English (UK) Flag Officers Friday Newsletter
Welcome to the Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club Bank Holiday Newsletter.
May saw the continued easing of The Welsh Government Covid Restrictions allowing us to meet initially outdoors and then indoors in groups of 6. Recreational boating and racing resumed with restrictions which meant we could all carefully return to enjoy our boating and socialising activities. Unfortunately, we also witnessed what was, now officially, the wettest May in Wales for 160 years.
There is good news for the forthcoming weekend however with high pressure dominating and the Met Office predicting the return of more seasonal weather and warmer temperatures. There is a full programme of racing scheduled with three days of club racing to decide the winner of the PSC spring series. There is also an ISORA offshore race from Pwllheli to Holyhead on Saturday. CHPSC members will also be in action on Saturday competing in the RORC "Myth of Malham" Yacht Race around the Eddystone Lighthouse on "Pata Negra" skippered by Andrew Hall in preparation for the Fastnet Race in June. Our hopes and best wishes will be with all our racing crews this weekend.
If any of you are setting off on a cruise this weekend or in the near future, don’t forget that we are always on the lookout for interesting articles for inclusion in our newsletters. All contributions and photographs will be welcome and can be sent to
On Monday we took delivery of the long-awaited new benches for the balcony at Plas Heli. We hope that the new additions will improve your enjoyment of the great outdoor spaces at the facility.
Plas Heli also took delivery of a number of additional finger berths which will not only increase capacity but enhance the pontoon area. Many thanks to our CHPSC volunteers for all the hard work involved in their installation.
I have received many enquiries regarding Peter Sykes who many of you know. Peter has been a regular fixture in the harbour for many years living on board his boat “My Helen” on the moorings and more lately in the Hafan Marina. Peter was taken ill some weeks ago and was admitted to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor. He is currently a patient on Glaslyn Ward and is reportedly improving and getting stronger. He will however not be returning to the marina and will require somewhere that provides assisted living in the Pwllheli area. We wish him all the best.
Finally, I hope the predicted fine weather materialises and you all enjoy a great Spring Bank Holiday weekend wherever you may be.
Gerallt Williams – Commodore CHPSC
Panorama Restaurant and Lounge @ Plas heli
Panorama manager, Iwan Parry welcomes you all for the forthcoming bank holiday. Iwan has designed a tasty new evening menu for the discerning guest, which will be available for the bank holiday.
We would like to remind members that masks must be worn indoors for the safety of staff and others, unless medically exempt.
The weather forecast is very promising, and we are anticipating it to be very busy, therefore we encourage you to book tables in advance to avoid disappointment. Please look at the Facebook Page for the latest day and evening menus, which aim to cater for all tastes and dietary requirements: @panoramarestaurantlounge
Panorama opening hours for the half term holidays are:
Monday 12am-9pm
Tuesday 12am-6pm
Wednesday 12am-8pm
Thursday 12am-9pm
Friday 12am-10pm
Saturday 12am-10pm
Sunday 12pm-9pm
Booking lines: 01758 614 442/ 07793 258 827
Email:
Panorama is currently recruiting well-mannered, reliable and capable seasonal staff. Please feel free to circulate amongst your networks and contact the restaurant using the contact details above for more information. Many thanks in advance for all your support.
WIFI Plas Heli
We are pleased to inform you that Plas Heli, the operating company of The Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre has provided CHPSC members with a new dedicated and separate WiFi system
This is part of the reconfiguration of the WiFi distribution at the Centre and will be a great benefit for 2021 paid-up CHPSC members. The service will be fast safe and reliable, even when under the strain of large events. 2021 Members have been sent the password for this network by newsletter earlier in the week
For non members there is a guest network "Plas Heli Guest" and the password is: Plas.H3L1
This WiFi connection has been configured to be safe for children.
Welsh Government Alert Level 2
> Organised outdoor activity allowed for up to 50 participants of any age
> Elite training can take place
> Casual sailing can take place as part of exercise, with max six people.
> The Plas Heli compound, event pontoons, indoor classrooms and hospitality spaces are now open.
> Indoor Organised Activity for 30 Adults
> Latest RYA Cymru Wales Q & A clarifying the announcement of May 3rd is here
MÔR DEITHIO / CRUISING
Boat share - we have had an enquiry from two members looking to purchase a share in a cruising boat - if anyone else has similar aspirations please contact us using the details below and we can match all interested parties!
