English Braids Falmouth Classics 2019 a roaring success
by Kate Hucklesby 26 Jun 2019 14:35 BST
14-16 June 2019
The English Braids Falmouth Classics 2019 on Friday 14th - Sunday 16th June was a great success, with 190 classic boats taking part.
Entries came from far and wide, including France, Bristol Channel, West Wales, Essex, the Thames, Solent and other parts of the south west. Among those who entered were 43 vessels built before 1940, many of which are on the National Historic ships register. The oldest boat participating was the Lowestoft Lugger "Gleaner", built in Porthleven for the Lowestoft drift fishery in 1878. Racing with the other big luggers in the racing on Friday, she was the winner of her class.
The unstable weather pattern of the days prior to the event settled for Friday and Saturday, resulting in some glorious sunshine and great conditions for the regatta participants. Despite strong south westerly gusts up to force 6, and a heavy swell around Blackrock, the spectacular Sunday parade went ahead on the alternate inshore course.
The High Sheriff of Cornwall, John Willis, said "Looking out over the stunning Parade of Sail and Power, surrounded by classic boats of every description, butting through the swell in that gusting wind was a sight not to be forgotten. We felt so lucky and were so privileged to have had such a wonderful grandstand view of it all. From an observer's point of view it all seemed to run like clockwork. What a credit to the organising Committee - they certainly did Cornwall proud."
Falmouth's twin town Dourananez in France was represented by 1940's lobster boat "Skellig", crewed by those who built her. Distinctive in shape, her blue, black and white paintwork was striking in the water and drew attention throughout the event. The Portsall lifeboat "Yvon Salaun' was another notable entry, standing out in vivid green and orange livery, and with a very popular crew among the other participants as well as the public.
There was an increased Royal Navy presence this year with HMS Middleton, a Hunt Class mine countermeasures vessel, and P2000 Patrol vessels HMS Trumpeter and HMS Biter in port. The two patrol vessels led the parade of sail and power on Sunday, with HMS Middleton welcoming community groups as well as Classic's organisers aboard for tours of the ship. Lt Commander Irving took part in the day prize givings at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club on Saturday and presented the Past Commodore Bob Collings with the ships crest.
The rowing and sculling competition drew an increased number of participants this year, including teams from HMS Trumpeter and HMS Middleton, with participants rowing and sculling from a start line at RCYC towards the Greenbank Hotel. The skipper of "Hardiesse" once again saw off all other competitors with his sculling ability, whilst the Royal Navy was unable to challenge local rowers in the paired rowing. The event created much hilarity and encouragement from the onlookers.
Members of the public were able to see the participating boats up close during the early part of Saturday morning and during the late afternoon. "Snark", the recently built Thames barge, "Hardiesse", the Falmouth sail training ship, and "Yvon Saluan" welcomed interested visitors on board to explore and discover more about their history.
The Tilley Maritime Village proved to be very popular once again. With a heavy footfall, the exhibitors remained busy throughout the event, showcasing their products, chatting with members of the public and giving demonstrations.
The small group of organisers swelled to well over 50 by volunteers from sailing clubs, the Falmouth and Exeter University Sailing Club, the Institute of Photography, and the crew of "Spirit of Falmouth", the schooner belonging to the charity Turn to Starboard. The team helped berth boats on arrival, crewed safety boats, assisted in organising receptions and staffed the office in the Falmouth Watersports Centre.
Don Garman, Vice Chairman of the Falmouth Classics Association said "We'd like to thank all of our volunteers for their commitment, hard work and enthusiasm throughout the event and especially at the prize giving. They are invaluable to us and help to run the event efficiently and successfully."
He went on to say, "Overall, this year has been a huge success, with camaraderie, dedication and above all, a love for classic boats. It's great to see so many people enjoying the event and finding out more about these incredible vessels. We'd like to thank the fantastic sponsors we'd had this year, without whom the event would never be the same. The support we've received has been remarkable and will allow the Classics to continue for years to come."
www.falmouthclassics.org.uk