Sailors of all ages gathered this week as Southwold's annual regatta season officially got under way.

Lowestoft Journal: Southwold Model Yacht Regatta. The start of the 2015 season. Pictures: MICK HOWESSouthwold Model Yacht Regatta. The start of the 2015 season. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

The Southwold Model Yacht Regatta committee has been running the popular events for over 100 years - and participants and spectators were out in force for Saturday's first regatta, followed by the Pout Cup.

And Commodore Hugh Williamson said conditions for the season's first outing had been 'absolutely perfect'.

'The Boating Lake is in a really first class condition,' he added. 'It's as ideal as could be, all thanks to David and Penny Ball.

'We had quite a lot of visitors and people watching the regattas. Nowadays holiday patterns have changed.

'It used to be families would come for a month. Now people tend to come for a week so we do get quite a good turnover.

'We were very encouraged with the good start.'

Any boats with a hull length of 15 to 36 inches made of all materials can be entered in the regattas but no radio controls or other steering mechanisms are allowed.

Enthusiasts returned on Wednesday for the second regatta and Quincentenary Salver for beach yawl, and some new faces went along to watch for the first time too.

Unfortunately, conditions were less favourable for the second regatta, meaning the family relay race has been postponed until Wednesday, August 12.

But despite that, Prof Williamson said he was 'looking forward' to the rest of the regattas and that so far, the season was going 'extremely well'.

For more, call Commodore Hugh Williamson on 01502 722 319 or visit www.southwoldmodelyachtregattas.co.uk

Have you got a Southwold story? Contact Southwold reporter Polly Grice on 01502 525820 or email polly.grice@archant.co.u