A FULL-sized replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon sailed into St Helier Harbour yesterday ahead of this weekend’s Barclays Jersey Boat Show.
The show, which is the largest free-entry public event in the Channel Islands and regularly attracts more than 30,000 people, takes place from today until Monday.
The nearly 50m-long El Galeon was due to attend last year’s show but technical issues led to its visit being cancelled.
Ports of Jersey said crew would be on hand to explain the history of the vessel and the Spanish fleet in which the original featured.
Other attractions at the show include two Royal Navy Archer Class patrol and training vessels, which are used for mine hunting, and a Viking amphibious armoured all-terrain vehicle, which can land troops ashore. Visitors to the show will be able to look around many of the other vessels on display.
Alongside the boat displays, there will be a catering village on the New North Quay, a kids’ zone in Marina Gardens and an outdoor and active zone from Geomarine and stalls along the Albert Pier.
Also marking the Liberation Bank holiday weekend is “Lib in the Square” — a two-day electronic music event held in the Royal Square — headlined by 1990s house music DJ Armand Van Helden.
And those who fancy an espadata or piri-piri chicken washed down with sangria should visit Jardins de la Mer for the annual Portuguese Spring Festival.
The event, which runs until Monday, will give Islanders a chance to feast on authentic Portuguese food outdoors and enjoy the culture of one of the most important nations to have influenced the Island.
