Tall Ships programme takes shape (From Boating Cornwall)

Tall Ships programme takes shape

1:21pm Monday 6th August 2007

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The programme for the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta, which will take place in Falmouth from the September 10-13 next year, is beginning to take shape thanks to the support of its official partners.

The commitment behind this joint public and private sector partnership provides the ideal platform for a hugely successful event.

The official partners for the event are Carrick district council as the lead accountable body, Sail Training International Ltd, Falmouth Tall Ships Association, Cornwall county council, South West Regional Development Agency, A&P Falmouth, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Cornwall Marine Network, National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Falmouth town council.

County councillor Andrew Mitchell said: "Cornwall's culture and economy have been shaped by their relationship with the sea and the 2008 Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta presents an excellent opportunity to not only reflect on Cornwall's proud maritime heritage, but to showcase the county's ability to host major events and put the maritime sector centre stage as it looks to further develop and grow. We know from the 1998 Tall Ship event that next year's regatta will attract large numbers of visitors and provide a significant boost to both the economy of Falmouth and the wider Cornish economy."

Falmouth mayor Mike Varney, told the Packet: "This will be a superb spectacle for locals and visitors alike, and a golden opportunity for Falmouth traders to show what the town has to offer. The organisation of this event is a fine example of how partnerships can work to bring an event of this scale to our town."

When the tall ships race was last in Falmouth it put the town and the county on the world stage as a centre of maritime heritage and expertise.

John Hick, chairman of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta said: "We have been given this wonderful opportunity to use Falmouth Harbour for what it is famous for, which is hosting tall ships and we are again starting the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta in our beautiful port. This is another opportunity with us all working together to promote Falmouth as one of the finest international sailing ports"

The development of the new marina and breakwater in Falmouth Docks and hopefully the dredging and cruise ship terminal will be instrumental in allowing everyone in Falmouth to enjoy the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta 2008 and give the Port the ability to host more and even bigger events in the future, says docks boss Peter Child.

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