JERSEY’S yacht marinas provide 285 jobs and contribute just under £18 million a year to the Island economy, according to a major study unveiled at the Southampton Boat Show yesterday.

And in terms of economic impact, the three marinas in St Helier Harbour make a proportionately greater contribution to the local economy compared to eight marinas in the UK examined in the same study. The report, conducted by the British Marine Federation, also concluded that Jersey’s marinas have considerable potential to increase the industry’s economic contribution by accommodating more boats and developing marine leisure facilities for visitors, berth-holders and residents. The study says that this would attract more, higher value visitors and tenant businesses. The BMF revealed the results of its work at the annual boat show and said the results confirmed the potential that the Island’s expanding marine leisure industry offers the economy.