An impressive display of over 400 photographs from the Falmouth Sail Training Ships was unveiled at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall today, offering a charming glimpse of voyages aboard the Falmouth Sail Training Ships.

Falmouth Sail Training Ships has served the community for over 60 years and continues to give both boys, and more recently girls, the rare opportunity to crew at sea, using the training ship Hardiesse. Its aim is to promote sailing for young people and, through hands-on experience of sailing, to encourage the development of knowledge, teamwork and leadership.

The new exhibition will be on show on the Temporary Exhibitions Balcony in the Museum's Cornwall Galleries until 7 January next year. Using 60 years of photographic diaries, it beautifully documents Falmouth Sail Training Ships' journey from its inception in 1946 to the present day.

Welcoming guests, Chris Stone of the Falmouth Sail Training Ships and skipper of Hardiesse said: "The training ship exists to introduce young people to sailing, and is the third ship in succession operated by the registered charity The Falmouth Sail Training Ship. The exhibition celebrates the pedigree of the organisation and its importance for young people in Cornwall.

He went on to welcome the support expressed by members of Falmouth Town Council, local organisations and local individuals, hoping that the photographs would jog many memories and encourage reminiscences' and thanked the Museum for mounting the display.

One of those who had memories of sailing on Shearwater as a boy, a forerunner of the present ship was Mayor of Falmouth, Michael Varney.

A more recent crew member was Kimberley, one of the first girls to sail as crew, who recalled some of the essential changes: "We added doors, mirrors and air fresheners, but do not think for one moment that we did not spend as long aloft as the boys."

Milly Newman the exhibition organiser enthused: "It's a wonderful opportunity to catalogue and display the Sail Training Ship's journey through time from sepia to full colour. The exhibition illustrates the timelessness of the fun children get from being on the water. The most exciting thing is that this journey through time has not ended; indeed the opportunity for young people to experience and enjoy life aboard the ship is still available today. We need to get behind initiatives like this and support them for our next generations."

The exhibition will be on show at the Maritime Museum until January 7 next year.