After asking Chipac parents for help in the final clearing of the dinghy compound before re surfacing,nine parents and four youngsters turned up on Saturday morning to complete the work.I would like to thank those that turned up as,without them the compound would not have been ready on time.
Gwyndaf.
Ar ol gofyn am gymorth ,gan rieni CHIPAC i orffen clirio y gorlan cychod bach,
daeth naw rhiant a pedwar plentyn ataf bore Sadwrn ac fe orffenwyd y gwaith erbyn hanner dydd.Hoffwn ddiolch iddynt am ei help i gwblhau y gwaith.
Amgaeaf lun i'w gynnwys os yn bosibl.
updated 16/11/2020
With Welsh restrictions lifted last Monday, local members are now able to sail with up to four people from other households. Organised activity for groups of 30 outdoors can also resume. The latest RYA CW advice is here.
We recognise members living in England are still in lockdown, and we hope we can provide some relief with the re-introduction of "boredom buster" sailing related videos.
For the hardy racers there is still time to complete the "Commodore's Challenge" and "Tremadog Triangle",
and I am sure that for those that can, there will be some magical winter sailing days in our fantastic bay!
Adhoc racing can also be arranged with other boats- contact made with skippers via the CHPSC Racing
"Whats App" group. Join using the QR code
The CHPSC Flag Officers and Management Committee continue to attend RYA CW forums, and understand the interpretation of the rules. Feedback will be posted in the Friday newsletters
Reasons to be a member in 2021 -
The flag officers are often asked what the benefits and reasons are for being a club member, especially as our home "Plas Heli " is open to the public.
"Pwllheli Sailing Club offers something for everyone, casual boaters, a base for cruising, racing and motor boating together with being a great venue for events, training and importantly a fantastic meeting place, with views, for friends"
Award Winners
In December we will publish a list of our 2020 champions, the winners of this year’s racing and cruising trophies and aim to have a bigger and better prize giving ball next year, to reward these worthy recipients.
RRS Sir David Attenborough
Club member Mathew Butterworth is one of the ships officers putting the "RRS Sir David Attenborough" (almost named Boaty McBoatface!) through its sea trials. Last weekend Matthew brought the ship down the Northern Pen Llyn coastline to Bardsey, before heading for Holyhead
This amazing photo taken by Rhiannon Jones captured the ship recently, with the Ty Coch at Porth Dinllaen in shot.
The video clip below details the ship and its construction in Liverpool
Vendee Globe
This Incredible race started last Sunday the 8th November and is one we know many members like to follow.
The race can be followed by accessing the event website here or downloading the app from the Apple app store or Google Play store
At the time of writing the leader had sailed over 900 miles and the fleet are heading down the North Atlantic towards the West of the Cape Verde islands in good conditions having passed through an active front in the early hours of Thursday morning They should then benefit from fast reaching angles towards South America as they hit the trade winds.
IRC WELSH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - UPDATE
Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre, has been awarded the venue rights for the 'IRC Welsh National Championships' for 2021 and 2022. The Championship is hosted by Plas Heli, and organised/managed by CHPSC and the RDYC.
We now are recruiting volunteers for event planning purposes and if you would like to contribute, or have any suggestions to enhance the event, please reply to this newsletter. Its intended to have the first planning meeting in December to agree the Notice of Race and proposed format of racing. This meeting will be open to all potential entrants and volunteers, and will be held using Zoom. Further details next month.
Dave Hughes "Legless Again" 2020 IRC Welsh National Champion
2021 Membership Rates
Membership of CHPSC for 2021 is now available from 1st October 2020 for new members - a person who has not been a member for the last three years
The membership year is from 1st January to 31st December, so a new member in November will benefit from 14 months of membership for the price of 12!
