Falmouth Classics – a prestigious three-day regatta of racing, parades and onshore events

Falmouth Classics logo 2024

Falmouth Classics 2024 – 14th-16th June

Falmouth Classics features three days of enjoyable racing and a spectacular Parade of Classic Boats and the Small Classic Boat Parade. Since it began, in 1987, Falmouth Classics has steadily grown to be one of the largest Classic sailing events in the UK.

Falmouth is recognised as having some of the best sailing waters in the world in the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay. There are also many vantage points for spectators to view the events.

The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival takes place at the same time and over 65,000 visitors flock to Falmouth.

Falmouth Classics brings the town and the sailing scene closer together

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Two days of enjoyable racing. Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay will be full of sails, of all types, shapes and colours. Vessels range in size from 9ft to 150ft or more and include the famous Falmouth Working Boats.

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The spectacular Parade of Classic Boats showcases a wide range of traditional vessels, sail and power. The Small Boat Parade is for boats under 20ft propelled by sail, oars or engine and built in the spirit of tradition.

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Receptions and Events

Our lively social programme includes the Haven and Welcome Receptions, the Classics Supper, the Classics Maritime Village, rowing and sculling races and a public viewing of boats.

How to take part

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We’d like to thank all of the sponsors and advertisers who make this event possible

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Falmouth Sailing Week 2024

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RACE MANAGEMENT

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FALMOUTH SAILING WEEK 2024

Sailing Week features up to seven days of fleet racing for yachts and dayboats in the expansive waters of Falmouth Bay and the Carrick Roads (lower Fal estuary). The week commences with a
 race briefing on the first Saturday, followed by racing each day from Sunday to the following Saturday, with daily and series prizes, and is complemented by comprehensive shoreside events for everyone. Many of the competitors combine the racing with their annual family holiday!

Photo Credit: Graham Pinkney

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

There are many opportunities for sponsorship; sponsorship of the individual racing fleets, a named Race Mark and simple effective advertising.

Click here to find out more on the Regatta & Racing sponsorship opportunities.

Click here to find out more about Falmouth Week and Falmouth Sailing Week.

Contact the Falmouth Sailing Week race office on 07555 574308 or [email protected] for more information.

Photo Credit: Mike Freeman

Falmouth Sports Boats

Calling all Sportsboats

The Sportsboat only regatta is coming to Falmouth in 2023 so register your entry today! MELGES 24 & 32 / ULTRA 30 / HP30’s / CAPE 31 / STEALTH 8 / J80 / CORK 1720’s / SB20

Falmouth 6th – 9th July 2023

PROFESSIONAL RACE MANAGEMENT IRC RATING SYSTEM 10X W/L SERIES TOWN CENTRE BERTHING SOCIAL PROGRAM DAILY PRIZES & REFRESHMENTS

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AZAB and beyond: Falmouth musters ’23 array of world-class racing

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General News

And they’re off! The 2019 AZAB challenge departs Falmouth at the start of their 2400 mile race to the mid-Atlantic and back. Photo: Ed Wildgoose, HiFly Photography

Falmouth Harbour’s 2023 racing season is shaping up as the biggest, busiest and most spectacular on record – starting with the MailASail Azores and Back (AZAB) challenge which departs the Cornish port on June 3rd.

A 50-strong fleet of international racing and cruising yachts and their most skilful and plucky skippers will set sail on the 2,400 mile race to the Azores archipelago in the mid-Atlantic and back again, in the four-yearly race devised and hosted by Falmouth’s Royal Cornwall Yacht Club since 1975.

AZAB – the biggest ocean race leaving UK waters in 2023, with competitors from eight different nationalities – kicks off a blockbuster season of events which will draw thousands of crews and spectators to the “perfect showcase” of Falmouth Harbour – the third deepest natural harbour in the world.

The AZAB start is swiftly followed by the prestigious, inaugural Richard Mille Cup for classic superyachts from June 11 which is also hosted by the RCYC, a rare return for the world’s Tall Ships Festival and Race from 15 – 18 August, Falmouth Classics, International Shrimper Week, the Scheveningen50 Dutch Regatta, Powerboat racing and Falmouth Regatta Week.

Interspersing the major regattas are land-based events including the ever-popular Shanty Festival from June 16 – 18, the National Armed Forces Day on June 24 and Falmouth’s famous Oyster Festival from October 12 – 15.

