Marine festival at Conwy will help establish Wales' seafaring credentials

A NEW sailing event held in North Wales will help boost Wales' reputation among sailors. The All Wales Boat Show, held between marinas at Deganwy and Conwy, will help establish Wales as one of the best places in the world for sailing, according to Steve Morgan - chief executive of the Welsh Yachting Association. The show includes a £4million line-up of world-class boats - including a luxury cruiser, the Portofino 40, used by James Bond. Mr Morgan was one several guests at the event launch, which took place this morning (Wednesday) He said: “This show provides an excellent platform to promote and celebrate the marine leisure industry and is in the perfect location to showcase the marvellous scenery and sailing waters of North Wales. “Marine leisure is a key industry for Wales and events like this add to its importance. Wales’s Deputy Skills and Technology Minister Ken Skates, who opened the show, said: “Why anyone would need to go abroad I don’t know. “Wales, and in particular this area, has some real advantages which I call the three big Cs – the cost of sailing is less, it has a coastline you would struggle to find better anywhere and the clarity of its water."