Ahoy there!

Looking forward to Falmouth’s exciting annual maritime festival that offers something for everyone be it on shore or sea.

It was with much hope, and everything crossed, that we would be introducing this feature with the excitement that Falmouth would be hosting a leg of this year’s Tall Ships Race. However, we have just heard from the organisers that the 2021 race has sadly been cancelled due to the continuing uncertain situation throughout Europe and across the globe in relation to the COVID pandemic. It’s such a shame for all involved, that we won’t be welcoming these majestic vessels to our waters, but there is light on the horizon…Falmouth Sailing Week 2021 (falmouthweek.co.uk) is still going ahead!

From the 6th to the 15th of August, the world-class sailing waters of Falmouth Bay and Harbour (the third largest deep-water harbour in the world, after Sydney and Rio de Janeiro) will play host to a week of fast and furious fleet racing for yachts and dayboats and a host of shoreside events to delight and entertain. The regatta is organised by the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association (PoFSA) which is a partnership of Falmouth’s six local sailing clubs; Helford River, Mylor, Restronguet, Royal Cornwall, St Mawes and Flushing will each play host to a day’s racing.

You can expect to see top-level competitive racing in a fun atmosphere and there are many viewing points on the banks of the River Fal to see the Carrick Road fleet racing such as the coastal walks around the estuary. Another good vantage point which looks across bay and down on Carrick Roads is Pendennis headland, particularly the ramparts of Henry VIII’s Pendennis Castle. Owned, by English Heritage the grounds and castle are open and entry is pre-bookable online (english-heritage.org) for a prime position. Rosemullion Head also affords a ringside seat for when the boats head towards the Helford River.

The historic Ancasta Champagne Race (sponsored by ancasta.com) takes place on the Wednesday. This long coastal race has a 60 year history and this year will be returning to its roots, hosting only the larger boats of the Bay Fleet. Racing in 15 square miles of open water outside the harbour the fleet consists of Firebird catamarans, IRC and YTC (South West Yacht Time Correction) yachts, and IF Boats. The coarse takes in the whole bay and extends up the coast to Gull Rock and beyond, finishing normally to the west side of Pendennis headland –  although this depends on entries and conditions on the day.

New for this year on the same day, and specifically for the Carrick Fleet – where you can expect Flying Fifteens, Shrimper 19s, Sunbeams, Falmouth Working Boats, Ajax 23s and Falmouth Gaffers, to pit themselves against St Mawes One Designs, Rustler 24s, and more – is The Mainbrace Rum Race (sponsored by mainbracerum.com). There is much anticipation for this new race, whose sponsors are an award-winning, Helford-based drinks company whose unique golden rum is fast becoming the talk of the town. To find out more head to https://cornwall-living.co.uk/a-golden-age-of-rums/ or try out one of their top tipples on the next page in celebration of this new partnership.

If you prefer to have your fun on land, then don’t despair as Falmouth Sailing Week always hosts an incredible line-up of shoreside events, and this year is no exception. The Moor area of the town will be have a festival feel all week with plenty live music. Children will also be kept happy with a giant interactive gaming screen, a Victorian carousel and free climbing wall. Festivities open with the Falmouth Carnival led by the fantastic Falmouth Marine Marching Band. Later in the week, live music events, an RNLI Fun Day and extreme sports action from Action Sports Tour will wow and entertain. To mark the end of a frenetic week of racing and fun, the ever-popular Falmouth Week Fireworks will be lighting up the sky on Friday 13th August (or on Saturday if Friday’s weather is inclement).

The town really gets in to the spirit of things and local shops will have special offers, and celebratory window displays, while the many pubs, restaurants and cafés are a great place to refuel.