French fleet puts Falmouth Classics on the international agenda
by Abbie Legg 14 May 2015 20:09 BST
12-14 June 2015
Falmouth Classics Regatta and Parade of Sail © Serena Stewart
Sailors from France have pledged to bring an international flavour to the 2015 Falmouth Classics Regatta which will see the Carrick Roads come alive with historic vessels as part of the annual three-‐day sailing event.
This year the event promises to be bigger and better than ever before with new competitors from the Continent making the passage to Falmouth to sail and parade their vessels alongside other classic yacht sailors and enthusiasts.
The three-‐day event, from Friday to Sunday June 12 to 14, has grown in popularity and stature during the last three years since it took a new format and moved to a new slot in the calendar.
The new format, running alongside the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, has been well received by competitors and spectators of the classics event.
As well as traditional sailing boat racing, Falmouth Classics includes a popular parade of sail and a full calendar of shoreside activities including a gala dinner and a competitor's reception.
The stamp of approval from French sailors is especially significant given the popularity of classic sailing events in France which are renowned throughout Europe for their quality and hospitality.
Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, competing yachts in Falmouth Classics 2015 will again be offered free berthing in Falmouth Haven (subject to availability) or mooring in the harbour, promising to keep the festival atmosphere associated with classic boat events going strongly.
"We are very pleased that our Continental cousins have pledged to join us for the event which has always been popular with sailors in Britain," said Henry Roberts, chairman of the Falmouth Classics Association.
"A fleet of British classic yachts sailed to France last year to show the entente cordiale at the Douarnenez "Temps Fete" Festival, and we are delighted that the French sailors have given a resounding 'oui' to our invitation to come and take part in Falmouth.
"They can expect the weekend to bring three enjoyable days of classic boat racing and rallying around the Fal Estuary and we look forward to showing them the best of our hospitality."
www.falmouthclassics.org.uk