THIS year marks 32 years of the iconic Falmouth Classics, and it’s set to be one of the biggest and best yet.

There is an increase in the Royal Navy presence this year, with three vessels taking part in various capacities to support the Classics.

Among the entries for 2019 there has been an increase in the number of pre-1940s vessels.

Many of these vessels are on the National Register of Historic Ships, so visitors are in for a bigger show of historic beauty and maritime craft than ever before.

Organisers are also looking forward to welcoming a larger fleet of French boats this year, which will be a thrill to see, with some travelling impressive distances just to take part.

There is a good collection of west country and east coast fishing boats, as well as more classic motorboats than in recent years.

There are entries from the east coast, the Thames, Bristol, as well as the west country, plus original and more recent builds based on Scillonian and Bristol Pilot cutters.

This year also features a number of generous young people from Falmouth who are assisting with preparations, as well as taking part – from the Tilley Maritime Village demonstrations, to photography, to participating in the Small Boat Parade and Rowing and Sculling competition.

There’s still time to enter, so visit falmouthclassics.org.uk/event-entry-falmouth-classics-2019 for more details.

English Braids Falmouth Classics

2019 Programme of events

Friday, June 14

Race 1: First warning signal at 11.30am. Start from Carrick Roads.

Race 2: First warning signal at 2pm. Start from Carrick Roads.

Saturday, June 15

Haven Pontoon opening 9am to 10.30am and 4pm to 6pm.

Visitors will get to see some of the beautiful classic vessels up close and learn much more about their fascinating histories at the public opening of The Falmouth Haven. The Haven will be open from 9am to 10.30am, collecting donations for Coast Medic. It will be open again from 4pm to 6pm, with donations collected for Falmouth RNLI. The vessels available to explore are "Hardiesse", the Falmouth Training Ship, and "Yvon Saluan" a vintage French lifeboat.

Race 3: First warning signal at 11.30am. Start from Carrick Roads.

Rowing and Sculling competition 4.30pm to 6pm. Royal Cornwall Yacht Club.

Sunday, June 16

Classics Parade of Sail and Power from 10.30am to 12pm at Falmouth Harbour/Carrick Roads.

Parade of Small Boats (under 20ft) from 1.30pm to 2.30pm Falmouth Inner Harbour.

Tilley Maritime Village

The Maritime Village, sponsored by Tilley, has 14 exhibitors this year and there's so much to see and do. Visitors can enjoy gin tasting, watch traditional marine skills being used and learn about ropes and cordage as well as find a loved one the perfect marine-inspired gift.

See what Ratsey and Lapthorn have to offer, purchase traditional boat building materials and tools, or even buy a Drascombe lugger. Visitors can also learn about safety at sea and keeping our beloved oceans clean from this year's charity Turn to Starboard.