A & P Falmouth Ltd was instrumental in attracting the Tall Ships Regatta to Falmouth and one of inaugural partners for the prestigious Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta, which begins with four days of celebrations in Falmouth from 28th to 31st August next year.

The facilities provided by the Docks was one of the deciding factors which the Regatta organisers, Sail Training International, took into consideration when confirming Falmouth as the host port for the start of the 2014 Tall Ships. A & P Falmouth have a long standing reputation for offering facilities to visiting Tall Ships and have hugely contributed to Falmouth being recognised as a ‘sail training friendly’ port.

Mike Reynolds, Operations Director at A & P Falmouth said: “A & P are delighted to be continuing their association with Tall Ships events and to welcome the ships back to our dock facilities.

“The Docks have been operating since 1860 and are a very important location for dry docking ships. We employ a skilled workforce, who are used to welcoming ships from all nations and of all types for repair or other port operations.

“Cruise ships from all the major cruise lines regularly visit the port, including the Saga Sapphire which will be visiting Falmouth during the Regatta. We wish the organisers and everyone who takes part in the Regatta every success.”

The Docks are providing significant facilities in-kind for the event, including staff time for planning, wharf space, land, fenders and pontoons and will be opening their gates to the public from 28th to 30th August. A & P are responsible for preparing the berthing plan which allocates spaces for the magnificent vessels which will take part in the Regatta. John Hick, Chairman of the Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta Steering Group in Falmouth added; “Without this tremendous and continued support from A & P, the event would not be possible. We look forward to making the start of the prestigious Regatta into an outstanding event for the whole of Cornwall”.

Many ports are situated a considerable distance from the main centres, whilst Falmouth Docks are central to the town – a major factor which resulted in Falmouth being named best port in the 1998 Tall Ships Race by the ships crews taking part in the race. Event organisers hope to build on this reputation, offering an even wider programme of activities and a warm welcome for ships crews for the 2014 Regatta.

Up to ten of the magnificent A Class square rigged ships are expected to take part in the Regatta in 2014, Tall Ships Mercedes and Pelican have signed up to date. Falmouth looks forward to welcoming these historic vessels back to its waters, with up to 30 vessels taking part in the race leaving Falmouth on 31st August next year.

The Regatta is organised by Sail Training International and celebrates the significant role that Falmouth and Royal Greenwich have played in maritime history. The official partners for the event in Falmouth are Cornwall Development Company / Visit Cornwall – Lead Partner, Cornwall Council, Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth Town Management, Falmouth Tall Ships Association, A & P Falmouth, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Port Pendennis Marina, Cornwall Marine Network, National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Volunteer Cornwall and Falmouth Business Improvement District. The Regatta would also not be possible without significant sponsorship and the contribution of the many supporters and volunteers working in partnership to make the Regatta an outstanding event for the whole of Cornwall.

For the latest information about the Regatta in Falmouth see www.falmouthtallships.co.uk, join us on Facebook ‘Tall Ships Falmouth 2014’ or Twitter @tallships_2014 #tallships Image: Aerial view of the Docks and A & P Falmouth Ends Editorial Notes: The Falmouth Event Organisers for the Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta are the Festivals & Events Team at Visit Cornwall, a service of the Cornwall Development Company, in conjunction with Official Partners and Sponsors: • Cornwall Council • Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth Town Management • Falmouth Tall Ships Association • A&P Falmouth • Falmouth Harbour Commissioners • Port Pendennis Marina • Cornwall Marine Network • National Maritime Museum Cornwall • Volunteer Cornwall • Falmouth Business Improvement District About Visit Cornwall / Cornwall Development Company • Visit Cornwall is a service of the Cornwall Development Company, Cornwall Council’s arms length economic development company.

• Visit Cornwall undertakes destination marketing aimed at attracting first time visitors to Cornwall through appropriate promotions including targeted PR and through its award winning digital marketing.

• Visit Cornwall coordinates, supports and promotes festivals and events across the county and on occasion delivers selected major events on behalf of Cornwall Council.

• www.visitcornwall.com Principal Sponsor for Regatta activities in Falmouth: BT Cornwall BT Cornwall is the name for a new partnership between Cornwall Council, Peninsula Community Health and Cornwall Foundation Trust to bring these organisations closer together; improving public services, creating savings and jobs, and enabling people in Cornwall to monitor their own health and care through technology-led services. www.btcornwall.com BT Cornwall delivers a range of services on behalf of their public sector colleagues including IT support, Telehealth and Telecare, document management, invoice processing, payroll and employment support and improved information sharing.

Event Sponsors for Regatta activities in Falmouth: Hine Downing Falmouth Hotel Watson Marlow Falmouth University SAGA Midas Construction