MONEY is now being sought by Carrick council's tourism team to help make the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta in Falmouth next year a huge success.

The return of the tall ships to Falmouth will mean a huge boost to the town following the success of the event in 1998.

Next week, Carrick's cabinet members will be asked to approve a financial contribution of £15,000 this year and again next year to enable Falmouth to host the start of the race when hundreds of sailing vessels will be expected in port along with thousands of people.

Carrick is expected to become the lead accountable body for the event although there will be many others involved.

It is expected Carrick will also negotiate and agree a contract with Tall Ships International in the coming weeks.

A report to councillors makes it clear that the short, medium and long-term benefits of Falmouth hosting the tall ships festival include tourism spend, image, maritime heritage and enhancement of Falmouth's reputation as an international sailing venue.

It is planned that the tall ships fleet will congregate in Falmouth for some days before the race from the port to Portugal and a second race to Funchal, Madeira as part of the commemorations marking the 500th anniversary of the founding of Funchal.