Organisers of the British Leisure Show have unveiled plans for an inspiring free-to-attend Boat & Leisure Festival in Cowes, Isle of Wight, over the Jubilee bank holiday on 4-5 June.

The Festival is designed to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and will feature live music, hospitality and a great display of British boats and outdoor leisure activities.

Amongst the attractions for visitors will be a display of some of the finest British built yachts and motor boats, an exclusive preview of teams racing in the 2013 Cowes to Monte-Carlo Powerboat Race, a parade of fashion, and a range of outdoor leisure activities and accessories for families to see, try and buy.

James Brooke, Festival Director, commented: “We’re really excited to be celebrating such an historic occasion and delighted to be working closely with the Cowes community to make this memorable family event a great success.”

The HUGO BOSS Sailing team has launched a video of British solo round-the-world sailor, Alex Thomson, attempting a stunt he calls the ‘Keel Walk’.

The video shows Alex Thomson, dressed in a suit, making the leap from a 225hp jet ski on to the keel of his 60ft yacht, HUGO BOSS, and balancing precariously beneath 8 tonnes of carbon fibre yacht. It takes several attempts to perfect, but is an impressive feat nonetheless.  

The stunt was first attempted several years ago and caught on camera as an iconic photograph. However, there was always a question mark over its authenticity, which is why this time a camera crew were invited along.

The Yacht Harbour Association has recognised 79 marinas worldwide in 2011 with its Gold Anchor Award Scheme. The voluntary-assessment scheme, which was established 23 years ago, recognises the quality and level of facilities and services provided to boat owners and has become a trustworthy measure of excellence.

Amongst the award recipients was Jersey Marina, which received the prestigious 5 Gold Anchors for the seventh consecutive year. Other 5 Gold Anchors recipients include Chichester Marina, Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne and Plymouth’s Mayflower Marina. Poole Quay Boat Haven and the Port of Poole Marina were delighted to upgrade their awards from 4 Gold Anchors in previous years to five in 2011. Inland marinas, Upton Marina and Stourport Marina, both on the River Severn received 4 Gold Anchors, as did Castlepark Marina in Kinsale, Ireland.

Whilst sailing went on-hold in snow-struck UK last month, the tropical waters of the Caribbean played host to one of most exciting yacht races, the RORC Caribbean 600.

The fourth edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 was hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club and attracted some of the world’s most fabulous yachts as well as corinthian entries, with 578 sailors from 36 different countries taking part in the Caribbean’s only offshore race.  

The glorious 214ft Baltic, Hetairos skippered by Vincent Fauquenoy was destined to take line honours, crossing the finish line in Antigua in an elapsed time of 2 days 2 hours 39 minutes and 32 seconds. The monumental ketch was well outside the record time set by Rambler 100 last year; however the international team aboard Hetairos were all smiles as they were greeted by well-wishers and a cacophony of horns from megayachts in Falmouth Harbour.