The historic Charlestown Harbour is staging their first ever Classic Sail Festival

Great British Life: The Grayhound classic ship, image taken by Becky TreneerThe Grayhound classic ship, image taken by Becky Treneer (Image: Becky Treneer)

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.

Great British Life: A parade of sails featuring The Grayhound, image taken by Becky TreneerA parade of sails featuring The Grayhound, image taken by Becky Treneer (Image: Becky Treneer)

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."

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.