Copyright Sophie Gray 2024

HYSTS celebrated 50 years

From those who helped Dave Loader (1922-2010) in the early years of the Havant Youth Sail Training Scheme (HYSTS), to the 8-year-old young person who started sailing this year, to those from past and present, they all joined the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of HYSTS at a recent event held at the Bedhampton Community Centre.

A finger buffet was enthusiastically received as were two sponge cakes elaborately decorated with confectionery sail boats – and, as any organiser will tell you of their inevitable worry: “will there be enough food” yes, thankfully there was, in fact a few doggy bags eventually had to be used!

Two video screens were used, one showing videos of past sailing events including expeditions, and the other screen displayed still photos. Around the walls, photographs of the founder of HYSTS, Dave Loader were displayed along with ones of his long serving colleague, Peter Bee who sadly passed away this year and would have been highly delighted to attend the evening.

Many other photos were displayed including the extensive work completed on the boat compound and the refurbishment of the base. Additionally, other photos included those of presentations and some of the numerous people who have been involved over the past 50 years.

Owen Davies, the President, gave a short talk covering the Scheme’s past, present and where the Scheme will head in the future. He finalised the evening by proposing a toast to HYSTS.


We’re looking forward to the 2025 season
The 2024 season ended last Saturday, 19th October, and if you haven’t played sailing tennis ball relay or sailing football then you missed a glorious day’s sailing in perfect conditions with lots of chocolate.

We’re already planning the 2025 season so look out for social media posts in the New Year and use the 2025 booking form to book your places for more Fun on the Water.

Bookings only: 07842 091189
Bookings: hystsbookings@outlook.com

Copyright Sophie Gray 2024

Peter Bee – Memories from those who knew him
Owen Davies, President, Geoff Lynch, Chairman and friends have written about their memories of Peter Bee and the contribution he made to HYSTS. You can read their thoughts on the About Us page.


A message from our Principal
You may have noticed the new logo as you opened the website. We have updated our working title to ‘Sail HYSTS’ and ‘Fun on the Water’ the strapline. Havant Youth Sail Training Scheme says who we are and what we do, and we will include it in most articles and all formal documents.

Welcome to Sail HYSTS and enjoy Fun on the Water
If you are aged 8 and upwards and fancy having fun on the water, then we may be just what you are looking for! We offer affordable sailing with fully qualified Sailing Instructors. Even if you have never sailed before, we will guide you through the initial stages and have you on the water in no time. You will follow the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training from Stage 1 through to Stage 4 and quickly become a good sailor. ….More


A message from our Chairman
Even if we don’t sail it still costs nearly £4,000 a year to run the scheme; over half our costs are insurance. All this money we have to raise ourselves. In April, to help raise funds, we signed up to be part of the Havant Borough Lottery. A ticket for the Havant Borough Community Lottery costs £1 per week and 50p goes directly to good causes! If you sign up to support HYSTS we get 50p of that £1.

Question: If my good cause gets 50p per entry, where does the other 50p go?

Answer: 10p is used to support other good causes within Havant Borough, 20p goes to prizes and the remaining 20p is for administration of the lottery and VAT. ….More

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