The Big Yellow Duck is back for the Boat Show this weekend

Saturday 05 May 2018

Luxury yachts, Royal Navy vessels and yes... the gigantic yellow inflatable duck will be filling St. Helier’s Harbour this weekend for the 11th Jersey Boat Show, which is raising money for the Royal British Legion.

Thousands of islanders are expected to descend on the pontoons over the three-day Bank Holiday weekend to mooch around the superyachts – some with seven-figure price tags – and various boats for sale from world leading brands including Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess.

But there’s also lots of choices for those looking for a more active way to explore the sea, with leisure stands featuring and demonstrating kayaking, paddle boarding and rowing equipment in the Flybe ‘Outdoor & Active Zone’.

Modern sports are balanced out with a bit of history with the presence of the Gipsy Moth IV; a 53-foot yacht in which Sir Francis Chichester sailed around the globe in 1966, while the Royal Navy are bringing over HMS Jersey and two smaller training ships HMS Smiter and HMS Ranger, as well as Offshore Raiding Crafts for visitors to explore.  

The event will spread across to the Weighbridge area again this year with a military village featuring the Royal Marines and Jersey Field Squadron vehicles, and there will also be a children’s play area at the Steam Clock.

Although an event that heavily features marine vehicles, this year will have a rather special famous vehicle. The JADC are bringing down their Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car that's arrived in the island for their new show at the Opera House. It's not the real thing from the 1968 musical film, but a replica that's been made from a series three Landrover that was saved from the scrap yard for £100.

Pictured: Thousands of people are expected to visit the Jersey Boat Show this year, which will be raising money for the Royal British Legion. 

But all the fun won’t be at just sea level, as for the first time the event hopes to welcome Skydive Jersey every afternoon with a skydive straight into the harbour, weather permitting.  

Money raised at the 11^th event of the Jersey Boat Show, which is sponsored by Barclays, will go towards the Royal British Legion as 2018 marks the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War 1.

There will also be plenty of food stalls and entertainment from over 80 exhibitors around the marina as well as a number of charities; including a team of 40 riders attempting to cycle 700 miles on static bikes to raise money for heart screening in the island, in memory of Neil Hussey who passed away in 2015 from an unknown heart condition.

The spacious deck of the Iguana Classic. She’ll be on display @jerseyboatshow this weekend! pic.twitter.com/SKwSYTItP8

— Iguana Yachts (@IguanaYachts) April 30, 2018

And for those with a competitive streak, the 'Waddle Walk' is a competition challenging islanders to seek out all five superhero ducks dotted around the show. If they can successfully locate - and photograph - all the ducks, they'll be in to win a limited edition Super Ducks water bottle from the Barclays marquee.

Commentating on the 11^th Jersey Boat Show, Myra Shacklady from the Ports of Jersey says; “Each year it goes from strength to strength, clearly demonstrated by the high level of interest and participation not only from our many maritime partners but from across many other industries, include retail, hospitality, catering and finance.

“Coupled with a wonderful programme of activities both on and off the water as well as a showcase for local music talent the show clearly reflects a real community effort and has a great buzz about it. Whether you’re an experienced mariner or not the show promises something for everyone, whatever the weather. As always, it’s a great chance to blow away the winter blues and welcome in the summer. Fingers crossed, the weather will be fine and this is a great way to kick start it.”

The free event is open 10:00 to 18:00 today and tomorrow, and 10:00 to 17:00 on Monday 7 May. Last entry is at 16:30.