2021 Fee Structure
Primary Member - £65
Joint Membership - £115
Racing Skipper - £125
Joint Racing Skipper - £180
Associate Member - £75
Student Member - £30
Youth Member - £20
Dinghy Storage
Small (Optimist/Topper) £55 (£48 early payment)
Medium (Laser) £65 £55 early payment)
Large (Merlin Rocket) £85 (£75 early payment)
Multi Hulls (Dart etc) £95 (£83 early payment)
PLAS HELI:
Plas Heli will re-opened yesterday, Thursday 12th November, with table service, a maximum of four people to a table (unless from the same household) and visitors are encouraged to pre-book a table, and provide contact information, including verification.
The new winter opening times are:
Thursday 11-21:00
Friday 11-22:00
Saturday 11-2200
Sunday 11-19:00
"Pysgod a Sglodion" - fish and chips, plus the popular burger - offered as a special on Saturdays with a free beer
New codes on all gates - please don’t pass on these numbers. Anyone with a genuine need to access the pontoons, compounds or other gated areas will be provided with the code, combination or key. Email
Track and Trace is a Government requirement, please record your details on the sheet provided at the entrance to the bar, or send an email to
Future Plas Heli/PSC hosted Events:
Winter series 21/22nd November
Thought for the Day:
For more information, membership links and the latest weather and webcam
go to:
www.pwllhelisailingclub.co.uk
Plas Heli Quayside Parking
The parking area on the Plas Heli Quayside is available for paid up CHPSC members and to authorised pontoon users.
The parking area is accessed through the gate adjacent to the old club building
The code to the gate is changed regularly and can be obtained through the plasheli.org website > Facilities> Parking. For convenience follow this shortcut link here
Fill in the details – put a tick in the box to confirm that you are a CHPSC member (have your 2020 membership number ready)
Then in the payment bit – use ‘I am a paid up CHPSC member and request permit for parking’ - Then Submit
You will then get a return e-mail with instructions
Please make sure the gate is closed and locked at all times and that the padlock is never left open or with the code left on the dial
Many of you will have noticed a new porta-cabin located adjacent to the old club building - this is used by Betsi Cadwaladr National Health Trust Nursing staff for patient consultations in a secure covid-free environment.
Plas Heli is pleased to be able to assist the NHS with this facility and the use of the training rooms in Plas Heli
It is sad to state that there are no reports of a great bonfire night with sausage, beans and mash. For some a glimpse of a neighbour’s fireworks in the distance, or on the television, was all we had to mark the passing of November 5th.
The days are shorter, and with each passing storm we are conceding that for many of us, boating opportunities in 2020 are diminishing. It is now time to remind ourselves that we did have some great days on the water this year, despite Covid-19. For the hardy racers there is still time to complete the Commodore's Challenge and I am sure that for those that can, there will be some magical winter sailing days in our fantastic bay!
The CHPSC Flag Officers and Management Committee continue to plan and adapt by working within the ever-changing regulations as we reach the end of the Firebreak lockdown in Wales. Regrettably it is unlikely that we will be able to hold the Christmas Ball and prize giving, but we hope to have a small gathering of the Flag Officers and past Commodores (should the new hospitality and rules allow) to celebrate the succession of our club Commodores. We will report fully on this later in the month.
In December we will publish a list of our 2020 champions, the winners of this year’s racing and cruising trophies and we aim to have a bigger and better prize giving ball next year, to reward these worthy recipients. With the start of the English Lockdown period we will return to publishing the "boredom buster" video links for your enjoyment.
There is further news below about our dinghy compound and the location of the water colour is revealed
Racing - Proposed IRC Rating changes 2021 and updates to rules of racing -2021-2024
IRC -
A number of proposed changes to the IRC Formula for 2021, which will impact club boats that race under the IRC rating system in club racing, ISORA and the Welsh IRC Champs.
The proposed changes have been outlined in the document from the IRC Technical Committee to the IRC Congress - see here
RRS 2021-24
Every three years World Sailing publish a new set of "Racing Rules for Sailing". The 2021-2024 rules also refered to as RRS have been published and for your convenience we have added this to the Racing Information Pack - Details here. or just click on the image on the right.
