FINAL preparations are well under way for the 2022 Barclays Jersey Boat Show taking place this weekend.
The three-day event is being held in and around St Helier Marina and the Weighbridge, commencing this afternoon and finishing on Sunday.
It is the first time the show, which regularly attracts crowds of around 30,000, has been held since the start of the pandemic.
Harbourmaster Captain Bill Sadler said: ‘The Barclays Jersey Boat Show continues to go from strength-to-strength, demonstrated by the high level of interest and participation, not only from our many maritime partners but from across many industries including retail, hospitality, catering and finance.
‘Coupled with a wonderful programme of activities both on and off the water, as well as a showcase for local music talent, the show clearly reflects a real community effort.’
The pontoons will be open from 1 to 7pm today, 10am to 5pm tomorrow, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, with a number of vessels available for the public to view.
Geomarine’s Outdoor and Active Zone on the Albert Pier will host a programme of on- and off-water activities, including appearances by Skydive Jersey, sprint and obstacle races with the team from GBSUP [stand-up paddle boards], Jersey Rowing Club races and displays featuring the Takuma eFoil – an electric hydrofoil board that glides above the water.
A children’s zone will be set up in the area by the steam clock and local musical talent will once again be showcased on the Solent Stevedores main stage in Weighbridge Place.
In a new addition to the show, a series of seminars are set to take place in the hospitality marquee this afternoon and throughout Sunday.
Former TV journalist Lucy Cotter will speak with several guests, including the first female Rear Admiral of the Royal Navy, Jude Terry OBE.
Paul Savery, the managing director and head of Crown Dependencies for title sponsors Barclays, said: ‘We are proud to have supported the Barclays Jersey Boat Show for over a decade and, after a two-year gap, are looking forward to the show returning.
‘It not only promotes the Island’s marine leisure industry, but it provides a boost to the local businesses represented and, of course, is great for the community.’
Charities, welfare associations, representatives from the Island’s emergency services, the Royal Navy outreach team and Jersey Field Squadron will also be in attendance.
