Crowds of spectators turned out to watch an age old tradition of racing on the River Blackwater.

Yesterday's Heybridge Basin Regatta saw 45 boats, including dinghies, grace the water.

Although the event was blessed with sunshine, sailing boats struggled with the lack of wind.

Regatta secretary Jenny Sjollema said: “There wasn’t a lot of wind so at one point we had to put the anchors down to stop us drifting!"

On shore activities also kept children and the young-at-heart entertained with competitions including the greasy pole, pillow fights and flour battles.

 

See Thursday's MBS for a picture special.