Why not take part and become a tall ship sailor?

11:04am Tuesday 1st April 2008

There is still time to take part in the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta which is being held in Falmouth in September before ships sail for Madeira. About 30 vessels or all shapes and sizes will be taking part and visiting Falmouth where many will take on crews, mostly young people, before setting off to celebrate the 500th annniversary of Funchal, capital of the island of Madeira.

Sailing on a tall ship at sea is an adventure. Ask anyone who has already done it. The Funchal 500 Tall Ships regatta fleet will be sailing via three of the most beautiful ports in Europe through some of the most challenging seas, including the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Trainees on board the vessels will be part of a team helping the ship make her voyage by setting sails, climbing the rigging, steering a compass course and much more.

They will all feel a sense of achievement on arriving in a new port and will most certainly make new friends and perhaps overcome some of the fears along the way.

Many of those taking part will be raising money to pay for the trip or obtaining sponsorship. Locally, a number of school pupils will be taking part helped along the way by tall ships committee members and local companies who are helping to finance them.

This week, the Helston and Lizard Rotary Club agreed to put up £500 to help young people and application forms are now available via Tim Bowerbank at tim.bowerbank@cornwallmarine.net or via www.packet.co.uk/tallships So far there will be ten large ships visiting Falmouth as well as more than 20 smaller vessels and classic craft, all special in their own way. They will create a forest of masts when moored at Falmouth Docks where they will also be open to the public and for private receptions.

It is hoped the whole of Falmouth will join in the festivities in September. A strong nautical theme would have already been established during Falmouth Regatta Week in August and that theme will be retained for the duration of the tall ships regatta.

There will be a parade of crews through the town led by Falmouth Marine Band, numerous social functions, and traders will be asked to join in by decorating their shop windows.

Other events include inter-ship competitions, art shows, trainees' party, officers' and captains' dinners as well as a prize giving ceremony, street entertainment, theatre, live music and fireworks all culminating in the parade of sail prior to the race start in Falmouth Bay.

To download an applicaton form for Helston and Lizard Rotary, click here.

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