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This article was written in 2021 to recognise Richards contribution to sailing, Pwllheli, and our club - when awarded with a lifetime contribution award at the Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club prizegiving evening in December 2021. We republish here an edited version in memory of our dear brother and friend Richard.
Richard started sailing at a very early age and is one of Gwyndaf Hughes oldest sailing pupils, a relationship which we know they both cherish.
He built his first dinghy from kit in the living room at home, competing in championships travelling from venue to venue, with the red mirror dinghy, Madryn, on top of his mother’s Mini. No fancy campervans in those days!
He lost his mast on Llyn Tegid, Bala when the boom of a GP 14 crossed in front on port in front of Madryn in the School Championships. Gwyndaf managed to get permission to use the Bala School craftworkshop to carry out temporary repairs (with jubilee clips) so that "Madryn" could proceed with the championship the following day.
Family boating started on "Gay-anna" with his father Huw, who is also a former Commodore, and with his brother Stephen, also a former Commodore. Keel boats started very soon after on a Halcyon 26 "Reward", but Richard wanted to go faster so there was then "Rev De Mer", "Gwobr Aur" a Shamrock and then "Panache" a Contessa.
Richard left school and took up an apprenticeship with North Sails and returned to Pwllheli to work for Brian Smart at ‘Sail Care’. Shortly afterwards Richard ventured and purchased the business. ‘Sail Care’ became ‘Tudor Sail Makers’. His white waterproofs were the height of sailing fashion for a while, and his sailing kit bags are still seen and cherished by many. He designed and built some fancy spinnakers for winners such as Greased Lighting, Mererid, and Megalopolis - all ISORA race winners. He built several suits for Panache. A few of his sails are still in use today.
He sailed his first ISORA race in 1976 with Anthony Jones and completed a RORC Fastnet race in 1977 and 1981, and with many more to follow, including one on Panache with an all Pwllheli Crew including Gwyndaf.
Richard’s dream however, was on long distance offshore racing, and he wanted to compete in the round the world Volvo race.
His dream came true when he was offered the Skipper role on British Steel 2, the Flagship for the ‘British Steel Round the World Challenge’, a race around the world the wrong way, against the prevailing winds and currents.
Things looked great, winning the first leg to Rio, and a highlight of the stop-over was to meet the infamous Ronnie Biggs, the great train robber!
The second leg took the fleet past Cape Horn. Shortly after Cape Horn, and just before Christmas, the mast came down because of a fault in the forestay fitting on the stem head. The rest of the fleet was alerted to the fault and many boats were fitted with new masts at the next stop-over.
Now the story of his 3000 mile struggle to New Zealand/Australia is well documented. Fuel was replenished from a ship en-route. A stop in Chatham Islands where he was given a mast on condition that he dug it up from the ground in some scrub land. The much smaller mast was however lashed onto the remains of the boom that had been retrieved from the Ocean.
What is not known however, is his heroism being in the water for hours on end, cutting the rigging that was endangering the boat itself. The crew of British Steel continue to meet every year, on the anniversary of the dismasting almost 30 years ago. School children across Wales learnt all about geography by following Richard’s track. These positions were radioed in, no gps and chart plotters then!
Richard with Falmai receiving the clubs lifetime contribution award 2021
The next big adventure for Richard was as skipper of Nuclear Electric, another circumnavigation as skipper. He was the toast of the town when Nuclear Electric was tied up to the pontoon on the marina. There were so many people wanting to see this fantastic vessel that the pontoon almost sank, and people had to be limited.
Richard Tudor - Skipper of Nuclear Electric
These two circumnavigations were massive achievements for a young man.
Richard then led expeditions to the Artic Circle and to many other warmer and more exotic places.
He was also part of the Team Phillips experimental trimaran which sank in the North Atlantic and he and the crew were rescued by a passing ship, just as the boat fell apart and sank. He ended up in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
He competed in Regattas around the world, was part of the Corwynt Cymru Team winning Cork Week and the 704 mile Round Ireland Race.
He still holds the record for the best time ever on his Three Peaks race win in 1998 and was a winning skipper on the Round Britain and Ireland race.
Richard formerly opened the Pwllheli Marina in 1993, and the plaque is in the reception. He was a director of Porth Pwllheli, a consortium of local people wanting to develop Pwllheli into a world-renowned Marina, it is maintained to this day that this forced the hand of Dwyfor Council to develop what we now know as Hafan Pwllheli. Less known is the plaque above the raw sewerage filters; he performed the opening ceremony of the state-of-the-art sewerage works at the old club near the Gimblet
Then it was his time to stop living out of a sail bag.