Vendee Globe
This Incredible race starts this Sunday the 8th November and is one we know many members like to follow.
The race can be followed by accessing the event website here or downloading the app from the Apple app store or Google Play store
Bangor born Alex Thomson's "HUGO BOSS" latest promotional video can be viewed here, or below
Member Spotlight - James Evans
An account by club member James Evans - Senior Instructor CHIPAC, club member, and son of Pen Llyn.
IRC WELSH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - UPDATE
Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre, has been awarded the venue rights for the 'IRC Welsh National Championships' for 2021 and 2022. The Championship is hosted by Plas Heli, and organised/managed by CHPSC and the RDYC.
We now are recruiting volunteers for event planning purposes and if you would like to contribute, or have any suggestions to enhance the event, please reply to this newsletter. Its intended to have the first planning meeting in December to agree the Notice of Race and proposed format of racing. This meeting will be open to all potential entrants and volunteers, and will be held using Zoom. Further details next month.
2021 Membership Rates
Membership of CHPSC for 2021 is now available from 1st October 2020 for new members - a person who has not been a member for the last three years
The membership year is from 1st January to 31st December, so a new member in October will benefit from 15 months of membership for the price of 12!
2021 Fee Structure
Primary Member - £65
Joint Membership - £115
Racing Skipper - £125
Joint Racing Skipper - £180
Associate Member - £75
Student Member - £30
Youth Member - £20
Dinghy Storage
Small (Optimist/Topper) £55 (£48 early payment)
Medium (Laser) £65 £55 early payment)
Large (Merlin Rocket) £85 (£75 early payment)
Multi Hulls (Dart etc) £95 (£83 early payment)
PLAS HELI:
Plas Heli will re-open on Thursday 12th November (proided regulations allow) and the new winter opening times will be circulated in the next e-newsletter.
"Pysgod a Sglodion" - fish and chips, plus the popular burger - offered as a special on Saturdays with a free beer
New codes on all gates - please don’t pass on these numbers. Anyone with a genuine need to access the pontoons, compounds or other gated areas will be provided with the code, combination or key. Email
Track and Trace is a Government requirement, please record your details on the sheet provided at the entrance to the bar, or send an email to
Future Plas Heli/PSC hosted Events:
Winter series 21/22nd November
Thought for the Day:
For more information, membership links and the latest weather and webcam
go to:
www.pwllhelisailingclub.co.uk
Plas Heli Quayside Parking
The parking area on the Plas Heli Quayside is available for paid up CHPSC members and to authorised pontoon users.
The parking area is accessed through the gate adjacent to the old club building
The code to the gate is changed regularly and can be obtained through the plasheli.org website > Facilities> Parking. For convenience follow this shortcut link here
Fill in the details – put a tick in the box to confirm that you are a CHPSC member (have your 2020 membership number ready)
Then in the payment bit – use ‘I am a paid up CHPSC member and request permit for parking’ - Then Submit
You will then get a return e-mail with instructions
Please make sure the gate is closed and locked at all times and that the padlock is never left open or with the code left on the dial
Many of you will have noticed a new porta-cabin located adjacent to the old club building - this is used by Betsi Cadwaladr National Health Trust Nursing staff for patient consultations in a secure covid-free environment.
Plas Heli is pleased to be able to assist the NHS with this facility and the use of the training rooms in Plas Heli
With Wales in the middle of the "Firebreak lockdown", there is sadly no sailing news to report. Behind the scenes, the Flag Officers continue to engage with RYA CW and attend on-line development forums, where we have an opportunity to discuss restrictions with RYA CW and their interpretation of Welsh Government COVID laws and the direction it takes with advice regarding boating activities etc.
In further co-operation, the Flag Officers continue to discuss current and future facilities for club members at Plas Heli with the directors, and are grateful that Plas Heli have entered into this collaborative partnership with us.
