A prestigious national sailing race will return to Falmouth next year thanks to a new marine partnership between the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

The Edinburgh Cup is the British Open National Championship for Dragon class boats - 9m keel boats, raced by crews of three people.

It’s hoped more than 30 Dragons will race in the competition, which is being held in Falmouth for the first time since 2009. Boats will arrive in the town on July 2, and racing will take place each day until July 9.

An opening ceremony will take place at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club to welcome the sailors and launch the event. A gala supper on the last evening will also be held.

The fleet will be berthed at Falmouth Haven, and craned into the water at the Watersports Centre. The first 48 hours will see the Dragons race in the Southern Area Regional Championships, with the British Open National Championship taking place over the following four days.

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Dragons are elegant, fast boats, and competition success needs sailing skills, fine tuning, boat handling, teamwork and tactics. It’s a highly competitive class with many mixed crews.

Race Director Robin Taylor (pictured) says it’s a real honour for Falmouth to welcome back the Edinburgh Cup. “It takes a big team effort ahead of time and during the event,” he said. “It’s already bringing together local sailing experts from across the area. We’re working with support from Flushing Sailing Club and Mylor Sailing Club.

The Race Officer is Nigel Sharp, who’s the Chairman of the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association. Neil Andrew, who has extensive experience of organising race events, is in charge of all the courses.”

Robin says work is well underway, even though there are still nine months to go. “We have to issue our Notice of Race, and Sailing Instructions in plenty of time for competitors to plan, sign up and prepare.

Obviously it’s a big boost for the town at a quieter time just ahead of the school holidays, and if we’re organised early, it makes things easier for everyone to enjoy what will be a fantastic event.”