HUNDREDS of people turned out for a weekend of sailing action at an Essex town's traditional regatta.
HUNDREDS of people turned out for a weekend of sailing action at an Essex town's traditional regatta.
The Manningtree Regatta dates back to around 1850 and is a two-day maritime extravaganza organised by the town's Stour Sailing Club.
The sailing barge “Victor” was alongside the quay, whilst every type of boat imaginable was on the water.
From skiffs to dinghies, cruisers to the famous Manningtree punts, which are unique to the area, with their flat bottoms and unusual sailing method where the sailor has to steer with one oar and a foot.
The fun was not just on the water though with a tug of war and a “race across the river” to the far bank of the Stour thrown in for good measure.
Mal Bezant , vice commodore at the club, said: “It has been a great weekend, it is probably the biggest event in the town throughout the year.
“The sailing has been great thanks to the breezy conditions and everyone has been enjoying themselves and there was a good social on Saturday night with the music in the marquee.”
On Saturday there were 33 entrants in the handicap race whilst all five entrants to the punting were from the Lucas family with ages ranging from 17 up to 78.
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