Pirates, buccaneers and scallywags descended on Falmouth to climb the rigging and capture a well-known tall ship during a recent family fun day.

Young swashbucklers swarmed over the Spirit of Falmouth, a 92-foot long tall ship moored at Port Pendennis Marina, at the event organised by RAF St Mawgan and Falmouth-based sailing charity Turn to Starboard.

The day was a chance for military families to have fun and learn more about the charity, with activities throughout the event including face painting, flag making, seal watching and boat trips around the harbour. 

Flight Sergeant Simon Keeble, community support officer at RAF St Mawgan, said: “This is the fourth year of our family days and the first time we have engaged with Turn to Starboard, so it’s a real privilege for us. The event is about supporting military families across all the services and not just those based at RAF St Mawgan, but those who live across the region. 

“Coming away from our home environment near Newquay is phenomenal and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves. Not many people can say they have been on a 92-foot schooner and it’s been great to see so many happy faces.” 

More than 80 people flocked to the two-day event with many dressing up in pirate-themed outfits donated free of charge by Party Zone in Falmouth. 

Olivia, 10, from Newquay, said: “It’s been really exciting, we have dressed up and been on a boat and climbed the rigging. We also had a tour round the tall ship and I never thought the boat would be this big.”

Last month the Spirit of Falmouth returned from a two month circumnavigation of the British Isles to help injured veterans gain new skills and raise awareness of the challenges some veterans face after leaving the military.

Flight Sergeant Keeble said: “Some of the Turn to Starboard staff here today have just returned from the Round Britain Challenge so we can’t thank them enough for giving up their time to engage with service families.”

For more information visit raf.mod.uk/rafstmawgan and turntostarboard.co.uk