- Thousands defy the weather and flock to the marina for the eighth Barclays Jersey Boat Show
- Saturday was a wash-out but Sunday saw 5,000 visitors on the pontoon
- 24,000 people attended the three-day event
THOUSANDS of Islanders ventured aboard a range of vessels at the Harbour this weekend during the eighth annual Barclays Jersey Boat Show.
Small crowds were drawn to the Weighbridge and St Helier Marina on the opening Saturday amid wet conditions to look at the show’s dozens of exhibits, stalls and demonstrations.
But a drier, sunnier spell on Sunday afternoon saw thousands arrive to take in the sights at one of the Island’s biggest events.
Early figures show that Sunday’s show attracted 5,000 visitors to the pontoons, with around 24,000 making their way to the event over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Luxury yachts lined up next to military teaching boats in the Harbour, while a Royal Navy Lynx helicopter, Royal Marine offshore raiding craft and other vehicles used by the Royal Engineers’ unit were on display at the Weighbridge.
Local catering stalls kept the crowds fed and traders from Jersey, Guernsey and the UK were on hand to show off the latest in marine equipment.
Condor Ferries ‘Active Zone’ featured taster sessions for those seeking a more hands-on experience to learn more about kayaking, rowing and stand-up paddle boarding.
Crowds were also wowed with the demonstration of a growing watersport known as fly-boarding, which involves hovering above the sea on a board powered by a jet of water.
Elsewhere the Solent Stevedore-sponsored music stage included local acts as well as songs performed by the Royal Marines Jazz Band.
Sunday’s programme also featured a Sea Sunday Service led by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Bob Key and, later, music from local charity group Parklife.
Alan Donald, group marketing and communications manager for festival organisers the Ports of Jersey, said: ‘On Saturday unfortunately the weather was disappointing, but as event organisers you can’t control that.
‘There was steady business and marine traders had a number of Islanders and visitors aboard their boats.
‘But what a difference 24 hours makes. The better weather was a major factor on Sunday. The pontoons were busy and the entertainment went down a storm.
‘We were really pleased to get a great response and the feedback we had from visitors was really, really positive.
‘Overall we are really pleased. It was a great atmosphere, it was nice and busy and it just demonstrates the great community Jersey has – it was out in force to support the Boat Show.’
Visitors returned to the show on Bank Holiday Monday for the final day of the festival.
Deputy Steve Luce, a keen marine enthusiast, said: ‘Saturday’s weather was unfortunate. Jersey has got an enormous amount of maritime history and something like this is great for tourists. We’ve had a lot of visitors to the show and I look forward to it carrying on and expanding in the future.
On behalf of Ports of Jersey, group commercial director, Myra Shacklady, said: ‘We are delighted to report another successful year for the show.
‘As an outdoor event organiser the one thing you cannot guarantee is the weather but despite the less than favourable weather conditions in parts over the weekend this did not deter the many thousands of people coming down to support the show and showcase Jersey’s community spirit at its very best.
‘We are grateful for everyone’s continuing support and the feedback we have received indicates that overall the show was very well received, which is very encouraging.’