He was asked to set up a new Marine College in Pwllheli – something he had campaigned for. Richard worked as a lecturer and manager at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor - Pwllheli Hafan Campus for many years. His students learnt the skills of Marine Engineering, and many have continued their connection with Richard from all around the world.
His anchor was now firmly ashore, and he met Falmai, and along came Daughter Leus and Son Iago, both ultimately sailing with CHIPAC and also on keelboats, with Iago a popular member of both the Jackknife and Sgrech Bach crew, something that Richard was very proud of. In addition to Iago and Leus, Richard also has two loving children from his first marriage, Owen and Sarah, who have both been a tower of strength to the family, and last year welcomed a gorgeous grandson, Leo into the family. Richard was very proud of all his children, and excited about their plans and goals for the future.
Richard has been a member of the sailing club from the time of the very first building, we are now in our fifth home, he has seen all five club buildings as an active member.
Richard was Commodore in 2000 to 2002 and president in 2006 - 2008 and an active member of the club’s management committee, giving us all his experience and advice which was always highly valued.
Richard was instrumental in bringing the One Ton Cup to Pwllheli in 2001, the images of that event still resonate - a massive event in the sailing world.
Richard and Iago on J125 Jackknife
He has worked tirelessly on the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre project, which all started in 2003, and an active board member of Plas Heli, a community enterprise, a role which is of course voluntary. He has been involved with all aspects of Plas Heli’s development, and rolled his sleeves up cleaning the floors, cutting the grass, repairing and maintaining and upgrading the ageing ribs, preparing and arranging for events, inflating racing marks and ensuring we are all ready for these events, large and small, and setting the mood lighting in the bar!
In the bar we will often be treated to tales of adventure, he will often drop place names into a conversation such as Antigua, Palma and San Tropez, this is done not as a boast, and in the same way that we would talk about Abererch, Porthmadog and Sarn. His geographical and navigational knowledge was truly exceptional, and we enjoyed discussing Jet streams and weather systems over a pint (or two!)
A qualified Race Officer, Richard really enjoyed race management, he said it is a practical way of giving to others what he has enjoyed for so long, and was awarded a prized ISORA jacket in Dun Laoghaire last November for his support to ISORA and race management. He co-ordinated the setting up of our famous automated race starting system with the computer voice giving competitors a count-down to the start, now also fitted to committee boat Heli.
Richard has taken on the responsibility of ensuring that the racing marks are laid and retrieved every year and prepared the material for our annual calendar for many years, and always advised on layout and drew our tidal curves.
Richard loved sailing and jumped at any opportunity to be on the water. He was a member of the Jackknife team on that fantastic race from Dun Laoghaire to Dingle in 2019 where top speeds were achieved on the spinnaker run down to Tuskar, something that will stay with all of us forever.
In 2017 he sailed on the J80 Jac Y Do and taught us all so much about sailing a small boat against the larger boats in the Autumn series - Astonishing skills and boat handling and sewed the seed for the sport boat and crane project we now enjoy here in Pwllheli.
It has been fantastic seeing Iago and Richard sailing together. It is extraordinary to have three sets of father and sons, Andrew and Sam, Richard and Iago and Stephen and Thomas, all competing together on Jackknife over the last 10 years, truly memorable!
His contribution to our sailing boating and club in general, is phenomenal - what we take for granted would not be possible without the work that Richard has done, quietly, without fuss, and often late at night.
At the 2021 dinner, we had the pleasure and honour of reading a letter from one of sailings greats, Chay Blyth , which we repeat below:
“Richard was skipper of British Steel 2 in the British Steel Challenge Round the World Yacht Race. He was one of only 12 skippers to be chosen from over 200 applicants all of whom had the same necessary Yacht Master qualifications to apply.
He was an inspirational leader, deeply respected and loved by his crew. They suffered one of the ultimate misfortunes in a Yacht race of losing their mast in the Southern Ocean at a point virtually the furthest from land of anywhere on the planet. In adversity the true mettle of people comes out. When the rigging needed cutting from the yacht it was Richard who went over the side with bolt cutters to free the debris from the yacht. Richard had the technical expertise to know what had to be done. He got the yacht and all his Crew back safely from the depths of the Southern Ocean safely to the Chatham Islands and then on to Wellington.
He never asked his crew to do anything that he wasn’t prepared to do, and hence the lasting respect that all his crew still have for him. They were highly competitive but also had great fun on the way, a tribute to the personality of their skipper who had the sailing talent to win the first leg of the Race, from Southampton to Rio.
A truly remarkable and outstanding sailor.”
