Sailing families of three or four generations took to the water on Bassenthwaite Lake in the annual Bass Lake Regatta.

The nine day regatta is a real family affair for the sailors with everyone from children as young as four-years-old to grandparents in their 70s sailing out on the lake.

About 300 people come from all over England, Wales and Scotland for the regatta, which started on Saturday.

Many camp beside the lake and take advantage of the numerous social activities organised by Andrea Preston, social secretary of Bassenthwaite Sailing Club.

Four generations of Andrea's family are part of the club: her grandparents Bill and Lynn Kirkpatrick were two of the founding members in the club in 1952 and her two children Ellie, 13, and Hannah, 11, are now club members and were competing at the regatta this weekend.

Andrea said: "There's lots of generations like that - grandchildren with mums and dads and grandparents who are here."

Andy Smith, of Brigham, near Cockermouth was racing himself and with his daughters Katia, 10, and Lily, six. He said many of the people who come to the regatta return every year and so it feels like an extended family.

He said: "There's a standard of racing for everyone, whether you're really good or just beginning."

The conditions over the weekend were good with little rain though the wind was changeable so sailors had to keep their wits about them.

A total of 184 boats are due to take part in the regatta in the nine classes on offer. Competitors only have a short window when out on the lake to see the course they are about to race. All the boats on the water looks very chaotic to a non-sailor, with boats of all sizes and sails going in all directions.

Mik Chappell, of of Bassenthwaite Sailing Club, said: "It's billed as a family event with a lot of clubs but at the same time it's very competitive and the people in each class will be absolutely determined to win."

On Saturday night, the club hosted a reception which sponsors The Lakes Distillery gave lots of vodka and gin too. The club was keen to thank the distillery for sponsoring the event and the other 13 sponsors.

Throughout the week there are activities planned for the sailors off the water including a walk up Skiddaw, a disco, various children's events and a falconry display.

Sailor Alan Jones, of Lorton, said: "It's a brilliant first weekend. We couldn't have asked for more."