News & Press Releases

May 2008
Jersey Boat Show heralded a success!

The first ever Jersey Boat Show has been heralded a success by visitors, exhibitors and the organisers.

Early indications suggest that millions of pounds-worth of new boats were sold during the three-day event, which attracted an estimated 12,000 Islanders and tourists.

Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Alan Maclean, said: “Not only have we put on a maritime festival that has provided entertainment for Islanders and visitors, but it has also been hugely successful in promoting the significant opportunities offered by our marine leisure industry.

“There are strong indications from exhibitors that the show will result in several million pounds worth of sales varying from small dinghies to large high-value yachts. Jersey Harbours has been able to find additional berths as required and from a business perspective the show is part of a continuing relationship between Jersey Harbours and the many firms involved in the marine industry.”

More than 7,500 visitors went on to the pontoons, where they were able to climb onboard the 57 yachts on display. In addition, many more thronged around the varied exhibition stands and food outlets. Children and families also enjoyed the nautical treasure hunts and story telling.

Initial findings from visitor surveys conducted over the three days reported a “fantastic atmosphere” and a “great chance to actually get on board boats” rather than seeing them from a distance.

The findings also suggest that many visitors came to Jersey as a direct result of the show.

Martin Bralsford, Chairman of the event sponsors Collins Stewart Wealth Management, said: “We also sponsor the London Boat Show and, even measured against that high benchmark, Jersey Boat Show has been an undoubted success. This is made all the more remarkable in view of the short lead time in which the show has been organised. To have attracted one in six Islanders over three days is a huge achievement, and we are already looking forward to talking to Jersey Harbours about next year’s event.”

Senator Frank Walker said: “The show has been a triumph for all concerned. It has exceeded all expectations and is a great tribute to the work that the Harbours team – with its trade partners – have put into conceiving and delivering such an event. It must surely now be a launch pad for further shows and a significant step forward for Jersey’s marine leisure industry.”

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May 2008
We're Open for Business!

We’re Open for Business!

The first Jersey Boat Show is underway!

In bright sunshine Miss St Helier, Ceri Milner, accompanied by Lt Keith from HMS Kent, raised a Jersey flag to signal that the inaugural event was open.

Chief Executive of Jersey Harbours, Howard Le Cornu officially launched the show, thanking the marine industry and wishing everyone a great success.

As the crowds made their way onto the pontoons children from Janvrin Primary School entertained them with big smiles and some great nautical songs.

From early morning exhibitors having been working hard to ensure that the boats on the pontoons are shipshape. In fact visitors were dazzled by the glare from the gleaming power boats and sailing boats.

The Show opens daily at 10am and runs under 4pm on Bank Holiday Monday. All are welcome to this exciting free show!

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April 2008
Full Steam Ahead For Jersey Boat Show

More than 30 marine leisure companies have registered for the Island’s inaugural boat show which is being held over the bank holiday weekend of 3-5 May and is being organised by Jersey Harbours in partnership with Collins Stewart.

Hundreds of visitors from the UK, France and Guernsey are expected to arrive in the Island for the three-day event which will be held in and around St Helier Marina. More than 60 boats worth in excess of £12 million will be on display, with some of the largest craft measuring 60ft long.

Chief Executive of Jersey Harbours, Howard Le Cornu said: “We have had a fantastic response from companies both locally and abroad. We want this event to showcase the best of the Island’s marine leisure industry, and for it to have a tangible impact on the local economy. We hope to see the Jersey boat show become a high impact annual event for both Islanders and visitors.”

French, UK and Guernsey exhibitors are taking part in the event as are numerous local marine traders. Among the major marine industry participants are Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess.

There is still time for companies wanting to take part, to sign up as they have until Monday to register either on www.jerseyboatshow.com or by calling Jersey Boat Show co-ordinator, Sara Felton on 447745.

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April 2008
HMS Kent - Visits for Jersey Boat Show

The Royal Navy frigate, HMS Kent is to visit Jersey during the Jersey Boat Show. The Class 23 frigate will arrive in Island waters on Friday 2nd May and will stay until Monday 5th.

HMS Kent was commissioned in 2000 June and is the latest in a long line of warships that have carried the name, which dates back to the 17th Century. Over its distinguished history, HMS Kent has earned 16 battle honours and served in a variety of campaigns.

During its time in Jersey, the ship’s crew and officers will come ashore and take part in the boat show, helping with some of the safety provisions on the water and providing other supporting activities. Weather permitting, public visits will be allowed using a ‘liberty boat’ to shuttle people to HMS Kent’s anchorage. A full programme of events is being organised which will include a number of VIP receptions on board, and a variety of receptions in support of the Boat Show.

Jersey Harbour Master, Howard Le Cornu, said: “Supporting Trade and Industry is a key role of the modern Navy, and we are especially delighted that HMS Kent is visiting Jersey during the Jersey Boat Show and just before the Liberation Day celebrations. As a Class 23 Frigate, HMS Kent is a vital element of the Royal Navy and it will be an honour to welcome the ship to the Island.”

Commander Simon Hopper, HMS Kent’s Commanding Officer, said: “HMS Kent’s officers and crew are looking forward to visiting Jersey and are particularly pleased that the visit coincides with the Jersey Boat Show and start of the Liberation Day celebrations.”

Jersey Boat Show 08 is being organised by Jersey Harbours in partnership with Collins Stewart and supported by Economic Development.

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March 2008
Website - Goes Live!

Jersey Harbours has launched a new website providing detailed information about the Island’s first boat show.

