Hundreds of boating enthusiasts took to the water at The One Bassenthwaite Lake Sailing Week.

The annual event attracts sailors from all over the country who all flock to take part in a variety of competitions.

The first four race series in Bassenthwaite Sailing club’s nine-day sailing regatta took place at the weekend.

Saturday was sunny but particularly blustery, with the wind coming over and around the fells to the west of the lake and some of the 170-plus entrants were reluctant to compete on the crowded lake in such conditions.

However, 139 boats took to the water to compete in one of the nine fleets, or in one of the two class championship events being held simultaneously.

There were quite a number of capsizes and some of the upturned boats were pushed by the strong wind onto the Bassenthwaite village shore.

The numerous safety boats made sure that no crew members came to any harm.

Sunday was more overcast and the wind, although still strong, had backed to the south and was more constant.

Following the publishing of results, the first prize-giving of the event was held.

Paul Currie, managing director of the Lakes Distillery, presented the trophies.

Local sailors and Bassenthwaite members were represented in the majority of the fleets, taking outright wins in four of the Series.

Cockermouth’s Neil Currie and Rory Yardley, of Raughton Head, were the first Flying Fifteen, while David and Lynn Lawson, of Silloth, won the GP14 class.

The enterprise class was won by Newcastle’s Mark Ninnim, with Emma Smith, of Brigham, crewing, and Emma’s relations Phil and Naomi Smith, now living in Ponteland, were first in the RS200 Fleet.

The final club members to take a top award were club commodore Mark Somerville, crewed by Joe Roberts, both of Carlisle, who were second in the Fast Handicap Fleet.

The regatta runs until Sunday and features a combination of races as well as social events and activities for children.

MIK CHAPPELL