Image courtesy of the All Wales Boat Show, 2015
Now in its fourth year, Wales’ biggest boat show, the All Wales Boat Show, is a festival celebrating all things maritime and is a great idea for a day out if you’re looking for something unique or different to do in North Wales this May. The show originated in Conwy but, bigger and better than ever, it has moved to a brand new venue this year: the picture postcard Welsh resort of Pwllheli on the Ll?n Peninsula. The brand new Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre, Plas Heli, will host the event and the Boat Show will be the public’s first chance to see behind the scenes at the Academy.
Action packed
Running over three action-packed days, from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May, the All Wales Boat Show boasts workshops, displays, activities and a huge range of exhibitors. Highlights of this year’s show include daily displays from New Found Friends, the Newfoundland dog sea rescue team, the OffAxis of Abersoch jet ski and wakeboard team and the Wet Jets flyboarders.
The prestigious 72ft round-the-world yacht ‘Challenge Wales’ will also be sailing into harbour, crewed by ten young people whose lives have been transformed by the Welsh youth charity. Visitors to the Boat Show are invited aboard for a guided tour of the ship to learn about her racing past and the work of Challenge Wales.
Try something new
But the show isn’t just about spectator sports – the All Wales Boat Show is a great opportunity to get involved and try out new watersports and sporting activities. This year visitors can experience powerboating with Navsar and Anglesey Boat Trips who will be running edge-of-your-seat trips to the islands around the Lyn Peninsula. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land Bear Grylls BG EPIC Training will be running taster fitness sessions on Pwllheli Beach – this innovative approach to exercise is an enjoyable and effective way to get in shape for summer.
If you want to get involved and make a difference, why not try Dragon Boat racing? On Sunday 10 May the Boat Show will be raising money for NHS healthcare charity Awr Las with an exciting Chinese Dragon Boat race – sponsor a boat or raise your own crew, the choice is yours!
Buyer’s choice
The show has been gaining renown every year and is now a firm fixture on the maritime enthusiast’s calendar. This year, the show plays host to an even greater number of boat manufacturers. Among others, Sunseeker, Fairline, Chaparral, Beneteau and Sealeg will be in attendance, plus a comprehensive selection of over one hundred used boats for sale. If you find one at the right price, you could be sailing away in your very own boat!
With visitor numbers to the All Wales Boat Show 2015 set to exceed previous years there will be ample free parking available at the marina. Tickets will be available purchase on the day but, to avoid disappointment, we suggest you book in advance.
If the weather prevails, the All Wales Boat Show has all the makings of a memorable Welsh weekend. See you there, shipmates!
