Falmouth Classics Regatta 2026 planning is well underway, reshaping the Event to ensure everyone has a great time. Wishing for the best of weather we are really looking forward to seeing friends old and new.
Welcome from the Chair
Dyth da to pub oll, (Hello everyone)
For those of you not based in Cornwall, you may be surprised when you attend this year’s Falmouth Classics Regatta. In the past month we have so much wet weather that evolution is kicking in and some locals are developing gills and webbed feet! However let’s look forward to June this year when we have put in a request for warm days and fair winds and we can all have a great Regatta.
We have made a number of small changes to the event this year to increase the time available to enjoy all that Falmouth on Sea Shanty weekend can bring and to enable a faster return home on the Sunday for those that need to travel further than the Chain Locker! Notably the reception at the art gallery on Friday night has been removed to allow more time to enjoy the Shanty Festival and we have moved the Prize giving and Small Boat parades to Saturday evening alongside a sailing Supper at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in partnership with Dynamite Valley. Do let us know whether this works in the after-event feedback.
The team are looking forward to seeing you in June.
Paul Hobson, Chairman Falmouth Classics
Falmouth Classics 2026
Established in 1987, and now approaching its 40th anniversary, Falmouth Classics has grown into the UK’s largest gathering dedicated to classic craft – vessels over 50 years old – drawing international participants and spectators alike.
With around 165 vessels expected, including everything from nimble 9ft dinghies to majestic 150ft yachts and occasionally larger square riggers, the regatta features relaxed but thrilling races, a spectacular Parade of Sail, a Small Classic Boat Parade, rowing and sculling competitions, and a vibrant onshore programme including the now famous pasty and a pint on the pontoon, the Sailing Supper, and a Maritime Village.
This isn’t just a sailing event; it’s a cultural spectacle that coincides with the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, attracting over 70,000 visitors to the heart of Falmouth at Customs House Quay.
Entering the 2026 Event
Entries can now be submitted. You will also find the NOR, Schedule and other information. Booking for Social Entry Tickets and Saturday night Sailing Supper will be available soon, as will links to purchase Falmouth Classics 2026 Merchandise.
When completing the entry form please provide us with a second phone number that is land based and can be used in an emergency. We also require the hull colour and an up -to-date photograph of your vessel for fast identification in case of an emergency.
Chief Race Officer, Nigel Sharp, has been working hard at putting together some good courses in Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay for the 2026 event.
Please do familiarize yourself with the Notice of Race and other important information. This includes sailing rules, sailing and parade instructions, eligibility and entry, handicapping, fees, event schedule, courses and other important information. Please note that some of this detail is still being updated for 2026. So please do keep checking the website.
Do visit Participating Boats 2026 which will fill with details as entries are received.
Berthing and Mooring
The Falmouth Harbour Commissioners and the Falmouth Haven are kindly providing discounted berthing alongside on the Haven and on swinging moorings from 11.00 on Thursday 11 June. However despite this support we still need to request a contribution. Vessels over 16m LOA need to enter and then contact Falmouth Harbour to book a mooring. If you choose to anchor, then Harbour dues will be collected by the Falmouth Haven staff.
If you wish to moor alongside or have a swinging mooring early application is recommended. Often all the berths are filled by early May.
If you are making your own arrangements for a mooring you will need to provide us with the location on the entry form. This is to enable the Race Committee to be able to check that everyone is safe following any climatic events such as the squall we experienced on Friday in 2024.
Parade of Sail and Power
The fancy dress theme for the Parade of Sail and Power is “Above the Sea” as a follow on the theme from last year. Plenty of scope for imaginative minds! The best dressed crew and vessel will win a prize. There are prizes for the best presented boat.
Heather and Lay Steam and Small Boat Parade
Kevin McClean who is coordinating the parade will be contacting past participants to encourage them to participate, alongside old favourites, we would like to see entries for classic boats less than 20’ powered by sail, oar, engine or steam that have not previously entered. There are prizes for the best presented boat, the best handled boat and the best dressed – the fancy dress theme will be “Under the Water”.
Merchandise
Our Shop is not yet up and running as we are still finalising the details. As soon as the shop is open we will let you know. You will need to visit the shop to purchase Falmouth Classics 2026 t-shirts and other items, Social Tickets and the Sailing Supper at the RCYC.
Falmouth Classics Maritime Village
As in previous years the highly popular village will be situated on Custom House Quay from 10.00-17:00 12 and 14 June. There will lots of stalls to browse and some excellent refreshment to be had. Look out for the colourful banner.
Rowing and Sculling Competition
This competition starts at 16.30 on 13 June from the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. The rowing and sculling competition is great fun, and we hope that we will surpass the excellent turn out last year.
Have a go! Use your own boat or one generously provided by the local sail training vessel “Hardiesse”.
Entry is free and there are prizes.
West Country Classic Series
In 2026 there will be four Classic events which will provide an opportunity to qualify for the series. Again, it will be necessary to race in at least two.
Dartmouth Classics: Tuesday 7 July; Registration at RDYC, racing on 8 and 9 July with prize giving in the evening also at RDYC
Falmouth Classics: Thursday 12 June – to Sunday 14 June, prizegiving and Sailing Supper at RCYC on the Saturday
Looe Lugger Classics: Monday 31 July to Wednesday 2 August
Fowey Classics: Monday 27 July – Thursday to 30 July
