The water-based Guest of Honour at this year’s Jersey Boat Show will be the 79 metre River Class Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Mersey.
The impressive 1,677-tonne Royal Navy ship was built in Southampton and is deployed primarily for the vital job of Fisheries Protection. She can, however, be adapted readily for other duties. HMS Mersey features a large working cargo deck that allows her to be equipped with specific facilities for a particular role, such as disaster relief, anti-pollution, fire fighting, rescue work or the interception of other vessels. She also has capacity to embark a section of fleet protection Royal Marines if required.
HMS Mersey’s crew should feel at home at the Jersey Boat Show. One of their tasks last year was to escort the youngest yachtsman to sail around the world into Falmouth after he crossed the finish line. Seventeen year old Mike Perham was delighted to see the ship waiting for him in at the end of his long voyage.
“Lieutenant Commander Carl Wiseman said: “It is a pleasure to be associated with the Jersey Boat Show and my officers and crew are all looking forward to giving the people of Jersey, and other visitors, a warm and traditional welcome on board when the ship is open to visit.
“The Royal Navy has always enjoyed visiting Jersey and has great historical links with the island, the Fishery Protection Vessels in particular.
During her time alongside, we will be presented with the Jersey Cup, which is awarded to the fishery patrol ship that has proved to be the most efficient and effective over the past year and I can think of no better time and place to receive this award.”
HMS Mersey will be open to the public during all three days of the Show when visitors can learn about today’s modern Royal Navy, in particular the role of the Fishery Protection Squadron which is the oldest front line squadron in the Royal Navy.
Jersey’s Harbour Master, Howard Le Cornu said, “Last year, HMS York, proved to be one of the star attractions with Islanders, so we are thrilled that the Royal Navy have agreed to attend our Boat Show once again. It is a mark of Jersey Boat Show’s significance and prestige in the European maritime calendar that we will once again have a Royal Naval presence. I hope the Island public will enjoy the opportunity of visiting her as part of their Boat Show experience.”
The Royal Navy will take centre stage at the Show as their presence will also include HMS Tracker and HMS Trumpeter, which play a pivotal role in the Bristol and Oxford University Royal Navy Units, plus other training vessels, both power and sail. The world-renowned Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines will also be performing two rousing Beat Retreat ceremonies during the Show.
Jersey Boat Show will take place on the May Bank Holiday, 1-3 May. Now in its third year it combines an exciting marine market place with a lively maritime festival, all free for locals and Island visitors.
All shapes and sizes of boats will be on display and for sale at the Jersey Boat Show. The marina will feature a fascinating mix of aspirational and practical power boats and sailing yachts. Whilst on the land visitors will find smaller boats and a host of equipment and accessories.
For those who just want to dream and catch the festival atmosphere there’ll be food aplenty, live stage entertainment and activities, both on and off the water.
Visit www.jerseyboatshow.com for more information.