The annual Colne Smack and Barge match takes place on Saturday (September 14) – a spectacle that will see working boats and barges racing off Brightlingsea.

With the start line extending from Bateman’s Tower, Brightlingsea folk have an excellent vantage point to see the craft – some approaching 150 years old – jockeying for position.

Thames barges, with their distinctive spritsail rigs, will start at 11am, followed by the smacks – traditional fishing boats – at 11.30am and Mersea fisherman’s open boats at noon.

The prizegiving will take place in the evening at Brightlingsea Sailing Club.

Watch last year’s start here: https://youtu.be/pgdylXP2dWw?si=GxnHaTTMjMLOf_rV