On 27 April, Beaulieu will be holding its annual Boatjumble – the largest outdoor sale of boating items in Europe. Now in its 37th year, this event remains a key date in the boating calendar, giving enthusiasts an opportunity to snap up some fantastic nautical bargains before the beginning of the sailing season.

Thousands of new and used marine and boating items, spread over 1,000 stands, are on sale at competitive prices, with big name chandleries creating special show offers.

A new feature to this year’s Boatjumble is the Walkabout Auction. This ‘end of show’ chance to buy and sell offers exhibitors an opportunity to sell off surplus items of stock they don’t want to take home with them. For just £2, exhibitors can buy a box to fill with bits (larger items can go alongside), to be auctioned at the end of the afternoon by a guest auctioneer. It’s a simple and easy way of buying or selling those last bits from the show and there are no auction fees to pay. This innovative concept has been tried and tested at Beaulieu’s Spring Autojumble, and has proved to be a very popular addition to the event.

The storm clouds are still brewing and although we should all be turning our thoughts away from the bleary months of winter we are still very much in them. So here’s a jacket to see you through - one that is warm, bright to echo the season we are meant to be in and most importantly water tight! Henri Lloyd has been master of this style of jacket for many years and it looks like another knock out, with this red number taking centre stage. With quilted inner, detachable hood and button down zip for double protection this one will be sure to keep you toasty.

www.Henrilloyd.com  
Price: £165

These versatile mid layers are made with the latest laminate fabric technology and are fully taped, wind proof, water proof and breathable. Zoned thermal insulation is ultra-compact, non-absorbent and quick-drying, boasting excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.

TESTED: Like donning a sleeping bag, the warmth is not only instant but impressive. Both the hi-chest salopettes and the jacket are exceptionally lightweight for uninhibited activity, and proved to be breathable, so ideal even in changeable conditions. Absolutely recommended, whatever you’re doing on the water this winter.

Price: £135
www.gillmarine.com

Sailing away, diving in and living every moment to its fullest is what a holiday with Sunsail is all about. To celebrate its 40th birthday, Sunsail is offering free sailing days on selected charter and flotilla holidays.

Sunsail customers can choose between 27 locations around the world: from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, North and Central America to the Far East as well as Australia and the Indian Ocean. Sunsail offers options for many types of summer holiday: learn to sail, skippered charter, flotilla holidays or stay at Club Vounaki in Greece with award winning kids’ clubs, sailing, tennis, windsurfing, cycling, spa treatments and much more.

Customers who book by 17 March can save up to £1125 for a week bareboat (price based on eight sharing a four-cabin catamaran Sunsail premier plus 444 in the Ionian departing on 2 August 2014, discounted yacht charter price is £6630 without flights, fuel or CDW).

Amongst the new offerings from Sunsail this year is the Krka flotilla in Croatia, ideal for those looking for a relaxed and secluded sailing holiday. Prices start from £2,089 for an eight berth Sunsail 36i three cabin monohull yacht from 14-21 June include the flotilla fee of £435 and a small contribution for the Sail 4 Cancer charity. Flotilla sailing represents a uniquely sociable holiday experience at a great value price and during the offer period, there’s a saving of £275.

At the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show Ian Walker, skipper of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Trustee of the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST), acknowledged the achievement of 13 aspiring young sailors. Through the RYA OnBoard programme, these youngsters have been donated boats and a board by the JMST after being selected from over 100 applications for showing lots of enthusiasm, talent and commitment to the sport. The JMST are supporting promising young sailors by donating over 50 junior pathway boats and boards over the next five years.

RYA OnBoard Operations Officer Cat Ferguson explains:  “This is the first year of a very exciting new partnership with the JMST and we were absolutely delighted to welcome Ian Walker to recognise these ambitious sailors. Many of them are already out competing every weekend and without the use of their very own boat or board, this would not have been possible. One of the youngsters has even named his Topper, Atlanta 96 to commemorate John Merricks’ silver medal.”

Youngsters who have been selected for RYA OnBoard JMST awards are: