Ask the RYA at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show

Meet the RYA Team this weekend © RYA

Returning to Farnborough International this weekend (25-26 February) is the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show presented by Suzuki - the season-opening Show organised by the RYA to encourage and inspire everyone to get afloat.

As soon as you enter the Show you'll find RYA staff on hand (stand A10) to help with advice on a range of topics from club development, training to racing, coaching and legal advice.

Discover sailing, windsurfing and winging

For newcomers, the Show is the perfect opportunity to discover a new sport. The RYA team will be on hand all weekend with all you need to know to start or progress your watersports journey.

You can also find out more about Discover Sailing opportunities with clubs and centres across the UK running taster sessions this summer.

Maximise your RYA Membership

RYA members can access a complimentary Show ticket worth £21 for one or both days of the event, while kids aged 15 and go free! Get your show ticket now.

The RYA Membership Team will be available throughout the Show and can advise on how to make the most of your membership. Don't forget that you can also benefit from discounts on top brands for boating from kit, clothing and holidays from a host of partnership discounts.

Become a member at the show and receive a free 5L Overboard dry bag or if you are already a member, refer a friend at the show and both receive an Overboard dry bag.

Get up to speed with RYA Racing

Meet the Racing Services Team for advice and information on club racing and race management, race officials, racing rules and class rules.

For younger racers, find out about youth and junior racing activities that are happening in your region from our Regional Performance Managers, and what is involved in the Regional Training Groups and Youth Squads.

Whatever stage you are at in your sailing pathway, there will be something for everyone and talks to inspire you. The Racing Services team will also be able to give race-ready tips on everything you need to know about running racing, handicap systems and the British Keelboat Academy.

Dinghy Cruising

Cruising is a fantastic low-cost way of using your dinghy with family and friends and we've got plenty of advice on the stand to help you cast off. Enjoy a day of adventure afloat with the RYA Dinghy Trails which include local knowledge, distance and safety information, fun facts, wildlife spotting and even the best picnic spots. Find a trail with one of the team on the stand.

RYA Regional Development Officers at the ready

The Regional Development Officers' (RDO) friendly faces will be meeting and greeting as you arrive. If you are already a member of a sailing club, you may have seen your local RDO out-and-about, at your local sailing club or running a regional event. They are the go-to people and are there to support your club with a range of support services in your region. If you have not had a chance to say hello, this is a fantastic way to meet them in person.

Youth opportunities with RYA OnBoard

Find out how the RYA OnBoard programme can support your club and energise your youth members. OnBoard is the RYA's children's sailing and windsurfing programme. It offers children the opportunity to try watersports through their local club or centre in a safe, fun and structured environment.

Boating at your pace, adapted for you (A12)

The RYA Sailability team are there to help with inspiring, inclusive information for individuals and clubs to signpost and develop sailing opportunities for disabled people. Ask the team how to get involved and find out more about their joint commitment to support access for sailing participation.

Get the latest on the new launches with RYA Publications (J16)

The brilliant RYA Publications team will be back again this year! Show-only offers members can take advantage of a 20% discount off books and 20% off eSubscriptions on the stand. The RYA audiobook range is also now available on Spotify. With headphones available, you will be able to sample a chapter or two for yourself.

Sailing, Seagrass and Sustainability (B10)

Spearheading the campaign for sustainability, The Green Blue team will be showcasing the importance of seagrass. Throughout the Show they will be running children's workshops recreating the restoration of seagrass habitat through the creation of wildflower seedballs.

Don't miss their Saturday talk at 13:00 - 13:30 on the Suzuki Main stage on how your sailing club can show your commitment to lowering your impact on the water with The Boating Pledge and become part of the sustainable boating community. They will also be announcing the winner of The Green Blue University Sailing Sustainability Award.

Chat with the champions in Sailors' Corner (Interactive Zone)

Navigate your way over to 'Sailors' Corner' for Q and A sessions with the British Sailing Team athletes, including an Asymmetric Masterclass with James Peters, British Sailing Team 49er helm at 11:45 on Sunday.

You can also learn more about the RYA SafeTrx App - a free app to let your loved ones know where you are when you are out on the water, with features for you to share your trip, photos and gain quick access to emergency services. There are free giveaways on the stand when you download the app.

Check out the official Show Guide - available now! with everything you need to know about the show. Browse the exhibitor listings and find out more about this year's speakers.

We look forward to seeing you there!