The Royal Navy will once again play a role in the 2018 Barclays Jersey Boat Show with a number of visiting vessels attending the show.
Among the naval activities confirmed for the three-day show over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 05 – Monday 07 May) will be the welcome return of HMS MERSEY, which was due to visit the Island in 2017 but had to withdraw at the last minute due to operational reasons.
The 79-metre River-Class offshore patrol vessel, which weighs a powerful 1,700 tonnes is deployed primarily to undertake the vital job of fisheries protection and security. The vessel will be moored alongside the Albert Pier Terminal and will be open to the public on Saturday 05 May (between 11am-4pm) and Sunday 06 May (between 11am-4pm).
She will be joined by two P2000 Archer Class Patrol Vessels, HMS SMITER and HMS RANGER, both Royal Navy Unit patrol ships from Oxford University and Sussex University respectively. These two vessels, which will be berthed in St Helier Marina, provide travel opportunities for Royal Navy students, both in the UK and overseas as well as personal development and leadership training. Four offshore raiding crafts will also be appearing. Designed for the UK Ministry of Defence they have been developed to fulfil two roles; to deliver crew from ship to shore in strong seas as well as the ability to act as a fire support platform.
On behalf of Ports of Jersey, Myra Shacklady, said, “No Jersey Boat Show would be complete without the fantastic support we continue to receive from the Royal Navy. They have attended every year since our inaugural show in 2008 and I’m delighted that subject to operational duties they will be with us again this year. The Royal Navy guarantees another exciting element to the event and is always a popular draw for visitors of all ages”.
Other naval elements of this year’s show include the presentation of the ‘Jersey Cup’ by the Island’s Lieutenant Governor, Sir Stephen Dalton, to the crew of the fisheries patrol ship that has proved to be the most efficient and effective over the past twelve months. This will take place on Sunday morning 06 May in Weighbridge Place; the location for the traditional formal parade ground inspection of local cadets by His Excellency. The ceremony is open to members of the public.
A Military Village will be established in Weighbridge Place over the weekend, featuring a Royal Marines Armoured Support Group (RMASG) Viking All-Terrain Vehicle alongside a Royal Marines Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC). The Jersey Field Squadron will also be showcasing locally based assets. All of these will be open for public inspection and there’s a chance to meet the crew.
The Barclays Jersey Boat Show remains the largest free-entry event in the Channel Islands and is taking place in and around St Helier Marina and Weighbridge Place over the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday 05 to Monday 07 May 2018). The show gives residents and visitors alike the opportunity to dip their toes into all things nautical and discover at close quarters the wealth of maritime activities, services and leisure facilities available in the Island.
A mix of aspirational and practical watercraft on the pontoons coupled with a varied programme of activities, demonstrations and entertainment on the quayside ensures it will be a great day out for all the family.
Further details on the 2018 Barclays Jersey Boat Show can be viewed online at jerseyboatshow.com – Updates are also available via Facebook and Twitter.
