As Falmouth starts preparations for the 2014 Tall Ships Regatta, Volunteer Cornwall will be leading the way in recruiting volunteers for this exciting event taking place from Thursday, August 28 to Sunday, August 31.

The 2014 Tall Ships Regatta is organised by Sail Training International and has been billed as the biggest event in the South West in 2014.

Volunteering opportunities range from visitor and car park stewarding, providing visitor information and selling official programmes in the Docks, Marina areas and throughout Falmouth.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for economy and culture Julian German said: “Previous Tall Ships events have been fantastic events. By volunteering you will be playing your part in making this another great occasion and building on the Olympic volunteering legacy. Volunteers will be at the heart of the event and will be able to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere that the Tall Ships Regatta Falmouth will no doubt generate.”

It is anticipated that up to ten of the large square rigged Tall Ships from around the world will be berthed in the Docks, with up to a further twenty smaller ships in Port Pendennis Marina. Thousands of people are expected to visit Falmouth during the four days the Tall Ships are in port and for the spectacular Parade of Sail as they make their way to the race start in Falmouth Bay.

Volunteers will help everyone to get the most out of their visit.

Andy Brelsford, manager at Volunteer Cornwall, said, “The event is going to be amazing and stewarding is a really great opportunity to get involved and be part of it all.

“The opportunities that we have for volunteers will be right at the heart of the event, helping to direct the visitors when they arrive and providing information on the Tall Ships. We are looking for friendly enthusiastic people who would love to be part of a team for this event,” said Andy.

Most of the stewarding opportunities run from Thursday, August 28 to Saturday, August 30 next year. Each shift is just a few hours, enabling people to volunteer for a one-off shift or on each day of the Regatta. Volunteers will get plenty of time to take part in the event and soak up the atmosphere.

During the event, Falmouth will host a range of maritime exhibitions, live music, children’s activities, street theatre, markets and onboard visits to Tall Ships. The four days of events will culminate in a parade of sail to the race start area in Falmouth Bay, when the ships will race up the English Channel to a mark off the Isle of Wight. They will then cruise in company to Greenwich, London where a further four days of festivities await.

There will be briefing sessions for volunteers nearer to the event giving details about the shoreside programme, roles and responsibilities and opportunities available.

If you are interested in volunteering for the 2014 Tall Ships Regatta in Falmouth then contact Lorna Jones at Volunteer Cornwall who will be able to give you more information and send you an application form, telephone 01872 241401, email mid@volunteercornwall.org.uk or visit www.volunteercornwall.org.uk/tall-ships-regatta-2014/.