AN ARRAY of boats going by the evocative names of cutters, smacks and luggers chugged into Southwold Harbour at the start of the Sole Bay Festival.The 50-odd restored fishing vessels and yachts were taking part in the sixth smack and classic boat rally, organised by the East Coast Old Gaffers Association and Harbour Marine Services of Southwold.

AN ARRAY of boats going by the evocative names of cutters, smacks and luggers chugged into Southwold Harbour at the start of the Sole Bay Festival.

The 50-odd restored fishing vessels and yachts were taking part in the sixth smack and classic boat rally, organised by the East Coast Old Gaffers Association and Harbour Marine Services of Southwold.

The classic craft, some originally built over one hundred years ago, had raced under sail from Levington on the River Orwell to Southwold to join in four days of fun and games.

A change of wind direction made entry into the harbour a little slow, but fine weather meant the many spectators gathered along Blackshore had leisure to enjoy ice creams and an afternoon nap, entertained by the Smokehouse Blue New Orleans Marching Jazz Band.

The boats will today enter the "off the Town" Sole Bay race, which can be viewed during the morning from the seafront. Depending on wind, they will sail either northwards past the town, or towards Dunwich.

On Friday the boats will race to Lowestoft, where they can be viewed at the South Pier Marina.

On Saturday there will be a regatta held near the Harbour Inn, including greasy pole competitions, blindfold rowing and a lifeboat demonstration.

Each evening there is live music and comedy to entertain participants and spectators.