Wivenhoe Regatta

Up until the First World War, scores of fishing smacks were a regular sight on the River Colne as they headed out on the tide to their oyster layings or spratting grounds, writes Sandy Miller.

This fishing and boatbuilding heritage is still celebrated at Wivenhoe’s annual regatta, which dates back to 1891, and over 2,000 people were on the quay this year as the smacks raced up river to the waterfront finish. These big smacks under sail in this narrow section of the river created an impressive spectacle. Sunbeam, built by Howard of Maldon in 1881 and owned and helmed by David Minster and Tony Arnaudy, crossed the finish line first to win the Jim Lawrence Trophy. It had been a lively day of racing, with a sti› breeze out in the estuary for the early stages. There were even traces of tactical encounters with the local mud on one or two of the smacks. Of the seven Wivenhoe One Designs also racing, it was a good turnout considering only 19 were built in total between 1935 and 1947. Alcyone 1, sailed by Nigel Cook and Benjamin Wilton, was first over the line. There were loud cheers as they passed the Rose & Crown pub along Maldon's popular waterfront.