The biggest boat show in Wales kicked off with a splash, as fly boarders took to the River Conwy.
Thousands are expected to flock to the three-day All Wales Boat Show, which features luxury yachts through to sail boats, coracles and even bath tubs.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates declared the event open before trying his hand at a sailing simulator, under the guidance of Taffy Osborne from Colwyn Bay Water Sports.
“This is a fantastic event, not just for this area but the whole of Wales, as it raises the profile of the marine leisure industry, which has huge tourism potential, both on coastal waters and inland waterways” said Mr Skates.
“This is a sector that is worth £200m to the Welsh economy and growing rapidly. In Wales it is up by 3.9%, compared with 0.3% in the rest of the UK, according to the latest data. What’s crucial for the future development of the marine leisure industry is water quality, and I’m pleased to say that here in Wales we have some of the cleanest water.
“I’m glad to see so many local companies supporting this event, as it helps to bring in visitors to North Wales to take part in the many outdoor activities we have on offer.
“I’ve only tried sailing on holiday before, so it was very enjoyable trying out the sailing simulator. Think I need bit more practice, though,” added Mr Skates.
Highlight of the day was a display of wet jets, a water jetpack connected by a long hose to a powerful jet-ski through which gallons of water are pumped at high pressure. Water is shot out through jet nozzles beneath the feet of the rider who can be lifted up to 15 metres in the air. By using two hand jets the rider can change the direction of their flight. It’s been described as flying like a bird while swimming like a dolphin and more accomplished flyboarders can go on to perform manoeuvres like spins, back-flips and dives.
The Deputy Minister went on to tour stands on Conwy Marina and meet local companies, and popped aboard a 20ft speedboat on show with Pwllheli based Ideal boats. Plus he took time speak to youngsters considering a marine career, with Coleg Llandrillo Menai and Outdoor Tourism.
Among those he met was trainee boat builder and former batman David Low from Llandudno, who switched careers after reading a leaflet on marine studies from last year’s show.
“I’m originally from Australia though I’ve lived here for 10 years and I wanted a new career, I saw the leaflet and went along to an open day at the college,” said the 29-year-old. “I’ve just now got an apprenticeship to restore the Halon II, an old fishing boat on Conwy Marina.”
Mr Skates also met RNLI former helmsman Phil Denham, who showed how he demonstrates sea safety around the UK.
“This event is very useful because we get to meet people who have an interest in water sports and to show them how important water safety is, and so prevent the need for a lifeboat to be launched to save them,” said Phil, from Blackpool.
Also on offer are coracles, with visitors challenged to have a go at breaking the world record for paddling a bath-tub and potentially earn themselves a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
Among those trying out the sport was Niamh Boote, who was camping in the Conwy Valley with her Scout group.
“It’s great but not easy, a bit like trying to paddle a canoe but harder,” said the 10-year-old.
For Carol and Adam Hustwitt from Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey, the event had plenty to see. “We are thinking of buying a boat, which is why we are here, but it’s a real family event as well, so much to see and do,” said Mrs Hustwitt, as her son Harrie, five, tried it the climbing wall.
Last year’s show generated £1 million for the regional economy and organiser Davina Carey-Evans is confident it will do even better this time.
“The sun is shining, and we’ve already had plenty of advance ticket sales plus we are expecting plenty to turn up on the day. There is even more on offer this year, with loads to see in the river,” she said.
Sunseeker – whose cruisers have featured prominently in several Bond movie blockbusters – are returning with an even bigger vessel.
A number of boats will be on show, names such as Fairline Wales, Hanse, Jeanneau, Beneteaeu, Robalo, Chapparal, Quicksilver and Bayliner, plus over 100 used boats.
Meanwhile, there will be luxury cars from Rolls Royce, Bentley and McLaren and even a helicopter.
The manager of Conwy Marina is delighted to be playing host to the largest event that the stunning waterside venue has ever staged.
Jon Roberts believes the All Wales Boat Show will help underline the marina’s position on the UK’s marine leisure industry map.
Jon, who is area manager for Quay Marinas the company that runs both Conwy and Deganwy Marinas, said: “The 2014 All Wales Boat show is growing into a huge event.
“Without doubt it is 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.
“There are more than 100 exhibitors showing off a huge variety of goods and services and we’re expecting people to come flocking here from across a wide area. Down at the Harbour we have the Boat Jumble, a great gateway to the Show.
“We’ll not only have people coming from north and mid Wales, the north west of England and the Midlands but with the kind of attractions on offer we’re also expecting people who usually only go to the big boat shows in the south of England like London and Southampton. A number from Scotland and Ireland – we know that we have to work together we share the Irish Sea.
“It’s really going to underline Conwy Marina’s place on the UK map.
“The kind of visitors we’re expecting are not just those who are already into boating and other water leisure pursuits but also those who are probably just interested at the moment and maybe thinking of getting involved.”
He added: “This is the second year of the All Wales Boat Show and the marina has been closely involved in planning things with Davina Carey-Evans, of show organisers Sbarc, right from the start.
“We’ll have a stunning array of craft moored in the marina from real top-end cruisers of the kind costing around a quarter of a million pounds to little hop-on-and-go boats of about 18 feet. There really will be something for everyone,” he explained.
On shore-side at the show for the three days will be a wide and diverse range of exhibitors from the marine leisure industry and related clothing and food businesses.
Also exhibiting will be a range of organisations, including jet-ski clubs, the Welsh Yachting Association and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
For more information go to www.allwalesboatshow.com
