Plas Heli maintains a comprehensive fire‑safety framework based on statutory requirements, venue policies, and lessons learned from previous events. Fire‑risk controls apply to all competitors, volunteers, officials, contractors, and members of the public accessing the site.

This section integrates the venue’s Fire Risk Assessment and Major Incident Emergency & Evacuation Plan, ensuring that all fire‑safety measures are understood and implemented throughout the event.

7.1 Fire Risk Assessment Overview

Plas Heli’s Fire Risk Assessment is structured around five core categories, as defined in the 2016 assessment:

“The Fire Risk Assessment will be divided into five categories:

1. Ignition
2. Source of fuel
3. Fire detection and warning
4. Fire fighting equipment and facilities
5. Escape routes.”

These categories remain valid and form the basis of fire‑safety planning for sailing events.

The assessment is reviewed during:

• Event planning
• Build‑up and load‑in
• The event itself
• Load‑out
• Post‑event review

“It will be necessary to continually monitor the Fire Risk Assessment and where necessary revise.”

7.2 Ignition Sources

Vehicles & Plant

• All vehicles must comply with current testing legislation.

“All vehicles are to comply with current testing legislation in respect of their type and use.”

• Adequate separation between vehicles must be maintained.
• No reversing of contractor vehicles without a banksman.

Electrical Installations

• All fixed electrical installations are inspected and tested in accordance with BS7671.

“All fixed electrical installations to be inspected and tested in accordance with BS7671.”

• Portable appliances must comply with Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Generators

• No external generators are used at sailing events.

“No generators will be used at this event.”

Kitchen Equipment

• Kitchen equipment (including gas fryers) is serviced and certified.

“Plas Heli operate fat fryers… equipped with thermostatic cut out controls and flame failure devices.”

7.3 Sources of Fuel

Combustible Waste

• Waste bins are provided throughout the venue and emptied regularly.

“Receptacles provided throughout the venue which are emptied at regular intervals.”

LPG

• LPG only used in accordance with Plas Heli policy.

“LPG only to be used in accordance with Plas Heli Policy.”

• Only Plas Heli’s kitchen uses LPG.
• No concession units or external vendors permitted.

Fuel & Flammable Liquids

• No on‑site refuelling of safety boats or vehicles.

“Onsite refuelling will not be required and will not permitted.”

• Minor spills must be cleared immediately.
• Significant spills must be reported to Duty Manager and NEFRS.

“NEFRS and Environment Agency to be notified of any significant spills.”

7.4 Fire Detection & Warning

Detection

• Regular patrols by stewards ensure early identification of fire hazards.

“Regular patrols of the area by Stewards.”

Warning Systems

• The public address system covers the venue.

“The public address system covers the venue.”

• Radios used to relay warnings.
• Stewards evacuate affected areas if required.

7.5 Fire Fighting Equipment

Extinguishers

• All extinguishers serviced in accordance with BS5306.

“All fire extinguishers serviced in accordance with BS5306 part 3.”

• Extinguishers located in:
  • Main Hall
  • Race Office
  • Kitchen
  • Compound cabins
  • Pontoon access area

Training

• Staff receive instruction on extinguisher use.

“Instruction given on selection and use of fire extinguishers by competent contractors.”

• Members of the public are not expected to use extinguishers.

7.6 Escape Routes & Evacuation

Emergency Exits

• All emergency exits must remain clear at all times.

“All Emergency Exits to be kept clear and staffed at all times.”

• Exit widths and capacities follow the Major Incident Emergency & Evacuation Plan.

“Refer to Plas Heli Major Incident Emergency and Evacuation Plan.”

Fire Lanes

• Fire lanes must remain unobstructed.

“Routes clearly signed… road widths not less than 3.7m.”

Lighting

• Emergency lighting provided inside the venue.

“Venue Emergency lighting is provided…”

Evacuation Control

• PA system, radios, and steward patrols coordinate evacuation.

“Steward patrols evacuate all persons from the hazard area.”

• All staff, volunteers, and contractors receive induction on emergency procedures.

“Staff… are provided with information regarding site emergency procedures prior to their arrival.”

7.7 Venue‑Specific Fire Safety Controls

Pontoons & Harbour Area

• Pontoon access gate is a designated casualty evacuation point.
• Walkways must remain clear.
• Boats must be securely berthed.

Beach Launch & Shared Public Path

• Path shared with the public.
• Stewards positioned during launch/recovery.
• Boats must not obstruct public access.

Main Hall

• Maximum occupancy: 300 persons.
• All exits must remain clear.
• Fire extinguishers positioned at designated points.

