A NORTH Yorkshire brewery has pushed the boat out for its first appearance at the country’s best-known sailing competition.

Masham-based T and R Theakston Ltd’s pop-up pub – known, appropriately, as Peculier Moorings - was one of the most popular ports of call at Cowes Week.

The sea-borne competition, an annual extravaganza which dates back almost two centuries, saw more than 800 yachts and thousands of racers vying for sailing glory.

It is one of the longest running regular regattas in the world with top-class sailors racing in the demanding five-mile-wide channel between the Isle of Wight and the south coast of England.

And crews and spectators flocked to Theakston’s Solent-side bar for beers including its famous Old Peculier as well as Theakston Lightfoot and Theakston Best Bitter.

The brewery’s executive director Simon Theakston said: “We were absolutely delighted to have been invited to support this year’s Cowes Week with our Peculier Moorings pop up bar. “

He added: “It was certainly very gratifying welcoming so many of the participants who had popped in for a well-deserved glass of Theakston’s after a hard day’s racing.

“And, judging by the sheer number of casks we went through, yacht racing is obviously a very thirsty business indeed.”

Mr Theakston added: “The first Cowes Regatta was held in 1826, just a year before Theakston's brewed its first cask of real ale.

“Now, getting on for two centuries later, I think we can both claim to be national institutions and boast a truly world-wide following.”