GET ready to climb aboard and set sail!

There will be fun and messing about on both dry land and water when the 31st annual Heybridge Basin Regatta gets under way on Saturday July 5.

The main sailing events get going at 1pm but prior to that at 11am there will be children's games, marquee competitions and a barbecue.

A vast range of races will be taking place on the river, including dinghies, smacks and bawlies, Classic Wooden One Design Yachts and Modern Bermudan Yachts.

Judging of the marquee competitions including colouring, photography, cake and flower arranging will be judged at 3pm.

Inshore events including a blindfold rowing race, flour battle, fun raft race and the greasy pole in the lock will all take place once the racing is over.

There will then be live music in the evening performed by Navacross and David Norwood.

Prizegiving will take place at 8pm.

Carole Lawson, honarary secretary of the regatta committee said there will be something for everyone.

She said: "A lot of what we do now is the same as what we've always done, it's very traditional.

"There will be lots of fun and things for both young and old to look at and enjoy."

More onshore events are also going on to build up to the big day on Friday July 4.

At 5pm a children's scavenger hunt and barbecue will take place, followed by children's entertainer Mr Papalarny at 6.15pm.

A quiz will then get under way in the marquee at 8.15pm.

Teams of six are required and entry fee is £2.