MBY gallery of successful second show
The 2009 Jersey Boat Show has been hailed as a huge success, with brilliant sunshine, capacity crowds and brokers enjoying real interest from potential buyers.
The second Jersey Boat Show ran over the Bank Holiday weekend in St Helier.
Over the three days, thousands of people looked around the Royal Navy’s HMS York, the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s tall ship Lord Nelson and more than 80 motor and sailboats of all sizes on the pontoon.
In addition to the main attractions, visitors enjoyed more than 80 exhibitors, and entertainment throughout the festival weekend from musicians and entertainers.
Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Senator Paul Routier, said: “This has been a fantastic showcase for the marine industry, as well as a brilliant event for islanders and island visitors.
“I believe that the Jersey Boat Show is now truly established as an event in the Jersey calendar which brings significant benefits for tourism, trade and the Island as a whole.
“The show has also been a platform for Jersey to develop its international reputation. From the Chief Minister down, Islanders have forged stronger links with the Royal Navy, and with the UK and France.”
The port authority reported an increased number of visiting yachts from the UK and France arriving for the show.
Jersey Harbours’ Chief Executive, Howard Le Cornu, said: “Last year’s inaugural boat show was very successful, but I think that this year we have stepped up to a new level.
“We have made it a more diverse show – a bigger window on the marine world. Everyone came for a fun day out, but I think that many visitors also realised how much there is to do in marine leisure.
“The 80 traders who had stalls are saying that they have had a lot of business, which I think reflects the nature of the show: people have enjoyed looking around the multi-million pound yachts which they can dream of owning, but against that backdrop there were also the smaller vessels which many more people could afford, and business was good at every level.
“The live entertainment has significantly enhanced the whole show’s ambience, which visitors have really enjoyed.
“Even at this early stage, I am confident in saying that this has been a fantastic festival.”
See our online gallery of images of the Jersey Boat Show .
See the July issue of Motor Boat & Yachting for more.
The show website is here www.jerseyboatshow.com
