IT was all hands on deck for a popular round-the-island sailing race.
The annual event was part of Mersea Week - a sailing regatta organised jointly by West Mersea Yacht Club and Dabchicks Sailing Club.
Everyone from serious contenders to those just looking for a bit of fun on the water got involved, with competitors doing battle in both directions - clockwise and anti-clockwise - around the island.
While every man, woman and child did their duty on board, they also had to help out on land too, as the boats had to be heaved onto the Strood causeway and back into the water again.
Many hands make light work - competitors make their way across the Strood Picture: CHRISSIE WESTGATE
There were winners in various categories.
Among those sailing catamarans, Ben Peter was first in a time of two hours and ten minutes.
He was followed by Abbie Clarke and Robert Wilson.
James Sparks won the dinghies competition, in 1h 42m.
Fear naut - competitors have a splashing time on Mersea Island
Janek Payne was second, Jack Grogan third and Tim Wood fourth.
In the Mersea Island Fishermen’s Open Boats category, Terence Smith was first and Ben Woodcraft second.
The event was also open to windsurfers and Chris Mathlin was first, followed by Alan Munson and Simon Tippington.
West Mersea Yacht Club commodore Tim Wood said: “Once again, the race was excellent.
Taking the sea-nic route - competitors cross over as they choose to sail in opposite directions
“The weather conditions were kind with sunshine and a very suitable wind and everyone had a great time.
“It’s a unique event and community spirit shines through. Everyone pitches in to make it a success.
“This year we had 59 entrants.
“This was slightly down on previous years, but partly due to an unavoidable clash with Brightlingsea Sailing Club’s Pyefleet Week.
Having a splashing time - Scoundrel is carried across the water
“It’s not been a normal year, for obvious reasons, and not everyone is back out on the water yet.
“So taking everything into account, we were still delighted with the numbers.”
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