Hi everyone,
Doesn’t it suddenly feel like Autumn, especially after the fantastic weather we’ve had over the past few weeks. Last weekend we made the most of the sunshine with Open Dinghy Weekend, which took place on both the River and the Broad, and it was encouraging to also see several members come down not to race but just to have a sail in the fantastic weather! You can read the full report on the weekend’s activities here: , plus the Yachts & Yachting report on Open Dinghy weekend: www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/242256/Horning-Sailing-Club-Open-Dinghy-Weekend-2021
The same weekend we had some of our young sailors represent HSC at the RYA East British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships at Grafham Water, with over 200 boats on the water – more on that below!
COVID-19 Update
Following last week’s update we have had a few queries from members so, to clarify the situation, we are aware that COVID-19 is circulating in the local area and would kindly ask members to adhere to the latest government guidance on self-isolation, which can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection It is also still important to adhere to regular handwashing and hygiene practices to help keep everyone safe. Thank you.
Looking ahead to this week:
In light of the adverse weather forecast, this Saturday’s work party is cancelled.
Sunday (3rd October) sees the Autumn Regatta on Hoveton Little Broad – it is the very first time this event will be held and, whilst following the 3-race back-to-back format, will follow a special programme for starts. Please note that the predicted weather conditions may require a change to this – so please see the website for the Notice to Competitors. The programme will be as follows:
Series 1 - Recommend 30-45 minute race
10.30 Allcomers “A” 6a, 31
10.40 Juniors & Allcomers “B & C” 11a, 31
10.50 Cruisers 36a, 113
Series 2 - Start 11.25 earliest, recommend 30-45 minute race
(Cruisers longer)
**.** Allcomers “A” 6a, 31
**.** Juniors & Allcomers “B & C” 11a, 31
**.** Cruisers 36a, 113
Series 3 - Start 12.10 earliest, recommend 30-45 minute race,
aiming to finish 13.00-13.30
**.** Allcomers “A” 6, 31
**.** Juniors & Allcomers “B & C” 88, 31
**.** The series will start at a time determined by the OOD.
Starts will be separated by a ten minute interval. If required split starts may fill the gaps.
If you wish to have the tow to the Broad, please be rigged and ready by latest 10.00am.
AGM – Friday 8th October
A reminder that our AGM will be held on Friday 8th October, both in-person at Horning Village Hall, which is situated at the top of Mill Loke, and online via Zoom (login details to follow nearer the time). Please note that as last year, you will need to return your ballot papers prior to the evening, as you will not be able to vote on the night. These will have been posted to you. The documentation has also been emailed out, or can be found in the member’s section of the Club website.
Flag Officers’ Party – Saturday 9th October
Traditionally, the Flag Officers’ Party (or FLOPs as they are usually known) will take place to thank those who have helped with the running of the Club during the season. This year, we’d like to do this a little differently – and extend a huge thank you to members for your support during this difficult time. We will be holding an event on the Island which all members are welcome to attend on Saturday 9th October after racing (approx. 4.30pm). We will send more information nearer the time, but please add the date to your diaries, and we look forward to seeing you there.
End of Season/Prizegiving
Our Annual End of Season Supper, Officers’ Handover and Annual Prizegiving will take place on the evening of Friday 22nd October 2021 at The Boathouse in Ormesby (Full address is: The Boathouse, Eels Foot Road, Ormesby St Michael, Norfolk, NR29 3LP). Pre-booking is essential by 10th October – please see menu below - the booking form is available via the downloads section of the website. All welcome.
Save the dates:
Autumn Regatta – This new event is taking place on Hoveton Little Broad on Sunday 3rd October.
AGM – Friday 8th October – Horning Village Hall & online.
End of Season Regatta – Saturday 9th/Sunday 10th October.
Flag Officers’ Thank you Party – Saturday 9th October.
British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships
Last weekend, HSC had three young sailors participate in the RYA British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships held at Grafham Water Sailing Club – a large expanse of water not far from Cambridge. These included Anya Gittins and Abigail Penny who sailed in their first big event in the Toppers, finishing 14th & 15th respectively in a strong fleet of 30+ boats – and Oliver Means sailed very well in the Optimist fleet to come 4th overall – congratulations and well done to them all!
Anya & Abigail explain their experience below:
Anya: “It was so much fun and was a great experience for me as I've never sailed so far away from HSC before. I couldn't believe how enormous the area was, it took 30 minutes just to sail to the area we were racing in. It was strange sailing with unfamiliar people at first, but it gave me the opportunity to watch others sail and learn from them. On the water I found the other participants very friendly, kind and encouraging. Overall, it was an amazing weekend, and I was glad to share it with Abbey and now I have experienced an event of this kind, I definitely want to do these events more often.”
Abbey added: “It was great to experience winds and a bigger area to sail around, although it was weird to be sailing all day without coming in, particularly when the starts were delayed due to wind shifts! But it was good to meet new people and talk to them, and great to be there with Anya too. I really enjoyed sailing in the huge waves and the experience – now we both want to do more events, and have signed up to be considered for the regional training groups.”
End of season approaching
As the end of HSC’s season approaches, a gentle reminder that if you have a boat currently stored on the Island, you will need to either remove this or contact Snowflake Sailing Club, who are based on Horning’s site over the winter months – more info here https://www.sfsc.co.uk/
200 Club
HSC 200 Club. The next draw will take place on 10 October in the Clubhouse, around late morning. There is still time to choose your number and join the 200 Club. Forms with full details are on the wall at the back of the Clubhouse or you can contact me at: joan324butcher@btinternet.com, call 01603 466535. You can also speak with Holly or Will at the Clubhouse.
Parents in Sport Week
Next week is the CPSU’s Parents in Sport Week, which focuses on giving parents the information and tools they need to be part of the bigger safeguarding picture in sport. As part of this, the RYA are also be looking at how parents feel about their children’s experiences in the sport and how the RYA can help support and make positive changes to safeguard children and young people taking part in sport, and have requested that parents please complete the survey below – thank you
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RYAParentsSurvey2021
Keep in touch
Don’t forget to follow Horning Sailing Club on social media for our latest news and updates – we’re on Facebook (page here, group here), Twitter and Instagram.
We look forward to seeing you very soon!
Holly - commodore@horning-sailing.club
Will - vice-commodore@horning-sailing.club