The sun shone for a busy Beaulieu Boatjumble as more than 7,000 event-goers picked up bargains from the hundreds of stands at the largest outdoor sale of maritime items in Europe.
The event fields were bustling with activity, as bargain hunters searched through boating curiosities including anchors, chains, rope, fenders, outboard engines, sails and clothing, watched demonstrations and visited displays of classic boats.
Beaulieu Events Manager Judith Maddox said: “It was fantastic to see the sun out for the first of our popular jumble events this season, which really lifted the spirits. Everyone had a great time and went home with a bargain from the wide range of eclectic items on sale. We are now looking forward to the first of this year’s Autojumble events, on the weekend of May 21st and 22nd, which we hope will be just as successful.”
Visitors crowded into the Ask the Experts Live feature, run by Boatjumble sponsors Practical Boat Owner. Marine industry experts shared their specialist knowledge, answered boating questions and gave demonstrations on everything from onboard cooking to raft inflation.
Rows of Trunk Traders lined up to sell the nautical paraphernalia they had cleared out of their lockers, sheds and garages to sell on the day. Boatmart offered nearly-new boats, immaculate classics and complete renovation projects, while Boatmall was Beaulieu’s nautical high street with the latest products from leading manufacturers, trailerable yachts, dinghies, motorboats, accessories, clothing and services.
The International Boatbuilding Training College gave a demonstration of traditional boatbuilding woodcarving skills and talked to visitors about their training programme. While the Classic Motor Boat Association displayed members’ classic boats and antique outboard engines. Members were also on hand to talk about the association’s activities.
Ramora UK also returned to this year’s event with its Flare Amnesty collection, in partnership with the Hampshire Constabulary Marine Police Unit. Visitors brought along old and unwanted flares and, for a small donation, had them safely disposed of by the experienced explosive ordnance disposal team.
To catch final sales, the RNLI held an end-of-event auction to sell off boating bargains and top up the day’s fundraising for the life-saving charity.
The event was the 39th Beaulieu Boatjumble and plans are already underway for the 40th event next year.
For more information on Beaulieu events, contact the Beaulieu Events team on 01590 614614, email events@beaulieu.co.uk or click here.
