BUSTLING crowds of more than 2,000 people watched on as an array of magnificent boats and rafts competed at the Wivenhoe Regatta.

The historic annual event saw spectators flock to the town’s quayside to watch a mixture of traditional smacks and sailing rigs gracefully sail the waters.

The regatta has been running in some form since the 1800s.

John Moores, organising committee chairman, hailed another fantastic year for the town.

“The regatta has been going on for hundreds of years,” he said.

“It started here in order to get the best men in terms of sailing qualified to crew the yachts.

“The racers who won were guaranteed a job.

“It is a tradition that has been remembered and which has developed into this wonderful event.”

Rowhedge-based crew Aquiline scooped the first John Stewart Memorial Gig race trophy after a thrilling contest.

The race was named in honour of Wivenhoe historian John Stewart, who died in February.

Mr Moores also thanked Colchester-based Michael Property Consultants for their £2,000 sponsorship of the event.

He added: “It was a hugely successful day.

“We also had 42 stalls offering a wide range of different foods and entertainment, everyone had a lovely time.”