With just one day until Conwy Marina throws its gates open for the 2014 All Wales Boat Show, MBM picks out the best bits
This weekend (30 May-1 June) sees the All Wales Boat Show return to Conwy Marina for the second year in a row, and there is so much going on that you might need all three days to see it all.
Luckily, MBM is on hand to distil it all down into the very best bits, so you can make the most of your visit.
With more than 100 exhibitors and a packed schedule of events and demonstrations, there’s no shortage of attractions to choose from.
One of the show’s biggest stars, as we reported earlier this month, will be the huge Sunseeker Manhattan 63, which will dominate the Sunseeker Cheshire area.
Even if your pockets are deep enough, this model is not for sale, but there will be more than 100 used boats on offer, including the likes of Fairline, Hanse, Jeanneau, Bénéteau and Bayliner.
Of course you’ll need a quality set of wheels to go with your brand new boat, so luxury cars from Rolls-Royce, Bentley and McLaren will also be on display for your viewing pleasure.
Family fun
As half-term draws to a close, the organisers have made sure to include plenty of activities to amuse kids and big kids alike.
The bathtub challenge will see competitors aiming to break the world record for the 100m paddle, or you can discover at flyboarding.
This spectacular new watersport (pictured below) features a water jetpack, which can propel adrenaline junkies up to 15m into the air.
Meanwhile, the more traditional activities on offer include stand-up paddleboarding, a windsurfing simulator, and kayak and coracle taster sessions.
Those looking to brush up on their boating skills can try the sailing simulator or book in for a powerboat refresher course.
And if you’re keen to take to the water, then make sure to catch the daily boat cruise across Conwy harbour.
Those who prefer to stay dry, for whatever reason, can choose between orienteering and bouldering.
Top tips and teaching
The practical side of the show is not to be overlooked either, with plenty of masterclasses and advice seminars to pick from.
Celtic Cruising and Snowdonia Sailing School will be running a series of boat handling sessions on Saturday, and the RYA Active Marina Experience will be hosting masterclasses on everything from buying and selling to managing tides.
Jon Roberts from Quay Marinas said: “Without doubt it will be by far the biggest show of its type we’ve ever hosted at Conwy Marina. It’s on a completely different scale to anything we have had here in the past.”
For a full list of everything that’s going on this weekend, visit the All Wales Boat Show website.
