A flotilla of vessels – including classic and modern yachts, sailing dinghies, motor vessels and a rowing foursome – sailed down the River Deben to mark the 25th year of one of the county’s most hard-working pressure groups.

The Parade of Sail celebrated the silver anniversary of the River Deben Association, which works to protect and conserve the character, beauty and environment of the Deben.

Among the historic vessels taking part were the Clytie, a gaff rigged cutter built in 1922 by Clifford Paterson at Everson’s Boatyard, Woodbridge; working longshore fishing boat Three Sisters, owned by Robert Simper; Bluster, an Atlanta class hot-moulded wooden yacht designed by Alan Vines and Uffa Fox, built by Fairey Marine in 1955 and owned and sailed by Jane Stern, now in her 90s, and the Hannah of Rock, the last remaining of four wooden Cornish Crabber 24s owned by Barry Paul.

Oldest boat in the parade was Kestrel, a gaff rigged cutter built in 1891 by White and Co, of Cowes, and bought for £1 in 1997 and rebuilt by James Palmer over a period of four-and-a-half-years.

Robin Whittle, chairman of the River Deben Association, said: “Boats set off from all parts of the river as far as Felixstowe Ferry and Melton, all converging at Waldringfield Sailing Club to take part in the parade.”

The 15-strong Woodbridge Excelsior Band provided a rousing accompaniment from the shore, and the celebration continued into the evening with a barbeque for more than 100 people accompanied by Freddie and Friends New Orleans Jazzmen.

Susan Harvey, chairman of the Suffolk Coastal District Council, presented the awards to the most historic vessels taking part in the parade.

The event was sponsored by Andy Seedhouse, Clive Schlee, Seamark Nunn, Jackson-Stops, and Fairweather Stephenson.