A mini armada of classic ships are set to take part in a parade showcasing some of Europe's finest vessels during the first day of the Charlestown Classic Sail Festival on Friday 30th August.

The classic ships are expected to arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site from 4.30pm on the Friday and will remain in the harbour for the duration of the festival (30th August – 1st September).

Among the classic boats in attendance will be the Grayhound, a beautiful replica 18th century three-masted customs lugger. Made from wood, she has been constructed with traditional materials and methods, and built by owners Freya and Marcus Pomeroy-Rowden.

The Grayhound and Charlestown harbour are currently working with TOWT, a Breton company that specialises in the transport of goods by sail to reduce carbon emissions.  The classic lugger will be carrying a cargo which will be unloaded in the historic port during the festival.

The TOWT project is funded by the co-funded by the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund, and its main objective is to develop a touristic thematic route linking the coastal regions of Cornwall in England and Cornouaille in French Brittany. These two regions are famous for their common Celtic origins and historical sailing links.

Alongside The Grayhound's cargo the ship is also bringing a fascinating exhibition from the Port Musée in Douarnenez. The exhibition, which will be on show during the Classic Sail Festival, featuring drawings and photographs by French artist Laetitia Vassal during her voyage from Marie Galante in Guadeloupe to Brittany in 2016 on the boat Lun II.

Owners and builders of the Grayhound Freya and Marcus Pomeroy-Rowden said: “We're looking forward to coming to Charlestown's new Classic Sail Festival and seeing lots of other classic ships there.”

Other ships heading to Charlestown Harbour for the weekend of festivities and joining the Parade of Sail include Anny, Guiding Star, IBIS and Tectona among others.

The Classic Sail Festival features a weekend packed full of events including the unique experience of watching Plymouth folk band Mad Dog Mcrea performing live in the Inner Harbour on the Friday Night.

On Saturday and Sunday visitors can purchase a Gangway pass, allowing access on board the classic vessels in Charlestown Harbour. Other attractions include exhibitions, sea shanties, food and drink.

Issued by Flamingo Marketing on behalf of Charlestown Harbour and Shipwreck Museum. For more information please contact: Jaimie Poyner | jaimie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01647 873379

Notes for editors

• The Classic Sail Festival is taking place from Friday 30th August – Sunday 1st September in Charlestown Harbour, Cornwall, PL25 3NT. Gangway passes will be available to purchase on the day giving visitors access to the inner Harbour and activities. Gangway passes are available from the Harbour Ticket Office – £15 adult, £7.50 child, family ticket £40 (2 x adult & up to 3 children), children under 3, free. Visit charlestownharbour.com for more information.
• Tickets for Mad Dog Mcrae are available to purchase online at crbo.co.uk/maddogmcrea priced at £15 online in advance or £17.50 on the door. The supporting act will be Flats & Sharps LIVE in the Inner Harbour and doors open 7pm. There will be licenced bars and food available.
• Charlestown Harbour have been working in with the cargo lugger Grayhound, Transport a'la Voile (TOWT) and Port Musée in Douarnenez, Brittany.