Don't miss cruising experience at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show

Hafren will be on display at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show © Hafren

Visitors to this month's RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show are invited to tour the show's brand new 'Cruising Corridor' to find out why dinghy cruising is one of the UK's fastest growing and most popular boating activities.

Taking place at the magnificent Alexandra Palace in London over the weekend of 28 February and 01 March 2015, the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show, in association with Yachts and Yachting, is at the heart of British dinghy sailing.

Brand new for 2015

Dinghy cruising, whether adventuring at sea or ambling in a sheltered lake, offers a breath of fresh air in our otherwise competitive world and a chance to connect with nature. The brand new Cruising Corridor at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show will offer something for everyone, from the seasoned cruiser to sailing novice.

The Dinghy Cruising Association will be on hand to welcome newcomers to the world of dinghy cruising and offer expert advice about techniques and equipment. You'll find them in the Cruising Corridor alongside a fully-kitted cruising dinghy – they're the ones with a tent on their boat!

Amongst the impressive array of exhibitors specialising in dinghy cruising, you'll also find Hartley Boats – the fastest growing boat builder in the UK. They will be displaying a classic 16ft cruising favourite, the Wayfarer. There's also a chance to meet representatives of the UK Wayfarer's Association (UKWA) at the Hartley Boats stand.

This year's show will once again have a whole range of sailboats on display – including the RS Venture Keel. There'll also be plenty of talks and coaching sessions so visitors can find out what dinghy cruising is all about, what makes the prefect cruising dinghy, where to go and how to prepare.

Attracting new members

RYA Shows Coordinator Charlotte Pearson said: "Dinghy cruising proved to be one of the biggest growth areas in RYA membership in the last year. People take up dinghy cruising at all ages and with a wide variety of prior sailing experience, from ocean crossing in yachts to absolute beginners.

"For some it's about progressing from one sort of boating to another – for others new skills have to be learned, as they switch from yachts to smaller boats, from racing to cruising, or from inland lakes to tidal waters.

"If you're passionate about dinghies, or just starting out, then the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show is a must for your calendar. Why not visit our dedicated Cruising Corridor for inspiration on where to sail on your next dinghy cruising adventure?" Meet the record-breakers Visitors to the show can also hear Jeremy Warren and Phil Kirk recount their record-breaking dinghy cruise around Britain on the main stage at 10:30am.

Jeremy and Phil set sail from Weymouth in their Wayfarer dinghy, which is less than 5 metres long, aiming to complete their epic journey in 60 days, which would have comfortably beaten the previous record of 76 days. But the pair arrived back on their boat 'Hafren' in the Dorset resort, sun-blasted and weather-beaten, having taken a mere 33 days.

It was a very British kind of adventure. They cooked on a camp stove, supplementing their diet with beer and fish and chips in the ports they paused at; they had to strip down to their pants and push when the water got too shallow; they dodged ferries, fishing boats, container ships and even a huge tug pulling an oil rig in the UK's crowded waters.

The adventurous duo's Wayfarer 'Hafren' will be on display all weekend in the Cruising Corridor, which will provide all the inspiration you need to plan your next dinghy cruising adventure.

Special RYA discount

Tickets for the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show cost just £11.50 in advance (£9.50 for RYA Members) with children under 16 free all weekend. You can buy tickets on the website or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 858 9069*.

Tickets can also be purchased on the door for £15.50 and free for children. RYA members and affiliated clubs can collect a special ticket discount code by visiting the show website.

So don't miss out, get your tickets today and kick start your sailing season at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show.

For ticket details, competitions and loads more information visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk or check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

* Calling the ticket booking line will cost you 6p per minute plus your phone company's access charge

Love dinghy sailing? Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding boating. Join today and support the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms. Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers. Find out more by calling 0844 556 9556, email member.services@rya.org.uk or visit www.rya.org.uk