Why We Can’t Wait For The RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show

This year’s RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show presented by Suzuki promises a packed line-up of expert speakers over three stages, 160+ boat and board exhibitors, plenty of kids’ activities – and kids and RYA members go free! It’s always one of my favourite events of the year (and not just because it’s free!)…

The RYA Dinghy and Watersports show is held at Farnborough International

As a family we are super excited to be visiting this year’s RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show presented by Suzuki, which takes place at Farnborough International over the weekend of 25-26 February 2023.

For me, the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show has always been an inspiring day out. I’ve been to this show almost every year since I was a kid… Now I’m taking my kids! 

 

And after our visit last year – when they got to meet a real life pirate as part of the show’s highly popular kid’s treasure hunt – they can’t wait to go again (as they keep reminding me)!  

Activities, advice and more…

This year, the kids’ activity line-up includes sailing and wingsurfing simulators, a windsurfing VR experience and a model boat pool. The ever-popular treasure hunt has a special marine wildlife theme this year and small people will no doubt be excited to hear there are plenty of stamps and stickers and even some freebies to collect along the way, as well as overall prizes up for grabs. 


It’s a great way to get them charging around the show and leaves no chance of them getting bored. There are also plenty of child friendly activities on individual exhibitors stands dotted throughout the show, leaving no question this is a truly family-friendly boat show! 

 

The RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show is also renowned for having a real buzz to it. You can meet other watersports enthusiasts, check out the latest kit, boards and boats, get expert advice and generally share in the excitement for the season ahead. It makes for a pretty unique vibe that you can’t help but be inspired by.

 

It was all-change last year when the show moved from it’s previous home at Alexandra Palace to a new venue at Farnborough International, and yes naturally, the new venue did feel a little bit different. 

 

But the buzz was as great as ever and what’s more, the organisers have now broadened the show to include not just dinghy sailing but also watersports – such as paddling, winging, windsurfing and foiling – there’s now so much more to see! 

The 2023 RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show will have three stages with a packed schedule of talks

And there’s something for every level, with friendly advice aimed specifically at newbies and improvers, you’ll find plenty of talks and useful tips whatever your level. 

 

What will be the highlights on stage at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show?

From Olympians to adventurers to pro paddleboarders and pioneering wingfoilers, there’s plenty to chose from. With such packed schedules, the hard part will be which to choose (one reason I’m planning on being there both days!) – but the highlights I’m personally hoping to catch are: 

  • How to sail on a budget 
  • Father-daughter Olympic gold medal winners Mike and Eilidh McIntyre reflect on their Olympic successes across the generations 
  • Paddleboarding top tips from pro rider Holly Bassett
  • Winging workshop with 14 year old national champion Hugo Dobrijevic 
  • Windfoiling fundamentals with winging expert James Hardy  

Tickets are FREE for RYA Members and Under 15s – for more details click here

Download the official Show Guide here.

See you there!