Any cruisers wishing to take part in the club racing this weekend, contact Stephen or Rob via the WhatsApp group or via email:
A "WhatsApp" group to enable cruisers to discuss plans etc has been set up - Join your fellow cruisers and chat all things boating by emailing Rob or Stephen with your mobile phone number to join or use the QR code below. (Please introduce yourself to the group)
EMF Compliance and Enforcement
Here are some top tips to make effective use the OFCOM EMF calculator and to interpret the technical terms associated with its use. Firstly, we need to understand what it is trying to achieve. All marine equipment that transmits a signal also emits Electromagnetic Field (EMF) emissions. Any equipment that transmits above a power of 6.1 watts ERP (see definition below) must comply.The purpose of these new requirements is to ensure that members of the public, are not exposed to EMF emissions above the specified general public limits. This is achieved by calculating the safe separation distance between the equipment emitting the EMF and members of the public. For the purposes of these regulations, OFCOM includes family and friends in their definition of general public.
Using the EMF calculator
The calculator is very basic and only requires two pieces of information; your transmitter power and transmitting frequency (the input parameters). However, whilst it is simple to use, it does use some technical jargon that goes way beyond the knowledge of the average marine radio operator.
Definitions
The calculator refers to ERP and EIRP.
ERP: Effective Radiated Power is the total power radiated by an actual antenna. ERP, for our purposes, is the transmitting power of your equipment at the antenna.
EIRP: Effective Isotropic Radiated Power is the total power radiated by an isotropic antenna in a single direction. (An isotropic antenna is a theoretical antenna that radiates equally in all directions with the same power, but you do not need to worry about that). EIRP, for our purposes, is calculated by multiplying the equipment’s ERP by a factor of 1.64. EIRP is the input parameter used to calculate your safe separation distance.
Operating frequency: This is the frequency that the equipment is transmitting, for example a VHF marine band radio transmits on 156MHz, X band radar operates between 8000MHz 12000MHz.
By inputting the transmitter power and the transmitting frequency the calculator will determine the safe separation distance to be maintained between the antenna and members of the public. However, it should be noted that this does not take account of other mitigating factors, including the duty cycle (period of time actually transmitting in a set period) and any loss of power due to the length of coaxial cable. Both of these factors will further reduce the safe separation distance.
Here are some examples:
VHF
A VHF radio transmitting on 156MHz at 25watts ERP (25W x 1.64 = 41watts EIRP) would require a separation distance of 2.04m (generated by the OFCOM EMF calculator).
This is the compliance distance that should be maintained if the radio is being used 100% of the time. However, if you know that the radio will not transmit continuously, you can take this into account in the calculator. However, if you know that the radio will not be used for more than 10% of the time, you can calculate the average power and enter this into the calculator instead:
10% of 41 Watts = 0.1 x 41 = 4.1 Watts EIRP Using input parameters of 4.1 Watts EIRP and a transmit frequency of 156 MHz, the Ofcom calculator produces a compliance distance of 0.65 metres.
As most VHF transmissions are transmitted at 1 Watt, the safe separation distance from the antenna is easily achieved. Calculations are only required for transmitting at 6.1watts ERP and above.
The separation distance could be further reduced by factoring signal loss due to the length of coaxial cable and connectors. However, it should be noted that this calculation is dependent upon many factors, including length of cable, type of cable and quality of cable. In the case of most ‘common’ installations, it is unlikely that factoring in line loss will result in any significant reduction in safe separation distance.
Part of the regulations requires you to keep a record of how you have achieved compliance. If you have used the OFCOM EMF calculator, it is recommended that you keep a note of the safe separation distance for transmissions both at 1 watt and 25 watts.
RADAR
Similar calculations should be conducted for radar. Most marine installations will be operating on X band or 12GHz frequency.
To use the OFCOM EMF calculator for radar, you need to convert GHz into MHz (1GHz = 1000MHz)12GHz = 12000MHz
A marine radar transmitting on 12000MHz at 17 watts ERP (27.88 EIRP) would require a separation distance of 0.75m (generated by the OFCOM EMF calculator).
As can be seen from the examples above, compliance is easily achievable.
EPIRBs
Other transmitting equipment, used in an emergency, such as EPIRBs do not have to comply.
2021 Membership Rates
Membership of CHPSC for 2021
The membership year is from 1st January to 31st December.
2021 Fee Structure
Primary Member - £65
Joint Membership - £115
Racing Skipper - £125
Joint Racing Skipper - £180
Associate Member - £75
Student/Apprentice Member - £30
Youth Member - £20
Dinghy Storage
Small (Optimist/Topper) £55
Medium (Laser) £65
Large (Merlin Rocket) £85
Multi Hulls (Dart etc) £95
Road Trailer £50 or £75 for 2 stacked
Box storage trailers under 10 feet £60 (£75 for larger box trailers)
You can purchase a club burgee or pay for your club calendar postage as part of your membership process!
Reasons to be a member in 2021
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.
