Commodore's Report - 2 September 2024

Published 09:39 on 6 Sep 2024

As we have now entered the meteorological autumn (1 Sep), it suddenly strikes me that we are
heading toward the end of the season which is only some eight weeks away. Unfortunately, I have
not been on the water much this year but I hope to be out again over the remainder of the season
and back to full strength next year. I need to put in some effort and work on it. However, I did take
part in this year's HSC Blaze Sprintz with the other five Blaze sailors (yes, a full house with all six
Hornsea Blazes taking part this year) which was most great fun for all (see pics in gallery). As for
all you other HSC members out there, get your boats out and enjoy the last of the warmth and
winds the great British weather has to offer.

You will be aware that we are currently working to improve the upkeep of the external areas we are
responsible for. Some boats have not been moved for quite a while and the grass and weeds are growing
all around them making the area look unsightly and gives a less than good impression. As paid up members,
we agree to the club rules, one of which is that we keep our boat berths tidy and the grass etc around them cut.
The area we control is our 'shop window' which visitors considering joining a sailing club will look at for their
first impressions, so it would be greatly beneficial and much appreciated if we could all make the effort to keep
the area as a whole clean and tidy. I thank you in advance.

Unfortunately, we are still awaiting the replacement of the roof panels and I have been informed this week
that the planning application needs to be renewed following an ecology and bat report which was only
recently completed. We can only watch this space and hopefully it may work out well by being carried out
during the winter months, which would then avoid disruption to club activities.

It's been great to see some young people on the water, Richard Laycock with his forever giggling daughter,
Phil Reed with his 'keen as mustard' son, and Pete Smith with his son too - all taking part in the racing and
learning to sail. Dave Allen has also returned after many years, with his son in their Mirror. It's great to see along
with the aforementioned Richard and his daughter we have two red-sailed mirrors out on the Mere once again
after many years. We are keen to grow the youth membership - you never know, we could be about to see
the beginnings of future champions starting out at Hornsea as have many others before them. Steve Sharp
has been continuing his Pirates training over the summer break which is a great place for young people to
start out on the sailing journey of a lifetime. Thank you to all who supported this activity.

Development sub-committee: Unfortunately again there is nothing to report. Alterations to the building
have stopped for now awaiting planning approval for the roof. I am still assured the toilets and showers will be
next but the roof works take priority. We need to resurrect the Development Sub-Committee, with members who are
not on the Management Committee coming up with ideas to propose to the Committee for taking the club forward,
mainly in terms of healthy membership, especially families and young people. I ask again, is anyone willing to take
part in these discussions and present them to the main Committee for consideration? We need some new thoughts.

Nothing else to report or say apart from I hope you all look forward to the rest of the 2024 season and above
all remain safe, be in good health and be kind.

2024 Commodore, Pip Warner, Blaze 876.

Last updated 15:48 on 9 September 2024