After the event
Racing at this years Falmouth Classics Regatta 2026 was a celebration of traditional sailing at its finest. Against the stunning backdrop of Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay, the fleet of classic yachts, gaff-rigged vessels and historic working boats, competed in three races over two days.
Thank you to all who organised and ran all the racing. Really well run, ran like clockwork, and always so calm and competent on the VHF. Thanks from Maija. See you in Dartmouth. ☀️⛵️🍺
Very strong winds on Thursday delayed the arrival of some competitors, but most made it in challenging conditions, some crossing the channel to compete. Unfortunately, around 6 of the expected 100 boats were unable to join because of the poor weather conditions further up the coast.
Thanks from us both on Orthops. A well organised and pleasurable event and nice to meet friends old and new.
By Thursday evening the weather had improved, and the event got underway with Pips Pasties and Dynamite Valley pints on the pontoon at Falmouth Haven, to the accompanying entertainment of local Shanty Bass group .
Weather conditions were much improved on Friday and the first race of the day for the 13 classes started at 10.30 under overcast skies, following Chief Race Officer Nigel Sharp’s courses in Carrick Roads, spectators enjoyed some excellent views of the competition from Pendennis, Trefusis and Castle drive St Mawes.
Voluta and Crabby Madge (Photo by Nigel Sharp)More highly competitive racing followed in the afternoon untroubled by the departure of HMS Scott.
Thanks from L’Aquarelle to everyone involved with the regatta. Very well organised. We had a fab time.
Zoe & Delilah (Photo by Nigel Sharp)Crews returned for some well-earned relaxation at The International Sea Shanty Festival on Friday evening and prepared for the final race day on Saturday.
Thanks everyone for another wonderful Falmouth Classics…Proteus now safely arrived at Helford Passage…see you next year, Paul and Robin.
Saturday dawned bright and clear with much lighter winds, the racing for the larger craft included marks in Falmouth bay, making a spectacular sight as spinnakers were hoisted to get the best out of the available wind.
Lulotte a 1972 Swan 55 Skippered by Ben Morris ( Photo Jim Totman)The diminishing wind led to some challenging racing conditions for the smaller boats in Carrick Roads as they searched for some wind.
Barnabus (Rob McDowell) under sweeps in light winds on Saturday (photo Nigel Sharp)Post racing, all boats returning safely, with many thanks to Simon Ambler (Race safety officer) and his team.
From the Crew of Sowelu (033). Thank you to everyone who made this weekend very memorable.
The boats were back on their berths by 14.00pm and the pontoon was opened at Falmouth Haven for the public to take a closer look at the participating boats.
Emma 22ft Steam Launch, Replica WW2 Surf Boat, and Julia a Helford Delta all from The National Maritime Museum Cornwall alongside at Falmouth Haven (Photo Jim Totman)
The Classics Village saw brisk business over the weekend with a good number of stall holders on Custom House Quay.
Classic Cottages WebcamThe Small boat Parade took place at 16.00 on Saturday afternoon, in fabulous sunshine, at the RCYC, a number of small boats joining in with a band of pirates!
Prizegiving was at The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club on Saturday evening. A convivial, well attended event with prizes provided by Musto, Noble Masts and Drinkfinder to the deserving winners. This was followed by an excellent curry.
Thank you so much for yet another wonderful event …. 🙏 to all the volunteers ! And maybe see some of you at the Dartmouth Classics / Classic Channel Regatta ❤️
The Parade of Sail took place in glorious sunshine on Sunday Morning.
Led by Spirit of Gaia a James Wharram design built in Devoran that has sailed around the world, over 60 vessels took part in a spectacular procession in Carrick Roads, passing by Pendennis Point around Black Rock and returning past St Antony and St Mawes. A spectacular view of the fleet under sail was enjoyed by many at the various vantage points around the entrance to Carrick Roads.
Photos 1-5 Melanie Franks; Photo 6 & 7 Trish Totman; Photo 8 Photo Minx.At the end of the parade skippers and crews bid their farewells and dispersed at the end of a wonderful weekend of racing, festivities and a great celebration of classic boats. Probably best summed up by Kevin McLoed our exceptionally dressed Director of Classic Parade of Power and Sail.
Photo Andy BroadThank you committee and all organisers and helpers for a fabulous couple of days in the water.
There is one final post script to the event. One classic yacht returning from the parade of sail took in their sails as they approached Falmouth passing RFA Mounts Bay, and suffered an electrical failure that meant they were unable to start their engine. They put out a call for assistance that our RSO Simon Ambler responded to in his excellent rib, he was able to raft up to the stricken vessel and safely tow them into the Haven.
Good one Simon!
Happy sailing until we meet again.
The Falmouth Classics Team