In addition to all of the varied activities featured in this e-newsletter (123,700 individual e-mails sent in 2020/21 - see past copies here), membership of the club provides:
- Meeting place for like minded people in a friendly environment
- Affiliated membership of the RYA who safeguard recreational boating in the UK
- Helps to support youth sailing (CHIPAC)
- Training and Development - RYA courses run by club members
- Dinghy and keelboat racing opportunities
- Cruises in company
- Great social events - club members have priority
- Discounted berthing at Plas Heli pontoons,
- Dinghy storage in the refurbished and secure compound
- Access to CHIPAC for members children to learn to sail with experienced instructors teaching in the medium of Welsh and English
- Members can gain RYA qualifications through volunteering experience at club events.
- Advertise your Holiday Accommodation to a target audience of visitors to the area during events (small fee applies)
- Receive regular e-newsletters with useful information
- 10% discount at the bar in Plas Heli
- Easy membership (application/renewal) process all on-line and starting from £65 for the year!
- Racing Skipper membership includes all racing entry fees, except the IRC Champs and the ISORA element of coastal races.
- Bespoke safe and secure fast WiFi connection in Plas Heli for club members only.
Calendar Collection
2021 Calendars are available for collection - please email
Rasio/Racing
A busy weekend of racing with an ISORA Offshore race to Holyhead on Saturday (09:00 start) and the final weekend of the Spring series with racing on all three days of the bank holiday weekend with two races per day - PSC bridge start at 11:30
Any NHC cruisers wishing to race and wanting a more cruiser style race track, separate from the spring series fleet, please email cruising
With the cancellation of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, the club have arranged a "pop up regatta" to provide racing over the 4 days 8-11th July - watch out for information on the WhatsApp group and website shortly
Crew numbers
When not racing in an organised activity, the rule of 6 apply, however, when in an organised activity (such as club racing, we are permitted to sail with mixed households, and more than 6 providing there are mitigation measures.
RYA instruct organisers to publish these mitigations by way of Protocols. We have republish the CHPSC Protocol from last year (see here) and this is very similar to the rules set by RORC. It will be a condition of entry that all skippers (and crew) abide by our Protocol.
> Crew limited to the IRC certificate crew number
> Skippers should have a COVID protocol for their boat
> Good hygiene and distancing should be followed, with other mitigations such as masks and gloves, and the current COVID restrictions followed before and after the race and when ashore
Much credit to the pathway returning us to racing and allowing organisers to manage their activities goes to the RYA and RYA Cymru Wales.
The ability to use increased numbers for organised racing is a great improvement over normal outdoor numbers, and the RYA CW guidance document for skippers is published here
The 2021 racing programme is published on the website, and the club activity calendar here - note this schedule is subject to change and will always be updated via the WhatsApp group, though the dates should always be correct.
You can, of course, try out the Commodore Challenge and Tremadog Triangle and report in your elapsed time via the Racing WhatsApp Group.
Club Racing at CHPSC is arranged under the guidelines of the RYA/RYA Cymru Wales and the latest charter is reproduced below.
ISORA has published its 2021 programme.
The 2021 Programme of Races includes a five-race 'Plas Heli Welsh Coastal series' however, on Saturday (tomorrow 29th May) there are two offshore races one in Dun Laoghaire and the other starting in Pwllheli at 0900hrs and finishing in Holyhead.
Further information and the race schedule can be found here
PLAS HELI
The centre is now open in line with Welsh Government Alert Level 2 restrictions, with authorised access now permitted to the pontoons, classrooms, compound and the "Panorama Restaurant and Lounge" . In line with Welsh government Covid regulations, we advise the use of the "NHS Covid App" when visiting any of the Plas Heli facilities.
The QR codes are on the doors and relevant gates. There is an additional Track, Trace and Protect requirement in the hospitality area, which the panorama staff will manage
Note: elite RYA squad training is permitted indoors, as is indoors organised activity for up to 30
Plas Heli - Pontoons
The pontoons are very busy this year with demand potentially exceeding capacity. A berthing plan has been drawn up and will be emailed to all Plas Heli berthing customers, with the planned location of their berth.
Plas Heli has extended the berthing capacity with additional finger berths, which were successfully installed this week. This will hopefully enable us to satisfy the increased demand.
To apply for a berth (seasonal or short term) fill in the berthing application form on the Plas Heli Website here and also email
Once allocated a berth please make all efforts to stay in your allocated space, remembering boats out racing may be short crewed when returning to their berth. Any issues with berths, shore power or water please email
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. It is a Welsh Government recommendation that you also use the NHS app, via the QR codes below. (please check in by using the most relevant one for the part of the centre you are accessing)
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. The first planning meeting was held last month via "zoom" to agree the format of racing and framework to publish the Notice of Race. This is now complete and published with the online entry open at the event website here
Thought for the Day:
"Thoughts are overrated. Intuition is underrated"
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 2021 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 receive an automated 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
