New Attractions At Jersey Boat Show

The 2023 Barclays Jersey Boat Show will have an array of attractions including a new entertainment village.

The three-day exhibition is the largest free-entry public event across the Channel Islands, with plenty of Jersey's businesses taking up stalls to showcase different maritime and lifestyle goods.

St Helier Marina is expecting to host upwards of 30,000 people over the bank holiday weekend.

Götheborg of Sweden (pictured below), the world's largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship, is expected to be the highlight of the show as it makes Jersey one of its last stops on its European tour.

The ship will be open for islanders to board and tour.

Kim Gilbraith, Ports of Jersey Events Manager says the stage is set for a huge celebration of all things nautical:

"We've had months of planning, and now that it's all coming together there's a real buzz around the place and everyone is really excited to see it all open to the public."

Islanders will also have the opportunity to visit the Royal Navy's HMS Hurworth which is a Hunt Class Mine Counter Measure Vessel.

The Navy has played a role in the Boat Show since its launch 15 years ago, with a large number of vessels, performances and ceremonies.

Alongside this, a new Military Village will be showcased at the Steam Clock which will include a Mobile Outreach Vehicle and Royal Marine Commando Reuit Troop with the Weapons Dome and the Beaverfit gym.

Jersey's Duchess will also be inviting people on board to take a trip along the South Coast.

For a more hands-on experience, Le Mourier is offering the chance to join a 'powerboat' taster session and Gone Paddling is also holding an introduction class.

Other opportunities include being able to watch the RNLI conduct a 'man overboard' demo as well as watching Skydive Jersey take to the skies.

As usual, the pontoons will be open for visitors to view a range of boats, ships and yachts and there will also be a range of food and drinks stalls.

On land, there will be host of bands and performers taking to the stage to entertain visitors who are not sea dogs.

Geomarine is hosting the Outdoor & Activity Zone, allowing visitors to try out diving kits in the marina or see some of its engineering equipment in use in the sandpit.

Weighbridge will be home to the Kids Zone, a family-friendly area with a vintage carousel and The Party Crew.

Kim says there are lots of things for younger islanders to do, but just as much for the adults.

"There's a lot going on, one of the new exhibitors down on Albert on the Geomarine Outdoor & Active Area is Hydropools, they have a huge blowup dome tent measuring 15x15 metres and they will have quite an array of pools and spas.

We have a full lineup of acts throughout the weekend and then, of course, there will be food and drinks on offer with lots of seating, so plenty for the family to do while they're on the bouncy castles!"

Show times:

• Saturday 29 April - 10am to 6pm
• Sunday 30 April - 10am to 6pm
• Monday 1 May - 10am to 5pm (bank holiday)