Opening Ceremony marks official start of event!

An opening ceremony took place this morning on Queen's Wharf to mark the official opening of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta in Falmouth. Chairman of the Carrick District Council, John Dyer, welcomed the assembled crowd of spectators and said it was the town's pleasure to welcome the fleet and crews and wished them fair winds in their race to Ilhavo and on to Funchal.

Bernard Heppener, Chairman of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta organising race committee, thanked the town of Falmouth on behalf of the fleet and said he was sure they would enjoy the special Cornish hospitality. "The pennants that each of the ships have for the Regatta is dark blue. In fact it is so dark blue that it appears almost black - like the flag of St Piran. All very appropriate for the first port in the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta," said Heppener.

The Chairman of the council then cut a ribbon to mark the official opening of the event. The captains were then each handed a special scroll from the United Churches of Falmouth which had ben enscribed with a psalm.

The majority of the 21 vessels that make up the fleet are now in Falmouth with just a few due to arrive later today or early tomorrow. The weather has been unseasonally wet and windy, but today the rain is holding off with the sun making a welcome appearance.