MORE than 20 sailors gathered on the beach at Holland-on-Sea for the Summer Solstice event at Clacton Sailing Club.

Balmy winds blew over calm seas as 12 dinghies and catamarans went afloat at 4.30am, to see the first rays of sun breaking through the light cloud cover.

In its third year, the event has the makings of a club tradition as all those taking part agreed the beauty of the moment was well worth the small effort of getting up early.

This year it coincided with Father’s Day, making it even more special.

One boat boasted three generations onboard, with Ian Wright sailing with his daughter, Charlotte, and grandchildren Roman (nine) and six-year-old Sofia.

After a hearty cooked breakfast, free sailing continued as the wind strength steadily increased to a brisk force five.

The last boat packed up late in the afternoon, after more than 12 hours’ sailing.