Footage filmed today (August 28), shows the annual Thames Sailing Barge Match taking place in Medway, South East England.

The historic race starts and finishes at Gillingham Pier. It plots a course out into the Thames Estuary and back.

Around seven barges took part in this year's event with some very fast times recorded thanks to the stiff north-easterly breeze.

Competitors set off at 7 am. They were expected to finish around 2 pm, but due to the favourable winds, the majority had finished by 11 am.

Footage from the annual Medway Barge Match this morning (August 28).

The historic race for Thames sailing barges starts and finishes from Gillingham Pier and plots a course out into the Thames Estuary and back.

Around seven barges took part in this year's event with some very fast times recorded thanks the stiff north-easterly breeze.

Competitors set off at 7am and were expected to finish around 2pm, but due to the favourable winds, the majority had finished by 11am.