Falmouth Classics 2025
by Don Garman 19 Jun 07:06 NZST
13-15 June 2025
Cynthia, built Falmouth in 1910 by Thomas Jacket in the Teamac Race - Falmouth Classics 2025 © Jim Totman
An eclectic fleet of classic vessels gathered on Thursday 12th June in Falmouth Harbour for the 2025 Falmouth Classics Regatta. Vessels ranged from the 48m Dutch Brig Morgenster to Teuk a 3.8m West Mersea oyster smack's tender. This year a high proportion of the 159 boats were built before 1950 with the oldest entry, Emma, a Leigh Bawley, built in 1845.
A great start to the event was provided by Dynamite Brewery's reception on Falmouth Haven with shanty singing from local group Rum and Shrub. The event got seriously under way on Friday when, undaunted by the rain, 90 left their moorings and berths to race in the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay. Despite getting a soaking, crews enjoyed the courses set by the new Chief Race officer Nigel Sharp. The fickle wind in the afternoon saw boats in some classes struggle to achieve the time limit.
The evening Polgoon Vineyard and Gweek Classic Boatyard reception in the Falmouth Art Gallery and Council Chamber saw crew enjoying some warmth and dryness.
The strong westerly breeze on Saturday provided great sailing and the fleet increased to well over 100 with the addition of Falmouth Working Boats and some additional local G Class gaffers. The Carrick Roads was filled with lug, gaff and Bermudan sails and the large boat classes raced out into Falmouth Bay. A number of the fifteen classes raced around a mark in St Mawes Harbour.
Several crews and a Royal Navy team participated in the rowing and sculling competition at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club after racing. A local pair won the rowing whilst a Salcombe Yawl skipper won the singles race. There was stiff competition in the sculling with Zak Clarke, from West Mersea in Essex, showing the way around the course.
The weather on Sunday proved ideal for the Parade of Sail and Power. Three Royal Navy Archer P2000 patrol vessels led the parade in an arrow formation (not the Red Arrows but the Grey Arrows!) followed by the current Falmouth lifeboats and two vintage life boats.
The sailing fleet was led by Morgenster with some of her square sails set, a sight providing a reminder of a long-gone era in Falmouth, she was followed by the sailing fleet and gigs. Several boats had dressed according to the underwater fancy dress theme. There were mermaids, octopuses, crabs and an abundance of seaweed to be seen.
The guests on the Fal River MV Moyanna voted on their selection of winners. The winner of the fancy dress was local boat Tumblehome IV closely challenged by the gigs Pennarrow and Governor. The Heather and Lay small boat parade followed in the inner harbour with traditionally built and rigged boats under 20' dating from 1882 to 2024. Winner of the best presented small boat was Shringle, a 1940s Falmouth lug rigged boat recently rebuilt and launched earlier in the week.
The event culminated in a prize-giving at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall where prizes of Tregothnan tea, Polgoon wine, Musto clothing, chandlery vouchers provided by Heather and Lay, trophies and glassware were presented to class winners. Prize-giving ended in time for skippers and crews to watch the final shanty festival performance.
The event was run by 50 volunteers including the 15 members of the organising team. The organisers would like to thank the sponsors and advertisers for the wonderful support given to this year's event.
The next Falmouth Classics Regatta will be held from 12th - 14th June 2026.
Event website: www.falmouthclassics.org.uk