Anchors aweigh

Join us as we set sail for a maritime extravaganza that will appeal to salty seadogs and landlubbers alike.

Falmouth has a venerable history as a sea-faring town. Known as the UK’s Atlantic gateway, its port and docks were established over 160 years ago. Together with the Carrick Roads, it is the third deepest natural harbour in the world, and
the deepest in Western Europe. Falmouth is no stranger to epic events, having been the start or finish point for several round-the-world record breaking attempts, including those of Sir William Robert, Pat “Robin” Knox-Johnston and Dame Ellen MacArthur. With such a maritime pedigree, it’s no wonder that the town hosts a series of popular, and hugely successful, sailing and shore-side events throughout the summer.

The UKOPRA ‘Cornish 100’ Offshore Powerboat Race heralds the start of this year’s on-the-water events on Saturday 29th July. Managed by the Falmouth-based Eastwood Racing, Director Gary is a true ambassador of the sport and has worked hard to bring the event to Falmouth for the second year running. Their own boat, Vintage Torque is a class-1, which can exceed 100mph on a good day! This year looks set to be bigger and better than ever with more boats competing and increased onshore participation. If you’ve never experienced the thrill of off-shore power-boat racing, we can highly recommend it – V8 noise, speed and rooster tails of spray are guaranteed!

The boats will leave at 12 noon from the wet pits (to the rear of the National Maritime Museum Falmouth) and slowly parade past Falmouth Docks, Pendennis Point and across to Gyllyngvase beach. Racing starts at 12.30 with the boats heading east on the 90Nm course up as far as Eddystone lighthouse and close to Plymouth harbour, past Fowey and then returning to Falmouth. Depending on conditions on the day this could take as little as an hour or up to three if heavy going. Spectators will be able to watch the start of the race from Gyllingvase beach before the boats go offshore.

The starter’s gun goes off for Falmouth Week on Friday 4th August 2023. Kicking off the excitement is the ever-popular Pink Wig charity event, raising money for the Breast Care Team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, and Breast Cancer Now, nationally. Throngs of pink-wiggers parade the streets of Falmouth before joining together for a Pyjama Party with a difference in the Falmouth Week marquee! There are shore-side events galore happening throughout the week, with something for everyone to enjoy. From daredevil sports shows to an extensive programme of music events, Falmouth Week is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

Saturday 5th August is when Sailing Week gets underway. Watch yachts, day boats and dragon boats battle it out in the waters of Falmouth Bay and the Carrick Roads. Many competitors combine the racing with their annual family holiday, such is the prestige of this Cornish regatta, showcasing top-flight competition in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. You don’t have to be on the water to experience the thrill of the race… there are numerous viewing points along the banks of the River Fal, or head to Pendennis headland, and in particular the ramparts of Henry VIII’s Pendennis Castle for a bird’s eye view of the fleet.

The Bay Fleet races in 15 square miles of open water outside the harbour and comprises Firebird catamaran, IRC and YTC (South West Yacht Time Correction) yachts. The Carrick Fleet races in the lower estuary and, weather permitting, may also venture a short distance outside the harbour mouth, beyond Black Rock. Classes comprise Ajax, Shrimper 19, Sunbeam, Falmouth Working Boat, Falmouth Gaffer, Piper OD / Rustler 24, and YTC. There’s a special long-distance race held on the Wednesday for the Carrick Fleet, the Mainbrace Rum Race, sponsored very aptly by a local distillery. Local sailing clubs take it in turns to host the various days of racing with the prestigious Champagne Race for offshore yachts, also held on the Wednesday, always a highlight.

If all this wasn’t enough on-water action, this year will also see the return of the Tall Ships Race, Magellan Elcano from 15th to 18th August. This won’t be the first time these majestic vessels have graced Falmouth’s waters – they have been here six times before – but it will be the first time in nine years that we are again able to see them race. The visit has been made possible by the hard-working Town Team (the award-winning collaboration between Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth BID). Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager comments: “It’s a welcome return for the Tall Ships Races, after it was postponed in 2020, and 2021, due to Covid restrictions. Our town’s history is intertwined with these magnificent vessels so you could say they are coming home! We’re really excited to be the venue for the start of the races. As always, we look forward to the truly awe-inspiring spectacle of the tall ships as they sail into the harbour.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to board some of the historic tall ships as they will be sited within the A&P Falmouth Docks. Tickets can be secured via the See Tickets website, or by scanning QR code below. The Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, as in previous events, will provide exceptional ‘on the water’ logistical management. Miles Carden, CEO of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners said: ”The Tall Ships Race is an unrivalled opportunity to showcase our amazing harbour to visitors, operators and future investors. The economic impact is significant and is felt across many sectors but in particular it highlights the marine powerhouse that Falmouth has become. We look forward to welcoming these incredible vessels to the UK’s Atlantic gateway and the many visitors that will enjoy the harbour during the event.”

The global Tall Ships Races are organised by Sail Training International. The race itself will be preceded by a stunning Parade of Sail and several days’ worth of celebratory shoreside events. Once underway, the tall ships race follows a course from Falmouth to A Coruña in Spain, then onward to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon before finishing in Cadiz, Spain. Whether under power or sail, this summer’s maritime events in Falmouth should be on everyone’s calendar.