5 Must-see Vessels at Falmouth Tall Ships 2023

Falmouth Harbour will be home to some of the world’s most impressive sailing vessels from August 15-18. It’s been nine years since the famous Tall Ships race, ‘Magellan Elcano’, last marked its starting line here, and up to 100,000 visitors are expected to arrive at the town to catch a glimpse of them.

Here’s a look at some of the breathtaking Tall Ships you can expect to see this year. Not only will you be able to admire them from the shore, but you can step aboard and explore one for yourself.

Dar Mlodziezy

The Dar Mlodziezy. © Sail Training International.

The largest ship at this year’s race, the Dar Mlodziezy originates from Poland and was launched in 1982. With a crew of 162, she measures 108.81 metres in length (including bowsprit) and has a rig height of 50.22 metres above the waterline. The Dar Mlodziezy is sure to catch the eye, with her hull and sails glistening a brilliant white. She is one of the world’s largest sailing training ships.

Georg Stage

The Georg Stage. © Sail Training International.

This impressive Danish ship was launched in 1934. The Georg Stage measures 51.17 metres in length (including bowsprit), with a rig height of 29.57 metres above waterline and 78 crew on board. Her black steel hull and white sails evoke the romantic image of historic sailing vessels – and she is nearly 100 years old herself.

Cuauhtemoc

The Cuauhtemoc. © Sail Training International.

The Cuauhtemoc originates from Mexico and was launched in 1982. She measures 89.72 metres in length (including bowsprit), with her rig stretching 44.81 metres above the sea. There are 258 crew members on board, and her bright white hull and sails pop against the water’s surrounding sapphire hues.

Fryderyk Chopin

The Fryderyk Chopin. © Sail Training International.

Another vessel from Poland, the Fryderyk Chopin shares her name with the nation’s internationally revered Romantic composer. In harmony with the waves since launching in 1992, she measures 54.74 metres in height (including bowsprit), with a rig height of 36.27 metres above the water. She carries 55 crew, and her hull is aptly white and red.

Capitan Miranda

The Capitan Miranda. © Sail Training International.

This three-masted schooner carries 77 crew, was built in Spain and launched in 1930. Named after an eminent Uruguayan sailor, she arrived in Uruguay later that same year and has called the country home ever since. The Capitan Miranda measures 60 metres in length (including bowsprit) and her rig reaches 37.80 metres above the sea.

Step aboard a Tall Ship

Falmouth Docks is giving visitors the chance to embark on a self-guided Tall Ship tour. You’ll need a ticket to step aboard. While you can buy tickets on the day at the entrance, buying in advance online will guarantee your time slot and enable you to fast-track through the queue. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children (aged under 16). For more information, read our full guide to Falmouth Tall Ships 2023.

What’s happening at NMMC?

NMMC is the perfect place to get a close-up view of the Tall Ships. The Museum is located right on the waterfront, and its 100-foot Lookout Tower offers stunning panoramic views of the harbour. You can also relax with a drink in the museum’s café, which has its own picturesque outlook.

Inside, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly activities taking place. Children can build their own Tall Ship in a special Make & Take session, and there is a fun-filled interactive theatre show, A Pirate’s Life For Me!, performing four times a day – with no two shows the same.

Be sure to visit the Museum shop for some beautiful and bespoke Tall Ships-themed gifts and keepsakes, all designed by local illustrator Matt Johnson.

You can find out more about Falmouth Tall Ships here.