Get interactive at the RYA Dinghy Show

RYA Dinghy Show © Paul Wyeth

Alongside the hundreds of exhibitors, boats, gear and new stages at this year's RYA Dinghy Show, the RYA will be sharing all the information you need to get out on the water and offering a whole range of interactive activities for all ages.

Returning to the magnificent Alexandra Palace over the weekend of 03-04 March, the RYA Dinghy Show presented by Suzuki in association with Yachts and Yachting and Gill, is the only show dedicated exclusively to dinghies! This year's theme is #dinghysailingforlife celebrating a lifetime sport for all.

First stop is the Panorama Hall, home to the RYA. Under the watchful eyes of the experts, lean back and test your trapezing techniques on the RS Trapeze Rig or jump on board a sailing simulator and race your friends to the finish line. You might even spot one or two of the British Sailing Team helping out!

You can also try powerboating on dry land and test your driving skills on the throttle of a virtual 360 RIB on the Honda RYA Youth RIB simulator. Those brave enough to take on the challenge will get their name on the leader board with a ICOM VHS handheld radio awarded to the competitors with the fastest time each day.

Talking of virtual simulators, pop on the 360 oculus googles and discover the feeling of flying on the 'RYA 360 VR On the Water Experience' which can also be found in the Panorama Hall.

You can also rub shoulders with members of the British Sailing Team and other sailing heroes in the new 'Sailors Corner'. Chill out in the bean bag seats for Q&A sessions, take on the knot tying challenges or see if you're fast enough to beat the sailors' times on the Wattbike, and so much more.

The show is the perfect place to chat with many of the RYA's experts who will be happy to answer any of your questions from training courses to membership. If you're new to sailing then don't miss the Beginners Trail starting in the Panorama Hall at 11am and 2pm where you can explore the show, discover everything you need to get started and pick up advice from the RYA Regional Development Officers.

Sailing club members can get one-to-one advice from RYA staff on a range of topics including legal, racing and funding in the 'Ask the RYA' area. Clubs can also sign up for the RYA Club Briefing in the 'Sailing Tomorrow Arena'.

If you're looking to get your youngsters on the water or build your club or centre's membership then head over to the RYA OnBoard stand in the West Hall. OnBoard has helped well over three quarters of a million young people get out on the water and is designed to develop valuable life skills. Visit stand G22 to be a part of it.

Come along to Stand G21 and meet the RYA Sailability team for information and advice on sailing opportunities for people with a disability. Find out where to start sailing and get the latest guidance whether you're a sailor, sailing group or club. You can also learn more about Disability Awareness Training, the Certificate of Achievement Scheme and more!

You will also find RYA Coaching on stand G18 – ask them all about the new Discover Coaching Programme and how you can get involved.

Over on stand F42, RYA Publications will be showcasing all the latest titles including the new RYA Weather Handbook so whether you're swotting up for a training course or preparing for a trip, you'll find the publication or eBook that's right for you.

RYA members get a 20% boat show discount plus you can view all the latest eBooks on a giant 27inch phone! You can also find out everything you need to know about eSubscriptions, iBooks, new apps and online access. British Sailing Team members Charlotte Dobson & Saskia Tidey and Amy Seabright & Anna Carpenter will be dropping by the stand to demo the World Sailing App at 2pm both days.