MEMBERS of the public have relished the opportunity to take pictures of some of the tall ships arriving in Cornwall this week. 

The vessels started arriving in Falmouth on Monday afternoon ready for the big event, which started on Tuesday (August 15).

And of course, for keen photographers, these visiting vessels are the perfect subject matter for pictures. 

Members of the Packet Camera Club have managed to capture some truly stunning snaps of the tall ships as they arrived in Cornwall on Monday and Tuesday. 

The breathtaking vessels have come from countries all over the world including Mexico, Italy, Denmark, Polan, Uruguay, Spain, and the UK for four days of festivities including a Parade of Sail before the race start. This will take place on Friday, August 18 from 3pm.

Falmouth Packet: Stunning colours Stunning colours (Image: Sue Grigg)

Now the festivities in Falmouth have begun, here’s what else is happening throughout the rest of the week:

 

Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th August from 10.30pm

Lights & Laser Show*

Across various locations throughout Falmouth, visitors will be wowed by enchanting free lights and laser shows. The spectacle will be visible from all points between the National Maritime Museum Cornwall down to the Greenbank Hotel.

*Weather permitting.

Wednesday, August 16

Crew Parade and Inter-ships Crew Sports Day

A very busy day for the ships’ crew…

Inter-ships Crew Sports Day Falmouth Rugby Club, from 9am – 2pm

The ships’ crews take each other on in fun-fuelled games of five-a-side football, volleyball and tug of war. Teams of up to eight from each vessel will battle each other at the Rugby Club in knock out leagues.

The Rugby Club will be open for all to come and cheer on the teams and refreshments will be available.

Crew Parade From 4.30pm

The ships' crews’ parade gets underway from Falmouth Docks, making its way through Falmouth, taking in Arwenack Street Church Street, Market Street on its way to The Moor, before returning back to Events Square.

Crews are encouraged to wear fancy dress or their ship’s uniform and bring along the crew musicians to add to the excitement. Falmouth Marine Band will lead the throng followed by young people from Falmouth Sea Cadets and Falmouth Rugby Club.

READ MORE: 

Falmouth Tall Ships 2023: which ships are coming to race

Falmouth Tall Ships: what to see, when - and how to get onboard a tall ship

Falmouth Tall Ships: Car parks and getting around - frequently asked questions

Falmouth Packet: Plenty more Tall Ships will be on display in Falmouth this week Plenty more Tall Ships will be on display in Falmouth this week (Image: John Chapman)

 

Friday, August 18, 3pm 

Parade of Sail

The spectacular Parade of Sail will take place on Friday, August 18 at 3pm.

Prior to the Falmouth race start to A Coruna, Spain, the tall ships, along with hundreds of supporting local boats, yachts, and marine craft, will sail in company from their moorings, along the coast past Pendennis headland and Falmouth’s beaches. 

This is a truly fantastic spectacle, one not to be missed and it can be viewed from several coastal vantage points in and around Falmouth or from the water.

Where can I watch the Parade of Sail?

From 3pm the Tall Ships will showcase their finery in the magnificent Parade of Sail.

The Parade of Sail can be seen from St Anthony Head on The Roseland right along the coast to Rosemullion at the entrance to the Helford River. 

On land

The recommended viewing areas are Cliff Road, Pendennis Headland, Castle Beach, Gyllyngvase Beach, Swanpool Beach, Maenporth Beach, Rosemullion Head, St Mawes and St Anthony’s Head, and the coast path.

From the water

It’s an incredible experience to witness the Parade of Sail from the water.  However, please follow these safety guidelines:

· Make sure your craft is suitable and loaded sensibly.

· Keep a safe distance from other vessels, particularly the tall ships.

· Always use a kill cord and ensure that it is attached to the skipper of the boat.

· Be aware of your surroundings as there will be many vessels out on the water.

· The Parade of Sail will be very congested and therefore the sea state will not be suitable for SUPs or kayaks.

· Please keep well clear from the ships in the parade and pay attention to the marshalling vessels.

· RNLI “Know the Risks” page - https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks