The Tilley Endurables Falmouth Classics takes place next weekend
by Audrey Stevens 16 Jun 2018 11:01 BST
22-24 June 2018
Small Boat Parade © Morgan Webb
The Tilley Endurables Falmouth Classics is just around the corner and there will be plenty to see and do during the fun-filled three-day event (22nd – 24th June 2018).
Friday 22nd June sees the start of the regatta's three races in the Carrick Roads, with two taking place on the first day (at 11:30 and 14:00) and the third race on Saturday 24rd June (at 11:30). Many of the classic boats taking part in this year's racing and rallying will be moored on the Falmouth Haven Pontoon, which will be open to members of the public on Sat 23rd June between 09:00 – 10:30 and again between 16:00 – 18:00. There is even a chance of having an on-board tour of one of the participating boats, as 'Vigilance of Brixham' will be acting as an open boat. Although entry to the pontoon is free, donations are most welcome (collections are for the RNLI in the morning and for Coast Medic in the afternoon).
Back by popular demand and only in its second year, the Rowing and Sculling Competition takes place on Saturday 23rd June at 16.30-18.00 by the Greenbank Quay and pontoon (courtesy of Greenbank Hotel). Everyone is welcome to join this free entry competition by simply completing an entry form on the Falmouth Classics website, or alternatively by filling in a form at the Watersports Centre or at Greenbank Quay by 16:00 that day in order to take part.
Sunday 24th June sees the stunning Parade of Sail and Power take place at 10:30 immediately after the Pendennis Castle gun is fired, marking the start of the Parade. The famous tall ship 'Kaskelot' will be sailing in the bay prior to the start of the Parade. A sea shanty band will be playing on Castle Point near Pendennis Castle from 10:15 with Falmouth Classics volunteers on hand to provide further information. In addition, a SAR Coastguard helicopter may undertake a fly past before the start of the parade if circumstances permit.
Around 150 classic boats (including pilot cutters, luggers, gaff and Bermudan rigged vessels) will be taking part in the Parade led by two Royal Navy Patrol Vessels P2000 (HMS Charger and HMS Biter), the All Weather Lifeboat and the Inshore Lifeboat, as well as a vintage lifeboat called 'Frank Spiller Locke', which was built in 1914.
Other boats to spot within the Parade are the charity Turn to Starboard's flagship schooner 'Spirit of Falmouth', and 'Mermaid', one of the oldest yachts still afloat, which was built in 1860.
The Small Boat Parade – open to classic boats propelled by oars, sail and engines that are less than 20ft overall in length - follows the Parade of Sail and Power in the Inner Harbour from 13:30 – 14:30. Several craft from the extensive National Maritime Museum Cornwall (NMMC) boat collection will be taking part, including their in-house built Bounty Launch replica boat.
'Bounty's End' will also appear in the Small Boat Parade, which was built for the recent Channel 4 'Mutiny' series. Another vessel to keep a look out for in the Small Boat Parade is an unusual Bermuda rigged Coot classic dinghy, also known as 'Coot'. Built and designed in 1936 by a silversmith, Charles Purbrook for his own use, 'Coot' was so admired for her design that she was purchased before Charles had the chance to use her himself. This led to Charles beginning his own boat building business on the River Avon at Christchurch.
On top of the two Parades on Sunday 24th June, a historical race (nicknamed the 'Bligh Boat Race' which includes both sailing and rowing) takes place immediately after the Parades at 14:30 in the Carrick Roads between the two Bounty Launch replica boats. Conrad Humphreys – a round-the-world-yachtsman – will be sailing his boat 'Bounty's End', and the NMMC will be racing their replica Bligh boat which was built for the 'Captain Bligh: Myth, Man and Mutiny' exhibition (which closed earlier this year).
Throughout the three-day event, the Maritime Village will be on Custom House Quay featuring the Royal Navy, model lifeboats and the RNLI, marine related retailers (selling bags, cushions, rum, chocolate and fudge) and traditional marine skills.
John Davison, Chairman of the Falmouth Classics Association, says:
"This year's event is set to be even bigger and better than last year! We cannot wait to welcome all the participants – past and present – to Falmouth soon."