| The historic port of Falmouth in Cornwall
is an important commercial port and busy seaside town with an
impressive maritime history. It provides an ideal base for yachtsmen
planning a Cornish sailing trip with a fine selection of attractions
in a stunning location. |
| Falmouth's harbour in the Carrick Roads is
the third largest natural harbour in the world, after Sydney
and Rio. The waterways of the Carrick Roads comprise the The
River Fal and its' connected rivers. |
| Henry VIII's twin castles of Pendennis and
St Mawes provide an impressive entrance sailing into the Carrick
Roads, standing either side of the river, Pendennis Castle on
Pendennis Point in Falmouth and St Mawes Castle at the head
of the Roseland Peninsula. Falmouth's important docks are located
beneath Pendennis Point. The many marinas of Falmouth offer
easy access to Falmouth's popular shopping street, where visitors
can enjoy good food or a sociable drink in one of the towns
many pubs. |
| The Fal estuary has many areas which have
been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and its'
waters are home to diverse wildlife. Sailing the rivers in an
around Falmouth is a wonderful experience and perhaps the best
way of seeing Cornwall's coastline. The pace of life in Falmouth
and Cornwall, the unspoilt waters and stunning scenery all add
up to a wonderful place for a sailing holiday. Sail the serene
creeks up the Helford River, stretching from Falmouth Bay right
up to Gweek at the top of the Lizard Peninsula, or sail up the
South Cornwall coast towards Plymouth to historic scenic harbour
towns and ports such as Fowey and Looe. One of the most popular
destinations for sailing trips around Falmouth is a trip to
the sub-tropical Scilly Isles, off Cornwall's west coast. |
| Falmouth is also an ideal centre for sailing
to areas further afield such as the Channel Islands and Ireland.
Indeed Dame Ellen MacArthur used Port Pendennis as her departure
point for her recent successful World record attempt at the
quickest circumnavigation of the world, and she was welcomed
back to the UK with a flotilla of 100 local boats escorting
her ashore to a 4,000 strong reception at Event Square, outside
the National Maritime Museum. |
| The new National Maritime Museum Cornwall,
located next to Port Pendennis with impressive panoramic views
over the Carrick Roads has quickly become a mecca for visiting
yachtsmen. It tells the story of Cornish maritime history and
small boats. Historically, ships arriving from Atlantic crossings
favoured Falmouth's as an easy first port of call, particularly
in harsh weather conditions. |
| Today, Falmouth's Sailing Regatta is held
annually in August during Falmouth Sailing Week. Organized by
the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association, the event attracts
sailors of all abilities from experts to beginners. The origins
of Falmouth Week stretch back to the 1820's. Today's event is
has a days racing hosted by local clubs including Helford River
Sailing Club, Mylor Yacht Club, Restronguet Sailing Club, Flushing
Sailing Club, St Mawes Sailing Club and the Royal Cornwall Yacht
Club. There are also activities and entertainment provided for
non sailors, many of which are now held in Events Square outside
the National Maritime museum. The Falmouth Classics race, which
opens the event and is held on the Carrick Roads, features a
varied range of traditional vessels. |
| Some Suggested Falmouth Sailing Links: |
National Maritime Museum Cornwall:
www.nmmc.co.uk
Falmouth Harbour Commissioners:
www.falmouthport.co.uk
Falmouth Sailing (Community Sailing Website):
www.falmouth-sailing.co.uk
Falmouth Marina:
www.premiermarinas.co.uk
Mylor Yacht Harbour:
www.mylor.com
Port Pendennis Marina:
www.portpendennis.com
Falmouth Tourist Information:
www.go-cornwall.com
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| Sailing at St Mawes |
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| Gyllyngvase, Falmouth |
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| Kynance Cove |
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| Pendennis Point, Falmouth |
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| Carrick Roads |
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| St Mawes Castle |
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| South Cornwall coast |
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| Helford River |
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