MyMorbic - The Falmouth Classics + Helford Regatta 2024 | Online Version 21/7/24 Back to "Home" |
Two simultaneous nautical events in Falmouth, followed by one at Helford.For sailors and non-sailors. - Then starting the day after - Helford Regatta - You could sail across the bay and up the Helford River to join this OGA 2-day event- See map >> | ![]() Falmouth / Helford overview Click to enlarge |
(1) Falmouth Classics “One of the largest classic sailing events in the UK”Includes three days of enjoyable racing, a spectacular parade of Classic Boats, and a Small Classic Craft Parade. See map for racing and parade locations >> (Public domain with PW additions) >> |
Day 1 - Thursday - Arrival Day - (13th June 2024) A fleet of more than 170 classic craft ranging in length from 12ft to more than 40ft, including those from ports and harbours from the Fal to the River Blackwater in Essex, as well as vessels from France, met to compete in 3 races and two parades in the Fal estuary and the famous Carrick Roads. Early evening - "Reception at The Haven" - Free beer, pasties and music for participants. |
![]() "Reception at The Haven" . Click to enlarge |
Day 2 - Friday - Two Races - But ... Morning - Race 1 - Despite rain and squalls our Morbic-12 completed in first place then hove-to for packed lunch. Afternoon - Race 2 - This began in worsening conditions, the winds whipping up quite a chop (gusts exceeding 40 mph were recorded). Evening - Reception at the Art Gallery - More food, drink, and yarn-swapping. |
![]() Race 1. Click to enlarge |
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![]() 2024."Proteus" takes a tow home. Click to enlarge |
Day 3 - Saturday - Morning - Race 3 - The bad weather continued - Only large craft were permitted to race. What a contrast to last year when the winds were languidly light! Afternoon - Light- hearted aquatic activities in the inner harbour at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, followed by "Falmouth Classics Supper" plus jazz band. Meanwhile, The Sea Shanty Festival entertained the landlubbers. |
![]() Rowing and Sculling Races . Click to enlarge |
Day 4 - Sunday - Morning - The Parade of Sail and Power - To mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI, the theme this year was "Rescuers and Rescued". Afternoon - The Small Boats Parade took place within the shelter of Falmouth Harbour. Vintage steam-boats, small classic sailing craft, and rowing boats circulated close to the quaysides where crowds of spectators were enlightened by a commentary. Final Prize-giving at the National Maritime Museum - Later - Final acts of The Sea Shanty Festival included "Longest Johns" and "Fishermans Friends". *J Class yachts - Sailing aficionados will appreciate the humour of a 12ft Morbic-12 dingy being in "Class J". Pictures; Nigel Sharp, Ian Symonds, Michael Hall, Chris Williams, Paul W. |
(2) OGA Helford RegattaSuitable for "classic boats of all sizes". Monday 17th June - The evening BBQ took place at Pedn Billy Beach. Tuesday 18th June - Afternoon - Racing in the estuary. Evening - Prize-giving and dinner at the Helford River Yacht Club. Pictures; Irenka Motyka, Paul W, Helen McCabe ("Gelvynek") |
![]() Helford River, Racing - Click Brief VIDEO here |
![]() Grandson Bryn receives the prize - Click enlarge |
Track - Falmouth Friday Race 1![]() Click to enlarge |
Track- Falmouth Friday Race 2 |
GPX files |
Track - Helford Tuesday Race |
CONFESSIONAL - Were you promised one? The prizes were geniuine, and gained with integrity - BUT - There is an alternative, nail biting truth. At Falmouth - Weather forcsts may have deterred some skippers. A brief spell of respite before Race 2. Heave-to and snatch a bite of lunch. Race 2 - Our class, "J" is to start last again. Still uncertain who our J Class competitors are - Is that one over there? Looks a bit familiar. We start quite well (easier when there is no-one else in the way!) - Beat upwind to the windward mark; at least we now know where it is! - Round it and head for "Governor". - VHF comes alive; "All racing is cancelled for the day due to bad weather conditions". Ah well; head for home. Not easy in the strengthening and gusty wind. Our tack angle (never good at the best of times) is worse than ever. Oh for more ballast (we are a very light crew)! This is not working well; barely making upwind progress. Hmm - Could whizz down to Mylor. You've probably read the rest in "Day 2" above. Saturday - Small boats not permitted to race OGA Helford Regatta - Tuesday race - Faster boats start first for their longer course. We make am adequate start, albeit a little later than "Gelvynek" the (one) other dinghy in our class. Oddly, it is a following wind to the first mark. We think we're cathing up. "Gelvynek" beats us around the mark, but only just. Dodging her, and thrown by a wave, we touch the mark and do a 360. Now they're 50 yards ahead and pulling away - At the inland mark they are way ahead as we turn to head seaward again, though perhaps our jib is helping us close the gap. This time, more cautiously around the mark but our only chance would be if they had a mishap. They've turned slightly toward the port shore. A wind-shift? Yes, it's affecting us too. (See track above) - But there's something else; they've dropped their sail - Why? We deviate to port a little more in case they need help; but no, on the VHF they announce they are going to row home. So, all we've got to do is to stay upright (AGAIN). Cautious now, taking no chances we beat back to the committe boat, (was that a horn?), not sure - to be certain we beat carefully to the inland mark in fickle, direction-chainging gusts, back to the finish - DONE. In a nutshell - Click here for the full story .
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Links - - Falmouth Classics. - Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival - Helford Regatta - Old Gaffers Association, South West, Events.. Interested? - Expand your horizons - Explore exciting new waters - Shift your sailing pleasure up a level. |
More Raid-like events - Hosted by others - Attended by UK Morbics, include - Some listed in "Raiding" |
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