Hornet SSC Weekly Dit Friday 24 July 2026

Thank you to everyone that joined us for Families Day on Saturday, the sun was shining and the children had a lovely time taking part in the activities. Sponge throwing proved particularly popular and resulted in lots of soggy parents! With many thanks to Karen Goodwin for organising the day.

That wasn't all that happened Saturday, several of our members took part in the Big Buoys Challenge and a good time was had by all! Wednesday night racing has now paused for a few weeks, we look forward to seeing you again on a Wednesday evening in September. 

A Hornet and ASA member is due to participate in the upcoming solo non-stop Golden Globe Round The World Yacht Race. Hornet member Henry Wootton, and his Cape George 36 class cutter Privateer, have been preparing to participate in GGR2026 starting soon from Sables D'olonne. He sailed Privateer from USA to Scotland where he spent many months making major alterations in preparation for the race. Since then he has completed a long pre race qualifying voyage and is now at Hornet carrying out post qualifier modifications and race preps. Henry had previously accumulated many ocean crossing miles and adventures in the N and S Atlantic and Pacific in his earlier Gosport based small Maxi 95 type yacht. The Golden Globe Race is a 4-yearly re-enactment of the famous original 1968 race (which Robin Knox Johnson was the winner on Suhaili). Yachts must be of a 'traditional' type (no carbon, Kevlar, or bolt-on fin keels!). No modern electronics or naaids allowed. Navigation by paper charts, chronometers, and sextants only. Boats and participants are strictly limited to the equipment and technology that was available in the 1968 race. Henry and Privateer are due to leave Hornet for France in early in August to join the remaining field of 18 multi-national participants. We wish him well. 

With thanks to Mike Buggy for the above update.

Communications

To improve communications with members, there are two new Whatsapp groups available. These will not replace the weekly dit but will be used as well. They have been set up as broadcasts so there will be the facility to read the updates, but not to reply through them. Everyone is able to invite others to the groups so please feel free to add other members you know. 

Clubhouse group - will offer updates on events, bookings and Bar & Galley updates. Click here to join the Clubhouse group.

HSSC General Updates - will be used day to day updates for members. Click here to join the General Updates group. 

Updates & Reminders

- Building 98: At the moment, the demolition works are due to commence on 17th August and all being well, be complete within 6 weeks. The work has been planned with as little disruption as possible to HSSC but there will of course be some unavoidable interferences. Once the details of these are confirmed, we will issue an update ahead of the work starting. 

- The Chef: John will be taking some well deserved holiday next week. We have been listening to your feedback and cover has been arranged to minimise any disruption to normal service. The galley will be open for usual service.

- Fieldhouse: Please be reminded that the external part of Fieldhouse is for JSASTC vessels unless prior arrangement has been made.  There is a acceptance of the use of Fieldhouse for drop offs & pick up's only. 

- Lay Ap[art Stores: Please remember that flammables are not permitted within the lay apart stores. Could we ask that any that are currently in there are removed as soon as possible. 

- Access to FB3: The barrier into the car park currently remains out of action. Work has been planned for this and we are waiting for confirmation of a start date. Apologies for the inconvenience whilst this remains inoperable. 

- Gardens..Thank you and BZ!! Thank you to the two gardening volunteers who have come forward. If anyone else would like to join the team, please do get in touch.

Bins

Please can we ensure we are using these facilities courteously, keeping in mind the other organisations on the site. The bins outside of JSASTC are being filled with waste that doesn't belong to them - if you need to dispose of something, please use the bins next to the club for this. Please dispose of waste responsibly, using the correct bins and ensuring no non-recyclable items end up in the recycling. Rags, old oil and oil filters can be taken to the marina office for appropriate disposable. Boxes should be flat-packed and larger items should be taken home with you to dispose of appropriately. Many thanks for your co-operation in this matter. 

Lift Schedule

For our most up to date lift schedules, please clink the links below:

• July
• August

Further Dates for Diaries

• 29th-31st August - Poole Rally 
• 19th September - Battle of Britain Dinner
• 26th-27th September - Lymington Rally