🏢 Plas Heli Cyf – Governance & Directors
📊 View Governance DiagramPlas Heli Cyf is the company responsible for operating and developing the Welsh National Sailing Academy & Events Centre. The organisation is fully volunteer‑run, with Directors providing both strategic leadership and, where appropriate, day‑to‑day operational support.
The Board brings together a wide range of professional skills, maritime experience, governance knowledge, and community involvement. This collective expertise ensures that Plas Heli Cyf continues to operate safely, responsibly, and in line with its objectives.
Board of Directors – Skills, Experience & Knowledge
The Directors offer a broad cross‑section of skills essential for managing a national sailing academy, event centre, and community facility. Their combined experience covers property, finance, governance, legal matters, event management, education, community engagement, and maritime operations.
📘 Chairman – Stephen Tudor MRICS FNAEA MARLA (Executive Director)
Executive Director
Chartered Surveyor and Director of a property management and estate agency business. Extensive governance experience including RYA Cymru Wales Board Member, Past Commodore and Hon. Secretary of CHPSC, Hon. Secretary of ISORA, and Chairman of the RORC IRC UK Committee. Recipient of multiple RYA and Irish Sailing awards. Skilled in property, finance, business, marketing, community work, communications, IT, and sailing.
📘 Director – Michael S Owen BSc (Hons) (Non‑Executive Director)
Non‑Executive Director
Former Managing Director of Cerrig Ltd and long‑serving local government member including Chair of County Council. Experienced in management, strategic planning, marketing, report writing, and community engagement. Mountain Leader (ML) with BMC.
📘 Director – Michael Butterfield BA (Hons) Law (Non‑Executive Director)
Non‑Executive Director
Former partner in two law firms and MD of a finance company. Previous Director of RYA and RYA Cymru Wales (Chair of the Board). International Judge, Umpire, and Race Officer. Extensive governance experience across multiple RYA committees. Active in yacht club leadership and charity governance.
📘 Director – Mark Thompson FRAeS (Executive Director)
Executive Director
Fellow Royal Aeronautical Society, current Airline Training Captain.
39 years working in a safety‑critical industry, holding several posts in addition to the role of Captain, including Flight Manager Birmingham (1999–2002), responsible for the operation of 11 Airbus aircraft and management of 200 pilots.
Airtest (CAA) pilot, responsible for the introduction of new aircraft into a major airline, and 33 years as an instructor and Civil Aviation Authority examiner, training and testing pilots on both the simulator and aircraft during worldwide operations. Specialist in evidence‑based training defined by pilot competencies, embodying teamwork and cockpit resource management.
Away from work, after a break from sailing, returned in 2010 with cruising and racing several boats including ISORA campaigns with class wins, and a long‑distance oceanic race to the Azores and back. Currently club racing in Pwllheli.
Volunteered with both the sailing club (including 6 years as a flag officer) since 2013, and at Plas Heli, striving to provide facilities to nurture and encourage all sailing activities, from youngsters starting out all the way to the Olympic pathway. The work undertaken at Plas Heli to improve facilities is vital to attract class associations and give them the opportunity to sail at our incredible venue.
Living in Pwllheli, married to Jo with two grown‑up children, enjoying being part of the community and the amazing place we call home.
Operational Management Group
The Plas Heli Cyf Directors draw on the experience and skills of our Observers and our numerous supporters and volunteers with specialist knowledge of legal, governance, finance, business, retail, marketing, and events.
We are grateful for the valuable input of CHPSC Flag Officers in operational and day‑to‑day management activities.
Plas Heli Cyf is affiliated to the Governing Body for Boating, RYA and RYA Cymru Wales, who provide valuable assistance and support.
🟢 Observer – Gerallt Williams
Observer
Liaison with CHPSC and RNLI, providing operational coordination between Plas Heli, the sailing club, and local emergency services. Safeguarding Officer for both Plas Heli Cyf and CHPSC, ensuring compliance with RYA safeguarding standards and supporting welfare arrangements during events.
