The 30th Wayfarer International Rally — back in Northern Ireland after a 22-year absence — attracted 44 boats to Strangford Lough.
Some 67 visiting sailors from the United States, Canada, Belgium, Holland, France, Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland were welcomed by the East Down Yacht Club for the nine-day event, which finishes today.
They joined the 21 local crew members for a week of leisurely exploration of the Lough and beyond.
The host club, which lies in a sheltered stretch of water between Island Taggart and the west coast of the Lough, near Killyleagh, proved ideal for the event.
Merrin Froggett, of the United Kingdom Wayfarer association, said: “The welcome has been tremendous, and the weather a real bonus for everyone involved.
“Mixing and sailing with Wayfarer enthusiasts from different countries and with different experiences keeps people coming back year after year.”
At nearly 16 feet long and with a beam of six feet, it’s perfect for cruising Strangford Lough.
“The Sailing Lead, Gordon Jess came up with programmes making best use of the tides and at times some very light winds”, said Ms Froggett.
“EDYC members have generously loaned boats to visitors flying in from overseas which is a traditional feature of the International Rally.”
The event took in, among other places of interest, Audley’s Point Castleward Bay, the Routen Wheel, Killard Point, Ballyhornan Bay, Taggard Island, Pawle Island and Dunnyneil Islands.
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