The sea and the rocks were alive with colour and buzz on Sunday as thousands of people clambered to every viewing point on shore and any boat that could float to watch the 14 Tall Ships begin their race to Greenwich.

Tall Ships and small ships filled our view as we sat on the rocks at Pendennis Head on the most glorious sunny day to watch this historic maritime occasion. More than 1,000 boats of all shapes and sizes sailed out of Falmouth harbour and thousands of people came out to watch.

The Parade of Sail was one and a half miles long as they set off for the start line four and half miles out to sea, sailing passed St Antony’s Head and then right by Pendennis Castle and all the way along to the mouth of the Helford River before heading on out to their start line and up the channel to Greenwich.

This is the fifth time Falmouth has hosted this regatta for these majestic ships that provide sail training to young people from around the world, with the last being in 2008. This year it attracted around 50 ships, including 12 square-rigged Tall Ships from across Europe.

Sunday was the finale of a festival weekend that saw Falmouth packed to the brim with people and events. The atmosphere was fantastic, the sun shone, fireworks exploded and some excellent bands played down in Event Square.

Tall Ships regatta, Falmouth
Tall Ships regatta, Falmouth