The RYA Volvo Dinghy Show, in association with Suzuki and Yachts & Yachting, is the only place to be over the weekend of 3-4 March if you’re into dinghy sailing.  

Showcasing all the very best that the dinghy sailing world has to offer, from kit, boats and gear to expert analysis and insight on the Volvo Main Stage and top tips from some of dinghy sailing’s leading experts and coaches in the Coaching Area.

Held at the magnificent Alexandra Palace, London, it is the only show in the world dedicated to dinghy sailing, with over 200 sailing clubs, classes and associations, chandlers and boat builders and a whole host of exhibitors, all under one roof.  

Despite being over 60 years old the show continues to attract new visitors, cutting-edge boats and kit and remains fresh and exciting; whilst maintaining all the original charm and spirit of the very first shows.

So what can you expect?

As we head towards the London 2012 Games it’s a great time to celebrate our success as an Olympic and Paralympic sailing nation, and what better way than with the RYA’s ‘Our Sporting Life – Sail for Gold’ heritage exhibition. On display in Palm Court the exhibition consists of photos and memorabilia through the ages from pre-first world war through to our present day champions.

“The exhibition is a real testament to our great Olympic and Paralympic sailing history,” explains Celia Edgington, RYA Sail for Gold Co-ordinator.

“Past Olympic and Paralympic sailors including legend Rodney Pattisson, Keith Musto, Andy Cassell, Mike McIntyre and Alistair Currey, amongst others, have all very kindly shared with us some great items for the exhibition.”

In the West corridor there will be a fantastic centenary celebration display of Jack Holt designed dinghies, kids can enjoy the ever popular treasure hunt or they can relax and surf the net in the Volvo Chill-Out Bubble. You can also find out more about some of the country’s top sailors on the Volvo Sailing App.

The show will receive a special visit from Team Volvo’s and Skandia Team GBR’s 470 pairing Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills. The top sailors will take time out of their busy training schedules to head to the show for the whole weekend to inspire and motivate the next generation of sailors. The girls, who teamed up early 2011 to campaign together, will take to the Volvo main stage for an Olympic Catch Up and Q&A focusing on how they are preparing mentally and physically ahead of the games. There will also be opportunities for one on one coaching with the Team in the Volvo Chill-Out Bubble.

We have some great competitions taking place too. In the RS Design a Sail competition you could win an RS Tera, or take part in the Portsmouth Yardstick draw and you could win a laptop for your club. Find out from the RYA’s Technical Team in the Panorama Hall.

You could also take part in the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show SailX Championship. In this virtual regatta, race online against friends, family, fellow club members or other dinghy sailors.

“The show has a really unique atmosphere and with the Games on the horizon and guest appearances from Team GBR and Team Volvo sailors, it will have an added buzz about it this year,” comments Helen Waterhouse, RYA Volvo Dinghy Show Manager.

Book in advance and you could help win your club prizes from Volvo, Suzuki, Rigiflex and Rooster Sailing. www.dinghyshow.org.uk

As featured in the February 2012 edition of All At Sea