Final preparations are underway for this Bank Holiday weekend’s Barclays Jersey Boat Show which takes place in and around the St Helier Marina and Weighbridge Place from Saturday to Monday.
The free event promises a wealth of great activities to entertain the crowds whatever the weather with show pontoons in St Helier Marina packed with the highest number of vessels ever displayed, from super-yachts to more practical water craft.
Local and visiting marine traders from the UK and other Channel Islands representing some of the world’s leading brands, including Sunseeker, Fairline, Princess, Jenneau and Beneteau will be present on the pontoons, which are open daily from 10am until 5pm.
The Flybe ‘Outdoor & Active Zone’ on the Albert Pier, will play host to a busy programme of activities both on and off the water. Confirmed on-water activities, demonstrations and displays include Stand Up paddle board races, the Duke of Normandy tug boat demonstrating its efficiency and capability by undertaking a series of buoy recovery demos, charity duck races organised by Barclays, RIB trips along the south coast of Jersey together with the return of Gipsy Moth IV, in which Sir Francis Chichester sailed around the globe in 1966.
The 53-foot yacht, which will be berthed alongside the Albert Pier, will be open to visitors during the weekend.
On land demonstrations include RPM, a bike trials team, formed from some of the UK’s most experienced demonstration riders and, for the first time at the show SkyDive Jersey will demonstrate its members’ skills with a Skydive into St Helier Harbour every afternoon.
The Royal Navy has played an active role in the annual show for many years and in 2018 will be bringing HMS MERSEY to our shores. The 79-metre River-Class offshore will be berthed alongside the Albert Pier and will be open to the public between 11am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday only. She will be joined by two visiting University Training Ships, HMS SMITER and HMS RANGER as well as Offshore Raiding Crafts.
Weighbridge Place will see a Military Village, featuring a Royal Marines Armoured Support group (RMASG) Viking All-Terrain Vehicle alongside an Offshore Raiding Craft (ORCS). The Jersey Field Squadron will also be showcasing its locally based assets.
On behalf of Ports of Jersey, Myra Shacklady said: “The annual Jersey Boat Show was launched in 2008 as a way to showcase our marine leisure industry and this continues to be our remit. Each year it goes from strength to strength, clearly demonstrated by the high level of interest and participation not only from our many maritime partners but from across many other industries, include retail, hospitality, catering and finance.”
The 2018 Barclays Jersey Boat Show is open between 10am and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday and between 10am and 5pm on Monday. Entry is free. St Helier Marina pontoons are open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4:30pm.
