Time and Tide

Join us as we take to the water this summer for a host of on-water and shoreside events at Falmouth Week.

Cornwall is rich in maritime history. With its favourable wind conditions and stunning scenery, it’s little wonder that Cornwall has become a prime destination for sailing enthusiasts from around the world. With over 400 miles of coastline, it’s sailor’s paradise, offering a diverse range of conditions from the sheltered waters of its estuaries to the challenging open seas. From the bustling port town of Falmouth to the serene anchorage of St Mawes, sailors can expect a warm welcome wherever they set anchor.

Falmouth itself boasts one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Its deep waters and sheltered location have welcomed vessels both large and small to its safe haven. Not only a bustling commercial port, Falmouth is also a vibrant centre for recreational sailing. Its waterfront is lined with marinas and sailing clubs with the National Maritime Museum Cornwall on Events Square providing a unique insight into the Duchy’s maritime enthusiasts heritage.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated events in Cornwall’s sailing calendar is Falmouth Sailing Week. Held annually in August, this week-long regatta draws sailors from across the UK and beyond. The event features a variety of races, catering to different classes and levels of experience, making it accessible to both seasoned sailors and novices. Its rich history dates back over 180 years. Originally known as the Royal Cornwall Regatta, the event has evolved over the years to become one of the UK’s premier sailing events.

The regatta was first organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, which was founded in 1871. The club, with its elegant clubhouse overlooking Falmouth Harbour, has played a pivotal role in promoting sailing in the region. Today, the event is a collaborative effort by the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association (PoFSA, a partnership of Falmouth’s six local sailing clubs, each contributing to the diverse range of races and activities on offer. Its longevity and continued popularity are testament to the enduring appeal of sailing in Cornwall and to the work of the Falmouth Town Team who do a brilliant job in organising the annual event, both shoreside and on the water. The town has recently won a national industry award, Best Event UK and Ireland, awarded by the Association of Town and City Management for delivery of Falmouth International Tall Ships 2023.

Postponed twice due to the pandemic, this is a global race event and as a destination, Falmouth had to prove it was capable of hosting, securing sponsors, partners and volunteers (over 250 ‘games makers’ were coordinated in Falmouth!) and then plan for an event on this scale.

The tall ships are the most spectacular, impressive and largest sailing vessels in the world. Many of these are the classic square-rigged ships of yore, with less than 100 still in active service anywhere in the world. Last year’s event saw 15 of the most impressive tall ships in the world, arrive in port for three memorable days of exhibitions, opportunities to go on aboard, vibrant shoreside activities, concerts, global goodwill events, cultural exchange programmes, laser displays, parades, crew sports and social engagement schemes, before the ships raced off to the next leg, A Coruña in Spain.

While the Tall Ships won’t be making an appearance this year, from 11th to 17th August, Falmouth Sailing Week will feature a wide range of racing classes, ensuring there is still something for everyone. From classic yachts and dinghies to high-performance keelboats, boats will compete in races held in the scenic waters of Falmouth Bay. The Bay Fleet races in 15 square miles of open water outside the harbour. The area has been the venue for many prestigious events over the years ranging from iconic J-Class super yachts to the Finn World Championship won by Falmouth’s own Ben Ainslie shortly before winning Olympic Gold in 2012. The Bay Fleet comprises Firebird catamaran, IRC and YTC (South West Yacht Time Correction) yachts.

The Carrick Fleet races in the lower estuary – an area some two miles long by a mile
wide – and, weather permitting, may also venture a short distance outside the harbour mouth, beyond Black Rock. Classes comprise Dinghies, Ajax, Shrimper 19, Sunbeam, Falmouth Working Boat, Falmouth Gaffer, Piper OD / Rustler 24, and YTC. For some 60 years, Falmouth Week has also included a long coastal race on the Wednesday for offshore yachts, with prize bottles of champagne – for 2024 this is the prestigious Ancasta Champagne Race. Not to be outdone, the Carrick Fleet now also has its own standalone long-distance aptly sponsored by Mainbrace Rum!

However, it’s not just about the racing; as part of the wider Falmouth Week (9th to 18th August) the town also offers a vibrant social scene and a host of shore-based activities. The event kicks off with the charity Pink Wig Parade on the first Friday, followed by Falmouth Carnival the following day. Across the ten days, you’ll find a host of live music, food stalls and a festive atmosphere for all the family.

Throughout the week, participants and spectators can enjoy a range of entertainment, from waterfront parties to maritime exhibitions. The regatta village, set up along Falmouth’s waterfront, serves as the central hub for the event. Here, visitors can explore stalls selling sailing gear, local crafts, and delicious Cornish food. The village also hosts live performances and family-friendly activities, making it a great place to soak up the regatta atmosphere. Spectacular aerial displays have always been a highlight of Falmouth Week, and this year is no exception as Falmouth welcomes three aerobatic display teams to the skies. Wednesday evening will see the Jet Pitts, The Titans and Aerosuperbatics WingWalkers perform daring stunts and exhilarating manoeuvres over Falmouth Bay. Up to date details on all events can be found by visiting falmouthweek.co.uk or following them on social media.

Be sure to make Falmouth Week a date in your diary this year – we hope to see you there!