THE visit of the replica man-of-war Grand Turk has been judged a success by Mike Range-croft, one of the people who organised the programme for the ship's call at Falmouth.

"Unfortunately, bad weather delayed the Grand Turk's arrival by a day and shortened the visit when the ship had to leave early to dodge bad weather on her passage to France.

"But, all in all, the event went very well and Grand Turk will return next year," said Mike. The vessel had an appointment in France, on Friday and because of weather conditions forecast in the channel had to leave 24 hours earlier. A number of people visiting Falmouth to go on board found the ship gone.

"We do apologise for this," said Mike. "We hope those disappointed will still visit her next year when she is in Falmouth."

The Falmouth Tall Ships Association held a reception on Grand Turk on Monday evening. Several of the committee dressed in period costumes for the function, welcoming aboard people who have signed up to be Friends of the Falmouth Tall Ships Association.

During the evening Eric Beattie, the first life member of the friends, was presented with a plaque by FTSA secretary and treasurer Janice Fenton. A&P port manager Mike Reynolds presented Grand Turk's master, Capt Ian MacDougal, with an A&P crest.

Local pilot and Packet shipping correspondent, David Barnicoat, and Anne Oliver, who are both FTSA committee members, spent Saturday on board Grand Turk at the invitation of Capt Macdougal when the sailing ship cruised the Fal with a wedding party. The vessel moored to a buoy off Tolverne while the guests enjoyed a wedding breakfast below decks.

"The weather was fantastic with the Fal at its best. The bride and groom certainly had a day they will never forget," said David.