SubscribeA life on the ocean wave (part one)
During my recent holiday in the South West I realised my break coincided with a great maritime spectacle that only comes to these shores once every decade or so.
I was lucky enough to board a racing tall ship days before setting sail for Funchal on the coast of Madeira in a race against 16 similar vessels.
As part of the regatta in Falmouth prior to the Funchal 500 event several ships were open to the public to get up close with a racing giant. My choices of vessel to board were Russia’s Mir – obviously the biggest and scariest looking craft (and crew!), Uraguay’s Captain Miranda – unfortunately closing for crew lunch, The Pelican – a pompous looking ship from Great Britain, or the extremely colourful Cuauhtémoc – the Mexicans.
These guys were far the most welcoming, enthusiastic and entertaining crew. Had an extremely well turned out ship. It was also lunchtime on board and the aromas from the kitchen were fantastic.
They also had this great notice before boarding:
Posted by Richard on Wednesday 17th of September 2008 at 2:54pm