Falmouth will host the start of Tall Ships 2023 Magellan Elcano - the first time in nine years the race has taken place in the town.

The event will take place from 15th-18th August.

Tall Ships has been secured following extensive behind-the-scenes work by the award-winning Falmouth Town Team - the partnership between Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth BID, alongside Perfect Events Group and Falmouth Tall Ships Association.

This will be the sixth time Falmouth has hosted the prestigious regatta and race, with the inaugural one for the town being held in 1966.

Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Steve Eva reacting to the announcement said: "This really is fantastic news for the town and Falmouth Town Council is only too pleased to support. Credit must go to the efforts and behind-the-scenes negotiations by our brilliant Town Team for securing this event for the benefit of our community, businesses and visitors.

"To announce this, having recently delivered a superb in-person Sea Shanty Festival and the news of the National Armed Forces Day is truly incredible. We have a strong pedigree in delivering memorable tall ships races and regattas over the years; they really hold a special place in the hearts and minds of so many. We greatly look forward to viewing the ships under full sail in Falmouth Bay once again."

A number of key partners and local businesses will be providing sponsorship support to help cover the costs associated with hosting the event and there will also be numerous opportunities for sponsors to engage with this historic event.

The event will be organised by the Falmouth Town Team - the nationally commended partnership as highlighted, between Falmouth Town Council's town management function and Falmouth Business Improvement District (BID), as well as Falmouth Tall Ships Association, Perfect Events Group (PEG) and Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager commented: "It's a welcome return for the Tall Ships Races after it was postponed in 2020, and 2021, due to Covid restrictions. Our town's history is intertwined with these magnificent vessels so you could say they are coming home! We're really excited to be the venue for the start of the races. As always, we look forward to the truly awe-inspiring spectacle of the tall ships as they sail into the harbour."

Visitors will have the opportunity to board some of the historic tall ships as they will be sited within the A&P Falmouth Docks. Tickets to access these ships will go on sale nearer the time and will be priced at £5.00 for adults and £2.50 children.

Commenting on the tariffs, Richard Gates added: "To put on a spectacle such as the tall ships, for the benefit of all requires considerable investment and resource, made especially challenging due to the current financial climate. So, for the 2023 event, it will be necessary to charge an admission fee to help cover some of the costs associated with hosting an event of this status."

John Hick, Chairman of the Falmouth Tall Ships Association, echoed the Mayor's sentiments by saying: "Cornwall's maritime heritage is world-renowned and we look forward to delivering another prestigious event here in Falmouth. We also enthusiastically welcome the owners and captains of the Tall Ships Races international fleet and invite them once again to grace our historic port with their wonderful sailing ships. Our highly experienced team, collaborative working groups and ever-willing volunteers will provide a first-class service and warm-hearted Cornish hospitality."