Vendee Globe
This Incredible race starts on November the 8th and is one we know many members like to follow. Some interesting Celtic connections, with Solo Skippers Alex Thomson racing "Hugo Boss" born up the road in Bangor, Pip Hare racing "Medallia" who competed in the 2017 Three Peaks yacht race from Barmouth, Samantha Davies racing "Initiatives Coeur" along with French Vendee skipper Miranda Merron and Volvo Ocean racer Dee Cafari, who set the incredible 6 day and 11 hour record for the circumnavigation of GB and Ireland in 2009
The promotion video for this years race can be viewed here or below.
IRC WELSH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - UPDATE
Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre, has been awarded the venue rights for the 'IRC Welsh National Championships' for 2021 and 2022. The Championship is hosted by Plas Heli, and organised/managed by CHPSC and the RDYC.
We now are recruiting volunteers for event planning purposes and if you would like to contribute, or have any suggestions to enhance the event, please reply to this newsletter. Its intended to have the first planning meeting in December to agree the Notice of Race and proposed format of racing. This meeting will be open to all potential entrants and volunteers, and will be held using Zoom. Further details next month.
2021 Membership Rates
Membership of CHPSC for 2021 is now available from 1st October 2020 for new members - a person who has not been a member for the last three years
The membership year is from 1st January to 31st December, so a new member in October will benefit from 15 months of membership for the price of 12!
2021 Fee Structure
Primary Member - £65
Joint Membership - £115
Racing Skipper - £125
Joint Racing Skipper - £180
Associate Member - £75
Student Member - £30
Youth Member - £20
Dinghy Storage
Small (Optimist/Topper) £55 (£48 early payment)
Medium (Laser) £65 £55 early payment)
Large (Merlin Rocket) £85 (£75 early payment)
Multi Hulls (Dart etc) £95 (£83 early payment)
Member Spotlight - Arwen Fflur
Club youth member and CHIPAC sailor Arwen (13) is putting in some incredible performances in the Laser, having moved up to this class from the Optimist and (briefly) Feva. Arwen recently competed in the RYA Youth Championships and UKLA Qualifiers (originally planned to be held in Pwllheli) with a fantastic 3rd place overall in the UK Laser Association ILCA 4 "October Qualifier" and RYA Junior Championships in a 33 boat fleet, and first girl - winning Gold in the U16 category - Llongyfarchiadau Arwen !
Arwen Fflur competing in Pwllheli, September 2019
An excerpt from the race report is reproduced below (kind permission of yachts and Yachting)
Well done Arwen, representing Pwllheli so well.
The weekend of 17th & 18th October saw 118 sailors spread across the ILCA-4, 6 and 7 fleets. Two events were combined, the UKLA Marine ILCA7, ILCA6 & ILCA4 and the RYA Youth Championships (See separate write-up for the ILCA7 fleet.)
Wind conditions started with a wonderful 12 - 15 kts, a fresh 12 degrees centigrade, and almost champagne conditions if not for the very grey skies, and the drop to below 10 knots during the last race of the day.
ILCA-4 fleet
This was an important event for the ILCA-4s, as, in addition to being the second UKLA qualifier event in the new season, it was the RYA's Junior (U16) Championship, which was rescheduled due to Covid-19 restrictions on the original date.
was very pleasing to see a growing female participation (almost 50%) in the fleet. Arwen Fflur had a very strong performance, particularly in the light winds of the second day, scoring a hat-trick of silver placings, and breaking the dominance of the boys in the middle of the top five placings on the score board. Hazell McDonnell was second placed female with Leah Fidling defeating Honor Proctor by one place to claim third placing overall, although Honor wins the bronze medal in the U16 category.
Due to Covid restrictions, there was no prize-giving, but medals are being sent to the winners.
Arwen Fflur - focused and enthusiastic
Arwen's coach Chris Jones (CHIPAC) commented: Arwen seems to have adapted remarkably quickly moving into the Laser. Clearly, she has been able to transfer and adapt a great deal of skill from the optimist into the new boat. During CHIPAC Friday sessions she was focused, enthusiastic and able to adopt laser specific techniques quickly. This will no doubt serve her well in youth sailing.