Sir Chay Blyth
Rest in peace brother and friend
Stephen Tudor and Mark H Thompson - 2021 and edited 2024
TUDOR - Richard
On the 31st of December, 2023, peacefully in the company of his family at Bryn Beryl Hospital, Pwllheli, aged 64 years, Richard Tudor passed away. The son of the late Huw and Gaynor Tudor. A loving partner to Falmai, a special father to Owen, Sarah, Leus and Iago and a proud and kind grandfather to Leo. A dear brother to Stephen, John and Anna and a brother in law to Carys ,Gwenan, Nia and Iona. He was a loved and greatly respected Uncle to many. He will be missed greatly by all his family and friends.
A public service will be held at Capel y Drindod, Pwllheli on Friday the 12th of January at 1 o'clock, and a burial to follow in the Cemetery in Llanbedrog.
Flowers for immediate family only.
After - a funeral tea at Plas Heli - the home of Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club - All Welcome - Croeso i Pawb
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On behalf of the Flag Officers and members of Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club, I have sent our heartfelt condolences to Falmai and the Tudor family, on the passing of Richard yesterday.
Richard, a round the world yachtsman, former club commodore and active committee member, has made such an incredible impact on all our life's, and we will be publishing a more comprehensive Eulogy soon. Members who would like to contribute to this via an E-Book of condolence, please email
Richard, pictured receiving the CHPSC "lifetime contribution" award, with Falmai in 2021.
Rest in peace my friend.
Mark H Thompson - Commodore
Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club
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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
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75 members and guests enjoyed a four course gala dinner at Plas Heli last night, with prize giving and dancing afterwards.
Here are a few photographs of an excellent evening.
J70 "Mojito Bach" crew lead by skipper Chris Jones (right) This young team won the "Sol Owen Cup", for the Easter Tuning Series.
The crew of Elan 350 "Finally" lead by skipper Paul Kitteringham, winning the Trimor Trophy for the fastest lap around the Tremadog Triangle (IRC), the Creme Caramel Bowl for last year's Winter series, the Abererch Bowl for the May bank holiday series, and the Penmaen Tankard for the Medi series.
Stuart Morgan and Barry Simmons awarded the Gimlet Trophy for their cruises to Ireland on each others boats, and the Pillocks Pot for their spectacular arrival by dinghy at Aberdaron, to the amusement of the shoreside observers!
Cheers!
Dave discussing his dancing plans!
Commodore's Table!
Phil Jackson picking up the Cigar box for the highest placed class 2 boat in ISORA - "Jac Y Do" winning class 2 in the overall series and double handed class
Stephen and Thomas Tudor, representing the J70 "Sgrech Bach" crew, winning the Pwllheli Challenge class 2 and sports boat trophies
J125 "Jackknife" Skippers Andrew and Sam Hall, joined by Stephen and Thomas Tudor receiving the King Constantine Cup for the club and ISORA coastal night race, the Harbert Trophy for winning class 0 in the club and ISORA coastal series, and the Parsenn Trophy for the highest placed class 0 boat in ISORA.
Team "Mojito", lead by skippers Peter Dunlop and Vicky Cox, collecting the RDYC trophy for winning class 1 and overall - IRC Welsh National Championships, the Livingstone cup for the highest placed PSC boat in ISORA, the Centaur Trophy for the Spring series, the Desco cup for the Summer Series, the Midland bowl for the PSC and ISORA Welsh Coastal Series, and the Challenge trophy for the class 1 and overall win of the Pwllheli Challenge.
Our club once again retained the Irish Sea Cup for the highests points in the Overal series, with representatives from Jackknife, Mojito, Jac Y Do and Gelert pictured with the trophy
Anne Partington recieving the Thursday Cup - awarded for volunteering work for the club, and helping things run smoothly.
Stephen Tudor, a member since being a young Dinghy sailor, accompanied by hs wife Carys was awarded the prestigious lifetime contribution award, for his hard work in many roles helping run our club, including over 12 years as Hon Secretary until 2022, and 6 years as Rear Vice and Commodore between 2006 and 2012, in addition to many other roles over many years, and continuing today as our communications officer, looking after the website and newsletters, for both the club and IRC Welsh Chmpionships. Stephen also represents our club at the Pwllheli Harbour users group. As Chairman of Plas Heli, a Director of RYA Cymru Wales , Hon Secretary of ISORA and Chairman of the UK IRC ratings committee, Stephen again represents our interests within these important organisations.
Another great club night, thanks to the Flag Officers, and everybody who worked hard to make the night a success, to Sean and his team for the excellent meal and service, to Gerallt Williams for the photography, and of course our members and guests for supporting the event.
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