3. Event Site Specifics

Plas Heli is a purpose‑built national sailing academy located on the Pwllheli waterfront, providing direct access to Cardigan Bay and extensive on‑shore facilities. This section outlines the site layout, zoning, capacity, and operational considerations for championship‑level events.

3.1 Site Plan

A detailed site plan will be prepared for each event and will include:

Boat park layout and compound boundaries
Dinghy launching and recovery route from the secure boat park → gated washdown area → beach launch zone
Safety boat berthing plan on Plas Heli pontoons
Event‑specific pontoon plan showing allocated berths for safety boats, committee boats, and support vessels
Registration and measurement areas
Main Hall layout and usage plan
Volunteer and official parking
Public access routes
Emergency access and rendezvous points
Waste and recycling stations
Catering and hospitality locations

The site plan will be published as an appendix and displayed on‑site for competitors and volunteers.

3.2 Site Zoning

To ensure safe and efficient movement, the site will be divided into clearly defined zones:

Restricted Zones (Accredited Access Only)

Boat park and compound
Gated washdown area leading to the beach launch point
Beach launching and recovery zone
Plas Heli pontoons (safety boats, committee boats, support vessels)
Safety boat area
Race management zones
Measurement and equipment inspection areas

Controlled Access Zones

Registration area
Volunteer briefing point
Catering service areas
Main Hall (meetings, briefings, measurement, formal dinners)

Public Zones

Coastal path
Beach areas
Viewing points
Car parks (public sections)

Clear signage and volunteer stewards will be used to maintain separation between operational and public areas.

3.3 Site Capacity

Plas Heli’s site capacity varies depending on event configuration, class requirements, and trailer‑storage arrangements. The venue can support a wide range of fleet sizes with appropriate planning and stewarding.

Boat Capacity

Plas Heli can accommodate up to 300 boats on site when additional clearances are implemented and the boat park is actively stewarded to maximise efficiency.
200 boats can be accommodated easily, provided that all road trailers are stored in a separate designated area by prior arrangement.
For fleets of 100 boats or fewer, road trailers can be stored within the main boat park area without impacting operational flow.

Operational Requirements for Maximum Capacity

To safely and efficiently accommodate up to 300 boats:

Additional compound clearances will be implemented.
Boat park stewards/marshals will manage parking density, movement, and layout.
Competitors will be directed to specific zones to optimise space usage.
Trailer‑storage arrangements will be confirmed in advance with the Class Association.
Temporary fencing or delineation may be used to define high‑density areas.

Attendance Capacity

Daily attendance may reach 600+ people, including:

Competitors
Coaches and support teams
Volunteers
Officials
Spectators
Members of the public using the beach and quayside

Indoor & Outdoor Capacity

Main Hall capacity: up to 300 persons for briefings, measurement, meetings, or formal dinners.
Clubhouse occupancy follows building regulations.
Outdoor spectator areas include:
- Balconies overlooking the launching area
- Beach viewing points
- Quayside vantage points

Capacity Management Measures

To ensure safe and efficient operations:

Controlled launch/recovery scheduling
Volunteer stewards at pinch points
One‑way pedestrian flows where required
Trailer‑free zones for high‑density fleets
Monitoring by Venue Lead and Safety Officer

3.4 Access & Egress

Dinghy Launching & Recovery

All dinghy launching and recovery will take place:

From the secure boat park area
Through the gated washdown area
Along the shared public access path
Directly onto the public beach launch zone

The beach at Plas Heli is a popular public-access beach, and the pathway between the washdown area and the beach is shared with members of the public, including walkers, families, dogs, and cyclists. This section of the route requires additional care, control, and vigilance.

To ensure safe movement:

Volunteers will be positioned along the shared path during launch and recovery.
Clear signage will be installed to warn the public of boat movements.
Competitors will be briefed daily on the need to proceed slowly and courteously.
Trolleys must be controlled at all times to prevent collisions or obstruction.
Boats must not be left unattended on the shared path.
Peak launch/recovery times will be managed to reduce congestion.

This controlled route ensures:

Safe movement of boats
Clear separation from operational and public areas where possible
Compliance with environmental and washdown requirements

Direct access to the sailing waters of Cardigan Bay

Safety Boat Operations & Harbour Transit

Safety boats operating from Plas Heli must comply with Harbour Authority regulations at all times. These rules are mandatory and apply to all safety boats, committee boats, and support vessels.

Harbour Transit Rules

Maximum speed within the harbour: 4 knots.
Safety boats must remain within the marked channel at all times.
Do not pass under the main bridge leading to Hafan Marina.
Beware of the Training Wall:
- It is hidden at high tide.
- It must never be crossed, even at high water.
- It presents a significant grounding and collision hazard.

These rules will be briefed daily to all safety boat crews.

