Following the race briefing on the evening of Saturday 11th, racing will begin on Sunday and continue until the following Saturday.
The main regatta is a series of races over seven days, with courses laid in Falmouth Bay and the Carrick Roads. All levels of sailor – expert or beginner – are catered for.
The Bay Fleet
The Bay Fleet races in 15 square miles of open water outside the harbour. The area has been the venue for many prestigious events over the years ranging from iconic J-Class superyachts to the Finn World Championship won by Falmouth’s own Ben Ainslie shortly before winning Olympic Gold in 2012.
The Bay Fleet comprises Firebird catamaran, IRC and YTC (South West Yacht Time Correction) yachts, Marieholm and YTC Cruising (No spinnaker) yachts. The YTC Cruising class is aimed at the less ultra-competitive and family crews. There will be both Regatta (“round-the-cans”) and Windward-Leeward racing for most classes.
Bay Fleet competitors will race on Wednesday in the Champagne Race. The Champagne Race is a longer, coastal race in Falmouth Bay and adjacent water to the NE.
Carrick Fleet
Falmouth Harbour is the 3rd largest deep-water harbour in the world, after Sydney and Rio de Janeiro. The Carrick Fleet races in the lower estuary - an area some 2 miles long by 1 mile wide - and, weather permitting, may also venture a short distance outside the harbour mouth, beyond Black Rock. In 2018 the fleet welcomes back Dinghies after an absence of many years. Other classes are Flying Fifteen, Ajax, Cornish Shrimper 19, Sunbeam, Falmouth Working Boat, Falmouth Gaffer, St Mawes One Design, Cabin Yachts, and Dayboats. On Wednesday the Carrick Fleet compete for prize bottles of champagne.
Skippers' Briefing
There will be a briefing for competitors on the evening of Saturday 11th August.
Presentation of Prizes
Each day, except on the day of the Red Arrows display, one of the clubs will host teas and other refreshments followed by presentation of prizes. Family and friends of competitors will be most welcome at the club while racing is in progress.
The host clubs are:
Sunday, Helford River Sailing Club & Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (Carrick Fleet)
Monday, Mylor Yacht Club
Tuesday, Red Arrows (tbc)
Wednesday, Restronguet Sailing Club (tbc)
Thursday, Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (including prizes for Champagne Day)
Friday, St Mawes Sailing Club
Saturday, Flushing Sailing Club
The presentation of overall series prizes will take place at Flushing Sailing Club on Saturday evening. A complimentary launch service will be available during the evening to take participants to Flushing Sailing Club from Falmouth, and back again.