Hornet SSC Weekly Dit 25 April 2025

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Preparations for the Commodores Dinner on Friday, 2nd May are well underway. This is always an extremely popular event, and Ive published Johns menu below — as always, it promises to be a memorable occasion.

If you havent yet secured your place, please do so as soon as possible.

Looking ahead, on Monday, 5th May, we will be hosting the HSSC VE Day Street Party. This event has received a fantastic response, and where better to commemorate such a significant moment in our history than here at Hornet?

As always, the Bar and Galley are open as usual, and dont forget — weve got the Meat Raffle to look forward to at lunchtime today.

Enjoy the weekend!

Regards

Brian

Maurice Owens - Book of Remembrance 

A Book of Remembrance has been placed in the Clubhouse Foyer in honour of long-time member, Maurice Owens.  The book will be available for signing over the next two weeks, providing an opportunity for us all to pay tribute to Maurice.

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.

HSSC Marina, Bar & Galley Team

Thank you to those members and often your guests who have taken the time to write into me to express your thanks for the work that they do.

It's always a pleasure to receive such kind words and they are always passed onto the team.  Just a few of the comments we have received:

• I would like to express my thanks to those who worked so hard and prepared the celebrations for Remembrance Sunday. Unseen by most of those who attended was a great amount of work going on.
• Just to say the Easter carvery lunch as prepared by John was superb. The vegetarian wellington made for my wife was truly excellency. The beef and pork were both cooked to perfection. One of the best carvery lunches we have had.
• I was lifted out by Stuart and his amazingly helpful and competent team, and laid gently to rest in a cradle behind the clubhouse. I rewarded myself with ham, eggs and chips… Everyone I have met, has been most helpful and friendly, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be a member.
• Just to say a big thank-you for organising the Mother's Day luncheon at Hornet. The food was great (thanks John) and there was a lovely atmosphere in the club house (and good weather).

HSSC Updated Lift Schedule

Please select the link below to view.

Water to Mid Stream Pontoon Update

Following the MOD dredge damage to the water supply to the Mid Stream Pontoon we have sourced the correct pipe work to be able reinstate the supply. The supplies are currently in transit and when they arrive the marina team will make the repair. 

I apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. 

Membership Card Printer Update

The printer has been returned to the manufacturer for repair.

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.

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.

HSSC RNSA Wednesday Night Race 

A 10kt NNE breeze made for another exciting Wednesday night of racing. With 4 of the 7 regular IRC Class Boats away this week, only 3mins 36seconds separated the remaining three boat fleet, with Jambo taking this evenings IRC topspot.

The YTC fleet continues to grow healthily with the fleet now at 5 boats and expected to continue to grow as we approach the Summer series with only 9mins separating the pack. As well as a welcome return for Crazy Horse, Gopher Kicks scored her first victory of the series. 

There is still time to get involved, whether as IRC or with YTC focused on cruiser hulls, as well as being free to achieve a rating certificate. Everyone is welcome.

Perhaps if racing isnt your thing Wednesday evenings are a perfect time to get out on the water for a spot of cruising and enjoy the spring evenings, knowing that if you can get back for 2000hrs one of Johns sailors suppers is available (dont forget to book in advance), as well as soaking up the post race atmosphere.

If you want to get involved, there is always space for more boats, as crew members, or supporting the race committee, for more information do reach out either by message or directly to the club office.

HSSC Rally Update 

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.

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

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.

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Commodores Dinner Fri 2nd May 2025

You still have time to book onto The Commodores Dinner.

Rig: Black Tie

Cost: £42.00 Per Person 

19.00 Welcome Drink in the Fabrosa

19.30 Dinner

You can book your place by signing the book outside the office, contacting the office or email: functions@hornetservicessailing.org.uk or by using our electronic form below.

To book electronically or advise us of your menu and wine preferences, please click the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/L3T...

HSSC VE DAY STREET PARTY Monday 5th May 2025

Join us at HSSC as we 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.

With Street Party tables set outside facing the marina and traditional Fish and Chips in a box - perfect for the occasion. 

Club Members, Families, and Guests—all are welcome to join the celebration.

Its a fantastic opportunity to invite friends and potential future members to experience the unique spirit of HSSC.

Rig: Casual

1940s Dress Optional

Bring along your families and friends. 

13:00 Onwards for food & Music

14:30 Live Music to commence 

Let us know if you are coming along and to reserve table space. Also let us know if you wish to eat by emailing functions@hornetservicessailing.org.uk

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

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