St George is to launch its first Marine Expo next month in a bid to boost visitor numbers to the Old Towne.

The show will feature the latest in marine technology and also highlight the rich maritime history of the island.

Ray Lambert, the economic development officer for the Bermuda Economic Development Agency in St George, said: “The objective of this event was to create activity to stimulate business for the town.

“This works not just to stimulate the town, but highlights an industry which is key to our local economy.”

The event, which is to become an annual fixture in the St George calendar, will be held on Sunday, May 1 at Ordnance Island and in King’s Square.

And the Marine Expo coincides with the launch of this year’s series of Olde Towne Markets.

“The markets will run on a monthly basis and there will be all kinds of vendors around the town — it should be a very festive day,” said Mr Lambert.

It is hoped that attracting boating enthusiasts from across the island will boost the economy of St George, which has suffered in recent years.

Among the attractions are stars of the America’s Cup, with the teams visiting the expo to sign autographs.

“It’s an event we’ve been working on for quite some time and the concept is its celebrating all things marine,” said Mr Lambert.

“It’s not just for the new boats, although we will have the dealers there.

“We will have some of the sports clubs, the Comet sail boats and the power boats will be there. The Seagull Association, which are Bermuda-made power boats, will have a display as well.”

Attractions will include boats from the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s boat troop, Marine and Ports and the Bermuda Institute for Ocean Sciences.

“There is a huge educational component — it’s as much educational as it will be fun and interesting.”

Ordnance Island and King’s Square will be decked in flags and packed with tents, exhibits of boats, marine supplies, services sports and seminars.

“It’s a natural fit and Ordnance Island is a beautiful location and it will be really cool to have that all dressed up and with boats,” said Mr Lambert.

He added that the event will be used to promote the model of the Deliverance, built to take the crew of the Sea Venture, which was wrecked off St George’s in 1609 and led to the permanent settlement of Bermuda, on to Virginia.

Mr Lambert explained that the Deliverance needs major restoration work and donations can be made on the day.

“The team from the St George’s Foundation will be dressed up in period costume. There is a very expensive restoration in process and a barrel for donations to help restore the ship replica will be available.”

The America’s Cup Endeavour programme for young sailors will be giving young people a taste of sailing in St George’s Harbour under the guidance of experienced sailors.

And tours using the WildCat power boat and other vessels will be on offer.

The event’s main sponsor is energy firm Rubis, which is based in St George’s, with additional backing from, among others, HSBC, insurance firms BF&M and Freisenbruch Meyer, Bermuda International Shipping Ltd, Custom Acoustics and boat maintenance company Spar Yard.

Mr Lambert said: “We really appreciate the support of our sponsors and are very encouraged by the interest thus far from the marine community.

“The marine industry is an important part of our local economy. Boating is the number one recreational activity in Bermuda and the expo will be a great opportunity to see what’s new in the industry.”