In just a few weeks, the fourth annual Poole Harbour Boat Show in association with Sunseeker will return to our shores from its award-winning home, Poole Quay Boat Haven. With over 30,000 people in attendance in 2017, the show continues to be the biggest-ever free to attend boat show on the south coast.
Running from the 8th to 10th June, the three-day extravaganza will transform Poole Quay to bring together a spectacular showcase of celebrity-style yachts, motor cruisers, tall ships, marine equipment, water sports gear and clothing. With ‘Try a Boat’ taster sessions and daring on-water demonstrations, as well as a programme of spectacular free family entertainment, the weekend really will have something for everyone!
Whilst most other boat shows charge for entry, Poole continues to be free to attend.
“Open access attracts not only enthusiasts but also those that are new to the market place, keen to find out how to sail, and to learn which boats and watersports suit their lifestyle in a relaxed and approachable format,” said Kerrie Gray, manager of Poole Quay Boat Haven.
The Ocean Brothers will cut the ribbon on the fourth annual show
The event organiser, Poole Harbour Commissioners is delighted to welcome the Ocean Brothers to officially open this year’s show. The two brothers from Lymington have just completed an epic 3,000-mile, unsupported row across the Atlantic. Spending 53 days at sea to raise money to fund vital skin cancer research in memory of their father and step- father Peter Massey, who sadly passed away in 2015 after battling skin cancer for 16 years.
To complete the opening day festivities, visitors will once again be able to enjoy the fabulously popular firework display. Sponsored by local commercial property consultancy Sibbett Gregory, the fireworks will start at dusk and kick-start a full weekend of free family entertainment.
Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners said: “We’re excited to once again host this marvellous show in the Harbour. Poole has such a rich maritime history and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate all that it has to offer”.
“Admission is free, and the show continues to be the biggest ever free boat show on the south coast, providing an opportunity for those who may not have been on the water before to get a feel of what’s on offer.”
Record year of support
Poole Harbour Commissioners has confirmed that the 2018 Poole Harbour Boat Show in association with Sunseeker has seen a record amount of support for its fourth annual event and can boast a strong line up of sponsors, exhibitors and partners.
Leading the prestigious sponsor roster is global brand Sunseeker, who has been the ‘in association’ sponsor since the shows inception in 2015.
Bryan Jones, Marketing Manager at Sunseeker International, commented “Being Dorset- based we are delighted to be part of the biggest free boat show in the south. Not only will we have our award-winning Manhattan 66 on display, it will be a great opportunity for prospective new employees to meet our recruitment team and find out about what apprenticeships and career options we have available.
“After last year’s record attendances, we’re expecting to see even higher numbers of boat enthusiasts descending on Poole Quay for the show and the ‘Sunseeker Sessions’ stage will be a real focal point on the quayside. I would encourage all visitors to come and enjoy some great music whilst enjoying everything the boat show has to offer.”
The British luxury motor yacht manufacturer will be returning with the ‘Sunseeker Sessions’ live music stage. A central feature at the event, the stage will showcase a great range of British performances with musical talent from across the region.
Support from exhibitors continues to gain momentum year on year, and Quayside bookings are up 10 per cent on this time last year, with a strong mix of past and new brands including Weird Fish, Ray Marine and Yamaha.
The marina exhibitors have also exceeded expectations with all berths selling out by mid- January! To keep up with demand, the boat show team reconfigured the marina space available to make room for extra vessels, resulting in the marina’s 2018 exhibition being bigger and better than ever.
Marina exhibitors for 2018 include Sunseeker, Princess, Bayliner, Invictus Yachts UK, Hylas Yachts, Cobra Ribs and Clipper Marine, who will be launching the NEW Bavaria C45 Yacht in the UK for the first time.
Jim Stewart, Poole Harbour Commissioners added: “The weekend is jam-packed with on- water activities this year - which will give visitors a fantastic opportunity to have a go at a new sport, watch the racing and discover how organisations like the RNLI train and work. And once again we anticipate a large audience for the celebratory fireworks.”
Jim continues: “With such a wide range of exhibits, displays and attractions we can truly say that there is something for everyone at this year’s show. Whether you’re young or old, an experienced sailor or complete novice, even if you’re someone that likes to keep their feet firmly on dry ground, we are confident that you will thoroughly enjoy your visit.”
The Poole Harbour Boat Show in association with Sunseeker is FREE to attend and is open between 10:00 to 18:00 on Friday 8 to Sunday 10 June 2018. For further details visit pooleharbourboatshow.co.uk.