The new £28 million National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Cornwall, threw open its doors yesterday for its ‘sea trial’ period. The official opening is on 19 February 2003 but in the mean time visitors will have the opportunity to check out the fantastic new complex, free of charge.

During this trial period, the museum is open five days a week giving visitors the opportunity to take part in preview days and to give the staff at the museum a chance to sort out any teething problems. Peter Cowling, Museum Director, says: “We take training and visitor satisfaction very seriously and want to make sure that we are completely ready by the time we start charging the public.”

Designed by MJ Long, this 21 Century museum, funded by the Heritage Lottery, the South West Regional Development Agency, and other sponsors including European Regional Development Fund, is situated in an idyllic location, right on the water’s edge in Falmouth Harbour. While Yachting World has yet to visit the museum, reports indicate there is little to doubt it will live up to all expectations.

Interestingly, however, although there is a total of 150 craft from Britain and overseas ready for display, most of which have come directly from the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, only 40 boats will be on show at any one. “The idea,” says Tamsin Loveless from the museum, “is to use annual rotation system which will hopefully ensure a constant flow of visitors. We are already looking ahead to 2004 with plans for an Olympic/racing display to coincide with the Olympic Games.” The remaining boats will be kept in storage at the boat restoration building at Ponsharden.

To find out more about the museum, log on to: http://www.nmmc.co.uk