THOUSANDS are expected to visit St Helier’s harbour this weekend as the Barclays Jersey Boat Show gets underway.
The three-day event, which is the largest free-entry public event in the Channel Islands and regularly attracts more than 30,000 people, begins on Saturday 3 May and runs through to the bank holiday Monday on 5 May.
This year’s show is set to bring together luxury yachts, motor cruisers, paddleboards, kayaks, and maritime gadgets.
It will also include a flyboarding act, which is a watersport where the rider is propelled into the air on a jet-ski powered board.
Professional flyboarder James Prestwood will perform live displays over the harbour in front of Albert Pier on Saturday and Sunday at 11.30am, 2pm, and 4pm, and on Monday at 10.30am, 1pm, and 3pm.
Also new this year is the arrival of two Commando Raiding Craft and an amphibious Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel from the Royal Navy, which will be moored in the marina.
Event and project manager Kim Drean said preparations were nearly complete and the team was looking forward to welcoming Islanders and visitors to the harbour.
“We’re now putting the finishing touches on arrangements for the weekend and are looking forward to welcoming Islanders to experience the best of Jersey’s maritime community, as well as a wide selection of local entertainment and food from around the world.
“There’ll be lots to keep people entertained on land, as well as on the water, and families will find loads to do at the Kids Zone in Marina Gardens.
“The Boat Show attracts more than 30,000 people every year, and we hope that as many people as possible will take advantage of this massive, free event.”
The show is organised by Ports of Jersey in partnership with event company 3D Events.
Barclays remains the headline sponsor, and this year the Jersey Lifeboat Association has been named as its chosen charity.
Two new sponsors have also joined the event, with DFDS supporting the Lifestyle Zone on Albert Pier, and The Party Crew behind the Kids’ Zone in Marina Gardens.
The show is open to the public from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 10am to 5pm on Monday.
