A Club run by its members

Getting involved

HSC is a member-run club. That's not small print — it's one of the things that makes it special.

There's no paid staff managing the water, maintaining the site, or making sure race days run smoothly. Members do all of that, and in doing so they get to know each other properly. Whether you're on the bank as Officer of the Day, helping scrub the slipway on a spring morning, or laying the tables for supper, you're part of what makes the club work.

Everyone contributes a little, so no one has to contribute a lot.

On the water: OOD and Patrol Boat

Each race day is run by an Officer of the Day — a member who sets the course, starts the fleet, and makes sure everything runs to plan. It's a satisfying thing to do: you get a different view of racing, you learn a lot about how the club operates, and you get to wear the hi-vis tabard with quiet authority.

Patrol Boat drivers keep a watchful eye on the fleet during races. No sailing experience is required — just a willingness to be out on the water and keep things safe.

Both roles come with a rota, training, and plenty of support from experienced members.

Working Parties

Twice a year — spring and autumn — members come together to prepare the site for the season ahead and put it to bed afterwards. Working Parties are practical, sociable, and usually followed by lunch. They're a good way to get to know the site, pick up new skills, and meet people you might not encounter on the water.

Social events

Members also help make the club's social calendar happen — from setting up for the Spring Supper to helping run the Christmas Party. These are never heavy commitments, and they're genuinely enjoyable. The club has a long tradition of its social events being worth turning up to.

How it works

When you join, you'll be added to the rota for OOD and Patrol Boat duties. The number of duties per season is modest and spread fairly. Working Parties and event help are always welcome but less formally organised — you'll hear about them through the club newsletter and email.

If you have particular skills or interests — carpentry, IT, photography, catering — there's usually somewhere they're useful.