The UK’s inaugural Plymouth Boat Fest has been hailed a huge success with thousands of visitors gathering at Plymouth Yacht Haven.
With over 50 exhibitors and more than 30 boats on display, the event showcased the broad spectrum of the marine industry, ranging from leisure boating to commercial vessels and state-of-the-art marine technology.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day for the inaugural event,” said Steve Cox, marina manager at Plymouth Yacht Haven, the event organiser.
“It has been fantastic to see so many families, boating enthusiasts, and newcomers on-site, discovering everything our marine industry has to offer. Plymouth Boat Fest truly brought Britain’s Ocean City together.”
An underlying theme of the event was careers within the marine sector and introducing young people to the diverse range of employers and roles within the industry.
Wide range of businesses
This was showcased at the start of the day, with Cattewater Harbour Commissioners chair Allan Nichols alongside 17-year-old harbour apprentice Josh Wright officially opening the event.
“The whole day was a testament to the wide range of businesses, people and stakeholders who work within the maritime sector right here in Plymouth, and many within Cattewater Harbour,” said Allan.
Exhibitors ranged from boat brokers such as Ancasta, Red Ensign, and Princess Motor Yacht Sales, to more local businesses including Hemisphere Rigging, Nathan Bone Yacht Services, and Wolf Rock Boat Company.
Groups including the Ocean Conservation Trust and the SHIPS Project highlighted Plymouth’s ongoing commitment to maritime history and sustainability, with the Plymouth RNLI lifeboats, Devon & Cornwall Police Dive Boat and Fire Boat, and National Coastwatch Institute displaying their organisations emergency responses.
We’ve shown what Plymouth and Britain’s Ocean City has to offer.
Steve Cox
The show also included a Marine Technology zone highlighting the city’s growing stature in marine autonomy.
Exhibitors included Thales, Fugro, Marine AI, MSubs, SEA-KIT, ACUA Ocean and the University of Plymouth which allowed visitors to try out its underwater robotic vessels.
The event was supported by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Towergate Boat Insurance.
Organisers are now hoping to make Plymouth Boat Fest a repeat fixture for the city.
“We’ve shown what Plymouth and Britain’s Ocean City has to offer,” Steve added.
“The response from exhibitors, the public, and the wider marine sector has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re already looking ahead to the next event.”
