The town witnessed another Falmouth Classics spectacular during a three day event over the weekend when a fleet of 155 heritage and classic vessels and their 400 crew were not deterred from participating by the pandemic nor the heightened security in Falmouth owing to the G7.

A forest of masts were to be seen in Falmouth Haven and the boats racing filled the Carrick Roads on Friday and Saturday. The spectacular parade on Sunday illustrated Falmouth’s rich maritime history with boats participating in the Sunday parade dating from 1881 to 2018.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

To mark the 150th anniversary of the headline sponsor, the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, both pilot boats LK Mitchell and Arrow led a flotilla of nine sailing boats and the gig Penarrow to reflect the ports maritime past.

The group included four sailing pilot cutters, one dating from 1889, a fishing lugger launched in 1881, two Falmouth working boats built in the late 19th century, a Falmouth Quay Punt and a gentlemen’s yacht built in Falmouth in 1910 and possibly making her first return since 1927. From the water, Pendennis Point seemed to be filled with people watching the event.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

The parade was watched by 30 guests aboard centenarian passenger excursion boat MV Princessa. Guests included the Chairman of Cornwall Council, The Mayor of Falmouth and Deputy Lieutenant, sponsors and local sailing club commodores. The guests nominated prize winners in five categories to win bottles of champagne.

Prize giving was limited to overall first and second prize winners and took place in the open air on Custom House Quay on Sunday afternoon. Prizes were presented by Carrie Gilmore, Chair of the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Picture: David Barnicoat