4 minute read
WATERSPORTS SHOW
RYA DINGHY AND WATERSPORTS SHOW
Bringing some warmth to the depth of February, on-the-water fans will not want to miss this winter’s RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show presented by Suzuki, which is heading to Farnborough International Exhibition Centre for the first time.
Alongside the much-loved dinghy sailing features, this year the show, running from 26 - 27 February, is expanding to also showcase windsurfing, wingsurfing and foiling, paddleboarding and more.
With hands-on ‘have a go’ experiences, demos from the legends, world class talks and exhibitors offering everything you need to get afloat, it is the perfect place to get prepared for your 2022 on the water.
“The new venue and growth in participation of all watersports has presented us with an opportunity to bring the industry together to offer an even bigger show, with more adventures and activities,” RYA shows and promotions manager Celia Edgington explained.
What’s on for 2022? As well as the new additions, the show will be full to the brim with much-loved dinghy and watersports displays and more than 100 exhibitors including class associations, boat builders, holiday companies and some of the biggest names in marine retail. Exhibitors include RS Sailing, Rooster, Musto, Harken and the RNLI.
World class speakers, coaches and medallists will provide expert advice on the Suzuki Main Stage and Knowledge Zone hosted by professional sailor Hannah Diamond and instructor and presenter Lee Timothy. On the Main Stage… Whether you are a sailor, paddler or windsurfer, do not miss British Sailing Team meteorologist, Simon Rowell, with his expertise and essential top tips for forecasting afloat.
Marking the 70th live ‘Dinghy Show’, historian (and All at Sea contributor) David Henshall returns to the show to talk about the last 70 years of performance sailing and how it has developed to become more inclusive. Meanwhile, the ‘adventure cruising talk’ will inspire those seeking an adventure, no matter what their age - from sailing with the familytocamping on the water.
The Knowledge Zone Fancy picking up some crewing tips from an Olympic Gold medallist? Eilidh McIntyre(Saturday) and Anna Burnett (Sunday)will bejoining coach Stevie Morrison to share theirtop tipsin the knowledge zone.
The ever-popular Mark Rushall is also returning to talk racing tactics, so whether you are looking to understand wind shifts better, start fast, use a race compass or get round the marks first, this talk will get you there.
Watersports Stage Brand new for 2022 is the Watersports Stage, which will be home to the sport’s most respected personalities with the knowledge to help you improve be it going faster, further or trying something new!
Members of the British Sailing Team will be at the show
Do not miss talks on how to get started in windsurfing, wingsurfing and foiling, advice on the best winging kit to use in different conditions, transitioning from windsurfing to wingfoiling and how to crack the perfect carve gybe, all hosted on the Watersports Stage by windsurfing legend Peter Hart.
New adventures for all ages If you and your family love messing about on the water and being active outdoors, the show promises to be a great day out with plenty to inspire and entertain all ages including sailing, windsurfing and winging simulators, an activity pool and plenty of competitions. Best of all kids go free all weekend!
Do you know a youngster who has set their sights on becoming a future medallist? The show is the place to be if you want to rub shoulders with members of the British Sailing Team and other heroes. Head to Sailors Corner to chill out with Q&A sessions, take part in athletes’ challenges and attend the autograph signings to capture your ‘insta moment’. Younger visitors can explore the show with the famous Dinghy Show Treasure Hunt, hunting and collecting clues and stamps to win some amazing prizes.
The show is the perfect place to spend time with the dinghy sailing and watersports community. At the new venue you will be able to relax with a drink and catch up with old friends in The Clubhouse, which you will find in the heart of the show. Each year the clubhouse will be designed to reflect the RYA Club of the Year winner, so this year it will be 2021 winners Port Dinorwic Sailing Club Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli.
Celia concluded: “We are delighted to once again be offering a live show dedicated to being on the water, however you like to get afloat. As well as more space, the new location also offers good transport connections, plenty of free on-site parking and reasonably priced local accommodation options for visitors and exhibitors. We hope to see you there!”
