Why you must see the Tall Ships in Falmouth - a magical and rare event

Falmouth is known for its deep natural harbour and rich maritime heritage. In August 2023, the vibrant seaside town welcomed the Tall Ships Races back for the first time in nine years, with the fleet preparing for Race One towards A Coruña in Spain.

Tall ships and sailing boats at Pendennis Head, Falmouth.

What are tall ships?

Tall ships are often described as the giants of the sea. These impressive vessels can take you back in time, with towering masts, working sails and an unmistakable sense of craft and adventure. Sailing them is both an art and a skill, and their sheer size is enough to leave visitors in awe.

A tall ship is a majestic sailing vessel with distinctive features that set it apart from modern ships. Historically, tall ships were used for exploration, trade and naval warfare, and they played an important role in shaping maritime history.

The romance of the harbour and the movement of sail have long inspired coastal artwork. You can explore more sea-inspired pieces in our Whistlefish artwork collection.

Key characteristics of a tall ship

1. Size and height: Tall ships are usually large vessels with multiple masts that rise high above the deck, sometimes towering over 100 feet.
2. Sails: Their most striking feature is often the vast network of sails, traditionally made from canvas or other durable materials, which catch the wind and propel the vessel forward.
3. Rigging: The ropes, lines and cables that support and control the sails form an intricate pattern across the masts.
4. Wooden construction: Many traditional tall ships were built primarily from wood, with sturdy hulls designed to withstand the open sea.
5. Nautical character: Tall ships often have a timeless, romantic quality, with elegant lines, decorative details and a sense of adventure.
6. Crew and sailing skill: Sailing a tall ship requires a skilled, well-coordinated crew to handle the sails, navigate and keep the vessel moving safely.
7. Historical significance: Many tall ships are replicas of historic vessels or preserved ships that help keep maritime heritage alive.

Overall, a tall ship combines impressive engineering, craftsmanship and a deep connection to the seafaring past, making it an iconic symbol of maritime exploration and adventure.

One of the most famous tall ships

Mayflower: The Mayflower was the ship that transported the Pilgrims from England to the New World in 1620, establishing Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. This historic voyage is considered a pivotal event in American history.

A brief history of the Tall Ships Races

The first Tall Ships Race sailed from Torbay in the South West of the UK to Lisbon, Portugal, in 1956.

The Tall Ships Races now take place in locations around the world, celebrating sail training, maritime heritage and the skill of working together at sea.

The 2023 Tall Ships Races' Magellan-Elcano series honoured the first recorded voyage around the world by Ferdinand Magellan and Sebastián Elcano, which began more than 500 years ago. This journey remains one of the most significant undertakings in the history of sea exploration.

During the 2023 series, the fleet raced from Falmouth towards Cádiz in Spain across three legs, covering around 1,900 nautical miles.

A look back at Tall Ships in Falmouth

The Tall Ships were in Falmouth Bay from 14 to 18 August 2023, with celebrations and family activities taking place around the town throughout the week.

Visitors had the chance to get on board some of these remarkable vessels, enjoy daytime and evening activities, and watch the Parade of Sail as the ships moved towards the start line. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall shared a helpful guide to Falmouth Tall Ships 2023 for anyone looking back on the event.

While in Falmouth, visitors were also able to call into Whistlefish Falmouth, where our window display was decorated to celebrate this unique maritime occasion.