HOAC Update 5th February 2021
HOAC to remain closed for 2021 season – reopening in 2022
2020 was a difficult season for HOAC, dealing with the ever advancing HS2 project, protestors taking over our land and the global Covid-19 pandemic. We had remained hopeful that we would be able to undertake our move to a new site ready for an exciting 2021 season.
Unfortunately delays to our move caused by the ongoing pandemic, the uncertainty of when we would be able to operate normally and time taken to renegotiate the funds have pushed our timeline to relocate further and further back. It has now reached the point that attempting to move for this season is no longer practical and the cost of a temporary move would be better spent ensuring our permanent move is to everyone’s benefit.
Where is the new site?
This is the big question everyone wants to know, unfortunately until all the pre-planning work and surveys have been done, we cannot announce where this is, however be reassured that the new site, which is local, will offer everything that HOAC currently does, and hopefully with you joining us at the new site we will be able to re-create everything that makes HOAC such a lovely place to visit.
We hope a planning application will be submitted in the Spring and we can then announce where the new site is and start planning for a bright future
What will happen in 2021?
HOAC will remain closed, however a core team of staff will still be available to help out with enquiries and plan for future bookings. We will keep the front page of our website up-to-date with any relevant news.
Whilst the country is still in the lock-down our phones are not manned so please direct any enquiries to [email protected]
What about any outstanding memberships?
Anyone who has a current membership with us will be contacted to either offer a refund or a credit to use in the future.
What about my boat?
If you have a boat at HOAC, it can remain on site, access to it will be limited. However our staff are on site regularly and are checking boats and covers each time they are in. However we do not take responsibility for your boat and they are left here at your own risk.
If you wish to either take away or inspect your boat, please email [email protected]
Unfortunately what we can’t offer is a regular pick-up and return service where you would store your boat here but sail elsewhere.
Whilst your boat remains here and we are not operational you will not be charged for boat storage
Can I visit the existing HOAC site?
Unfortunately Dews lane now falls under the control of HS2 so there is no access to the site for the general public. The only access at current would be for pre-arrange access to personal boats.
When will I find out more?
As soon as a planning application is ready for submission we will share with you where the new site is and the plans for the site. If you are a member or on our website mailing list we will keep you up-to-date via these, alternatively keep an eye on our website for any updates.
How to contact us?
There is not usually anyone on site in the centre office at the moment, so please don’t call the centre. Please email [email protected] with any queries. Staff are currently furloughed so response times may vary.
I hope you all are all managing to stay safe during the latest lockdown and hopefully we will see you at the new site in the not too distant future
Neil Maddock (Centre Principal)
