The team from Cove Sailing Club made the trip to participate with Alan DeVenny in Electra and John McNeilage in Slioch towing their boats south.

Overall Scottish Series winner Murray Caldwell also made the trip, borrowing local boat Pippin for the week of racing which seen 22 entries for the event which saw a total of 10 races sailed on the river Alde.

And, the fleet had to adapt quickly to the Alde which was providing a different challenge to the one the sailors are used to on the Clyde.

With a strong tide always in attendance and a narrow channel in which to sail, it was as much a test of good boat handling as it was a test of tactical sail, Despite that, the crew of Pippin moved quickly before posting no less than four second place finished over the first six races.

Elsewhere, Electra took until the second day to find their feet, scoring a well deserved victory in race four followed by a second place in the next.

However, not to be outdone, Slioch played along consistently and John McNeilage, crewed by various family members, managed to get into the prizes with a well won fourth place in race five.

In the closing stages Pippin managed to maintain their good form despite hitting the mud on one occasion, but their endeavours were rewarded with consistent finishes in the top five.

Electra had battles of their own following an altercation with a fishing line, but another couple of second places underlined their improvement from the start of the week.

Overall winners on the week were Simon and James Fulford on Whim, with Pippin falling short with a second place finish.

Cove was well represented and Electra came in third following a fine display throughout the race.

The McNeilage family in Slioch made it into 12th place which was a very creditable result in what was their first event south of the border and they were awarded Jimmy’s Cup for Endeavour in recognition of their effort.

The best travelling boat trophy was awarded to Alan DeVenny in Electra while the inter-club trophy was awarded to Cove Sailing Club ahead of host Club Aleburgh Yacht Club.

The event will return to its traditional home on the River Clyde next year when it is hoped that a number of boats will travel north from Suffolk following the success of this year’s event.