Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta Success
The programme for the start of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta in Falmouth (10th-13th September next year) is beginning to take shape thanks to the support of its official partners. The commitment behind this joint public and private sector partnership provides the ideal platform for a hugely successful event.
The Regatta is organised by Sail Training International as the centre-piece celebration the 500th anniversary of Funchal, capital of the island of Madeira. The official partners for the event in Falmouth are Carrick District Council as the lead accountable body, Falmouth Tall Ships Association, Cornwall County Council, South West Regional Development Agency, A&P Falmouth, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Cornwall Marine Network, National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Falmouth Town Council.
Portfolio Holder for the Local Economy Cllr Donnithorne said; “Carrick District Council are proud to be leading on this prestigious event in Falmouth which will bring considerable economic, cultural and social benefits for both visitors and local people. Carrick District Council has a good track record of working in partnership and is really looking forward to working with all the partners to deliver a hugely successful event”.
Cornwall County Council’s Executive Member for Economy, Andrew Mitchell said; “Cornwall’s culture and economy have been shaped by their relationship with the sea and the 2008 Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta presents an excellent opportunity to not only reflect on Cornwall’s proud maritime heritage, but to showcase the County’s ability to host major events and put the maritime sector centre stage as it looks to further develop and grow. We know from the 1998 Tall Ship event that next year’s regatta will attract large numbers of visitors and provide a significant boost to both the economy of Falmouth and the wider Cornish economy. The County Council is pleased to be able to support the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta 2008 and I would urge everyone to attend what is sure to be a spectacular event.”
Town Mayor, Councillor Mike Varney, states; “Falmouth Town Council are delighted to support this wonderful event that sees the return of tall ships to Falmouth. This will be a superb spectacle for locals and visitors alike, and a golden opportunity for Falmouth traders to show what the town has to offer. The organisation of this event is a fine example of how partnerships can work to bring an event of this scale to our town. Congratulations to them all”.
Stephen Bohane, head of operations for the South West RDA in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “When the tall ships last graced our waters in such numbers almost 10 years ago, they put Falmouth and Cornwall on the world stage as a centre of maritime heritage and expertise. We’re delighted to be supporting next year’s event and are confident it will generate potentially millions of pounds for the local economy.”
Alan Shepherd, Chief Executive of Cornwall Marine Network commented; "We are very pleased to be one of the working groups contributing to the organization of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Race. A visit by the Tall Ships opens up so much opportunity for Falmouth and Cornwall, not only from an economic perspective but also by enriching the lives of our trainees who - as crew members of the Tall Ships will have the chance to experience the adventure of a lifetime"
John Hick, the Chairman of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta organising committee for Falmouth said; “We have been given this wonderful opportunity to use Falmouth Harbour for what it is famous for, which is hosting tall ships and we are again starting the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta in our beautiful port. This is another opportunity with us all working together to promote Falmouth as one of the finest international sailing ports” |
