A YACHT built in Arnside has set off on a round Britain voyage.

The Bonita is one of 22 boats taking part in the event organised by the OGA - the national association for gaff rig sailing - to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

It should take just under 100 days.

The Bonita was built by Crossfields of Arnside in 1888 for Edwin Wrigley, the owner of Holme Island off Grange.

The boat regularly competed in races for the Royal Barrow Yacht Club, coming second in the Dukes Cup in 1889.

It is now owned by OGA president Mike Beckett after being bought by his father Allan in 1938.

It is the second time the boat has sailed around Britain, first completing the voyage in 2013.

Alasdair Simpson, of Arnside Sailing Club, said “We wish Mike, Bonita and his crew well in their voyage round Britain. It is a magnificent achievement to sail round Britain, let alone in a yacht built 135 years ago in 1888.

“It is interesting to reflect what life would have been like in 1888 when Bonita was launched.

"The houses on Arnside Promenade would have been new. The Promenade itself a track along the beach. The Marquess of Salisbury was Prime Minister. Cars had only just been invented in 1886. John Dunlop invented the inflatable bicycle tyre in 1888. The average wage for a six-day week was less than £1.”

Arnside Sailing Club offers sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing opportunities for adults and children. It is hosting a tryout day on May 21.

You can follow Bonita's progress here.