Heavy winds saw boats capsized but spirits still high as sailors took to Troy Lake at the weekend.

Blustery conditions may have reduced the numbers who attended the International 14 Sailing Open Event, in West Hyde, but participants still enjoyed the battle to come out top in the 75th annual open event.

Organised by Rickmansworth Sailing Club, it has been held for 75 times over the past 77 years - the event only ceased for two years during the Second World War.

Watford Observer:

Paul Johnson, club secretary, said: "We had more down on Sunday than Saturday, but it was very blustery so there were lots of boats capsizing. It’s very hard work but I think the sailors enjoyed themselves.

"Normally about ten to 12 people take part and we had about half those numbers. If it is windy sometimes we don’t do as well, but it was still a successful event."

International 14 is a class of boat and the open weekend allowed spectators to see these classic 14-foot double-handed racing dinghies set sail against one another.