Learn from the best at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show
by RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 8 Jan 11:10 PST
21-22 February 2026
Emma Wilson and Andy Brown © Sailing Energy / iQfoil Class
With medal winners, SailGP insights, hands-on coaching and inspiration for every water-based passion, the first confirmed show speakers give a taste of what's in store this year
World champions, Olympic hopefuls, SailGP stars and some of the sport's most respected coaches and experts are among the first speakers confirmed for the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026, returning to Farnborough International on 21-22 February.
The UK's biggest celebration of small-boat sailing and watersports will once again bring the community together for a weekend of inspiration, innovation and practical know-how to kick-start the new season.
With more than 180 exhibitors also confirmed, visitors can explore new boats, cutting-edge tech and the latest kit and accessories from leading marine brands, alongside a packed programme of talks, coaching sessions, demos and interactive features.
Across the Sunsail Main Stage, Knowledge Zone and the NextGen Zone, sailors and riders of all levels can expect insight and ideas to help step-up their skills and elevate their time on the water as we launch into the new year.
Forces of nature
With the road to Los Angeles 2028 already well under way, British Sailing Team windsurf stars Emma Wilson and Andy Brown will take to the stage after claiming their first World Championship titles at the 2025 iQFOiL World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark.
Joined by leading coach Sam Ross and Olympic hopeful Islay Watson, they will share how they've turned past setbacks into success and look ahead to defending British world titles on home waters when the iQFOiL Worlds come to Weymouth & Portland from 7-12 September.
Catch 'How champions rise' on the Sunsail Main Stage, where we'll also have exclusive insights from SailGP and the 2025 champions Emirates GBR as they kick-off another adrenaline-fuelled Rolex SailGP Championship season and prepare to light up Portsmouth again at a home event this summer.
Skills, stories and sailing smarter
Also on the Sunsail Main Stage, as we celebrate key anniversaries for some RYA National Classes in 2026, dinghy historian Dougal Henshall will explore how they've shaped the world's most diverse dinghy sailing scene ('The starting line for growth'), while Meteorologist Simon Rowell will delve into the visual weather cues every sailor should know in 'Eyes, apps, then eyes again'.
If you're keen for adventures away from the race track then check out 'Small boats, big escapes - adventures in dinghy cruising' as Simon Conway, Roger Barnes and Steve White launch the new RYA Dinghy Trails to help you find your own freedom on the water.
Analyst and commentator Tom 'Mozzy' Morris returns to the show this year where, along with special guests, he'll help you turn your sailing data into better on-water decisions ('From the numbers to the know-how', Knowledge Zone), while British Sailing Pathway Head Coach Jonny McGovern will head up 'Talking as a team' (Knowledge Zone), exploring how clear, effective communication between helm and crew can transform performance.
Also at the Knowledge Zone, show favourite Michael McIntyre is back with his top rigging tips to help improve your sailing set up this season, and James Parker Mowbray will be sharing his 'ILCA performance secrets', taking a deep dive into the skills that most sailors get wrong to help you level up your speed and consistency.
For boardsports fanatics, windsurfing legend Peter Hart and special guests identify the most common windsurfing mistakes - and ways to fix them - in '10 easy wins to improve your windsurfing', while if you're keen to step up your winging, Rafferty Read and friends will host a session on the fundamentals of wing racing and how to get started.
At the NextGen Zone, younger visitors can explore a world of water-based careers and elite pathway opportunities in 'Without limits: where skills become careers', hosted by The Female Futures group with special guests from across the marine industry. They can also experience fitness sessions with Holly Bassett, plus pick up advice on decision-making under pressure and practical goal setting.
The full schedule will be available on the show website from early February. All talks and stages are subject to change.
Get your tickets now
Show tickets are on sale now. RYA Members can access a complimentary ticket worth £22.50 for one or both days, while kids aged 15 and under go free with an accompanying adult.
Book your tickets today at rya.org.uk and follow us on socials @RYADinghyShow to discover more about what's in store for 2026.