A Falmouth boat event that will be held over three days for the first time this summer has received a funding boost from the town council.

For 64 years Falmouth Classics has been run as a single-day event, previously associated with Falmouth Week.

But this year it will instead offer three days of dedicated classic boat racing from June 14-16, the same weekend as the International Sea Shanty Festival.

The expanded Falmouth Classics is being spearheaded by a group of volunteer sailing enthusiasts, under the banner of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club’s events company, with a view to creating a landmark standalone sailing event for classic boat enthusiasts.

“It’s the right time for Falmouth Classics to take this step and become the event it’s always promised to become,” said Roger Hollingsworth, chairman of the Falmouth Classics organising committee.

“The demand is there, the desire is there and now, thanks to Falmouth Town Council and our generous sponsors, the funding is there to ensure we can provide the type of event we’ve been dreaming of.”

Falmouth Town Council has agreed to provide a grant of £1,700 towards the running of the three-day event, while contributions have also been received from a variety of commercial sponsors.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support we’ve received, not only from sponsors but also in the form of encouragement from the sailing community at large,” said Roger.

“We’re determined to meet, or hopefully exceed, everybody’s expectations and put on a weekend to remember.”

Falmouth Classics 2013 is open to a wide range of classic boats. For more information visit www.falmouthclassics.org.uk