A POPULAR sailing regatta returned to Manningtree for the first time in three years.

The Manningtree Town Regatta took place in fantastic weather on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 and crowds of people attended to enjoy activities on the beach and water over the two days.

The event was hosted as usual by Stour Sailing Club and took place from the Club Marquee and Town Beach on Quay Street.

Colin Garnham, Stour Sailing Club Commodore, said: “it was simply an amazing two days and it was fantastic to see so many people out on the water both sailing and rowing in the regatta and also having a go at paddle boarding, kayaking, and traditional sculling or just splashing about’

Colin added: “The mud sports and children’s beach takeover were more popular than ever.

“The race across the river, and the Tug of War were hotly contested and the children’s activities were busy and ended with their own tug of war on the beach.

 “We were honoured that Neptune was once again able to visit us and reign over the mud sports."

Traditional regatta fireworks lit up the estuary on Saturday evening when the beach was packed with spectators enjoying the display.

Due to Covid restrictions the regatta was cancelled in 2020, and took place in a much reduced form so it was the first time since 2019 that the Regatta had been able to hold the traditional Manningtree Mud Sports and Children’s Beach Takeover on the Sunday morning.

Both the men’s and women’s Tug of War contests had last been won in 2019 by teams from Rose Builders and the competition was hotly contested again. 

The ‘Mud Rats’ finally took the honours in the men’s tug, with the Manningtree Mermaids triumphing in the women’s tug. 

Colin said: “We would like to thank all of our sponsors who made the event possible, and all of those who took part in, attended the event and all of our volunteers who made the event such a success.”