On Saturday 21st June thousands descended on Poole Quay, Dorset, for the free boating festival, Poole Afloat.  A range of attractions were offered throughout the day, from a spectacular showcase of boats and watersports accessories to ‘Try A Boat’ sessions as well as a wide selection of activities targeted at family entertainment.

A popular attraction at the event was 'Try A boat', which launched 486 visitors into the water and received tremendous feedback.  There was a range of water craft to try - everything from dinghies, Ribs and power boats to sailing yachts, and all for free! The Royal Marines Ribs proved extremely popular.  Visitors also had the opportunity to view and climb aboard the Royal Yacht Blood Hound, which became the Queen and Prince Phillip's personal yacht during the 1960's, as well as celebrity style motor yachts provided by Sunseeker Sales Group and Poole Harbour Watch.

A multitude of marine-related products and services were on display within the exhibition area on Poole Quay and people also had the chance to meet the professionals and learn about sea safety and training courses.  The Coastguard search and rescue helicopter also delighted visitors to the event with a fly-by over Poole Quay during the day.

Held in conjunction with Harry Paye Charity Fun Day, crowds also enjoyed watching the ‘Parade of the Pirates’ and fishing boat races as well as a variety of other entertainment which included regular performances from the Poole Sea Cadet marching band and the Wareham Whalers, who were singing an array of traditional sea shanties.

James Sydenham, event organiser, said: “Not only have we put on a maritime festival that has provided entertainment for visitors, but it has also been hugely successful in promoting the significant opportunities offered by our marine leisure industry.  The event was a great success, encouraging people to take to the water with professionals and see what the industry has to offer.”

Poole Afloat participants included:
Absolute Aqua
A-Plan Insurance
Aquaflyte Ribs
Cobalt Boats UK
Coleman Marine
Drake Marine International
Emergence-SKI challenge
HM Coastguard
Marine Skills Centre
Marine Electronic Services
Marine Volunteer Services
Offshore Performance
Poole Harbour Watch
Poole Marine Services
Powerboat Training UK
Principal Power
Rockley Watersports
Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Sandbanks Boatyard and Marina
SailTime Dorset
Salterns Boatyard
Seamark Marine
Southern Motorboats Ltd
South Shore Ribs
Sunseeker Sales Group
SPRINGS
Royal Marines
West Quay Marine