RYA 2010 Dinghy Show as popular as ever

by Emma Slater on 8 Mar 2010 Day two of the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2010 proved as popular as ever with dinghy enthusiasts from across the country and the world flocking to Alexandra Palace, London.

With a, kids go free policy on Sunday the halls were ram packed with youngsters and families enjoying all the show had to offer, as well as the more hard core enthusiasts looking for those top tips to ever improve their sailing.

There were talks galore with everything from your essential checklist for buying a second hand boat to insider tips on improving your upwind sailing. Windsurfing also made a welcome return to the show with everything from tips for the complete beginner to improving your high speed windsurfing technique.

A number of visitors also picked up some fantastic prizes from Safety boat packages to a reconditioned Laser.

Another very popular display at the show was the Sailability marina showing the range of boats available to disabled sailors. Ray Johnston, RYA Sailability regional organiser on the Windrider 10 display said: 'It has been fantastic for Sailability at the show because it has given us the opportunity to create awareness by letting disabled people know where they can learn to sail and how easy it is to get involved. We have also been encouraging able bodied sailors to get involved with Sailability too.'

The halls of the show were packed throughout the weekend with visitors looking to find out more about new boats, redesigned boats, kit, gear, books and much more.

Exhibitor David Page from David Page LTD said: 'We’re thrilled we came, and the interest in our products has been better than we could have hoped for. '

Stephen Beresford from the Goodwood Boat Company who was also exhibiting at the show said: 'We have been delighted with the show, it has been superb. We have been given a great opportunity to promote our boats. What’s so great about the dinghy show is that it is so specialised. It is the only national show that people come too purely because they are interested in dinghies which is perfect for us.'

There was plenty of action outside the show too at Volvo’s City Safety and Towing interactive sessions. First time Dinghy Show visitor, Chris Eager who tried his hand at the towing told us: 'I’ve always really dreaded towing if I’m being absolutely honest as I think I’m generally a bit mal-coordinated. These towing tips were really useful to me and to be honest, I got out of the car absolutely stoked. I feel like I’ve finally cracked it!'

Being the only show in the world dedicated to dinghy sailing it really is a must for all dinghy sailors and enthusiasts. The show offers visitors not only the opportunity to check out the latest kit, boats and learn from the dinghy sailing experts, but they also have the chance to mingle and get up close and personal with some of the sports elite sailors including the likes of Skandia Team GBR’s Nick Thompson, Bryony Shaw and Penny Clarke.

Paul Bayliss, RYA Volvo Dinghy Show manager said of the show: 'The RYA Volvo Dinghy Show is a real family affair and we’ve been delighted with the number of people including families and youngsters visiting the show this year, it has really been a huge success and we hope to make the show even bigger and better next year.'

Show visitor Emma Young from Suffolk said: 'The dinghy show is great, there’s plenty of stuff to keep the children entertained and plenty for us adults too. I’m really glad we came, it was great family day out.'

To see all the news and pictures from this year’s show visit the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show website www.dinghyshow.org.uk

We hope to see you there next year!