FELIXSTOWE: Sailors taking part in the Felixstowe Regatta couldn’t have wished for better weather.

Organisers of the event off the resort’s coast moved the event from its traditional end of May slot to the weekend to try to ensure more favourable conditions and the 50 boats from across the UK and Europe were not disappointed.

Yachts took part in three races on Saturday and two on Sunday with some exciting and close racing.

Participants in the event, sponsored by the Haven Gateway Partnership, also enjoyed a thriving shore-side social scene, with events including dinners, entertainment, hospitality and prize-giving ceremonies.

Peter Cockayne, chairman of the regatta organising committee, said: “This has been one of the best regattas yet.

“The weather was challenging on Saturday with light and shifting winds, but the conditions on Sunday were perfect and resulted in some fantastic competitive sailing from all of the yachts involved.

“It was a great way to showcase what great sailing waters and facilities we have in the region.”

Richard Morton, from the Haven Gateway Partnership, said: “We believe that supporting events like the Felixstowe Regatta will help promote the Haven Gateway not only as an excellent cluster of maritime and marine leisure services but also as a destination for visiting yachtsmen and women.

“The marine leisure sector is worth �85 million a year and employs 1,800 people in the sub-region.

“We have over 10,000 leisure berths and river moorings in the Haven Gateway sub-region and we feel this is a great opportunity to tell people about the wonderful sailing that is available here.”

The Hutchison Ports trophy for meritorious performance was awarded to Suffolk sailor Will Harvey, 16, at his first ever regatta. He sailed on the yacht Pandemonium.

The regatta is organised by Haven Ports Yacht Club, Walton and Frinton Yacht Club, Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club, Royal Harwich Yacht Club and Waldringfield Sailing Club.

Results

J80 Class – Double Jeopardy. Multi Hulls Class – Ischnura. Cruiser Class – Juniper of Ore. IRC Class 1 – Fatjax. IRC Class 2 – Double Trouble. IRC Class 3 – Hullabaloo. IRC Class 4 – Scallywag. IRC East Coast Championship – Hullabaloo. Team Challenge – Haven Ports Yacht Club.