Event Dates: 15th Aug 2023 – 18th Aug 2023
The tall ships are back in Falmouth! Falmouth will once again host the start of the prestigious Tall Ships Race, Magellan Elcano and as the official start host port for the Race will welcome beautiful tall ships from around the world to arrive for four days of festivities including a Parade of Sail before the Race start.
Tall Ships’ Races are races designed to encourage international friendship and training for young people in the art of sailing. This spectacular, annual event takes place in European waters over the summer months and consists of two racing legs of several hundred nautical miles, and a cruise in company between the legs. This year the Tall Ships Race is the Magellan-Elcano.
Sail training is an adventure activity, which includes far more than sailing instruction. Participants are required to confront demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Those who undertake sail training on Tall Ships generally find it a positive life-changing experience.
People of all abilities can take part, including those with mental and physical disabilities providing they are over the age of 15. Trainees may join for all or part of the Race Series and all ships entering the Race are encouraged to recruit trainees between the ages of 15 and 25.
The Race is open to any monohull sailing vessel of more than 9.14m (30ft) water line length, which meets a set standard of safety equipment requirements.
There are four classes of vessel:
Class A
All square – rigged vessels (barque, barquentine, brig, brigantine, or ship rigged) and all other vessels more than 40 metres Length Overall (LOA), regardless of rig.
Class B
Traditionally rigged vessels (i.e., gaff rigged sloops, ketches, yawls, and schooners) with an LOA of less than 40 metres and with a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14 metres.
Class C
Modern rigged vessels (i.e., Bermudan rigged sloops, ketches, yawls, and schooners) with an LOA of less than 40 metres and with a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14 metres not carrying spinnaker-like sails.
Class D
Modern rigged vessels (i.e., Bermudan rigged sloops, ketches, yawls, and schooners) with an LOA of less than 40 metres and with a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14 metres carrying spinnaker-like sails.
Vessels taking part are required to stay in the host ports for all ‘official visit’ days in addition to the ‘Parade of Sail’ on the day of departure. This is an important event for the ports and an occasion to thank the local people for their hospitality and kindness.
