Record-breaking Jude Massey from the Ocean Brothers was proud to return to Beaulieu to open this year’s Boatjumble after recently returning from his row across the Atlantic.
Nineteen-year-old Jude, who became the world’s youngest person to row an ocean in a two-man team, opened the event in true nautical style by ringing a ship’s bell mounted on oak from the Beaulieu Estate.
As many as 6,325 visitors turned out for the 41st Boatjumble and were eager to scour more than 517 stands for bargains and boating treasures.
Jude said: “Beaulieu Boatjumble is very close to my heart, as it’s where we started our fundraising last year. It feels very special to come back after completing the row and I feel honoured to have been asked to open the event. It’s also great to continue to spread the message and mission of our campaign.”
Jude rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic with his brother Greg Bailey and the pair have now hit their target of raising £100,000 for the British Skin Foundation in memory of their late father Peter Massey. Their mum Alex joined Jude at the Boatjumble opening and more details of the Atlantic challenge can be seen at www.oceanbrothers.co.uk.
The sun shone for the event at the start of the boating season. Event-goers found answers to their boating questions by marine experts at Ask the Experts LIVE! run by Boatjumble’s media sponsor Practical Boat Owner. There were talks and demonstrations on essential seafaring topics including radio communication, marine electronics, life raft operation, survival at sea and paintwork care. Kass Schmitt, seasoned competitor of the Original Single-handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR), also talked about the essential preparation that helped her survive one of the worst North Atlantic storms in the race’s history.
Throughout the day, the RNLI Central Solent Community Safety team held a lifejacket clinic with free equipment checks, advising sailors on water safety.
16 vessels were for sale in Boatmart, ranging from a vintage motor cruiser and a 17ft Gaff Cutter to portable sailing dinghies, with a number finding buyers at the show. A highlight of the line-up was the beautifully restored Fossil, one of only two known 1950s Fairey Marine Launches which was on sale at £8,500 by its Hythe owner Steve White as its varnish shone in the sunlight.
A wide range of everything boating related, from the latest products from leading marine industry manufacturers to nautical treasures, was on offer in Boatmall. While Trunk Traders sold off surplus boating items that had been hiding in lockers and sheds all winters, ranging from fenders, tools, windows and cleats, to maps, telescopes and even steering wheels.