Falmouth Harbour CEO Miles Carden says, “We have a highly experienced team poised to work with our friends around the “Atlantic Gateway” of Falmouth to make sure these incredible events run smoothly and safely for everyone concerned.

“It’s a logistical challenge that we’re well prepared for – from the mooring, berthing and provisioning of hundreds of vessels and their crews, to the needs of the many spectators from near or far who will be visiting for the racing whether it’s sailing or power-boating, brand new or classic.”

International competitors already signed up for AZAB are coming from as far afield as Australia – and include ocean racing legend (and former Royal Marine) Mervyn Wheatly sailing the AZAB for the 8th time, single-handedly, aboard his Bowman 40 Arethusa of Yealm.

Sarah Hancock, Commodore of Falmouth’s Royal Cornwall Yacht Club says, “Mervyn has been called ‘a hero among Corinthian ocean sailors’ and he embodies the spirit of the AZAB race – where competition is fierce but where generous camaraderie is embedded.

“He has raced and cruised all over the world and competed in our inaugural AZAB race back in 1975. He is ever a shining example to the wide range of competitors in the AZAB fleet – many of whom are taking part in their first long offshore race and find the company and support of such experienced sailors hugely reassuring and inspiring.”

The AZAB race was devised by the RCYC’s Colin Drummond in response to the desire for an ocean race which started and finished in the UK: it is a Category 1 yacht race involving five classes competing in two legs – the first from Falmouth to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island and the second, after a brief stopover, back to Falmouth.

The 2023 AZAB race, organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, is supported for the second time by title sponsor MailASail, specialists in satellite communications, alongside local partner sponsors including St Austell Brewery, Mainbrace Rum and Gin, and Falmouth Harbour.

Spectators can witness the exciting race start in Falmouth from 12 noon on Saturday 3 June – and also keep track of competitors throughout the race with live updates and social streams online at www.azab.co.uk/follow-the-azab .

All information about the race can be found on the event website – www.azab.co.uk – including photos of all the boats to look out for, competitor profiles and the full story of how the AZAB race began.

Details of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club’s hosting of AZAB and other events are at https://www.royalcornwallyachtclub.org

Azores bound – aerial Ed Wildgoose, HiFly Photography

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Privacy overview.

The MailASail AZAB

The AZAB (Azores and Back) is a Category 1 ocean yacht race with each of the two legs being 1,170 nautical miles even if the rhumb line can be sailed! The Azores and Back Race was created in response to the desire for an ocean race which started and finished in the UK, a wish that was taken up by the RCYC’s Colin Drummond in 1975 and has been run every four years since. The race is for all comers, from experienced racers sailing high-performance boats to local cruisers in need of a challenge.

The race will leave Falmouth on the 3 rd June 2023 for Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, one of the nine Azores Archipelago Islands that lie in the Eastern Atlantic. Following a rest, replenishing and several parties they will depart on 20 th June to race back to Falmouth.  The 1975 race was for single handers only. Between 1979 and 2019 both single and double handers were included. In 2023 the ‘silverware’ will remain for shorthanded entries sailing either single or double handed but a new division will be introduced for yachts with a maximum of four crew including the skipper. This ‘crewed’ division will race for glassware. The five starts will be for Multihulls, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4 regardless of crew numbers.

The Azorean stopover allows preparation for the challenge of the return journey but is also a great chance for crews to celebrate their achievements from leg one, socialise with fellow participants and see something of São Miguel. Several functions are put on by the RCYC and Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada, and the Pontoon Party which competitors traditionally run is always a very enjoyable event.

We are delighted that MailASail, our Title Sponsor for the 2019 event will continue the association and will be Title Sponsor for the 2023 event.  MailASail, specialists in coastal and offshore communications, can assist with improving communication systems for all participants of the race, including facilitating on-board blog posts and updates, meaning that following the race is even more exciting for participants and spectators alike. This level of communication was introduced in the 2019 race and brought a whole new dimension. Blogs from several of the competitors provided unmissable reading.

Tracking will again be in place allowing those at home to follow progress and provisional race positions.

Time to go until the start at:

1200 on 3rd june 2023..

https://azab.co.uk/

For More Information Contact:

Event gallery.

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Yachting World

  • Digital Edition

Yachting World cover

Three J Class yachts are racing in Falmouth – see the pictures and highlights from the first race here

  • Toby Hodges
  • June 23, 2015

The J Class yachts Velsheda, Ranger and Lionheart make a welcome return to Cornish waters.

