Barclays Jersey Boat Show Celebrates its 10th Birthday

With just days to go final preparations are well underway for this Bank Holiday weekend’s Barclays Jersey Boat Show.

The show is celebrating its 10th anniversary and promises a wealth of great activities and activities to entertain the crowds.

St Helier Marina hosts the on-water display with vessels ranging from super yachts to more practical water craft, open to the public to step aboard and view. Local and visiting marine traders from the UK and other Channel Islands representing some of the world’s leading brands, including Sunseeker, Fairline, Princess, Jeanneau and Beneteau will also be present on the pontoons, which are open daily from 10am.

The Royal Navy has always played an important role in the annual show and 2017 is no exception. This year, HMS MERSEY will be the star attraction accompanied by two visiting University Training Ships as well as Offshore Raiding Crafts. Weighbridge Place will be the setting for a military village and there will also be a public Beating Retreat ceremony on the Saturday afternoon. As a conclusion to the boat show’s 10th anniversary the Royal Marines Band will also be performing a free public concert in the Great Hall, Victoria College on Monday evening .

Other highlights include a return visit to Jersey waters by the world-renowned yacht, Gipsy Moth IV, in which Sir Francis Chichester sailed around the world in 1966 as well as Christiana, a former Norwegian rescue boat which is stopping off in Jersey on its way to Istanbul as part of a 12-month Seed Journey, a project set up by the internationally renowned artist collective Future Farmers. Both vessels will be open to the public during the weekend.

The Condor Ferries ‘Outdoor & Active Zone’ offers a busy programme of water demonstrations and displays both on and off the water as well as a dedicated area for local leisure operators offering a number of products and services, including kayaking, rowing and stand-up paddle boarding. Local musical talent will once again be showcased on the Solent Stevedores Main Stage throughout the weekend with performances from many of the Island’s leading musicians.

Three Jersey charities, chosen by title sponsors, Barclays will benefit from fund-raising during this year’s show. In keeping with the anniversary, the three charities represent the letters TEN – Teenage Cancer Trust, EyeCan and the NSPCC Jersey. Each of the charities will be allocated one of the days over the weekend to raise their own profile and fund-raising efforts, which will include a public performance on the Main Stage by the EyeCan Choir on Sunday 30 April.

Whether you are looking for the latest in maritime and lifestyle related gadgets and gizmos, advice and assistance in taking to the water, picking up a Genuine Jersey product from one of a local artisan, trying your hand at on water activities or simply looking for a quirky gift then you’ll find it all at the show with over 80 exhibitors showcasing their products and services along the quaysides. And your taste buds will be in for a treat with an abundance of catering and refreshment concessions throughout the arena.

On behalf of Ports of Jersey, Myra Shacklady who founded the annual Jersey Boat Show and is responsible for the overall organisation of the event, alongside local events specialists, 3D Events, says, “Whether you’re an experienced mariner or not, the show promises something for everyone. It’s great chance to blow away those winter blues and get set for summer – whatever the weather! We have had fantastic support from our exhibitors, sponsors, participants and the local community over the years and I am delighted that as we approach our 10th birthday we’re still going strong”.

The 2017 Barclays Jersey Boat Show is open between 10am and 6pm on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April and between 10am and 5pm on Monday 01 May. Entry is free.

For further updates and the latest info visit http://jesreyboatshow.com or follow it on Facebook and Twitter.