I understand at one point they recorded a GPS ground speed of over 17 knots. In doing so he raised considerable funds for the charity BASICS. As a consequence many readers of the local papers now know HHSC do many good things for the community. There are also many members who do not sail much but provide great back up to our sailing activities. The regular support for our weekly sailing and then the much bigger requirement during Open meetings is superb. Then on top of all that we run regular social events, this all coming together to make us a very rounded Club. There have over recent months however been a few events where there has been room for a few more participants. This has raised the question amongst some of the Management whether we are putting a little too much demand on our Volunteer help, OR it may be that the recession is now beginning to curb the spending power of some of us even in the prosperous South. Indeed whereas it had been strongly expected that the Olympics would generate a surge in sporting activity we have found that this year has seen a significant reduction in the number of new membership applications. I am sure this debate will continue but the intention for next year is to arrange the sailing programme so that it is less intense. DOGS: Over the years that I have been a member of HHSC there has been concern about dogs coming into the Club House from some members. As a consequence the Management Committee on several occasions issued a Policy that dogs should not be allowed into the Club House. On one occasion recently it was necessary to point out this policy to several members most of whom immediately took the dogs out of the building. It was however pointed out that club policy was only a guidance document and had never been underwritten by the membership. The current Management Committee has therefore, using Rule 22, introduced a Bye Law, the wording of which is: “Dogs are not permitted in the Club building with the exception of Assistance Dogs. The Club building includes the fire escape steps and balconies.” Notices will be displayed at the foot of the fire escape steps and at the entrance lobby to remind everyone. ELECTRONIC MAINSHEETS: This being the first issue of Mainsheets distributed electronically, rather than hard copies to all members, we hope you have all found it as interesting to read as the earlier versions. The whole world seems to be moving toward the electronic age and HHSC is not being left behind. A small group has been working hard in the background on a new membership data base which in due course will ease the work load of the membership secretary and give all members the ability to confirm and update their own personal information. The first stages of this process will become apparent early next year during Membership renewal. Bob McManus, Commodore
Vice Commodore (Sailing) Luke Morrison LukeMorrison@hillheadsc.org.uk Mobile: 07983 084095 Hi Everyone, With the fun of summer at an end and the crisp chilly mornings in full swing we are still moving along our sailing programme but with reflections of our events during the summer. It has been fantastic to see the huge level of participation in our sport both from Dinghies and Cruisers and importantly great to see the volume of members turning out to the organised club events for you on the water. At this point in the year we are very busy preparing the budgets for next year and preparing for the members general meeting at the end of the year. I just simply forget each year how much hard work is needed in order to get this right and once again this year is no different. The Sailing Committees plans for next year are firm and forward moving, as I am sure you would expect from us. I have been putting a lot of effort into getting new people to come and join the team next year, assuming responsibility for specific areas of the club. In addition the Sailing Committee has put together a very robust budget for 2013 which I hope is approved. We shall continue with our programme to replace older club dinghies, whilst importantly looking to address our Safety Boat needs. I hope that we shall benefit from some eleven thousand pounds worth of grants in 2012-13 which will aid this important work. You can be assured that the Sailing Committee budgets expenditure and income is relevant to benefit the majority of the membership, and that it will help to inspire new activities and experiences, helping to keep developing the way we sail and participate at Hill Head. I very much look forward to the AGM where I can share some of these thoughts with you. Since July we have had a number of key events including Dinghy Weeks and the SLOSHH Inter Club Race. Dinghy Weeks once again this year was as successful as ever; with sailors and volunteers coming together for two great weeks of sailing and fun. I would like to thank all those involved in this important club annual event; without the parents and volunteers it simply could not happen. This September we held the re-run of the SLOSHH Inter-Club race. There were 63 boats between Seafarers and Hill Head, no Lee on Solent boats could attend. This event’s turnout was fantastic and the weather pretty good in respect of wind. Seafarers laid on an excellent tea and prize giving afterwards. I am pleased to say that Hill Head picked up the overall trophy and so it’s once again in our club house for all to see.