J Class Racing in Falmouth 2015

The sight of a J Class yacht sailing never fails to take your breath away. But time can dull even the grandest impressions. It has been three years since the Js last raced in UK waters, so it is both refreshing and magnificent to get up close to three of them again in Falmouth – and to be reminded of their imposing grace.

Velsheda , one of the three original Js still sailing, and replicas Ranger and Lionheart are competing in Falmouth all this week, with the final race due to take place on Saturday 27 June. To see them square up to each other, to watch their army of crews work the narrow, exposed decks, and to hear the reverberating groan of a highly loaded Dyneema sheet being eased off a winch drum, is captivating. And then there are the stats…

“Their mainsheets are 100m long – which would reach as high as the top of Big Ben. Their genoas are typically 400m2, so would cover the 25m Truro swimming pool three times…” local sailor and dentist Donal O’Halloran shot round after round of statistics like this off during his commentary today. He was aboard the press boat with me, and his enlightening commentary continues during racing on VHF Channel 68 all week.

Also onboard the rather luxurious Cockwells motor launch was Anna Varle from the BBC Spotlight team. You can catch her round up that went out live this evening on iPlayer by clicking here: Spotlight   {the J Class footage is between 18 and 21 minutes into the programme.}

J Class Racing in Falmouth 2015

Our press boat spoiling the shot of Velsheda’s spinnaker hoist

There are two official J Class events this year, and they are both in the UK. That the owners of Velsheda, Ranger and Lionheart have chosen to return to Falmouth just three years after last sailing here, shows how much they enjoyed sailing in the green waters of the westcountry.

Indeed following the race today, comments were made about the welcome received and the amount of support vessels on the water – more than at any Med event reportedly. “There was a Firefly, an A-Class cat and a Shrimper out there – fantastic!” said J Class Secretary Louise Morton, referencing the sheer variety of spectator vessels alone.

J Class Racing in Falmouth 2015

Lionheart’s bowman Juan Pablo Marcus checks on rival Ranger

The day belonged to Lionheart. Despite a poor start, where she was muscled onto port by Ranger, Lionheart soon showed her speed in the light airs (Or was it the local knowledge? Lionheart has five Falmouth sailors aboard). She sailed through Velsheda and Ranger on the first beat and could not be touched thereafter.

J Class Racing in Falmouth 2015

Velsheda Bowman Jeff Reynolds prepares for a hoist as Lionheart leads downwind

The finish saw youngest first across the line, with two minutes separating each J. The 2010 built Lionheart, followed by the first replica built, Ranger (2003) and finally the 82-year old Velsheda.

J Class Racing in Falmouth 2015

Lionheart, with five local sailors aboard, wins the first day at Falmouth

It marked a gentle start to a five-day regatta – a light breeze, warm sunshine and flat waters – perfect for the 30-strong J crews to ease into the racing.

The Royal Cornwall YC planned to run two races each day, but this morning’s race was cancelled due to light winds, leaving just one windward-leeward race in the afternoon. Winds averaged just 6 knots (5.7 knots to be precise), according to the measurements taken from a wind wand on the committee boat. It is interesting to learn however that the average was more like 8–9 knots when taken from the 55m/178ft tall masthead of a J.

Racing on Wednesday is scheduled to be a three hours coastal course for the Kings Hundred Guinea Cup. The wind is expected to gradually increase towards the end of the week, so Saturday could prove a real spectacle.

J Class Racing in Falmouth 2015

Velsheda’s foredeck crew in action

J Class Racing in Falmouth 2015

Ranger picks the pin end of the start and forces Lionheart off to port

J Class Racing in Falmouth 2015

Ranger and Velsheda cross in the opening race of the J Class Regatta in Falmouth

All photos by Graham Snook And Emma Jones

For more on the J Class, the yachts, history, news, pictures and video – go to the dedicated section of our website here

Here is the offical report from the race today:

Lionheart started the 2015 J Class racing year in the same way they did their 2014 season, with a win. But as they crossed the finish line off Falmouth’s picture postcard Pendennis Castle to take the first winning gun of the J Class Falmouth Regatta it partly atoned for a disappointing finale to last year in Saint Tropez and also marked the first race victory since Olympic medalist John Cutler joined as tactician.

