A stunning aerial picture of a traditional sailing smack by Brightlingsea photographer Colm O’Laoi has triumphed in a competition run by National Historic Ships.

The picture shows the smack Peace CK171 off Mersea Stone during the 2019 Colne Smack and Barge Match – and it was judged the winner of the classic boat category, sponsored by Classic Boat Magazine.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Colm – well-known locally for his pictures of the town and all things maritime – was unable to attend the prizegiving event, which was streamed live from HMS Belfast. His trophy is shown here.