Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No… If you look to the skies over St Helier Harbour this weekend, you’ll likely be greeted by the sight of a jet-ski-powered man doing backflips on a board 18 metres above the water.
Professional flyboarder James Prestwood will be performing as part of this year’s Barclays Jersey Boat Show.
Strapped into special boots attached to a board, James will be connected to a 23-metre hose that links to a 300-horsepower jet ski.
He controls the jet ski’s throttle remotely, while performing gravity-defying tricks in the air.
He’ll be flipping, spinning and slaloming his way around the marina in a jet-propelled display that promises to be one of the most eye-popping sights of the three-day maritime event, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of attendees.
This year’s show will also feature the Royal Navy’s Commando Raiding Craft and an amphibious Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel for the first time, plus a flotilla of paddleboards, luxury yachts, kayaks, and all the latest marine gear.
Events and Project Support Manager Kim Drean said organisers were currently “putting the finishing touches on arrangements for the weekend”.
“…[We] 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,” she added.
“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.”
Pictured: Royal Navy assets will be visiting for the Barclays Boat Show. (Royal Navy)
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.
Flyboarding show times…
Saturday 4 May and Sunday 5 May
- 11.30am to 12pm
- 2pm to 2.30pm
- 4pm to 4.30pm
Monday 6 May (Bank Holiday)
- 10.30am to 11am
- 1pm to 1.30pm
- 3pm to 3.30pm