RESIDENTS enjoyed some fun in the sun as an annual event made its return to Wivenhoe.

The Winvehoe Regatta is the town's biggest event of the year, with sailing competitions, a variety of stalls, food and drink, and often more than 2,000 guests.

The weekend kicked off with the Pram Race on Friday evening, with a record number of 17 teams, a prize for best fancy dress, and champagne courtesy of the Black Buoy.

There was also the raft race, as well as performances from The Hoolies, Wivenhoe’s shanty singers, the Wivenhoe Youth Choir and Colchester Brass Band.

Sail- The Quay was filled with a variety of floating vessels across the weekend.Sail- The Quay was filled with a variety of floating vessels across the weekend. (Image: Mike Davies)

John Moores, chair of the Wivenhoe Town Regatta, said the event was "very busy".

"We were well supported, with lots of stalls, lots of people enjoying themselves, and lots of competitors," he added.

Mr Moores said they were “very fortunate to have” eight rare Smack’s fishing and cargo boats, as well as a few yachts and smaller boats at the event.

There were also lots of gig boats, longer rowing boats, and creative rafts for the Great Raft Race.

Captain- The competitions saw many young sailors take to the waters. Captain- The competitions saw many young sailors take to the waters. (Image: Mike Davies)

Mr Moores said: “It was a fun day, a fun event. People like it.

"It costs a bit of money to put together but we are very supported by the local pubs and businesses in Wivenhoe.”

The principal sponsor is Michael’s Property Consultants, with Barrells as another major sponsor, but the Rose and Crown, the Black Buoy, and the Horse & Groom are also big supporters.

Packed- The town was busy for the event, which featured several musical performances. Packed- The town was busy for the event, which featured several musical performances. (Image: Mike Davies)

Mr Moores estimated the Regatta has been going on in Wivenhoe since about 1891.

Historically, the event was essentially a “job interview” for sailors to show their skills and compete to secure contracts on big sailing boats.

History- Wivenhoe Town Regatta was first recorded in the late 1800s, and has kept happening for over a century. History- Wivenhoe Town Regatta was first recorded in the late 1800s, and has kept happening for over a century. (Image: Google)

With King George V keeping his yacht moored at Wivenhoe and crewed by Wivenhoe men, sometimes competitions were for royal contracts for the summer.

Mr Moores said: “What we have now is much more of a fun aspect, something to please and make fun for lots of people.

“It’s very important to get the boats to come up and enjoy the races. They all said, what a wonderful race and a wonderful day.”