LAND-LUBBERS and sea dogs rubbed shoulders on a day of fun and sun on Poole Quay.

Poole’s annual homage to one of its most infamous sons, tyrant pirate Harry Paye, took over the quayside.

On the water, meanwhile, budding sailors dodged the pirates to try their hand with watersports for Poole Afloat.

A parade of pirates and other Poole institutions, including the RNLI, the land train and the sea cadets, marched down the high street to the quay at lunchtime.

Later in the day, pirates took each other on in tug-of-war and rowing contests, while morris and clog dancers also entertained the bumper crowds.

Dozens took the chance to grab the jib and take to the water for some sailing tips.

As Poole’s biggest free boating and watersports event, the afloat festival offered a sample of all things wet and wild.

There were sailing boats and Sunseekers for the more serene, while the adrenaline junkies were able to have a go at kite-boarding or paddle-boarding.

“It was all about encouraging people to get on the water and try something new,” said Poole Afloat organiser Emma York.

The whole day culminated in a spectacular firework display.

This year’s chosen charities for Harry Paye day were Poole Hospital Wish List and Chestnut Nursery.

In keeping with the nautical theme of the day, a fisherman’s regatta took place alongside the other events.

And on Poole Park lake, around 200 rowers continued the watersports by competing in the Poole rowing regatta.