HSSC WEEKLY DIT FRI 16 MAY 2025

ladies & Gentlemen,

The weather is beautiful at Hornet today and we are all prepared to say farewell to Melissa and wish her well in her retirement at 12.00 in the Clubhouse. Please come along and join us.

We are developing a fantastic race and cruising programme and can highly recommend getting involved. If you do know of anyone who wishes to join our programmes then please contact me directly.

Enjoy the weekend,

Brian

From the Commodore: Club Admiral and Staff News Melissa, Tricia & Stewart

Firstly, Im delighted to report that our Club Admiral, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, has been appointed First Sea Lord. Many of you will remember the warmth with which General Gwyn spoke about the Club when he visited us for our 60^th anniversary dinner last year. I will be writing to him on behalf of the Club, offering our congratulations. 

Secondly, and as previously advertised, today (Friday) marks Melissas last day at the Club after 16 years of loyal and outstanding service. At the recent Commodores Dinner, I had the pleasure of expressing our gratitude and presenting Melissa with some flowers and a beautiful engraved vase. Thanks to the generosity of Members, we will also be making a significant contribution to her retirement fund. Staff and Members are invited to join us in the bar from midday today to bid Melissa farewell before she heads off for a well-deserved holiday in Italy.  

I'm also pleased to welcome Melissa's successor, Tricia Thomason-Darch. Tricia has already been in the Club for a few days, working alongside Melissa to ensure a smooth handover. She joins us from Lee on Solent Tennis & Squash Club, where she held a similar role. Please give Tricia a warm welcome!

In other news, Stewart Peters has announced his intention to step down as Marina Manager after an incredible 36 years of exceptional service.  This is one of the most important jobs at the Club, and your Committee is committed to managing the transition with great care. Were grateful that Stewart has offered to support the process and will remain available to support boat movements as needed. Perhaps more importantly for Members, he wont be disappearing from the Club completely as he plans to continue working privately under Peters Marine Services.

The Marina Manager position is now advertised on indeed.com.

Marina

Updated Lift Schedule

To view the updated lift schedule please select the below link.

Preparation Before Lift In

To support the marina team and minimise the time the tractor spends in the water on the slipway, please ensure your warps and fenders are fully prepared before your boat is lifted. This will help avoid delays in moving off the slings promptly.

Galley

Please note the Galley will be closed Saturday 17/05/2025 for the evening service only.

KINGS HARBOUR MASTER PORTSMOUTH

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

LNTM No. 58/25

MAINTENANCE WORKS HASLAR BRIDGE

19 MAY MID JULY 2025

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Kings Harbour Master Portsmouth that maintenance works will be conducted on the underside of Haslar Bridge, located on the western side of Portsmouth Harbour, commencing 19 May 2025 with expected completion by mid July 2025. Works will take place during daylight hours only.
2. The works will be undertaken by Milestone Infrastructure on behalf of the Hampshire Highways Department, utilising floating pontoons manoeuvred into position by two RHIBs, which will also act as safety boats when work is ongoing.
3. Mariners are requested to navigate with caution in the vicinity, pass at an appropriate speed, minimise wash, and give a wide berth to the worksite when works are in progress. Access for marine traffic wishing to transit beneath the bridge will be maintained at all times. The boats crew supervisor can be contacted on 07595 704195.
4. This Local Notice to Mariners will be cancelled on 20 July 2025.

View Notice Online

Wednesday Night Race Series 

The series is well and truly underway with the completion of Race 7 event on Wednesday evening. I was delighted to see the clubhouse full and members and participants in good cheer following the race.

If you would like to get involved, no matter what standard then please contact me. 

HSSC Rally Folly Inn and Island Harbour Marina

Last weekend, Hornet Services Sailing Club members enjoyed the sunshine on the Isle of Wight. Friday night kicked off with an evening at the Folly Inn, followed by a relaxed Saturday evening BBQ at Island Harbour Marina.

This was my first time experiencing a Hornet Rally first hand, and I had the pleasure of crewing aboard Spellbound. I thoroughly enjoyed both the sailing and the chance to meet fellow members at the BBQ. The warm welcome extended to everyone truly reflected the clubs spirit and camaraderie.

During the return leg, I even attempted (rather unsuccessfully!) to snap a photo of Marcus Duffin as he sped past us at breakneck speed — a highlight of the day.

If you haven't joined us for a rally yet, I highly recommend it! Keep an eye on the club calendar and our Facebook page for details of future events.

We look forward to seeing you at the next rally.

HSSC Rally to Portland 24/25th May to Portland. 

PORTLAND RALLY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND. Anyone else intend to sail to Portland for the Rally? If weather permits Marcus Duffin is leaving Friday around 0630 from Hornet. Weather dictates the sailing so will decide on route / stop offs. If you would like to join Marcus please contact Marcus or the office.

Please contact Steve Little for Rally details.

First ever solo circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle

Ella will be sailing from Haslar Marina, in the Solent, up the East coast of England, to a start point on the 66.5°N latitude of the Arctic Circle between Norway and Iceland. Then, around Iceland, southern Greenland, through Canada across the Northwest Passage, then across Northern Alaska, and into Russian waters. She will then cross the Laptev and Kara seas (Northeast Passage) and eventually return to her starting point near Norway, before heading back down the coastline of the UK and arriving home at Haslar Marina. 

To follow Ella's adventure select the link HERE.

Ella has kindly agreed to provide a talk about her adventure upon her return at Hornet.

HSSC RNSA Sail GP TALK Tuesday 10 June 2025

RNSA and HSSC members are invited to a talk by the Sail GP team in advance of the Grand Prix event in July.  

Event Overview: SailGP 101 An Evening of High-Speed Insight This relaxed but exciting evening will give your members an insiders look at:

• The cutting-edge F50 foiling catamarans and the tech that powers them
• The fast-paced SailGP race format and how it differs from traditional sailing
• What to expect at SailGP Portsmouth this July
• Behind-the-scenes insight from inside the team

Whether members are avid sailors or just curious about the tech and atmosphere of SailGP, the talk is designed to be informative, fun, and accessible.

Join us for an evening dive into the high-speed world of SailGP - the adrenaline-fuelled global sailing championship featuring 12 national teams racing F50 foiling catamarans at over 60mph (100km/h). Well explore what makes the league so unique, including the cutting-edge technology, sustainability initiatives like the Impact League, and what to expect when the event arrives in Portsmouth this July.

Therell also be time for questions, so whether you're a seasoned sailor or just curious about foiling, racing formats, or event day plans, come along for a fun and informal evening.

Itinerary

1800 - Bar open 1830 - 1930 Talk 1930 -  Curry Supper 2100 - Close

Price: £12.00

Please book by emailing functions@hornetservicessailing.org.uk

All welcome at our Monthly Clubnight.  If you would also like to dine please email functions@hornetservicessailing.org.uk.

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