Falmouth Classics 2022

Crossing the finishing line in the idyllic conditions experienced on the Friday of Falmouth Classics 2022 © Nigel Sharp

Gentle breezes on Thursday enabled vessels from the south west and further afield to arrive in Falmouth for the Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management's Falmouth Classics. The event, in its thirty fifth year received 175 entries.

By Thursday evening the port was filled with luggers, pilot cutters, a topsail schooner, gaff and Bermudan cruisers with the addition of a surprise visit from the brigantine La Malouine who took time off from her itinerary to join in some of the events. Skippers and crews enjoyed a reception in Falmouth Haven where Dynamite Valley Brewery and North Coast Wines provided liquid refreshments and 400 Choaks pasties were consumed.

Aboard the Falmouth training ship Hardiesse, the local shanty group Rum and Shrub entertained.

With 103 entered to race, Friday provided an idyllic day for racing in the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay. On return vessels were greeted by music from the Hardiesse Harmonies.

A reception in the Art gallery and Council Chamber provided an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to be appreciate the excellent exhibition of Polperro art. Refreshments were provided by Fal River Distillery and Six Liqueurs.

The organisers, in collaboration with Falmouth Haven staff, had been keeping an eye on the weather and on Saturday morning the pilot cutters and luggers were asked anchor off Trefusis after racing or return to their own moorings. Several smaller vessels also chose to vacate the Haven pontoons whilst other increased their mooring lines in preparation for the deteriorating conditions. As winds from the north increased to 40 knots, and waves broke over the pontoons the actions taken were very appropriate.

The Teamac race took place but for only four classes. With increasing wind, the Race Committee, rightly, decided to abandon. Unfortunately, two boats one on starboard the other on port collided with damage sustained by both but with no crew injuries.

The afternoon public opening of the pontoon and the rowing and sculling competition were both cancelled and exhibitors in the Classics Maritime Village closed shop early before gazebos and displays were damaged.

Many participants attended the prize-giving for the daily races at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in the evening and 150 stayed for supper and enjoyed the jazz provided by Jumping Out.

Organisers anticipated that the parade of sail and power might be considerably reduced, however around 100 boats participated and with vessels dating from 1881 to 2020 providing a splendid pageant of maritime history. The parade was led by the two Falmouth RNLI lifeboats followed by the 1930s topsail schooner Annie of Charlestown and the 1907 West Country trading ketch Irene now being used by the local charity Sea Sanctuary.

Overall prizes for racing and the parades took place in the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Rob Coote of Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management presented glassware and trophies, whilst sponsor representatives from North Coast Wines,and Heather and Lay presented the champagne awards for the parades and Musto presented their prizes.

Despite the event being the most challenging for several years, organisers have been thanked for providing "yet another fantastic Classic event" by participants.

Orthops, the 1958 Moody built Robert Clark design racing on the Saturday of Falmouth Classics 2022 - photo © Nigel Sharp