Page updated Tuesday 6 May 2008
The rain did not dampen the spirits as visitors queued up for the Scottish Boat Jumble at Irvine's Harbourside on Sunday 4 May, writes Sonja Brodie. This year, 120 stalls displayed an enticing mix of old and new nautical equipment.
Among the wide variety of stalls were the Coastguard and the Lifeboat. HM Coastguard's Pauline Barr, who was on call while attending the jumble, said they wanted to promote the Safety Identification Scheme for boats and were giving advice on subjects ranging from radio procedure to training for power boat operators.
The RNLI also focused on sea safety, particularly with regards to life jackets, radio equipment, fuel, tides, communication, and highlighted their services such as free safety equipment checks and life jacket clinics. "We're speaking to people in the hope that they'll be able to enjoy themselves at sea without getting into trouble," said Kenny Macleod, a volunteer from Troon Lifeboat Station. "This is a good opportunity to speak to sailors".
The Marine Policing Unit of Strathclyde Police are invited by the jumble organisers to check for stolen goods that may be offered for sale. Their officers checked engine serial numbers and scanned items that may have had data tags secretly embedded, such as jet skis, outboard engines or dinghies. "It's high-profile policing, in a preventative manner," said Constable John Love. "We haven't found anything since some stolen engines four years ago. It's keeping the bad element of society out".
The Scottish Boat Jumble traditionally ends with an auction of second-hand nautical goods. This year, lots for sale included wet suits, life rings and even a jet ski, which went for the princely sum of £450.00.
The Scottish Boat Jumble is held twice a year at Irvine's Harbourside and has been running for more than 20 years. The next one is on 5 October 2008.
For more details, check out www.boatjumbleassociation.co.uk.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Feel free to use any or all of this lot but please acknowledge the author and photographer, Sonja Brodie.
Need more, telephone 07721 888 789 or E Mail: john.boatjumble@btinternet.com
1 . The RNLI attends the Scottish Boat Jumble every year to give advice about sea safety.
2. Stallholders and visitors enjoying themselves at the Scottish Boat Jumble despite the weather.
3. The Scottish Boat Jumble traditionally ends with an auction of second-hand nautical gear.
4. Wares at the Scottish Boat Jumble are a mix of old and new.
5. Police officers patrol the jumble, checking serial numbers and data tags to ensure that none of the goods are stolen.
6. Stalls at Scottish Boat Jumble offer everything from ropes and paint to life rafts and dinghies.