In the light 6-8kts S’ly breeze Cutler, in concert with new navigator Aksel Magdahl (Nor), called the first two miles windward leg to perfection, rounding the top mark already with a small lead over Ranger. They made their key gain during the final third of the first beat, extending away after a close call when they close tacked only just ahead of Ranger. Their move was green flagged by the on-the-water umpire, a new initiative for the class regattas this season, and for the remainder of the two upwind, two downwinds course in the shifting breeze, Lionheart were not challenged.

The start to race 1 was delayed until 1400hrs until the light breeze settled in. Velsheda, with Tom Dodson calling tactics, made the best timed start on port tack, heading inshore in to the bay. Lionheart was not quite as fleet footed off the line while Ranger worked the early left, offshore.

Around the course Lionheart proved slightly quicker in the light wind pressure, Cutler and Magdahl soon identified the extra breeze offshore on the upwind, a tactic which Murray Jones recognised early on Ranger. But Lionheart, as is often the case in the gentler airs, proved to be faster and could extend progressively, winning by 1 minute and 24 seconds on corrected time.

Velsheda rolled in to challenge Ranger for second a couple of times but the St Tropez regatta runaway victors had to settle for second as Cutler delivered his first win on Lionheart. He paid tribute to the Lionheart team and the team at Falmouth’s Pendennis Shipyard where the boat was refitted through the winter. That it came out from the yard in perfect, ready to race condition gained them three good, essential days of training before this regatta. Cutler commented on the dock: “The boat is going really fast. The Owner was really locked in today and did a great job. And the boat is just out of Pendennis where it has been for six months.” And to take the first winning gun of the season means a lot: “It feels good. We struggled a lot in St Tropez and so it was good today to be going pretty fast, to be going the right way. It was nice. I did the Falmouth regatta on Ranger in 2012. Then it was foggy, raining and cold but it is a great place to go racing, really pretty, such a beautiful part of the world.” Second placed Ranger’s skipper-helm Erle Williams concluded: “It was a good race. It was a bit light for Ranger and Lionheart is a lighter boat. We had a good start and were going well, but Lionheart just had the legs on us on the first beat. We need 10-11-12kts. It was just on the light side. We were not bad but Lionheart just had the legs on both of us. We were close with Velsheda, they came into us a few times. We have a lot of crew changes – 14 since the last regatta – and we have some guys doing the Volvo and so on – but we had three really good training days and the crew sailed really well today. Lionheart is very hard to beat in these conditions.”

Racing on Wednesday is scheduled to be a three hours coastal course for the Kings Hundred Guinea Cup.

Result Race 1 (Corrected Times) 1 Lionheart 1hr 21m 19s 2 Ranger 1hr 22m 43s 3 Velsheda 1hr 24m 33s

Live tracking can be followed on jclassyachts.com

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Azores and Back race to set up a busy summer in Falmouth

By Max Goodman

28th Apr 2023 | Local Sport

AZAB Race (Image: Royal Cornwall Yacht Club)

The Azores and Back (AZAB) Category 1 ocean yacht race will be starting in Falmouth at 12:00 pm on the 3rd of June 2023 setting up a busy summer in the harbour with several races scheduled, including The Richard Mile Cup, Falmouth Classics, The Cornish 100 - Offshore Powerboat Race , and the prestigious Tall Ships race.

The AZAB is a 2,400-mile ocean regatta that starts in Falmouth before the teams race to the port of Ponta Delgada, on the Azores Island of São Miguel. It can take 7/10 days to reach the island so those competing have a chance to enjoy the island for around a week before the return leg of the race back to Falmouth.

Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth has organised the event every four years since the first race back in 1975 by the club's very own Colin Drummond who turned the wishes of an ocean race that started and finished in the UK into reality.

Organisers say there are now almost 50 entries built up of experienced sailors on high-performance boats and local cruisers looking for a challenge.

You can find a full lineup here: AZAB 2023 Entrants - AZAB

You can find more information on the official website: The MailASail Azores and Back Race

You can also get more information on the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club's website: AZAB - The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club

     

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The mailasail azab.

The AZAB (Azores and Back) is a Category 1 ocean yacht race with each of the two legs being 1,170 nautical miles even if the rhumb line can be sailed! The Azores and Back Race was created in response to the desire for an ocean race which started and finished in the UK, a wish that was taken up by the RCYC’s Colin Drummond in 1975 and has been run every four years since. The race is for all comers, from experienced racers sailing high-performance boats to local cruisers in need of a challenge.

