Royal Navy and Tall Ship to participate in Falmouth Classics

by Don Garman 20 Apr 2025 10:34 BST 13-15 June 2025

A Royal Navy warship and a tall ship will be attending and participating in the 38th Falmouth Classics Regatta from 13th - 15th June.

HMS Express, number 163, one of sixteen Archer Class P2000 fast patrol boats and assigned to the Devonport based Coastal Forces Squadron will be in the Port of Falmouth during the Classics Regatta and will lead the parade of sail and power on Sunday morning followed by the two Falmouth lifeboats and the fleet of classic yachts and powered vessels. The commanding officer will be invited to present the day prizes for racing on Saturday 14th June at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. This will include Race 3 sponsored by Teamac with vouchers for class winners to the value of £100 for paint, varnish or antifoul.

The tall ship which will be moored in the inner harbour during the event is the Dutch Brig Morgenster (Morning Star) she was built in 1919 in steel as a sailing herring lugger but converted to an engine in 1927. Originally named De Vrouw Maria, she changed her name in 1959 and was sold out of fishing in 1970. With a hull designed for sail, she was re rigged with two masts both carrying square sails. She made her maiden voyage rigged as a brig in 2008 and participated in the 2014 Falmouth Tall Ships and often visits the port in her capacity as a sail training vessel. She will arrive from a Channel crossing departing from Brest and will leave Falmouth for a cruise up channel with a destination off Cherbourg.

Organisers hope that the 46.03 metre Morgenster will lead the sailing vessels in the Sunday parade. The crews on both HMS Express and Morgenster will be invited to show their rowing and sculling skills in the all-comers rowing and sculling event that will take place in front of the Royal Cornwall Yacht club on Saturday afternoon.

Captain Jakob Fremgen, the skipper of Morgenster, said: "The crew and I are really looking forward to participating in the 2025 Falmouth Classics Regatta and to our brig Morgenster leading the sailing craft in the Sunday parade. I am sure we will also enjoy the festivities ashore. We very much appreciate the warm welcome we have already received. "

Paul Hobson, Chair of Falmouth Classics Association, said "Association members will be delighted to welcome both HMS Express and Morgenster to Falmouth. Both vessels will add to the variety of craft in the harbour and ensure the parade of sail and power is a great spectacle for both participants and the public."

The Falmouth Classics Regatta will provide classic boats with the opportunity to participate in three races in fifteen classes, to parade and enjoy shoreside receptions and the Falmouth International Sea Shanty with its eighty-two bands.

More information about the event can be found at www.falmouthclassics.org.uk