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 with additional clearances and active stewarding.
• 200 boats can be accommodated easily if all road trailers are stored in a separate designated area.
• For fleets of 100 boats or fewer, road trailers may remain in the main boat park.

Operational Requirements for Maximum Capacity

• Additional compound clearances
• Boat park stewards managing density and movement
• Competitors directed to specific zones
• Trailer‑storage confirmed with Class Association
• Temporary fencing/delineation for high‑density areas

Attendance Capacity

Daily attendance may reach 600+ people, including competitors, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators, and public users.

Indoor & Outdoor Capacity

• Main Hall capacity: up to 300 persons
• Clubhouse occupancy per building regulations
• Outdoor spectator areas:
  • Balconies overlooking the launching area
  • Beach viewing points
  • Quayside vantage points

Capacity Management Measures

• Controlled launch/recovery scheduling
• Volunteer stewards at pinch points
• One‑way pedestrian flows
• Trailer‑free zones
• Monitoring by Venue Lead and Safety Officer

3.4 Access & Egress

Dinghy Launching & Recovery

All dinghy launching and recovery will take place via the secure boat park → gated washdown → shared public path → beach launch zone.

The beach path is shared with the public (walkers, families, dogs, cyclists) and requires additional care.

• Volunteers positioned along the shared path
• Clear signage warning the public
• Competitors briefed daily
• Trolleys controlled at all times
• No boats left unattended
• Peak times managed to reduce congestion

Safety Boat Operations & Harbour Transit

Safety boats must comply with Harbour Authority regulations at all times.

Harbour Transit Rules

• Maximum harbour speed: 4 knots
• Stay within the marked channel
• Do not pass under the main bridge to Hafan Marina
• Beware of the Training Wall:
  • Hidden at high tide
  • Must never be crossed
  • Major grounding hazard

Pontoon Use & Berthing Requirements

• Event‑specific pontoon plan allocates berths
• Boats must only berth in allocated spaces
• Walkways must be kept clear
• Automatic gate — must close securely
• No objects obstructing gate or walkways

Evacuation & Casualty Transfer Point

• Gate area kept completely clear
• Boats securely berthed
• No loose lines or equipment

Operational Conduct on Pontoons

• Engines at low power
• Situational awareness of public users
• Proper mooring techniques
• No fuel containers left unattended
• No obstructive maintenance during event hours

Pedestrian Access

• Main entrance via car park
• Secondary access via promenade
• Clear routes to clubhouse, boat park, pontoons, Main Hall

Vehicle Access

• Controlled access for trailers
• Volunteer marshals during peak periods
• Emergency access maintained

Emergency Access

• Dedicated emergency rendezvous point
• Slipway kept clear for RNLI/Coastguard
• Clear signage

3.5 Public Facilities – Toilets & Showers

Plas Heli provides extensive toilet and shower facilities across the site, suitable for large championship events.

General Requirements

• Sand must be washed off before entering showers
• No wet clothes in Main Reception or upstairs toilets
• Unisex cabins are single‑occupancy
• All doors must be closed and locked
• Fire doors must not be opened

Main Building – Ground Floor

Suitable for competitors aged 17 and under.

Male Facilities

• Shower and changing rooms
• Boys changing room with urinals
• Boys toilet
• Back shower room

Female Facilities

• Shower and changing rooms
• Girls changing room
• Girls showers
• Girls back changing room
• Girls toilets (three cubicles)

Main Reception Toilets

• Two unisex single‑occupancy toilets
• No wet clothes permitted

First Floor Toilets (Catering Customers Only)

• Male toilets
• Female toilets (four cubicles)
• Disabled toilet
• No wet clothes upstairs

Caban Heli – Adult Competitors (18+)

• Large changing areas
• Multiple shower heads
• Toilets

Adult Camper Facilities

Beach‑Side Shower Cabins

• Two unisex single‑occupancy cabins
• Access via key from Race Office
• Must remain locked
• Access via washdown area

Main Compound Cabin

• One unisex shower cabin
• One toilet cabin (three cubicles + urinals)

Total Facility Capacity

• 24 toilets
• 40 shower heads

Water Points

• Refill stations at clubhouse and compound

Shelter

• Main Hall for indoor shelter
• Temporary gazebos permitted if secure

Food & Drink

• Catered meals and refreshments
• Coffee vendor (subject to confirmation)
• Formal dinners/social events in Main Hall

3.6 Waste & Sustainability

Single‑Use Plastics

• Single‑use plastics are not permitted
• Competitors must bring refillable bottles
• Water refill points available
• No bottled water provided

Waste Management

• Clearly labelled recycling, general waste, and food waste bins
• Correct bin usage required
• Contractors remove their own waste

3.7 Parking & Traffic

• Competitor parking in designated areas
• Trailer storage in controlled compound
• Public parking in main car park
• Traffic management signage as required
• Coordination with Gwynedd Council for overflow parking (if needed)

3.8 Noise & Nuisance Control

• PA system used only for essential announcements
• Social event noise controlled and time‑limited
• Advance notice provided to local residents
• Generator placement to minimise disturbance (if used)

3.9 Product Safety

Any on‑site retail (chandlery, clothing, merchandise) must comply with UK product safety regulations and display appropriate trademarks.

Related EMP Sections

• Section 2 – Event Management Planning
• Section 4 – Health & Safety Arrangements
• Section 5 – Communications & Briefings