Get your family hooked on watersports at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show

Do you dream of your children becoming life-long sailing or windsurfing enthusiasts? Or perhaps you are hoping to spend more time on the water as a family? Sailing and watersports can lead to a life-long passion and at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show presented by Suzuki, there is something to inspire all ages.

Here are some reasons you should join us with your family at Farnborough International from 26 – 27 February.

Activities to inspire all ages

The water may be cold at this time of year so jump on board one of the sailing and windsurfing simulators for watersports on dry land. Lean back, hang out and test your skills on the trapeze rig or pop on the VR googles and discover the feeling flying across the water on the RYA 360 On the Water Experience.

The activity pool is also back by popular demand so why not challenge your friends and family to a race round the course using the remote-controlled dinghies. Who knows you might even end up racing an Olympic sailor.

 A boat for everyone

Whether you are newbies, club racers or looking for a family cruiser, the show is packed to the rafters with hundreds of boats to suit all ages and abilities. Chat to the friendly boat builders and class associations who will be on hand offering all the advice to help you find the boat for you, new or second hand.

You will also find some of the biggest names in marine retail with all the clothing and gear to get you ready for the water – enjoy shopping for those boat show bargains!

Browse the exhibitors

Image: Paul Wyeth

Discover a new adventure

Set sail and cruise with your family around some of UK’s shores, lakes and rivers with RYA Dinghy Trails. The instructions include distance and safety information and are also packed with fun facts, wildlife spotting, stellar views or best picnic spots.

Pick up a trail and see some examples of dinghies which are perfect for family adventures. Head to the Knowledge Zone and watch RS Sailing’s Jake Elsbury who is covering everything from launching to anchoring to make your next cruising trip plain sailing. (Tips for adventurers, 15:00)

Experts from the RYA will also be on hand to share knowledge with your family including RYA Training Courses for all ages and sailing club opportunities. If you are new to the sport then do not miss the Beginners Trail which runs twice a day on Saturday and Sunday.

Meet your sailing heroes

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 and A sessions, try the SailGP VR headset and get up close to those gold medals – perfect for that insta moment!

Inspiring young racers

Find out how young women can nurture a lifelong passion for racing with the This Girl Can Race session in the Knowledge Zone for inspiration from top female racers (14:15) both days.

Or for fitness and nutrition fans get sailing fit for the season ahead with strength and conditioning coach, Christoph Szedlak (Fitter, faster sailing, 16:00).

See the full talks schedule 

Kids go free!!

As well as the simulators there’s plenty on offer for the little ones. Little mariners can stay entertained with colouring competitions and the famous show Treasure Hunt, collecting clues as they explore the show to win some amazing prizes!

Children aged 15 and under can go FREE with every paying adult. Don’t forget you can save money on the door by getting your tickets in advance!


Get your tickets here

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