Cymraeg As 2023 draws to an end with the last racing weekend completed, its time to reflect on another busy year here at Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club.
It was such a relief to plan this year, without the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, but mindful of the cost of living crisis that put everybody’s budgets under strain. It was great to see both the Hafan and Plas Heli berths full, and people taking time to enjoy everything the town, harbour and bay has to offer.
CHIPAC, our youth sailing section were able to get back to training, though blighted by some poor weather towards the end of the season. Many CHIPAC sailors have advanced to keelboats, and thanks to the generosity of Peter Dunlop and Vicky Cox, campaigned the J70 “Mojito Bach” in club racing and at Abersoch Keelboat week, with CHIPAC sailors also sailing on “Sgrech Bach”, “Mojito” and “Finally”. Next year CHIPAC senior instructor Mike Thorpe is planning to enter the recently purchased GP14 into the World Championships with a CHIPAC crew, to be held here in Pwllheli.
"Mojito Bach" racing in the Pwllheli Challenge
Members cruised extensively all over the world, with Mike White notably completing a solo cruise from St Lucia to Pwllheli via Dingle in "Bellone".
A very successful cruise in company to Dun Laoghaire took place with several members taking part, in addition to several cruises to other Irish destinations and Scotland, and many local cruises in company.
It was very pleasing awarding the trophies at the recent gala black tie Christmas Party and Prize Giving, to the racing and cruising recipients, and particularly Stuart Morgan and Barry Simmons who cooperated by crewing on each boats to allow them to visit Ireland twice, and the final and most prestigious prize of the evening, the lifetime contribution award, for voluntary work for our club, over many years, this year awarded to Stephen Tudor.
Further reports on the Christmas Party can be found here
Stuart Morgan and Barry Simmons
Racing skippers and crew represented our club all over the world, notably in the Fastnet, Transat, Caribbean 600, Middle Sea race, the AZAB, West Highland Yachting Week, VDLR, 1720 and Squib Irish Nationals, Sovereigns Cup, the ISORA series, AKW and more! It was particularly pleasing that we were invited to take part in the Royal Yacht Squadron Commodore’s challenge at Cowes, and I’m delighted that we have been invited to race again in 2024.
Stephen and Carys Tudor with the 1899 Pwllheli Regatta Trophy
Closer to home we had a very busy Pwllheli Challenge series, held over five weekends this Autumn, with 12 boats taking part most days. I would like to thank our race management team, Robin and Brian for their tireless work setting courses, running the bridge, and scoring, and to Rear Commodore and Racing Captain Vicky Cox for the planning of the schedule.
Plas Heli have been busy running some very prestigious events, with a number of club members helping out. There are always opportunities to volunteer in a variety of roles at these events.
Finally, we continue to work with Sean to ensure that the Bar and Restaurant is serving our needs, and we are planning several social events next year, targeted at members and their guests, starting with an Easter party on March 31st with the great Jac Dobson a’r band performing for us. This event is open to all, and a great opportunity to meet and discuss boating plans for the season ahead, and of course more "Dancing with Dave!" Further information and tickets on sale shortly.
The 2024 Calendar should be available very soon, and we will publish times when a Flag Officer will be around Plas Heli to hand these out.
As we move into 2024, we also remember our members who passed away during the year, and send our sympathies to their families. May they rest in peace.
I would like to thank all the Flag Officers, committee and members for their support, and on behalf of us all, may I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a great New Year.
Nadolig Hapus a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Mark H Thompson - Morlywydd / Commodore
Plas Heli Opening Hours - Christmas 2023