The race will leave Falmouth on the 3 rd  June 2023 for Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, one of the nine Azores Archipelago Islands that lie in the Eastern Atlantic. Following a rest, replenishing and several parties they will depart on 20 th  June to race back to Falmouth.  The 1975 race was for single handers only. Between 1979 and 2019 both single and double handers were included. In 2023 the ‘silverware’ will remain for shorthanded entries sailing either single or double handed but a new division will be introduced for yachts with a maximum of four crew including the skipper. This ‘crewed’ division will race for glassware. The five starts will be for Multihulls, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4 regardless of crew numbers.

The Azorean stopover allows preparation for the challenge of the return journey but is also a great chance for crews to celebrate their achievements from leg one, socialise with fellow participants and see something of São Miguel. Several functions are put on by the RCYC and Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada, and the Pontoon Party which competitors traditionally run is always a very enjoyable event.

We are delighted that MailASail, our Title Sponsor for the 2019 event will continue the association and will be Title Sponsor for the 2023 event.  MailASail, specialists in coastal and offshore communications, can assist with improving communication systems for all participants of the race, including facilitating on-board blog posts and updates, meaning that following the race is even more exciting for participants and spectators alike. This level of communication was introduced in the 2019 race and brought a whole new dimension. Blogs from several of the competitors provided unmissable reading.

Tracking will again be in place allowing those at home to follow progress and provisional race positions.

For information about the MailASail AZAB please click here  www.azab.co.uk

Largest yacht race in UK to start in Falmouth

Racers will sail more than 2,400 miles in total

  • 05:00, 29 MAY 2023

The Azores and back yacht race will take place in June 2023 from Falmouth

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The largest yacht race in the UK this year is to start in Cornwall. The MailASail Azores and Back race will see 40 yachtsmen and women, sail sol from Falmouth to the Azores either solo or in pairs and back to Cornwall.

The AZAB (Azores and Back) race was the inspiration of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, created in 1975 in response to the wish for an ocean race that started and finished in the UK. Run every four years since, it is the world’s largest UK-run ocean yacht race this year.

Organisers said the race is for all comers, from experienced racers sailing high-performance boats to local cruisers. Competing yachts will race over 1,200 miles to the Azores island, Sao Miguel, mainly sailed single handed or in crews of two. Once there, competitors will enjoy some rest, restocking and much-deserved partying before racing the second leg back to Falmouth, in the hope of being first over the finishing line or first on handicap.

Read next: Boscawen car park in Truro closed for two weeks for resurfacing

A spokesman for the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, said: "It's going to be a wonderful sight as everyone lines up on the start in the Carrick Roads, and spectators can witness the event which leaves at 12 noon on Saturday 3rd June. Great places to watch from ashore are Pendennis Headland, Castle Drive, St Mawes Castle, and St Anthony Headland. For those watching afloat, please ensure you keep well clear of the starting boats."

The race is expected to start on June 3. You can also keep track of competitors throughout the race via Yellow Brick trackers and AIS, see live updates and social streams online - visit azab.co.uk/follow-the-azab .

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Nestled in the picturesque town of Falmouth, Massachusetts, lies the Falmouth Yacht Club – a haven for sailing enthusiasts and water sports lovers alike. Established in 1946, the club has a rich history of promoting the sport of sailing and providing a welcoming community for its members. In this article, we will delve into the club’s offerings, from its sailing programs and regattas to its social events and amenities. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a newcomer to the sport, the Falmouth Yacht Club has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this beloved institution.

Table of Contents

Exploring the rich history of falmouth yacht club, membership benefits and opportunities at falmouth yacht club, sailing and racing events hosted by falmouth yacht club, community outreach and environmental initiatives of falmouth yacht club, final thoughts.

The Falmouth Yacht Club has a storied past that dates back to the early 20th century. Established in 1946, it has been a prominent fixture in the Cape Cod boating community for over 70 years. The club was founded by a group of sailing enthusiasts who wanted to create a space for fellow sailors to come together and share their love for the sport. Over the years, the club has grown and evolved, but it has always remained true to its roots as a haven for sailing aficionados.

One of the most notable events in the club’s history is the annual Falmouth Regatta . This prestigious race attracts sailors from all over the world and is considered one of the highlights of the sailing season. The club has also been a training ground for many successful competitive sailors, some of whom have gone on to compete in the Olympics and other international competitions.

