More than 20 members turned up on Sunday 16th May for the excellent Dart 18 and sail training day given by David Lloyd. Despite the breeze and occasional showers, David was able to take us through how to rig a Dart for best performance covering many aspects including mast rake, batten tension, and a top tip on how to measure the sail camber to set the downhaul just right.

The planned afternoon sail saw just 3 Dart 18s venture out in the F5-F6 breeze but which was curtailed due to equipment failure and incorrect boat orientation...

Registration is now open for the 2021 Solent Forts Race, taking place at Hayling Ferry Sailing Club over the weekend of the 19th and 20th June. The weekend will follow a similar format to previous years but with a few changes on shore to make the event as safe as possible. Havant Borough Council have approved the Saturday evening social event which will take place in the boat park and will see a return of the legendary Trevor John Band.

It's happening... Band on the Beach is back for 2021!!! Risk assessments have been completed, approval from Havant Borough Council has been given, and most importantly the Trevor John Band is booked.

Book your tickets now.

After a successful virtual RYA dinghy show, the publicity sub-committee continues it's good work, producing stickers, flyers and new club signage to help publicise the club and attract new members.

Stickers have already been distributed to club members, while the recently finished flyers will be available from the club house or by request from Jennie. Please help yourself and display wherever you think will catch the eye of prospective members!

Suggestions are:

The Solent Forts Race is set to go ahead over the weekend of 19th to 20th June and planning for the weekend is well advanced. Although lockdown restrictions are due to end the day after on Monday 21st June, we will be following all RYA advice to ensure that the event is safe and complies with government guidelines. On the social side we will be running things a bit differently to previous years but the band is booked for Saturday night and we expect to be able to offer catering in some shape or form. Watch out for more details.

David Lloyd, winner of 31 national Dart 18 titles in 6 different countries, has very kindly offered to come and give us a few pointers on how to sail our Darts (and other boats) better. In addition to Dart 18s, he's competed in the F18 and Tornado Worlds and also sailed Spitfires, Dart 15s and keelboats to name a few. David will be going over how to set your boat up for different conditions, going through different manoeuvres, and, if conditions permit, offering advice on the water. All welcome!

Rumour has it that one of our members is the proud new owner of a foiling A Class. Possibly the first A Class at the club and definitely the first foiling boat. 

With a low RYA PN of 684 it should be just marginally slower than an F18. No pressure then Ken :-)

Hayling Ferry Sailing Club will be at the Virtual RYA Dinghy Show this year. Come and find us in the Exhibition Halls and WIN a 1/2 day session on one of the club SL 16 catamarans!

The show runs from 10am until 5pm on Saturday 27th to Sunday 28th February. Registration for the show is free at https://ryadinghyshow.vfairs.com/en/registration.