No Single‑Use Plastics

• Refillable water bottles required.
• No disposable fuel containers or plastic waste contributing to fire load.

7.8 Post‑Event Review

A fire‑safety review will be conducted after each event to:

• evaluate control measures
• identify improvements
• update the Fire Risk Assessment
• report findings to the Board and relevant authorities

Related EMP Sections

• Section 6 – Lost Children & Vulnerable Adults
• Section 8 – Licensing & Regulated Entertainment
• Section 9 – Insurance

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

2. Roles & Responsibilities (RYA‑Aligned)

This section identifies the key personnel responsible for delivering a safe and well‑managed event. Roles follow RYA‑aligned terminology to ensure consistency with class associations, race management teams, and national guidance.

2.1 Event Director

• Overall leadership of the event.
• Ensures compliance with Plas Heli policies and RYA guidance.
• Supports the PRO, CSL, and ESO in safety‑critical decisions.
• Coordinates with class representatives and visiting organisations.

2.2 Principal Race Officer (PRO)

• Leads race management afloat.
• Sets courses, manages signals, and makes abandonment/suspension decisions.
• Works closely with the CSL to assess conditions and ensure competitor safety.
• Maintains communication with Bridge and Beach Teams.

2.3 Course Safety Lead (CSL)

• Leads afloat safety operations (RYA‑aligned terminology).
• Coordinates safety boats and patrol craft.
• Assesses weather, sea state, fleet behaviour, and risk.
• Advises PRO and ESO on safety‑critical decisions.
• Manages rescue priorities and landing point selection.

2.4 Event Safety Officer (ESO)

• Leads overall event safety (afloat and ashore).
• Coordinates emergency response and liaises with emergency services.
• Supports CSL and PRO during incidents.
• Ensures safety documentation is complete and compliant.

2.5 Bridge Team

• Monitors radio communication on all race courses.
• Tracks how many sailors, coaches, and volunteers are on the water.
• Supports communication between shore roles (Event Director, ESO, Beach Team) and water roles (CSL, PRO).
• Logs incidents, weather changes, and safety‑critical messages.
• Coordinates emergency services if required.

2.6 Beach Team

• Manages launching and recovery.
• Monitors waterline conditions and shoreline hazards.
• Supports tallying and competitor flow.
• Reports hazards or incidents to ESO and CSL.

2.7 Safety Boat Crews

• Provide rescue cover in accordance with RYA Safety Boat guidance.
• Respond to capsizes, injuries, and incidents.
• Report all incidents to CSL and ESO.
• Transport casualties to agreed landing points.

2.8 Class Association / Organising Authority

• Must ensure adequate Third Party Liability Insurance is in place for all competitors, coaches, and support boats.
• Provide event‑specific risk assessments and safety documentation.
• Ensure competitors and teams are briefed on site rules and emergency procedures.
• Provide accurate competitor lists to the ESO and Bridge Team.
• Ensure coaches understand safety expectations and communication protocols.

2.9 Volunteers

• Support safe delivery of the event.
• Follow briefings and instructions from ESO, PRO, CSL, and Duty Manager.
• Report hazards promptly.
• Use radios calmly and clearly.

Related EMP Sections

• Section 1 – Event Overview & Governance
• Section 3 – Site Specifics
• Section 4 – Health & Safety Arrangements

Event Overview

Plas Heli Cyf, the Welsh National Sailing Academy & Events Centre, is proud to host the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. The event will bring international competitors, coaches, volunteers, and visitors to Pwllheli, showcasing the world‑class sailing waters of Cardigan Bay and the high‑quality facilities available at the Academy.

The Championship supports Plas Heli’s mission to promote sailing participation, deliver high‑quality events, and strengthen engagement with the local community and economy. The event is expected to generate significant social and economic benefits, including increased tourism, local business support, and enhanced visibility for Pwllheli as a premier sailing destination.

Plas Heli is committed to delivering the event to the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and environmental responsibility, ensuring a positive legacy for competitors, volunteers, and the wider community.

Event Schedule

• Event Build: XXX
• Event: XXX
• Event Takedown: XXX

Audience

The event operates on a preregistration basis with a maximum of XXX boats, each crewed by one/two sailors. Expected attendance includes:

• XXX competitors
• Coaches and support teams
• Event volunteers and officials
• Family members and spectators
• Members of the public using the beach, promenade, and coastal path

Peak attendance may reach 500 people, particularly during launch/recovery periods and social events.

Clear zoning, signage, and stewarding will be used to manage movement and ensure safety across the site.

Related EMP Sections

• Section 2 – Event Management Planning
• Section 3 – Site Specifics
• Section 4 – Health & Safety Arrangements