Falmouth Sailing Week 2020 heading towards the start line!
by Jane Wright 26 Jul 12:29 PDT
12-15 August 2020
The Port of Falmouth Sailing Association has announced that the sailing and racing side of Falmouth Week is to go ahead in August. Nigel Sharp and the PoFSA team had met twice a month to provisionally plan towards organising the regatta.
"It was difficult at times as we felt we were looking through an out of focus pair of binoculars" said Neil Andrew, Race Management Officer. When the Falmouth Town Falmouth Week organising committee decided it was no longer possible to hold any shoreside or music events it looked as though PoFSA were going to have to put away our flags and starting guns as well.
Competitors from last year were contacted to gauge interest in holding a regatta that could be organised within government legislation and the responses returned that meant it was a viable proposition. Meanwhile Cowes Week, Royal Dartmouth Regatta and Fowey Week were announcing cancellation so the pressure was on. It wasn't until July 11th that sufficient easing of restrictions gave the team the green light to go safely ahead.
A slimline Falmouth Sailing Week will now take place over four days, 12th - 15th August. There will be two racing fleets in the Carrick Roads and out in Falmouth Bay with the start lines close to Pendennis Point. This will make a great viewing place to watch the action out on the water.
The racing will be compliant with current Covid -19 legislation in that only same households (or household plus support bubble) may crew the boats and man the safety RIBS. It will be run in a conservative and considerate way to minimise any risk using the Royal Yachting Association's guidelines.
Regrettably it does mean that there will not be any prize-giving teas or entertainment and receptions this year but there will be a time after the regatta when winners will be invited to receive their prizes and keen fought for trophies in a socially distanced environment.
Wednesday 12th August will be the Ancasta Champagne Day and the Thursday to Saturday will comprise a 3-Day series of 6 races for all classes in both fleets sailed as regatta courses and using the SWYTC handicap.
Jane Wright, the PoFSA sponsorship and publicity coordinator reported that all the partner sponsors were keen to continue their support and is delighted to announce that Ancasta Champagne Cup, the Hine Downing Bay Fleet and the Mylor Yacht Harbour Carrick Fleet are providing excellent platforms for the racing community to challenge their skills.
Look up the sailing pages on the Falmouth Week Website falmouthweek.co.uk/sailing for full detail and addendum to the Notice of Race. The Race Office is available to leave queries on 01326 211555.
To enter Falmouth Sailing Week head to falmouthweek.co.uk/race-management
Read the addendum to the Notice of Race as it gives the new requirements to race within. This year sees a unique £20 entry fee for all four days of racing.
Falmouth Week Shoreside will return alongside Falmouth Sailing Week 6th - 15th August 2021.