Pontoon Use & Berthing Requirements

Safety boats are berthed on the Plas Heli pontoons, alongside annual berth holders. To ensure safety, security, and respect for existing customers:

An event‑specific pontoon plan will allocate berths for safety boats, committee boats, and support vessels.
Boats must only berth in their allocated space.
- Do not use any other berth — annual customers may return at any time.
Walkways must be kept clear at all times.
- This is essential for safety, access, and evacuation.
The pontoon access gate is automatic.
- An event‑specific access code will be issued.
- Ensure the gate closes securely behind you.
- Do not leave any object (trolley, bag, rope) obstructing the gate — this prevents the locking mechanism from engaging and compromises security.

Evacuation & Casualty Transfer Point

The pontoon access gate area is a designated evacuation point for casualties. To maintain safe emergency access:

The gate area must be kept completely clear at all times.
Boats must be securely berthed so they cannot move or swing when the tide or wind changes.
Loose lines, trailing ropes, and unsecured equipment must be removed immediately.

Operational Conduct on Pontoons

Engines must be used at low power when manoeuvring.
Crews must maintain situational awareness of public users on the quayside and harbour.
Boats must be tied off using proper mooring techniques to prevent movement.
Fuel containers must be stored safely and never left unattended on walkways.
No boat maintenance that obstructs walkways is permitted during event hours.

Pedestrian Access

Main entrance via Plas Heli car park
Secondary access via promenade
Clear pedestrian routes to clubhouse, boat park, pontoons, and Main Hall

Vehicle Access

Controlled access for trailers and competitor vehicles
Volunteer marshals during peak arrival periods
Emergency vehicle access maintained at all times

Emergency Access

Dedicated emergency rendezvous point (RVP)
Slipway kept clear for RNLI/Coastguard access
Clear signage for emergency routes

3.5 Public Facilities – Toilets & Showers

Plas Heli provides extensive toilet and shower facilities across the site, suitable for large championship events. Facilities are distributed between the Main Building, Caban Heli, the main compound, and the beach washdown area. Cleaners are in attendance during events.

A full description of facilities is available at: Plas Heli – Shower and Toilet Options (Referenced, not reproduced)

General Requirements

Sand must be washed off before entering any shower area.
- Failure to do so causes blocked drains and may result in shower closures.
No wet clothes in the Main Reception toilets or upstairs catering toilets.
All unisex cabins are single‑occupancy only.
All doors must be closed and locked after use.
Fire doors from the rear corridor to the washdown area must not be opened.

Main Building – Ground Floor (Main Hall Access)

Suitable for competitors aged 17 and under, and for general competitor use unless otherwise directed.

Male Facilities

Shower and changing rooms
Boys changing room with urinals
Boys toilet adjacent to shower rooms
Back shower room

Female Facilities

Shower and changing rooms
Girls changing room with access to secondary changing area
Girls showers
Girls back changing room
Girls toilets (three cubicles)

These rooms can be used jointly or separately depending on event requirements.

Main Reception Toilets (Ground Floor)

Two unisex single‑occupancy toilets
No wet clothes permitted in this area

First Floor Toilets (Catering Customers Only)

Accessible only when the café/bar is open.

Male toilets (urinals + cubicles)
Female toilets (four cubicles)
Disabled toilet
No wet clothes upstairs at any time

Caban Heli – Large Event Showers & Toilets (Adult Competitors Only)

Accessed using the event code with a # at the end.

Male

Large changing area
Multiple shower heads
Toilets

Female

Large changing area
Multiple shower heads
Toilets

These facilities are for competitors aged 18+.

Adult Camper Facilities

Beach‑Side Shower Cabins (Adjacent to Washdown Area)

Two unisex single‑occupancy shower cabins
For adult campers only
Access via key signed out from the Race Office
Must remain locked at all times
Access through the dinghy washdown area
Keys must be signed back in after use

Main Compound Cabin

One unisex single‑occupancy shower cabin
One toilet cabin with three cubicles, urinals, and washbasins
For adult campers and event use as directed

Total Facility Capacity

Plas Heli provides:

24 toilets (WCs)
40 shower heads across all buildings and cabins.

This capacity is suitable for large multi‑fleet championship events.

Water Points

Refill stations located at Plas Heli building and in the compound

Shelter

Main Hall provides indoor shelter and space for meetings, briefings, and measurement
Temporary gazebos may be used for shade or weather protection if required but must be secure.

Food & Drink

Catered meals and refreshments provided by contracted caterers or arranged contractors
Coffee vendor (subject to confirmation)
Formal dinners and social events may be held in the Main Hall

3.6 Waste & Sustainability

Plas Heli is committed to sustainable event delivery and operates a venue‑wide environmental policy that applies to all competitors, volunteers, officials, and contractors.

Single‑Use Plastics

Single‑use plastics are not permitted on site.
All competitors, volunteers, and officials must bring their own refillable water bottle.
Water refill points are available at the clubhouse and compound.
Bottled water will not be provided by Plas Heli or event organisers.

Waste Management

Clearly labelled recycling, general waste, and food waste bins are provided throughout the site.
Competitors and teams must use the correct bins and avoid contamination.
Contractors are responsible for removing their own packaging and waste.

Environmental Protection

Sand must be washed off in designated washdown areas to prevent drain blockages.
No oil, fuel, or chemical residues may be disposed of on site.
Spill kits are available and must be used immediately in the event of a fuel or oil spill.