23 April 2009
This year’s Jersey Boat Show will give visitors a real flavour of the sea. Held in St Helier Marina it will feature unusual boats, hands-on action, great entertainment, a range of shopping temptations and a fantastic atmosphere.
Jersey Harbours Chief Executive, Howard Le Cornu, said: “This year’s boat show truly will be a celebration of the sea and an event for everyone. It marks the launch of the summer boating season for us and it will be an incredible showcase for our local marine traders with everything from kayaks to the luxury motorboat. Jersey Harbours are committed to doing whatever they can to support the future of the local marine economy and the local community. The Jersey Boatshow is an enjoyable way of reminding islanders of the varied and important lifeline role our
Marinas
, Ports and Harbours play in island life.”
Visitors will find plenty to see on the water. In addition to the Royal Navy’s HMS
YORK
, which will be alongside at
Elizabeth Harbour, the Jubilee Sailing Trust will be berthing one of their Tall Ships in the Marina. Highlights of Lord Nelson’s visit include a charity mast climb, flag design competition for local schools and plenty of time for the public to get on board.
Visitors can also get up close to a racing powerboat and enjoy a chat with the crew.
Team Fox
will be showing off their impressive 150hp Honda race boat. The local team will be racing it in the prestigious Honda Formula 4Stroke race series and it will proudly bear the name of the
Port
of
Jersey
.
Liam McDermott from Fox Marine Services said, “It is the first time we have taken part in this event and our team are thrilled to be representing
Jersey
, with the support of Jersey Harbours. Our first race takes place the weekend after the Jersey Boat Show, so the show will be a fantastic opportunity for islanders to meet our local team, Martin Colligan and Gideon Du Val, and see the racing boat close up, just days before she heads off to compete! We are looking forward to their support!”
Those who prefer something more traditional can get “hands on” by helping to build a wooden boat. As well as providing advice on the craft of boat building Jersey Heritage will also help visitors delve into
Jersey
’s fascinating history with maritime walks. Children can enjoy a scavenger hunt or the chance to be a pirate for a day!
Visitors planning a shopping trip will not be disappointed by the wide range of boats and equipment available at the Show. Power and sail, big and small are represented on the water and on the land.
For those who just want to take in the great maritime atmosphere there is plenty of music and a quality range of food and drink.
The Show runs from 2-4 May in and around St Helier Marina.
Admission to the event is free with a controlled entry/exit system to the pontoons. Visits to HMS
YORK
are by guest passes obtainable free from the Royal Marine/Navy stand at the Show.
gov.je