Sailors from France have pledged to bring an international flavour to the 2015 Falmouth Classics Regatta which will see the Carrick Roads come alive with historic vessels as part of the annual three-day sailing event.
This year the event promises to be bigger and better than ever before with new competitors from the Continent making the passage to Falmouth to sail and parade their vessels alongside other classic yacht sailors and enthusiasts.
The three-day event, from Friday to Sunday June 12 to 14, has grown in popularity and stature during the last three years since it took a new format and moved to a new slot in the calendar.
The new format includes running alongside the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival which has been well received by competitors and spectators of the classics event.
As well as traditional sailing boat racing, Falmouth Classics includes a popular parade of sail and a full calendar of shoreside activities too including a gala dinner and a competitor’s reception.
The stamp of approval from French sailors is especially significant given the popularity of classic sailing events in France which are renowned throughout Europe for their quality and hospitality.
Competing yachts in Falmouth Classics 2015 will again be offered free berthing in Falmouth haven and mooring in the harbour promising to keep the festival atmosphere associated with classic boat events going strongly.
“We are very pleased that our Continental cousins have pledged to join us for the event which has always been popular with sailors in Britain,” said Henry Roberts, chairman of the Falmouth Classics Association.
“We sailed a fleet of British classic yachts to France last year to show our entente cordiale at the Douarnenez temps fete festival and have been very pleased that the French sailors have given a resounding ‘oui’ to our invitation to come and take part.
“They can expect the weekend to bring three enjoyable days of classic boat racing and rallying around the Fal Estuary and we look forward to showing them the best of our hospitality.”
