THE 55th annual Blackwater Sailing Barge Match saw 11 barges and ten smacks competing, but a lack of wind made for some testing conditions.

The sailing barges left Maldon Quay before 6am on Saturday and even though there was not a breath of wind, the crews busied themselves preparing for the day’s sailing.

At the start of the race the river was like a mill pond and the barges drifted with the ebb, over the start line.

The skippers, at the mercy of the ebbing tide, had difficulty following the course they wanted and several vessels had to start their engines to avoid collision.

The wind didn’t pick up and with the threat of the turning tide, the course inevitably had to be shortened.

A buoy was anchored off Bradwell and the fleet rounded this and headed back up river.

With local, light and variable winds, some vessels were able to use this to advantage, but others were not so fortunate. Some of these less fortunate vessels were forced to retire, however, the majority of barges and smacks were able to finish the course.

It was good to see the two half size barges - Cygnet and Blackthorn - winning first and second place in their class.

The prizegiving was held as usual at the Queen’s Head on the Quay and despite the very trying day, all celebrated in style.

RESULTS: Bowsprit class: 1st Edme, Andy Harman; 2nd Mirosa, Geoff Ingle; 3rd Dawn, Gerard Swift.

Senior staysail class: 1st Niagara, Peter Sands; 2nd Edith May, Geoff Gransden.

Staysail class: 1st Cygnet Des Kaliszewski; 2nd Blackthorn, Doug Nicholls; 3rd Pudge, Terry O’Sullivan.

Smacks: 1st Lizzie Annie, Bob Fawkes; 2nd Charlottle Ellen, Andrew Williamson; 3rd My Alice S Heppell.

Bawleys: 1st Marigold, Kevin Finch.