HM Queen Elizabeth II

Dear Member

I am sure you will feel much sadness following the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, after a reign of over 70 years. Hayling Island Sailing Club joins the nation, and indeed the world, in mourning and I wanted to share the arrangements for the next few days as we all come to terms with this loss.

At this time the Club is in mourning but will remain open. I suggest we congregate informally at the club and celebrate the Queens life over the weekend.

After discussions amongst the senior Flag Officers and considering guidance from the RYA the racing and social program will be reduced as follows.

Friday 9th September
There is no organised sailing activity, the bar and food service will be running as normal to allow members to meet, share memories and support each other.

Saturday 10th September
The Wingfoil Open Competition, all sailing and social activities associated with the Round Hayling Challenge are postponed until a later date. We will be in-touch with alternative arrangements as soon as possible.

Club Racing and Training will be cancelled as a mark of respect, and to allow volunteers associated with these events to make their own choices on how they spend this difficult time.

The bar and food service will be running as normal to allow members to meet, share memories and support each other.

Sunday 11th September
The Round Hayling Challenge is postponed as referred to above. Club Racing & Youth Racing will go ahead as normal and all participants will be invited to display a black streamer on their boats, a limited supply of these will be available from the Office. Club Racing will be preceded by a minutes silence.

The bar and food service will be running as normal.

Clearly each of us can make our individual choices as to how we best mourn this loss, the arrangements outlined reflect our approach as a club.

The club will fly the Red Ensign at half-mast and club members ensigns should be at half-mast or not flown at all until after the Funeral.
Andy Partington
Commodore