BRIGHTLINGSEA Sailing Club staged another hugely-successful Youth Regatta.

This open event brings together cadet sailors from across the region to compete in a fun three-day regatta, aimed at building racing confidence and friendships.

With coaching support, racing development and a full social programme, the event has something to offer cadets at every level.

It also acts as the perfect feeder for Brightlingsea's famous Pyefleet Week, which follows immediately on from this regatta.

Now in its fourth year, Brightlingsea Youth Regatta is going from strength to strength, with record entries and 41 competitors in 30 boats, with ages ranging from eight through to 18.

The club are very grateful to sponsors NEEB Holdings Ltd, a local property investment company, and Rooster Sailing.

The event was forecast to be fun and entertaining, even with the wind not forecast to be the same.

Rooster's marketing manager, Dave Treagust, said: "I'm a firm believer that these grassroots events are just as important to the future of sailing as open and national events."

NEEB's joint managing directors, Roger and Raymond Raymond, added: "We are proud to be supporting such an important local event.

"We know that many individuals at the sailing club volunteer a lot of time to make these regattas a success."

The first day saw a lively force four to five wind.

This was a challenge to the younger competitors, who were only able to sail in the first race.

Building winds meant only the more experienced sailors raced in the second race.

Either way, the children had a great time, the sun shone and all the youngsters had plenty to talk about in the club later.

Entertainment for the evening was film night.

Day two was “champagne sailing” and took place in a glorious force three to four wind and beautiful sunshine.

Due to the forecast for Friday not looking sailable, it was decided to hold three races.

Again, every competitor was on the water and close racing entertained the parents on the shore.

Make Your Own Pizza was the evening entertainment, with great fun had by children and parents alike.

Day three was, sadly as forecast, too breezy for sailing, so the decision was made to cancel the racing.

Entertainment was not on short supply, though, as a group of children went off down the promenade to the infamous Brightlingsea Lido and later beach games entertained everyone while they waited for prize giving and BBQ.

A DIY disco was a huge success as the hardcore partied through the night to bring to a close a very successful regatta.

Results: Gold fleet: 1st James Russell, 2nd Theodore Spencer, 3rd Oscar Oldfield and Thomas Philips.

Silver fleet: 1st Astrid Eddy, 2nd Louise Genin, 3rd Willow Cross.

Perseverance award: Arthur Guy.

Most improved boy: Harry Mitchell.

Most improved girl: Isabel Walford.