RYA has a full schedule of events at Southampton Boat Show

by Susie Nation-Grainger on 1 Sep 2010 [Sorry, this content could not be displayed] From competitions and launches to the crowning of champions, the RYA have plenty to talk about at this year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show.

The week kicks off with the launch of Calypso (5pm on 10 Sept), the greener version of the iconic Contessa 32 created by The Green Blue (the joint environment programme from the BMF and the RYA) and boat builder Jeremy Rogers. Calypso showcases new and existing environmentally sustainable products and technologies and aims to inspire sailors and boat builders to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Calypso will be proudly exhibiting her green features throughout the show (M502).

The Green Blue will also be running a free Breakfast Briefing on carbon reduction and commitment and renewable technologies on Tuesday 14th at the Holiday Inn. The briefing will demonstrate how to make cost savings, improve environmental performance and take advantage of the governments feed-in tariffs. Pre-book your place by emailing dan.reading(at)rya.org.uk

On Saturday 11th at midday, multi-title author Andrew Simpson will be giving an exclusive talk on the RYA stand to celebrate the launch of his latest book the RYA Multihull Handbook. Come along and speak to Andrew who will be available to answer your questions and to sign copies of the book.

It isn’t only Andrew launching his book at the show. On Sunday 12th author Rob Gibson will be launching the new RYA Sail Trim Handbook and will be signing copies at midday on the RYA Stand (E037). Buy a copy at the show for your chance to win a sail trim course with the author.
Fancy winning some practical sessions to go with your book? Don’t miss the chance to win training courses when purchasing copies of the RYA Powerboat Handbook and RYA Advance Windsurfing publications. Members can also claim a 20% discount on all RYA publications purchased at the show.

Ever wanted to give your boat a makeover? Skandia Team GBR Support Crew, Grapefruit Graphics and Harken are offering one lucky winner the chance to have their boat ‘pimped’ in the Pimp My Boat competition. Simply visit the RYA stand to design your very own stickers and graphics. The winning entry will have their designs created as well as receiving £200 of boat hardware from Harken.

And it doesn’t end there. Kids can explore the show as they collect stamps on the exclusive RYA treasure hunt with fantastic prizes up for grabs. Collect just five stamps to receive a five pound discount on RYA Youth and Junior Membership. There will also be free face painting on the stand from 12:00-4:00pm at weekends.

If power boating’s your thing don’t miss the grand final of the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship (Sunday 12, 10am-4pm) as 30 youngsters from across the country battle it out on the water in the hope of clinching the championship title. The prize giving will take place on the Honda stand (B062) at 5pm so why not come down to the marina and cheer them on.

RYA training centre Rockley Watersports are offering a fantastic opportunity for 8-16 year olds to try sailing with their GET AFLOAT sessions. Under the watchful eye of Rockley Watersports’ instructors youngsters will be taken to the Versedock Pontoon to experience their very first taste of sailing. Visit the GET AFLOAT booking desk (stand A001) to sign up for your half hour session before they get booked up.

And of course throughout the show RYA staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have from getting started to finding the perfect course to benefits of member ship and how to become a member. We look forward to seeing you at the show!