PLAS HELI:
Plas Heli is currently closed in-line with Welsh Government regulations. Some essential maintenance is taking place and the Directors and Flag Officers are making regular security checks of the building, compound and pontoons.
The "Glan Don Beach Bar" remains closed, and we will publish the opening hours for the rest of the year in next weeks newsletter, when Welsh Government regulations coming out of the firebreak have been published.
"Pysgod a Sglodion" - fish and chips, plus the popular burger - offered as a special on Saturdays with a free beer
New codes on all gates - please don’t pass on these numbers. Anyone with a genuine need to access the pontoons, compounds or other gated areas will be provided with the code, combination or key. Email
Track and Trace is a Government requirement, please record your details on the sheet provided at the entrance to the bar, or send an email to
Future Plas Heli/PSC hosted Events:
Winter series 21/22nd November
Thought for the Day:
For more information, membership links and the latest weather and webcam
go to:
www.pwllhelisailingclub.co.uk
Plas Heli Quayside Parking
The parking area on the Plas Heli Quayside is available for paid up CHPSC members and to authorised pontoon users.
The parking area is accessed through the gate adjacent to the old club building
The code to the gate is changed regularly and can be obtained through the plasheli.org website > Facilities> Parking. For convenience follow this shortcut link here
Fill in the details – put a tick in the box to confirm that you are a CHPSC member (have your 2020 membership number ready)
Then in the payment bit – use ‘I am a paid up CHPSC member and request permit for parking’ - Then Submit
You will then get a return e-mail with instructions
Please make sure the gate is closed and locked at all times and that the padlock is never left open or with the code left on the dial
Many of you will have noticed a new porta-cabin located adjacent to the old club building - this is used by Betsi Cadwaladr National Health Trust Nursing staff for patient consultations in a secure covid-free environment.
Plas Heli is pleased to be able to assist the NHS with this facility and the use of the training rooms in Plas Heli
CHPSC Flag Officers attended an online seminar with RYA CW last Tuesday, and confirmed that Welsh Government regulations imposed due to the Coronavirus Firebreak starting at 6pm today - Friday the 23rd October, mean that all club activities will be suspended, and Plas Heli closed until Monday November 9th. The Welsh Government restrictions to travel, hospitality and exercise are detailed here
Working Party
Many thanks to the volunteers who helped with the Autumn layup of the club "protector" event committee boat, which will now undertake a refurbishment, storage of event equipment and other important jobs in the compound last Saturday. The help was much appreciated by both the Directors of Plas Heli and Flag Officers of CHPSC, and thanks to the catering staff for the brunch!
Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre, has been awarded the venue rights for the 'IRC Welsh National Championships' for 2021 and 2022. The Championships are hosted by Plas Heli, and organised/managed by CHPSC and the RDYC.
We now are recruiting volunteers for event planning purposes and if you would like to contribute, or have any suggestions to enhance the event, please reply to this newsletter
2021 Membership Rates
Membership of CHPSC for 2021 is now available from 1st October 2020 for new members - a person who has not been a member for the last three years
The membership year is from 1st January to 31st December, so a new member in October will benefit from 15 months of membership for the price of 12!
2021 Fee Structure
Primary Member - £65
Joint Membership - £115
Racing Skipper - £125
Joint Racing Skipper - £180
Associate Member - £75
Student Member - £30
Youth Member - £20
Dinghy Storage
Small (Optimist/Topper) £55 (£48 early payment)
Medium (Laser) £65 £55 early payment)
Large (Merlin Rocket) £85 (£75 early payment)
Multi Hulls (Dart etc) £95 (£83 early payment)
Member Spotlight - Rob and Sarah Smith
CHPSC management committee member and Director of Plas Heli Rob Smith writes : Sarah's early sailing adventures started here in Pwllheli in the late 1960s when her father bought her an "unsinkable" sailing dinghy to sail off the beach at the West End. Mine started when my father bought a Heron dingy which we used to sail out of Mumbles, Swansea and on our annual summer holiday to New Quay just across the bay from here.
