The All Wales Boat Show starts today in Conwy.

The festival, which runs until Sunday 28 July, aims to celebrate all water-based
activities.

It is unique to the region, with a catchment area that
covers North Wales, the North West of England, Isle of Man, West
Midlands and Ireland.

The event was established in 2008 at the
Faenol Estate in Bangor where is attracted more than 100 exhibitors and on
average 3,500 visitors per day.

Now under new
management, the event will show case more than 85 exhibitors and the organisers aim to develop the event into a highly
professional, all-encompassing watersports extravaganza, with an
activities and entertainment programme that will appeal to all.

The
event is now held in the new location in Conwy, and spans the River Conwy with two
main sites in Conwy and Deganwy Quays marinas, linked by a fleet of water taxis.

The
show includes the Conwy River Festival – celebrating its 20th birthday this
year – the Round Anglesey Yacht Race and Challenge Wales sailing, plus stalls
and activities on and off the water.

Round two of the World Bathtubbing Championships will be gekd,
and the IPC Marine Media team will be on hand with PBO subscription offers.

Show highlights will also include free on the water and ashore
workshops, plus sit on kayak sessions.

Free on-the-water and shore-based workshops

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Active Marina Experience, which proved successful at its debut at the PSP Southampton Boat show last year, will be offering free practical sessions at the All Wales Boat Show.
 
The free on-the-water and shore based workshops in partnership with Celtic Cruising & Snowdonia Sailing School will provide visitors with the opportunity to refresh their boating skills and gain top tips from expert instructors.

From berthing and boat handling to man overboard recovery, the workshops will run throughout the show providing visitors with some real hands-on experience.
 
Guy Maplas, RYA yachting development officer said: ‘It’s a very exciting time for the RYA Active Marina Programme in Wales and the All Wales Boat Show is being held at the first Marina in Wales to officially become part of the RYA Active Marina Programme.

‘The workshops on offer are tailor made to build the knowledge and boost the confidence of boaters of all abilities and we are delighted to be able to share them with even more people.’

Places for the workshops at the show are very limited, so it is highly recommended you book your session in advance for either the shore based workshops or the first on-the-water sessions of the day, by visiting the Welsh Watersports Zone when you arrive at the show.

Find out more at www.allwalesboatshow.com

Pictures: The unique river crossing at the All Wales Boat Show; An aerial view of Conwy; Conwy Castle; the Sunseeker Portofino 40 yacht