A&P is a Major Partner in the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta 2008 in Falmouth
A & P Falmouth Ltd was one of the first official partners to sign up for the prestigious Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta, which begins with four days of celebrations in Falmouth from 10th to 13th September next year.
The facilities provided by the docks was one of the deciding factors which the regatta organisers, Sail Training International, took into consideration when confirming Falmouth as the host port for the start of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta 2008. A & P have a long standing reputation for offering facilities to visiting Tall Ships and Falmouth is recognised as a ‘sail training friendly’ port.
Mike Reynolds, Operations Director at A&P Falmouth said: “A&P are delighted to be continuing their association with Tall Ships events and providing a range of services at Falmouth Docks including berthing at our new facility, Falmouth Port Marina, which we plan to have opened by the summer. The new marina is the first stage in the regeneration of Falmouth Docks which will help to ensure that we maintain the high standards we have always offered to visiting ships. We wish the organisers and everyone who takes part in this important regatta every success.”
The docks are providing significant facilities for the event including staff time for planning, wharf space, land, fenders and pontoons. A & P are responsible for preparing the berthing plan which allocates spaces for these magnificent vessels which will take part in the regatta.
John Hick, Chairman of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta Falmouth added; “Without this tremendous and continued support from A&P, the event would not be possible. We look forward to working with them and turning the start of this prestigious regatta into an outstanding event for the whole of Cornwall”.
Many ports are situated a considerable distance from the main centres, whilst Falmouth Docks are central to the town – a major factor which resulted in Falmouth being named best port in the 1998 Tall Ships’ Race by the ships crews taking part in the race. Event organisers hope to build on this reputation and offer an even wider programme of activities and a warm welcome for ships crews for the 2008 regatta.
Eight of the magnificent A Class square rigged ships have confirmed they will be participating in the regatta in 2008, with a further four expressing an interest to take part. Falmouth looks forward to welcoming the Russian ship Mir back to its waters, and Alexander von Humboldt from Germany will be easy to identify with her unmistakable green sails. Up to 30 vessels will take part in the race leaving Falmouth on 13th September next year when they will race to Ilhavo in Portugal and then to Madeira in Funchal. |
