COLOURFUL rows of maritime bunting were once again waving above the streets for the return of a popular regatta.
Manningtree’s Regatta made its comeback after last year’s spectacle had to be cancelled for the first time in decades due to the pandemic.
Visitors took part in relaxing yoga on the town’s beach, rowing races and fishing competitions.
A firework display then lit up the skies above the town after the first day of races concluded.
Live music was planned to breathe life into South Street with performances from the Maniacs delighting residents, but Manningtree Business Chamber decided to postpone its planned events until Saturday, September 4 in view of the bad weather.
It also meant circus activities planned in South Street, as well as market and food stalls, were pushed back.
Resident yoga teacher and sailing club member Ali Howells donated her time to offer a free one hour yoga class on both days.
It came after the activity was introduced in the 2019 regatta and proved so popular organisers ensured its return this year.
When it came to the sailing, however, 26 boats - a mixture of dinghies and cruisers, modern and classic - entered the Pursuit Race.
In this event, the slowest boats start first and others follow every five minutes until the fastest boats join the race.
Once you’ve been overtaken you cannot win the race.
Despite some torrential downpours, the strong wind forecasted didn’t materialise, leading to the racing being more tactical than physical. In the end it was Jim Stewart who won convincingly in a Laser Radial dinghy.
The class racing proved to be much windier and the challenging conditions proved too much for some, but ten boats completed an exciting race.
Each day also saw rowing races between club members in the club’s two Harkers yard rowing gigs and privately owned skiff.
There was also a fishing competition, while Stour Sailing Club hosted a barbecue and a homemade cake stall in the marquee for all to enjoy.
The famous mud race also took place, as those involved got down and dirty in a bid to be crowned champion.
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