at Emsworth. Thank you to Roger Armstrong for sharing the information. 

Emsmet In some exciting news I am glad to announce that a new weather station is now live in the Emsworth Channel. Managed by the SolentMet Support Group (See also BrambleMet / SotonMet / ChiMet / CamberMet). The station monitors wind direction and strength, tidal height and atmospheric conditions. The project has been organised by one of the berth holders and financed by a range of local marine organisations including Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Friends of Chichester Harbour, Chichester Harbour Federation, Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club, Emsworth Sailing Club, Langstone Sailing Club. You can access the site here: EMSMET - Weather Reports from Emsworth

Fort Blockhouse Questionnaire - Research Regeneration of Defence Heritage Estates

Soudabeh Pashaei, a Teaching Fellow and AFHEA PhD Researcher at the University of Portsmouth, is seeking your valuable input for a research project focused on the regeneration of Defence Heritage Estates.

Your experience and insights are highly relevant to this study and would be greatly appreciated.

To participate, please scan the QR code below to access the digital questionnaire.

Paper copies are also available in the Clubhouse Foyer for those who prefer to respond in writing.

Wednesday Night Racing 

Hornet Spring Series Race 5.

Everything was ready for a fantastic evening of racing, the sun was shining, old stalwarts returned with the welcome arrival of Ursus and Brendas J, both of whom it was fantastic to see back in the line up of 12 boats, with only Jetpack and Crazy Horse absent from the ever growing fleet. Sadly despite Gopher Kicks amazing start, the lords of weather played havoc. Although, observing how they picked their way through the fleet; I suspect the J boats were loving the light airs, after 45 minutes, with a dying wind the fleet was only just laying the windward mark. A turning tide challenged the race committee as concerns grew around Johns food going cold.  Following some communication with the fleet to ascertain the conditions and their thoughts, a decision was sadly made to Abandon the race. Fortunately nice and close to home, a fantastic trio of sausages, and a few pints of Hornets finest ale safeguarded the atmosphere.

Whilst we can bring boats and crews, we cant yet control the weather, crews all returned in high spirits, I suspect much spring time sun bathing was had, and Johns food certainly hit the spot.

Opportunities still remain for members to get involved, either with their own boats, or as crew. Do reach out if you wish to take part.

Next Race: Hornet Spring Series Race 6. Wednesday 7th May 2025.

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HSSC Rally Friday 9th May.

Not long to go now before the Hornet Services Sailing Club start of Season Rally to Folly Inn, Cowes on Friday 9th May, followed by Island Harbour Marina on Saturday 10th, for a BBQ on the green.

These are fantastic, friendly events and recommended for all members to come along to meet old friends and make new ones.

Its not too late to sign up, or offer support with a pontoon party. To sign up message Steve little or contact the club office.

RNSA 90 Rally - The Great British Cruise Leg 1 19 -24 MAY 2025

To mark RNSAs 90th anniversary, the Great British Cruise will celebrate Armed Forces sailing with a ten-week cruise around Britain, coinciding with a Royal Navy Adventurous Sail Training expedition the Great British Challenge involving several Hornet-based Service yachts and over 100 serving personnel between 19 May and 26 July.

All Hornet members and their boats are very welcome!

Its extremely flexible: you can come for a day, a week or the whole thing! To register, go to the RNSA website, Members Area, Events (May, June or July), select the Great British Cruise and fill out the entry form. If youre an ASA or RAFSA member, email rccruising@rnsa.org.uk and well get back to you.

Highlights as follows:

19 May - Leg 1 Solent shakedown overnighting at Yarmouth or Lymington (your choice).

20 May - daytime Channel crossing

21 May - recovery day at Alderney 

22 May - passage to St Helier. Informal reception at the St Helier Yacht Club (the Lord Lieutenant will be dropping in to say hello). Or head down to Guernsey, Herm and Sark.

23 May - passage to Herm or Sark

24 May - into St Peter Port where theres a whopping 25% discount on berthing for GBC participants. There are overnight races planned from Plymouth and Portsmouth which will arrive during 24 May. Evening informal reception at the Guernsey Yacht Club - details to follow.

Looking ahead to leg 2…

26 May - RNSA 90 Official reception at Portland

31 May RNSA 90 Sailing Regatta at Plymouth

The variations are endless. If you cant sail on 19 May, join us later in the week! If you dont fancy crossing the Channel, head towards Portland instead and pause in Poole, Swanage, Chapmans Pool, Lulworth Cove… and maybe join Leg 2 which heads to Dartmouth, Salcombe, Plymouth and Falmouth.

Port Chantereyne 2025 Passport Stamping Sessions 

If you are sailing to Port Chantereyne and coming from a non-Schengen country, you need to fill in an immigration form, ideally 24 hours before your arrival, and get your passport stamped. The Border Authorities come to Port Chantereyne marina reception according to the following schedule: 

2025 PASSPORT STAMPING SESSIONS

APRIL

Friday to Sunday: 10.30 am

MAY, JUNE AND SEPTEMBER

Monday to Thursday: 10.30 am

Friday: 10.30 am and 8.15 pm

Saturday: 10.30 am and 7.15 pm

Sunday: 10.30 am and 6:30 pm

JULY AND AUGUST

Monday: 10.30 am and 8.15 pm

Please Select the below link to view full details including application form.

Do not forget to claim your member discount. 

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Our friends over at Boathouse 4 have an opportunity available that may suit some of our members. 

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Commodores Dinner Fri 2nd May 2025 (This Evening)

Rig: Black Tie

19.00 Welcome Drink in the Fabrosa

19.30 Dinner

The event is set be a memorable occasion and enhanced by Johns Commodores Dinner menu. 

HSSC VE DAY STREET PARTY Monday 5th May 2025 Fully Booked 

Thank you to all those members who have booked onto the event it really has been an overwhelming response. And also to those members who have volunteered to help set up the event. 

HSSC intend to commemorate Victory in Europe Day with a vibrant Street Party by the Marina—a day of reflection, celebration, and club spirit.

We have managed to secure the fantastic Cecil Farayi to perform live to add to the party atmosphere.

Rig: Casual

1940s Dress Optional

Bring along your families and friends. 

13:00 Onwards for food & Music

14:30 Live Music to commence 

link to Cecils Facebook Page for a sneak preview https://www.facebook.com/cecilfarayimusic?

If you would like to Volunteer to help set up and decorate the area on the day, please contact me on at Hornetsailing@hornetservicessailing.org.uk