A SPECTACULAR array of boats greeted visitors as the traditional Nore Race got under way from Southend Pier.

The race, from the pier to Shoebury, across to the Kent coastline and back again, has been running since 1922 and is organised by Benfleet Yacht Club.

Simon Boygle, of Thorpe Bay Yacht Club, was the overall winner, finishing in three hours and 26 minutes in his multi-hull dinghy Fat Cat.

All 84 boats finished the course, the last one coming in just two minutes inside the six-hour time limit.

Phil Bostock, rear commodore for Benfleet Yacht Club, said: “We had a great day and it proves that Southend really is ‘on sea’.