  • 1946 – Falmouth Yacht Club is founded
  • 1950s – Club hosts first Falmouth Regatta
  • 1960s – Club begins offering sailing lessons
  • 1970s – Club expands to include a new clubhouse and marina facilities
  • 1980s – Club members compete in the Olympics
  • 1990s – Club undergoes extensive renovations
  • 2000s – Club continues to host successful regattas and events

For those interested in learning more about the rich history of the Falmouth Yacht Club, the club offers guided tours and a historical archive that is open to the public. Visitors can explore the club’s past through photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of its evolution from a small group of sailing enthusiasts to a world-renowned yacht club.

Joining the Falmouth Yacht Club grants you access to a myriad of benefits and exclusive opportunities that enhance your yachting experience. Our members enjoy top-notch amenities, a vibrant community, and a calendar packed with exciting events and regattas.

Some of the benefits of being a member include:

  • Access to Private Facilities: Members have access to our state-of-the-art clubhouse, private docks, and storage facilities.
  • Social Events: Year-round social activities, including themed parties, dinners, and family-friendly events .
  • Competitive Sailing: Opportunities to participate in club-sponsored races and regattas, with entry fees at a discounted rate for members.

Our members also have access to various opportunities such as:

  • Sailing Lessons: Discounted sailing lessons for members of all ages and skill levels.
  • Networking: Connect with fellow yachting enthusiasts and industry professionals at club events.
  • Reciprocal Club Privileges: Enjoy privileges at other yacht clubs around the world that have reciprocal agreements with us.

Enhance your yachting lifestyle by joining the Falmouth Yacht Club today and experience these exclusive benefits and opportunities firsthand.

The Falmouth Yacht Club is a renowned destination for sailing enthusiasts and competitive racers alike. With its picturesque location on the shores of Falmouth Harbor, the club offers a variety of sailing and racing events throughout the year.

Some of the most popular events hosted by the club include the Falmouth Regatta , a weekend-long competition attracting sailors from all over the region, and the Wednesday Night Racing series, a weekly event that offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere for both experienced racers and newcomers to the sport. In addition to these events, the club also hosts various One Design races, which are open to specific classes of boats and provide a level playing field for competitors.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just getting started, the Falmouth Yacht Club has something to offer for everyone. Join us on the water and experience the thrill of competitive sailing in a beautiful and welcoming environment.

At the Falmouth Yacht Club, we are committed to giving back to our community and protecting the environment. Our members actively participate in various outreach programs and environmental initiatives that benefit our local area.

One of our key initiatives is our annual beach clean-up event. Members and volunteers come together to remove litter and debris from our coastline, helping to preserve the natural beauty of the area. We also organize educational workshops for local schools, teaching children about the importance of marine conservation and how they can help protect our oceans.

In addition to our outreach efforts, we have implemented several eco-friendly practices at our club. Our marina is equipped with state-of-the-art waste management systems to prevent pollution, and we use solar panels to reduce our carbon footprint. We have also switched to biodegradable products in our clubhouse to minimize our impact on the environment.

Here is a table summarizing some of our key environmental initiatives:

We are proud of the positive impact we have made in our community and will continue to strive for a cleaner and greener future.

Q: What is the Falmouth Yacht Club? A: The Falmouth Yacht Club is a private club located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, that is dedicated to promoting the sport of yachting and fostering a community of boating enthusiasts.

Q: What facilities and amenities does the club offer? A: The Falmouth Yacht Club offers a range of facilities and amenities including a marina with docking and mooring services, a clubhouse with dining and social areas, as well as sailing and racing programs for members.

Q: How can one become a member of the Falmouth Yacht Club? A: Membership at the Falmouth Yacht Club is typically obtained through a nomination and sponsorship process, and is open to individuals who share a passion for yachting and are committed to upholding the club’s values and traditions.

Q: What types of events and activities does the Falmouth Yacht Club organize? A: The club organizes a variety of events and activities including regattas, cruising expeditions, social gatherings, and educational programs to promote the enjoyment and knowledge of yachting.

Q: What are the benefits of joining the Falmouth Yacht Club? A: Members of the Falmouth Yacht Club have access to a range of benefits including networking opportunities, members-only facilities, and the chance to participate in a vibrant yachting community.

In conclusion, the Falmouth Yacht Club offers a range of amenities and services for both experienced sailors and beginners. With its rich history and beautiful location, it is a popular destination for boaters and yachting enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to participate in a race, take sailing lessons, or simply enjoy the stunning views from the clubhouse, the Falmouth Yacht Club has something to offer for everyone. We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about this esteemed club, and we encourage you to visit and experience it for yourself.