🟢 Observer – Mike White (appointed with a view to progressing to Director)
Observer
Mike left school at 17 with six O‑levels and began his career in the Merchant Navy, serving five years as an apprentice and progressing to Third Mate on chemical tankers.
He then spent thirty‑five years in the Fire Service, retiring as a Divisional Officer. His responsibilities included command of an area comprising sixteen stations, and three years as Training Officer, organising training for 1,900 staff across Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and the mainland. During this period, he was tasked with introducing Fire Behaviour Training into the service, supported by a £1.3 million Scottish Government budget.
Closer to home, Mike has sailed from Pwllheli since the age of twelve. His experience includes dinghy racing, sailing with OYT Scotland, twenty‑five years as a boat owner, ISORA racing, and more recently long‑distance cruising. He holds a Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate.
Mike is motivated in this appointment to contribute positively to Plas Heli’s work, supporting continued access to sailing and helping promote the local area.
Volunteer Team
Plas Heli Cyf relies on a dedicated team of volunteers who support the delivery of events, building operations, safety, administration, and community engagement. Their contribution is essential to the success of the Welsh National Sailing Academy & Events Centre, and we are grateful for the time, skills, and commitment they bring.
Short profiles of volunteers who take on regular or specialist roles are included below. Additional profiles will be added as the team grows.
🟡 Volunteer – Name to be added
Short profile to be added.
🟡 Volunteer – Name to be added
Short profile to be added.
🟡 Volunteer – Name to be added
Short profile to be added.
Volunteers play a vital role in maintaining a welcoming, safe, and well‑run venue. Their involvement supports everything from event logistics and race management to building checks, administration, and community activities.
🌟 Join the Volunteer Team
We welcome new volunteers who wish to support events, building operations, safety, administration, or community activities at the Welsh National Sailing Academy & Events Centre. Whether you can help regularly or occasionally, your contribution makes a real difference.
If you are interested in joining the volunteer team, please contact us at .
Director Responsibilities
📁 Director Role Summary
Directors provide strategic leadership, ensure compliance, support volunteers, and uphold the governance standards of Plas Heli Cyf. They act collectively, with integrity, and in the best interests of the organisation and its stakeholders.
📁 1. Strategic & Corporate Management
- Set and oversee Plas Heli Cyf’s strategic direction, business plans, policies, and budgets.
- Ensure the organisation operates safely, legally, and in line with its Articles of Association.
- Promote best practice in governance, equality, diversity, access, and inclusion.
- Support volunteers and operational leads to deliver high‑quality services to user groups and event organisers.
- Ensure compliance with funding requirements, statutory obligations, and Welsh Language Policy.
- Participate in training, induction, and ongoing governance development.
📁 2. Board Responsibilities
- Attend Board meetings and contribute fully to discussions and decision‑making.
- Declare conflicts of interest and act with integrity at all times.
- Review governance structures, policies, and delegated authority frameworks.
- Support recruitment of new Directors to maintain a balanced and skilled Board.
- Uphold collective responsibility for Board decisions.
- Maintain confidentiality of Board discussions.
- Seek professional or external advice where appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with policies on gifts, hospitality, and conduct.
- Provide notice of intention to retire from the Board where possible.
📁 3. Promotion & External Relations
- Represent Plas Heli Cyf to partners, agencies, and stakeholders.
- Develop strong relationships with user groups, clubs, and community organisations.
- Maintain positive engagement with local authorities, government bodies, and the wider maritime community.
📁 4. Operational Oversight
- Ensure activities are delivered safely, professionally, and in line with best practice.
- Support operational volunteers in delivering events, managing facilities, and maintaining compliance.
- Assist with asset management, property strategy, and building development.
- Contribute to organisational development and volunteer support.
Director Recruitment
The Board will continue to identify and invite individuals who meet the required skills matrix and can contribute to Plas Heli Cyf’s governance, operations, and strategic development.