Ahoy again
We are looking forward to fair weather for the Falmouth Classics Regatta 2026, some may remember the somewhat damp conditions during racing on the Friday last year, but the weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm and despite the rain all enjoyed some great racing. This year’s event promises to be an exciting and congenial three days of racing, parades and on shore entertainment.
Entries have been coming in steadily since the web site was updated in early February and berths are filling. If you have not yet done so we encourage you to complete your entry form soon, especially if you wish to have a mooring on the pontoon.
We are looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones, and wish all participants a good passage to Falmouth, with fingers crossed for fair winds and good weather, the 2026 Falmouth Classics Regatta is set to be an exceptional classic sailing event.
The Falmouth International Shanty Festival promises to provide great entertainment as usual with over 80 groups booked. Shanty performances are scheduled throughout the weekend at the 20+ official festival venues. Visit Falmouth Sea Shanty for details. Stay connected by checking WhatsApp and Facebook for news. And don’t forget our website, refreshed for 2026, and has kinds of good stuff. QR codes can be found further down the page.
We are pleased to announce that the Classics Shop is now open and the Racing Video Briefing is online. Please follow the links below.
Before you do anything please familiarise yourself with the schedule, we don’t want you to miss anything either on the water or on the shore!
Please keep checking for new information as the event draws nearer.
Falmouth Classics Regatta Team
Berthing
If you want an alongside berth or a swinging mooring do not delay your entry as we are often full by early May, with just anchoring remaining. All entrants to date will be allocated their preferred berth. Patrick, the Berthing Officer, and his team will be ready to receive vessels from 11:00 on Thursday 11 June. Please call the Harbour on CH12 and they will pass you over to the berthing team. Arrivals on Wednesday or stayovers to Monday will be eligible for a Haven berthing discount this year.
Registration
Soon after arrival you will need to make your way to our registration office in the Windjammer (aka Falmouth Watersports Centre) – walk up Quay Street and turn left, pass Trago’s and Windjammer is set back slightly on your left. Sue and her team will be delighted to see you.
Local boats and early arrivals will be able to register on Tuesday and Wednesday from 12.00-16.30, and 12:00-16:30 on Thursday, 09:00-12:00 on Friday and 09:00-10:00 on Saturday. Please do make use of the Windjammer for good coffee, a well stocked bar and delicious food.
Racing
There will be some variations in the courses this year from Chief Race Officer Nigel Sharp, a well-known marine journalist and photographer, and race officer for many familiar events. We couldn’t be in better hands! The Committee Boat this year is Melkin.
Please do take time to watch our video briefing which is online now, and will remain so for the duration. Notice of Race is also available, and Sailing Instructions will be ready in May, we will let you know when you can access them.
Social Events
Once again skippers and crew are invited to the Dynamite Valley brewery reception on Friday, on the pontoon. Dynamite Valley brewery will provide the beer, we provide the pasties, the Shanty provide the songs.
This year the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club will host a Sailing Supper, after Prizegiving, on Saturday 13 June at 19.30. If you haven’t yet booked your tickets for this hop over to the Classics Shop and book now!
Entry for both events is for those with wrist bands only, so ensure you register the correct number of crew when you enter.
Non-crew may purchase Social Tickets for both events; the Sailing Supper must be booked in advance and confirmation shown on entry.
Classics Shop
The Classics shop is now open, so now is the time to book your social events tickets, make a donation or order a Polo shirt or two.
Our merchandise is being managed directly by Cornwall Screen Print; Polo shirts, caps, rugby shirts, and gilets, all with the Falmouth Classics logo, a great memento of the regatta. Please note that any merchandise purchased must be sent to your home address. As these items are bespoke the lead time is 5-10 days from order. Any orders should be placed by 3rd June to ensure they arrive in good time. The on-line shop will remain open until the end of 2026.
Discount Offers
Vessels will receive a Haven discount card useable in Falmouth shops over the duration of the event. One of our sponsors is offering a 20% discount from Thursday to Sunday. Their shop is in Events Square. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is also offering discounted entry, make sure you are wearing your wrist straps.
Parades
And last but certainly not least the Parades which provide a spectacular opportunity to dress your boat and crew in this year’s theme.
Saturday 15:00 Heather and Lay Steam and Small Boat Parade – Theme “Under and Over”.
Sunday 10:30 Sunday Parade of Sail and Power – Theme: “Under the Sea”
You can can be anything that floats, or swims on the surface, and lives under the water: boats, sailors, pirates, seagulls, mermaids, lobsters, jelly fish, scuba divers, ship wrecks – let your imagination run riot and surprise us!
Instructions for the Parade of Sail and Power will be on the website later this month.
The Parade will again be led by HMS Express, a P2000 Archer Class Patrol Vessel and the two Falmouth lifeboats.
There will be prizes for best presented sailing craft, best dressed crew/boat, best presented powered classic and best presented gig.
