UK sail training event makes maritime history

Up to 200,000 visitors are expected to descend on Falmouth over the next four days as the historic port hosts one of the world’ great maritime events – The Falmouth Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta 2014.

And the event is making maritime history as the first time ever that the internationally renowned tall ships race will take place solely in British waters.

The start of this historic event in Falmouth, organised by Sail Training International, runs from today (Thursday 28 August) until Sunday (31 August) and welcomes 43 Tall Ships to its docks.

Event manager Sam Groom, Cornwall Development Company, said: äóìFalmouth last hosted the arrival of the Tall Ships for the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta in 2008.  Alongside the many thousands of visitors who came out to witness this spectacle, a huge spectator fleet graced Falmouth Bay.  So – those who saw this spectacular sight will know just why it’ so exciting to welcoming the ships and visitors alike for this year’ festival.äó

For the first three days, the ships will be open to the public for a unique opportunity to explore on deck and learn about life on board.  There will also be a range of live music – from an acoustic stage for local talent, to live bands and shanty groups, including the much-loved Fisherman’ Friends.

On Friday (29 August) more than 300 crew members and trainees will be transferring their competitive spirit from the sea to Gyllyngvase Beach for an entertaining day of inter-ship sports challenges including the traditional tug of war.  Fully energised they will then parade through the streets before taking part in a prize giving ceremony in Falmouth’s event square. 

The race starts from Falmouth on Sunday (31 August) to a point off the Isle of Wight, before the fleet then cruises to Royal Greenwich with an arrival deadline of 12 noon, Friday 5 September.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE PORT

* Grand opening ceremony 

A host of VIPs gathered at Falmouth’ dock to mark the grand opening of The Falmouth Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta 2014 today (Thursday 28 August).

John Hicks, Chairman of the Falmouth Tall Ships Association; James Stevens, Chairman, Falmouth Royal Greenwich Regatta; John Body, Mayor of Falmouth and Councillor John Smith led the proceedings and ribbon cutting ceremony.

James Stevens, Chairman, Falmouth Royal Greenwich Regatta presented the Mayor of Falmouth with a commemorative Sail Training International plaque to mark the event and said, äóìFalmouth is steeped in maritime history, so what better place to have a Regatta and the race and cruise in company provides a challenge and adventure for all the16-25 year old trainees taking part. For many of these young people today marks the start of an experience that they have never had before.   

äóìOn behalf of STI I’d like to thank Falmouth, the sponsors and visitors and present the town with a plaque to thank you all for your fantastic support.äó

Chris Leggett from BT Cornwall said, äóìWe are hugely proud of being the principal sponsor of this very special event and believe that there are few  better places in the world to host this event.äó 

John Body, Mayor of Falmouth said, äóìToday is the proudest moment of my time as mayor and Falmouth is so proud to host this incredible sail training event. So – on be