Maritime History > Record Breakers // 1950s

Situated at the western end the Western Approaches, with its extensive natural, safe harbour, Falmouth has always been the destination of choice for vessels arriving from the Americas, Africa, India, the Orient, and Australasia. "Falmouth for Orders" was the instruction given to masters of sailing ships when heading homewards from distant ports. Intrepid small-boat sailors, following 'in their wake', arrived in Falmouth after achieving remarkable feats of endurance - Robert Manry crossing the Atlantic in his diminutive 'Tinkerbelle' in 1965; Sir Robin Knox Johnson circumnavigating the globe singlehanded and non-stop in 'Suhaili' in 1969; Dame Ellen Macarthur setting the record for the fastest solo circumnavigation in 'B&Q' in 2005. Not to forget a range of unusual and unique craft, from bottles to rafts.