The three-day event will be held in and around St Helier Marina during the bank holiday weekend of 3-5 May 2008. It will provide Islanders and visitors with the opportunity to view a variety of craft and products, ranging from luxury super yachts to the latest boating gadgets, fashions and food .

As well as giving details about the boat show, the new website, www.jerseyboatshow.com, allows exhibitors to register for the event. A good number of marine leisure companies have already registered, including major brands such as Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess, with boating gadgets such as Waterbuoy – the business behind the flotation safety device seen on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, being launched in Jersey, at the Show.

Chief Executive of Jersey Harbours and the Jersey Boat Show, Howard Le Cornu said: “We want the first Jersey Boat Show to showcase the best of the Island’s marine leisure industry, and have a tangible impact on its growth. We have already had a fantastic response from local companies but we welcome registration from any businesses connected with the marine industry. We hope the new website will make it easier to register and get regular updates about the event.”

Jersey Boat Show 08 is being organised by Jersey Harbours in partnership with Collins Stewart and supported by Economic Development.

Deputy Alan MacLean, the minister responsible for Jersey Harbour, said: “The States of Jersey are committed to growing the marine leisure industry and the boat show will play an important part in achieving this. Over the coming years, I hope that the Jersey Boat Show will become a significant feature in the international boating calendar.”

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March 2008
Waterbuoy - as seen on BBC's Dragon's Den

Oh buoy! Never lose anything overboard again

Seatriever International launches Waterbuoy, the first product in a family of automatic floatation devices that will recover your mobile phone, keys, GPS receiver, PDA, binoculars, VHF radio or anything else that drops overboard

Waterbuoy is a must-have safety device for anything portable on your boat. It may only be the same size as a regular car key fob, but Waterbuoy packs some ingenious miniature flotation technology to stop that sinking feeling in its tracks. When dropped into the water, Waterbuoy becomes a flashing emergency float for whatever it is attached to, making it possible to retrieve just about anything that you accidentally drop into the water.

Just because it has been dropped over the side does not mean that it’s lost. Before you even have time to worry about all the contacts in your mobile phone or how you are going to get home tonight, with your car-keys and house-keys at the bottom of the sea, Waterbuoy will spring into action.

“Waterbuoy is a unique product. It will lift up to 1kg back to the surface, it will stay afloat for at least 24 hours and it has an emergency flashing light that makes it visible from up to 250 metres away in the dark, so you can even get your valuables back at night,” explains James Halliburton, CEO of Seatriever International. “Waterbuoy is the world’s first and only high-tech solution to the most infuriating accident that can happen on the water.”

Waterbuoy’s operation is ingenious. Seconds after falling into the sea, canal, marina, lake or river, water passes into the body of the fob dissolving a patented automatic actuator that releases gas from a tiny tank into a bright orange balloon. The balloon breaks out of the end of the fob and continues to inflate. Simultaneously, a bright LED starts flashing which illuminates Waterbuoy from the inside like a Belisha beacon. The toughened balloon inflates to the size of a melon making it very easy to grab one-handed or retrieve with a boathook without fear of it bursting.

Waterbuoy is the result of two years of intensive engineering development that has led to the patenting of some very clever new technology.

Seatriever is currently using this technology to scale the concept into a multitude of new markets and applications. So look out for more and more Waterbuoy-branded devices helping to save all kinds of objects you’d rather not send to a watery grave.

Dominic Zonta of Channel Island Boat Maintenance is the sole distributor of Waterbuoy in the Channel Islands if you would like further information please contact him at cibm@jerseymail.co.uk

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March 2008
Jersey Boat Show announced

Inaugural Jersey Boat Show to showcase the best of the Island's marine leisure industry. Jersey is to stage its first Boat Show over the Bank Holiday Weekend of 3-5 May 2008.

The three-day event will be held in and around St Helier Marina and will provide Islanders and visitors alike with the opportunity to view a variety of craft, ranging from luxurious superyachts to family cruisers and dayboats. Jersey Boat Show 08 is being underwritten by Jersey Harbours in partnership with Collins Stewart Wealth Management.

As well as dozens of craft on the water, the show will feature a number of landside exhibits, entertainment and displays along the New North Quay and Albert Pier. It promises to offer something for everyone, from experienced sailors looking for a new boat or equipment to boating novices wanting to find out more.

Among the many craft on display will be a brand new locally-built 13-metre RIB (rigid inflatable boat) powered by four 300HP Suzuki outboards, which will be receiving its world debut at the show.

The newly-restored 'Howard D', Jersey's first motorised lifeboat, will also be on show. It is hoped its appearance will raise the profile of the St Helier Lifeboat Appeal – over the weekend Jersey Boat Show 08 will be helping to raise funds for the £1.3m appeal.

Jersey Boat Show 08 is being launched as part of Jersey Harbour's on-going commitment to promote the growth of the Island's marine leisure industry and their developing partnership with Economic Development, Jersey Tourism and marine traders.

London Boat Show 2008s title sponsor Collins Stewart joins Jersey Harbours as the principal partner of the event, bringing together the Island's marine and financial communities.

The wealth management experts, who have the largest investment team based in the Channel Islands, see this association with the Jersey Boat Show as a natural development of their existing activities.

Chairman of Collins Stewart Wealth Management's offshore business, Martin Bralsford said: "We have been involved with the London Boat Show for two years and are proud to support a local equivalent. We look forward to working closely with the team at Jersey Harbours to ensure this inaugural event is the first of many more to come."

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