Quicksilver off the West End
Our first experience of "big boats" came when 4 of us bought "Quicksilver", an Oyster 26 which we successfully sailed around the cans here in Pwllheli for many years. Highlights were always the King Constantine Cup and the annual race to Porthdinllaen. Subsequently, Sarah and I enjoyed many years chartering yachts in the Med and the BVIs until 2017, when we bought our Hanse 345, Perfect Pitch. She is an ideal boat for us which we sailed to Ireland last year in the company of Gerallt and Pat "Pererin". This year we planned to sail to the Firth of Clyde but Covid has meant that we have postponed until 2021. We also still enjoy the occasional club race around the cans, competing in the NHC cruiser class, and the Cruiser class of the IRC Welsh National Championships.
CHIPAC (Clwb Hwylio Ieuenctid Pwllheli A'r Cylch) - our youth sailing section have completed their 2020 programme.
Current and previous CHIPAC members, have represented Wales in sailing events all the way from regional races to the Olympics and Americas Cup - a credit to the hard work by the young sailors, volunteers and instructors.
Members holding RYA Dinghy or Senior Instructor qualifications who would like to help out with CHIPAC, or those looking to help out and gain qualifications, please reply to this email, so planning for 2021 can start now.
Plas Heli:
Plas Heli and the Bar facilities will be closed from Friday 23rd at 6pm until Monday November the 9th in line with Government regulations. Q and A relating to the Corona Virus Firebreak restrictions can be found here
The Plas Heli catering operation, comprising all of the food and beverage offerings, is managed by Tom and Iwan and is branded as the "Glan Don Beach Bar and restaurant" Tom and Iwan have worked very hard over the last few weeks to adapt and enhance the bar, re-designed the restaurant layout and brought in some replacement furniture, and are now providing an excellent and delicious choice of good value meals, enhanced by specials offers such as Friday curry night, and of course the popular Sunday Carvery. They have adjusted the prices on many of the popular drinks, and offer some excellent local beers, including beers from Y Bragdy Mws Piws (Purple Moose) Porthmadog and IPA from the Old Market Brewery, Caernarfon. As always any feedback to further enhance the service they provide to both the public and CHPSC members is welcomed, and look out for special offers for club members at weekends after the firebreak lockdown, when they will be welcoming us all back.
"Pysgod a Sglodion" - fish and chips, plus the popular burger - offered as a special on Saturdays with a free beer
Selection of Sandwiches with Salad
New codes on all gates - please don’t pass on these numbers. Anyone with a genuine need to access the pontoons, compounds or other gated areas will be provided with the code, combination or key. Email
Track and Trace is a Government requirement, please record your details on the sheet provided at the entrance to the bar, or send an email to
Future Plas Heli/PSC hosted Events:
Winter series 21/22nd November
Thought for the Day:
For more information, membership links and the latest weather and webcam
go to:
www.pwllhelisailingclub.co.uk
Plas Heli Quayside Parking
The parking area on the Plas Heli Quayside is available for paid up CHPSC members and to authorised pontoon users.
The parking area is accessed through the gate adjacent to the old club building
The code to the gate is changed regularly and can be obtained through the plasheli.org website > Facilities> Parking. For convenience follow this shortcut link here
Fill in the details – put a tick in the box to confirm that you are a CHPSC member (have your 2020 membership number ready)
Then in the payment bit – use ‘I am a paid up CHPSC member and request permit for parking’ - Then Submit
You will then get a return e-mail with instructions
Please make sure the gate is closed and locked at all times and that the padlock is never left open or with the code left on the dial
Many of you will have noticed a new porta-cabin located adjacent to the old club building - this is used by Betsi Cadwaladr National Health Trust Nursing staff for patient consultations in a secure covid-free environment.
Plas Heli is pleased to be able to assist the NHS with this facility and the use of the training rooms in Plas Heli