The official artwork for the Falmouth Tall Ships 2023 has been unveiled ahead of the major event next month.

For the first time in nine years, Falmouth will host the start of the prestigious Tall Ships Race, Magellan Elcano from 15-18 August.

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

The stunning tall ships in Falmouth. (Image: Falmouth BID)

Across the four-day Falmouth tall ships period, an array of events and happenings will take place across the town. And the much-anticipated Parade of Sail on Friday, August 18th is viewable from many vantage points across town and the coastline.

Residents and visitors will also have the opportunity to board some of the historic tall ships as they will be sited within the A&P Falmouth Docks.

In the build-up to the event organisers have now released the official artwork which was completed by John Dyer - Artist in Residence for Falmouth Tall Ships 2023.

John Dyer next to his art work for the 2023 Tall Ships. (Image: John Dyer)

This is the fourth time the Cornish artists has been selected as the artist in residence, having previously created artwork in 1998, 2008, and 2014.

When commenting on being selected once again, John Dyer said: "I'm thrilled to have been asked to be the official artist in residence for the Falmouth Tall Ships once more.

"This year's Tall Ships are truly magnificent, and I have been inspired to create a painting that captures the awe-inspiring scale of these majestic vessels as they sail out into the open sea, past Black Rock, St Mawes Castle, and St Anthony lighthouse.

"From the gorgeous translucent light of the sails to the excitement of the people standing on the shore, my painting and official prints celebrate and portray the essence of this historic moment for generations to come."

Having not attended an event myself I asked John if he had any special memories of the previous events, and he said: "For me, the Tall Ships bring the world to Falmouth with people, colour, future, and a huge sense of carnival and adventure.

"The crews, the stunning boats, and the history all combine into a real spectacle. Watching the boats in full sail, as captured in my painting, is breathtaking and it is only then that you can really appreciate the full scale and majesty of the Tall Ships as they dwarf yachts and even landmarks."

John also added what the experience is like being in town during the event, he said: "Falmouth fills to the capacity with 100,000 people all merrily enjoying the seaside, the uniformed sailors as they parade through the town and visiting the ships at the docks.

"It feels as if one is travelling back in time to the days when Falmouth was the hub of information for the British Empire with the packet ships service bringing in communications from around the world. Darwin's ship the Beage first arrived back in the UK at Falmouth - like a spaceship from a long voyage. The Tall Ships are amazing and inspirational."

You can find more information about John and get your hands on some of the artwork here: Falmouth Tall Ships 2023 | John Dyer Gallery

You can also get information on all things tall ships here: Falmouth Tall Ships - Falmouth Tall Ships