Falmouth Harbour have confirmed support for the Falmouth Classics 2021 in Cornwall as headline sponsor. To recognise the 150 anniversary of the harbour, Falmouth Classics Association is planning a spectacular parade of sail and power and, with over 190 vessels participating since 2017, is set to be one of the largest heritage and classic events in the UK. A Royal Naval vessel is expected to lead the parade from Trefusis Point off Falmouth Docks, towards Black Rock, followed by a flotilla of harbour vessels, led by one of the Falmouth Harbour pilot boats. Then, behind the modern port craft, a fleet of sailing pilot cutters will follow, some original and some modern recreations, alongside other vessels relevant to the harbour s past.
The evolution of Falmouth Docks is a subject very close to my heart having spent decades researching all aspects relating to the facility. The building of the old wooden wharves is of particular interest. Silley Cox purchased 98 acres of harbour fundus from the Duchy of Cornwall estate during the economic slump in the early 1930s. Falmouth Harbour Commissioners gave approval to docks plans for building the new Empire wharf in November 1931. A month later the heavy lift vessel Belpareil arrived in Australia to load timber at Sydney and Brisbane for Falmouth. Determined to support inter-Empire trade in 1931 Docks boss John Silley had placed an order worth £30,000 for Turpentine piles and decking with two Australian firms.
A 33ft high floating Christmas tree made from 1,000 lights is bringing joy to the people of Falmouth after being has moored off Fishstand Quay. The floating Christmas pontoon was built by local Penryn company WorkFloat, as well as their award-winning folding workboat they have also patented a product called ScaffFloat, a pontoons system made using scaffolding, that was used to build the floating tree. Toby Budd, MD said We just thought it would be a nice thing to do, and we ve had some lovely feedback on social media from people saying thank you so I am glad we made the effort. After all if Mousehole can do it then surely Falmouth can do better, in fact I have already had some local businesses asking if they can sponsor one for next year, so you never know we could end up with a floating forest of lights in the harbour, not what we had in mind but something that would be great for Falmouth and the town centre if it went ahead