The gathering of the tribes of Israel in the sailing fraternity of London on 4th November 2007 was a momentous event in the year’s calendar. Not all of our brethren managed to arrive for the AGM but it was a very efficiently run meeting with our commodore Sandy Kattan being aware that, as it was a Jewish event, the more important aspect of all such events were the starving and due weight had to be given to their stomachs.
The year was reviewed in all its dampness but also its very many highlights. Due regard was paid to the camaraderie and the high levels of enthusiasm that are actively driving the club to ever higher peaks of participation. The business in hand was got through in an atmosphere of enjoyment and the general overview was that the club was functioning very well.
Rear Commodore, Phil explained the reintroduction of the new HSSC web site with its many added features and links to useful sites, and then proceeded to model the club’s new logo, and sample of eye-catching cap! 
Ample time was allowed for general discussion relating to the forthcoming season and then we moved swiftly on to the main event of the evening; notably the alleviation of the famine for the starving masses.
The very competent Master of ceremonies Vice-commodore Stanley Saffer piped the Commodore in, and the Battle of the Plate began. The wine flowed, the food arrived and all was well. Old friends and acquaintances were renewed with the level of noise making a satisfactory background to the enjoyment of the event. This year some of our very own members provided the entertainment to the great glee of the audience.
Beginning with words from the Commodore, and followed by Magic Circle member, our very own Michael Vine, who kept his audience enraptured with a series of magic tricks that that baffled and mystified all present. Michael concluded by wishing his dear wife Rosalind a very happy birthday to which the gathered multitudes also added their good wishes and a lovely cake was ceremoniously presented to the birthday girl.
After consuming an array of desserts the excitement mounted and the annual club awards were presented by our dear Sandy to the deserving high achievers in the club in recognition of their valiant efforts for the year, together with the replica cups for the previous year’s recipients.
A raffle in aid of the Sue Mack fund, (in memory of one of our own vibrant members who died tragically far too young) and shared with the RNLI, generated much interest and raised over £220.00.
The evening’s festivities were rounded off by our own dear member Alan Soloway giving us a rendition of one of Stanley Holloway’s monologues (sequel to Albert and the Lion) with great aplomb. We all found this hilarious and left the evening with beaming faces.
The dinner was voted a great success and a hugely enjoyable event to round off a very successful year by HSSC.
A.R
HSSC Awards 2007
Most promising Newcomer Melinda Viner
Dinghy Cup Janice Segal
Crewwoman of the Year Nanae Gendre-Miyazaki
Crewman of the Year Michael Vine
Skipper of the Year Robert Falk
Yachtsperson of the Year Dave Ramet
Cruising Cup Steve Moss
Commodore’s Trophy Phil Sugarman
More photos and picture gallery on web-site www.hssc.org.uk