Huge interest in boat show

SHETLAND Sailing Centre’s 2013 boat show has attracted as many as 2,000 visitors through the door over the weekend.

The sailing centre, which represents the islands’ five sailing clubs, managed to attract a huge variety of craft ranging from beautifully crafted models, through to one person dinghies, and some quite big motor boats.

In total there were 27 exhibitors and all reported good sales and a lot of interest to follow up.

There were fully rigged sailing boats and a big range of on-the-the water equipment, as well as displays from organisations, service providers, manufacturers and fabricators, and plenty of fun activities.

Organiser Neil Fraser said: “We have brought together every class of sailing dinghy that’s active in Shetland, and invited every company that’s selling water related supplies, and equipment, right up to completed boats. 

“It’s a water show and not just a boat show. So we hope that we’ve put on a good spread of everything that’s good about being around water. 

“Feedback from attendees and public was that we managed to put on a show with something for everyone and a show worth spending time at.

“The food and refreshments were well received giving the option to stay for a snack or lunch made it more of a day out than just a  browse.”

Funds raised will help boost sail training in the isles, and although it is not clear yet how much exactly has been generated, a surplus of a few thousand pounds is expected.

Shetland has been chosen to host the European Fireball Championships for the second time, having held them in 2003.

Fraser said that no final decision on the next Shetland Boat Show has been made yet, but with the positive feedback received, he said “another show will be likely”, possibly in three years time.

David Thomson