In pictures: Balmain regatta returns as Covid restrictions eased in NSW

It’s one of Australia’s oldest sailing events and one of the first to return after Covid restrictions were eased. So it was no surprise the Balmain regatta boasted more than 50 crews.

It’s one of the oldest regattas in Australia and the famous Balmain regattas is one of the first to return after Covid restrictions were eased in Sydney.

The annual event was cancelled last year but organisers managed to forge ahead and hold an event this year with 52 crews taking part in the racing on the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour.

There was some close racing in the Balmain regatta despite the light conditions.

The event attracted big numbers in the past but the fleet was impressive on Sunday given the uncertainty over the return of community sport in NSW.

The regatta is raced out of the Balmain Sailing Club.

The aptly named Balmain Tiger competing in the regatta.

The crew on Nike in the regatta.

The Balmain start boat seeing off the fleet.

On the unusual markers used for the Balmain regatta.

The crew on the Balmain boat Avalon.

The Balmain regatta attracted numerous spectator boats.

The Balmain regatta saw numerous Couta boats competing.

Conditions during the regatta were light but tricky.

Yachts have been absent from the harbour during Covid lockdown.

Happy sailors at the end of the regatta.

Later this week more yachts will hit the harbour for the start of the annual Flinders Island race.

This event is a major qualifier for the Sydney to Hobart which was also cancelled last year.

To date, more that 100 yachts will be on the startline of the 2021 Sydney to Hobart.

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Originally published as In pictures: Balmain regatta returns as Covid restrictions eased in NSW