A HISTORIC regatta returned to Heybridge at the weekend.

The Heybridge Basin Regatta kicked off at 10am on Saturday with the lighting of a BBQ. Sailing began at 11am, with the dinghies, followed by the smacks, then the rigged yachts.

Rowing races started immediately after the sailing. Children enjoyed competitions in crabbing and even a pillow fight.

There were three bands to entertain people throughout the day, plus stands in the marquee where people spent their time and money.

On Sunday, there were many children’s events including welly throwing, flour fights on the beach, coconut shies and fun raft racing on the waters.

A spokesman for the regatta said the day was a success.