Looking forward to Falmouth Week this year, which runs from 8-15 August and is sponsored by Henri Lloyd. Last year, despite the bad weather, more than 400 yachts and dinghies took part with about 1,500 crew plus families, friends and visitors. This year the event looks as if it will be bigger and better.

Racing will take place in Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay. The colourful traditional working boats are back. Champagne Day has moved to Wednesday to provide a midweek break in some of the series racing, with special events planned for that day to bring sailing right into the harbour for the extra benefit of spectators. The final weekend races will now be at St Mawes on Friday and Flushing on Saturday.

Steve Nicholls, the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association’s new chairman, said: ‘The racing can sometimes appear distant and disconnected from people in the town. We will be running an evening sailing event on the waterfront, near Customs House Quay, to show people what Falmouth Week is all about. We are planning a parade of sail.’

The week begins with the Marching Carnival and leads into a full programme involving Events Square, the Princess Pavilion, Maritime Museum, Pendennis Castle, and businesses and groups throughout the town. As ever, things will not be limited to Falmouth, with special activities planned in St Mawes, Mylor, Flushing and the Helford. The week reaches a climax with the magnificent fireworks display over the harbour on Friday evening.

Surf Life Saving GB will be holding their National Championships for Nippers and Youth at Gyllngvase Beach over the final weekend and will be joining in the Falmouth Week festivities. They expect about 400 competitors and their families for this top class event.