Hundreds gathered at Hythe Quay last Saturday (September 16) for the annual Maldon Town Regatta, enjoying activities on the water and on dry land.

The Maldon Town Regatta is organised by a committee of local volunteers, with a passion for the town's historic waterfront.

The regatta saw smacks and old gaffers, traditional and modern yachts will race upriver from West Mersea. (Credit: Chris Paul Bourne)

However, Treasurer Jean Townend told Nub News the regatta is not just for those based on the waterfront.

She said: "It's for the people of the town to have the opportunity to see life on the water and what's involved. That's why it's called Maldon 'Town' Regatta – it's for the whole community."

The Steam Tug Brent offered a range of children's activities, both on the vessel and on the quay. (Credit: Ben Shahrabi)

Vendors included Cheese & Pie Man Simon Morrison, the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, and local photographer James Crisp.

Local shanty crew Salt, Water and Beer will performed several maritime songs on Hythe Quay. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

"The stall holders are very happy," Volunteer Sandra Johnson said.

"We've got lots of new stallholders this year, after a bit of a lull in traders last year after the pandemic."

'The Knot Man', Sarah Ford, was open for one final day before the end of the season. (Credit: Ben Shahrabi)

Members of the committee went to this year's Heybridge Basin Regatta, where they approached stallholders to see if they would like to take part in the Town Regatta. In total, 15 stallholders from all over the Maldon District and further afield turned out to sell locally made products and raise money for charity.

Basildon resident Alison Archer won the rubber duck race, an activity which raised £300 for the regatta's chosen charities. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

The money raised at each regatta goes to help "any charities connected with the water". They are asked to apply for funding.

In the past, funds have gone to support causes such as the Steam Tug Brent Trust and The Sea-Change Sailing Trust.

Local photographer Chris Paul Bourne captured the sailing vessels as they arrived at Hythe Quay. (Credit: Chris Paul Bourne)

Next year's regatta will be held on 21 September 2024.

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