VIRTUAL RYA DINGHY SHOW

This month’s sees the arrival of the virtual RYA Dinghy Show.

If the past year has taught us anything it is that our time out on the water is more appreciated than ever before.

Sailing fans will still be able to get their boat show fi x from 28 - 29 February at the free virtual RYA Dinghy Show presented by Suzuki, supported by Yachts & Yachting.

The virtual show will kick start the 2021 season afl oat with a line-up of world class talks for dinghy racers and cruisers alike, plus exclusive interactive coaching sessions for all abilities with some of the industry’s biggest names.

Back by popular demand On the virtual Main Stage and Knowledge Zone, you will fi nd RYA Dinghy Show favourites including world-renowned strategist and Olympic Coach Mark Rushall who will be talking tactics and explaining the new racing rules of sailing.

Discover how to get more from your boat with Michael McNamara who is back by popular demand to share his expertise on how to effectively rig various dinghies to achieve a better performance in different conditions.

Also returning is historian, and All at Sea contributor, David Henshall with his talk on The Seven Ages of Dinghies, which will take us back in time to the fi rst ever show in 1951. The talk will focus on one boat per decade and how it helped defi ne time in the development of our sport. You will be able to have your say and join the live debate.

The show also promises exclusive insight into the world of the British Sailing Team as they prepare for the Olympic Games, as well as stories from some of the most adventurous dinghy cruisers.

Over in the exhibition halls visitors will be able to tap into advice from RYA experts, whether it is club development opportunities, training courses, racing opportunities or coaching.

Join from wherever you are… “We are really grateful to our sponsors for supporting the virtual show this year. Of course nothing will replace the atmosphere of a physical event, however we are excited to be able to offer a Dinghy Show that is free of charge to visitors and completely accessible to people across the globe,” explained RYA shows and promotions manager Celia Edgington. “We are in the process of booking some really exciting new speakers and one of the best things is that the content will be available from all devices and has no limit on the number of times you log in, so sailing fans can enjoy the talks and coaching sessions that interest them most from wherever they are.”

Each year the RYA Dinghy Show sees a whole host of prizes and awards presented to winners of all ages and 2021 will be no different.

For eSailing fans, the fi nal of the RYA eSailing Winter Club Championships will be streamed live. You can also fi nd out which of the 10 sailing club fi nalists will be crowned the RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year 2021 supported by Gallagher.

Making Connections Visitors can explore the virtual exhibition halls to connect with boat builders, sailing clubs, classes, holiday companies and more.

So far more than 50 exhibitors have booked virtual booths where they will be able to showcase their products, offer exclusive discounts and use a live chat function to communicate with visitors at their stands.

Mark Beeley, head of marine and ATV for Suzuki GB, said: “We are thrilled to be continuing our long-standing support of the Dinghy Show and applaud the RYA for putting on a virtual show in the absence of a physical event. We are excited about the possibilities that this opens up and we are looking forward to showcasing our range of ultimate outboards and highlighting their credentials for use on safety or coaching boats in conjunction with some of our boat builder partners. We hope to see you there!

“Despite the pandemic we have heard from many of our exhibitors that there has been an increase in people wanting to get back on the water and invest in their hobbies, which is fantastic. We believe it is a huge benefi t that exhibitors will be able to connect with their customers and that our visitors can still pick up a dinghy show bargain!”

Celia concluded: “During this winter lockdown, hopefully the virtual show will offer the chance to look ahead to another fantastic season on the water. Register for free and enjoy a weekend of talks, coaching sessions and connecting with exhibitors and friends from the dinghy sailing and windsurfi ng community.” Visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk to register.

If you would like more information about the opportunity to exhibit at the show please email dinghyshow@rya.org.uk. For all the latest news and information visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk or follow the RYA on Facebook www.facebook.com/ ryadinghyshow or on Twitter @dinghyshow. Join in: #DinghyShow.

Olympic Coach Mark Rushall who will be explaining the new racing rules of sailing. Image: Paul Wyeth

There might not be a physical show this year, but visitors can enjoy this packed virtual event instead. Image: Paul Wyeth

All the familiar Dinghy Show favourites will be back… virtually

The RYA covers all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, s and sports boats, windsur ng, inland cruising and narrowboats and personal watercraft.