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yacht racing falmouth

Classic yacht regatta returns to Falmouth this summer

Cornwall will once again showcase the historic Richard Mille classic yacht regatta when it returns to Falmouth this summer

Falmouth Harbour and the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club are expecting an impressive turnout.

This includes 15 classic superyachts, 500 participants and their guests, as well as hundreds of spectators.

Following last year's success, the regatta, held between June 2 and 15 this year, starts with three days of racing in Falmouth.

Once again followed by stops in Dartmouth, Cowes, and concluding in Le Havre, France.

Dr William Collier of Classic Regattas, organisers of the Richard Mille Cup, said: "A lot of thought and planning went into the 2023 event, the feedback from participants was tremendous and when we started to discuss the 2024 regatta we realised that the best was simply stay with the proven formulae of Falmouth, Dartmouth, Cowes and Le Havre".

Competitors and spectators alike can look forward to the character and charm offered by the prestigious competition.

Royal Cornwall Yacht Club commodore Sarah Hancock added: "I was delighted to receive the call asking if the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club would host the Richard Mille Cup again this year.

"For spectators, what could be better than watching the spectacular majesty of these classic yachts racing so competitively in our historic bay, as they did over 100 years ago?".

Falmouth Harbour, regarded as one of the deepest natural harbours globally, will welcome the classic schooners and cutters from around the world.

The harbour's CEO, Miles Carden, said: "Falmouth - the third deepest natural harbour in the world with a history steeped in boatbuilding and renovation - is an incredibly hospitable port town.

"Hosting the prestige and size of these vessels is not without its complexities but all do-able thanks to a brilliant Harbour team."

The regatta will feature yachts that have been subject to regular maintenance and restoration, including last year's winner, the 42m twin-masted schooner Mariette and the 65m three-master Adix.

The Richard Mille contenders include owners and charterers of yachts built before 1939 or those that are faithful replicas.

Details of the participating vessels and events for the Richard Mille Cup will be announced in due course.

Visit the Richard Mille Cup website for more information.

Falmouth Harbour and the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club are expecting an impressive turnout (Image: Richard Mille Cup)

Latest News

The boat race 2024: st peter’s students selected to cox the oxford women’s blue and oxford women’s reserve boats.

Nine people wearing rowing gear, standing with arms crossed with an old stone building in the background

On Wednesday, 13 March, The Boat Race Company Limited, in partnership with Oxford University Boat Club (OUBC), Oxford University Women’s Boat Club (OUWBC) and Cambridge University Boat Club, hosted The Gemini Boat Race 2024 Crew Announcement in London at Battersea Power Station. St Peter’s College students will cox the Oxford Women’s Blue and Oxford Women’s Reserve Boats.

A person wearing a dark blue shirt and crossing their arms

Joe Gellet is a first-year postgraduate medical student at St Peter’s College. Joe will cox the Oxford Women’s Blue Boat at the 2024 race. A graduate of St Anne’s, Joe is no stranger to the Boat Race, having been selected for OUWBC crews in 2021 and 2022.

Joe said, ‘I am very excited to have made the Blue Boat for the second time this year. Although this is my first year at St Peter’s, I have felt very welcomed and supported by the community, and I am appreciative that the College has contributed to my rowing subs. I look forward to representing St Peter’s at the race this year!’

A person wearing a dark blue shirt and crossing their arms.

Postgraduate medical student Tara Slade , who coxed the Oxford Women’s Blue Boat in 2023, was selected to cox the Oxford Women’s Reserve Boat in 2024.

Tara said, ‘I’m extremely proud to be racing alongside such strong, dedicated women. The best part of rowing is the people, and I'm fortunate to be surrounded by this supportive and driven community, from past boat clubs, to St Peter’s facilitating my aspirations to stroke a boat in Summer Eights last year, to Oxford University Boat Club women’s squad.  

'I have immense respect for every member of our squad, for physical strength, mental resilience, academic prowess, and overall outstanding commitment to each other. We look forward to an excellent race, and treasure our gains both on and off the water, carrying our signature “with you” call into the sporting, professional and wider aspects of our lives.’

The Boat Race will take place on Saturday 30 March 2024. To learn more about the Boat Race, click here .

Images by Benedict Tufnell/Row360 and Nikola Boysova

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