Hundreds of fetish fans gathered in southern Germany this weekend to embark on a boat party with a leather twist.

The Torture Ship is the world's largest fetish and BDSM party taking place on a moving barge, and has been cruising Lake Constance every summer for 22 years.

The annual event sees some 500 people take part in a one-night boat trip - although this year's numbers were slightly diminished due to the Germany vs. Sweden World Cup match on Saturday.

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Pain and pleasure: The Torture Ship, held on Lake Constance in southern Germany every summer, is the world's largest fetish and BDSM boat party

Hot and sweaty: Partygoers in latex are seen waiting to be allowed on the Torture Ship

Giddy up: A Torture Ship participant in full pony play gear, complete with horse-head and reins queue to embark

As well as the hundreds of participants, a large number of spectators had gathered in Friedrichshafen on Saturday to watch the passengers embark.

Attendees, who had paid 65 euros for a ticket, were dressed up in various attire, including head-to-toe latex and eye-wateringly tight corsets.

Some opted to hide their identities behind gimp masks or huge horse heads, complete with bridle and reins.

Nice party: Torture Ship participants are seen on the barge wearing different outfits

One for all: Participants in animal heads embark, while two others pose dockside in the sun

Ready to take off: The annual event sees some 500 people embark on the Torture Ship

One love: Participants are seen in various state of purposeful undress

After taking off from Friedrichshafen, the ship crossed Lake Constance, known as Bodensee in German, and docked in the city of Konstanz early on Sunday morning.

Organisers say the boat trip attracts BDSM [Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism] and fetish fans from all over the world.

The Torture Ship suffered a slight regulations set-back in 2014, and the traditional 'dark room' for sexual encounters, as well as having beds on board, is now banned.

Stay down: A woman has put her boot on top of a man in devil horns on a leash

All on display: A man a steampunk hat, g-string and leather chaps gives a victory sign

Hard-hitting message: A man wearing a t-shirt which says 'I hit women' stands next to a woman on her knees in a mask