Falmouth’s Tall Ships Regatta kicked off today (August 28) with tens of thousands of visitors and locals alike taking to the streets and the quays.
Over 100,000 visitors are expected to converge on Falmouth over the coming days, with a further 100,000 expected on Sunday for the spectacular Parade of Sail.
The 2014 event is making maritime history as, for the first time ever, an internationally renowned Tall Ships Race will take place solely in UK waters, with the ships departing Falmouth on Sunday and setting sail for Royal Greenwich.
John Hick, chairman of Falmouth Tall Ships Association, said: “This event is like no other the town has ever seen – being even more spectacular than its 2008 predecessor.
“Ships and the sea is such a huge and significant part of Falmouth’s, and indeed Cornwall’s, heritage and this year’s stunning event is a real honorary celebration of our proud history. With ships coming in from all over the world, the Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta 2014 will showcase true Cornish hospitality at its very best to our global friends, visitors and sailing colleagues.”
John Pollard, Leader of Cornwall Council, said, “The Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta looks set to be a spectacular and successful event for the whole community of Cornwall.
“The last time we hosted the Tall Ships more than 100,000 visitors came to Falmouth and the four day event offers a great opportunity for many visitors to enjoy everything Falmouth and Cornwall can offer and for us to provide some true Cornish hospitality.”
