FUNCHAL 500 TALL SHIPS REGATTA - A SPECTACULAR SITE IN THE HARBOUR OF FUNCHAL
From 10th - 13th September 2008 Falmouth in the UK played host port for the Funchal “500 Anos” Tall Ships Regatta.
The spectacular maritime event is part of the city’s year-long celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the very first settlement on the island and undoubtedly one of the principal highlights of the festivities. Approximately 25 tall ships from several different countries around the world including Germany, Russia, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Uk, Spain, Mexico and the Netherlands competed in this event. The magnificent vessels, initially berthed at Queen’s Wharf in the Falmouth Docks left on route to the port of Ilhavo in Aveiro - in the mainland continent of Portugal prior to departing on the second and final stage of the regatta towards the harbour in Funchal to join in the city’s exciting celebrations on the 2-3rd October.
The spectacular site of these magnificent historic vessels in the scenic bay of Funchal has touched the hearts and minds of many locals and visitors alike in witnessing a turning back of the clock in sailing times gone by.
TALL SHIPS REGATTA IN THE HARBOUR AND ALONG THECOASTLINE OF FUNCHAL
