A whole host of events and activities lined up for the RYA Dinghy Show 2013
by Emma Slater, RYA 31 Jan 2013 05:15 PST
2-3 March 2013
The RYA Dinghy Show 2013 will be held at Alexandra Palace, London on 2-3 March 2013 © RYA
The RYA Dinghy Show, in association with Suzuki and Yachts & Yachting, is the only place to be over the weekend of 02-03 March if you're into dinghy sailing or thinking about getting started.
Showcasing all the very best that the dinghy sailing world has to offer, from kit, boats and gear to expert analysis and insight on the Main Stage and top tips from some of dinghy sailing's leading experts and coaches in the Coaching Area.
Held at the magnificent Alexandra Palace, London, it is the only show in the world dedicated to dinghy sailing, hundreds of sailing clubs, classes and associations, chandlers and boat builders and a whole host of exhibitors, all under one roof.
What to expect from the show in 2013?
On arrival at the show in the Palm Court you will be greeted by the amazing and beautiful 'Boat Project'. Built as part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad by Olympic silver medallist Mark Covell (Sydney 2000) and his team, the boat is made entirely of donated wooden items, it has to been see to be believed!
If you're new to sailing then you must check out the 'New to Sailing' area where you can find out everything you need to know about taking your first steps; the boats, the kit, where your nearest sailing clubs and centres are and much more.
In the West corridor we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mirror dinghy class association with Mirror dinghies of all shapes and sizes from across the ages on display. Dinghy historian David Henshall will also be providing a fun and insightful talk on the history of the Mirror dinghy on the main stage.
We'll also be joined by a whole host of Olympic and Paralymic sailors, who will be popping along to the show to share their top tips in both main stage talks and our interactive coaching sessions. You'll also have a chance to grab an autograph or two or perhaps get the answer to any burning questions you may have.
New for 2013 is the unique 'RYA Magic Marine Trapeze Rig'. Specially designed for the RYA Dinghy Show, it will give visitors the perfect opportunity to try out harnesses and test their trapezing technique under the watchful eyes of the show experts.
We also see the return of some show favourites including the Holt Blow Boat Challenge, the model boat pool, the Boat repairs workshops, the RYA Dinghy Show SailX Championship and the ever popular kids Treasure Hunt. This year the treasure hunt has a pirate theme and youngsters who come dressed as pirates could also take part in our pirate fancy dress competition.
"The RYA Dinghy Show has a really unique atmosphere and is a great place to get up close to your sailing heroes, you can check out all the latest equipment, boats and kits; meet up with friends, win great prizes and chat with class associations, have fun and much more, all under one roof", commented Helen Waterhouse, RYA Dinghy Show Manager.
What's on when?
As has come to be expected from the show there is great line up of talks from some of the sports leading experts, coaches and sailors.
| R09.45 | Opening ceremony (Panorama Hall) | Special guest(s) to be announced |
| 10 | Show opens | |
On the Main Stage
| R10.15 | What's on | Overview of what's on at the show |
| 10.3 | Get the best from your Laser | Skandia Team GBR's Nick Thompson shares his knowledge on rounding the windward and leeward marks |
| 11.15 | Safety Boat Handling | Top tips on how to stay safe while on safety boat duty |
| 12 | Going for Gold | Do you want to go for gold? Find out what's involved in making it to the top with Olympic silver medallists' Saskia Clark (Saturday) and Luke Patience (Sunday) |
| 13 | ASS | David Henshall talks about the 50 year history of the Mirror Class |
| 13.45 | Prize draws and presentations | A host of winners and presentations to be made |
| 14.15 | The Boat Project | Hear about the amazing 'Boat Project' built by Olympic Silver Medallist Mark Covell (Sydney 2000) and his team as part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad and built entirely from donated wooden items |
| 15 | Dinghy cruising and trailer sailing | Find out what it's all about from choice of boat
kit and where to do it
to planning and preparation |
| 15.45 | The RYA & Goldsmiths' Company 'Golden Dream' grant awards
for aspiring Paralympic sailors | Award presentations |
| 16 | RYA Club of the Year awards (Saturday only) | Find out which of the five finalists will be crowned the Club of the Year 2013 |
| 16.15 | RS Design a sail competition winners presentation (Sunday only) | We unveil the winner of the RS Design a sail competition |
| 16.3 | Pirate Treasure Hunt and fancy dress winners presentation (Saturday and Sunday) | Join the RYA Dinghy Show pirate on stage as we present the treasure hunt prizes and winners of the pirate fancy dress competition |
RYA Coaching Area Hall 1 (Panorama Hall) – your chance to learn from and speak to the experts.
| R11 | Rig Tuning | Top tips on how to set up your rig for various conditions with Michael McNamara |
| 12 | Start sailing | If you're new to the sport learn the basics before you get out on the water including of sail
wind direction
steering and more |
| 13 | Getting a good start | Find out how to be the first over the start line and get clean air with top tips from 2012 Paralympic Gold medallist Helena Lucas (Sunday) and Skandia Team GBR's Nick Thompson (Saturday) |
| 14 | Trapezing tips | Learn how to be steady on the side of the boat and get optimum performance through the corners – you'll also have the opportunity to try out our trapezing wall. Joined by 2012 Olympic Silver medallist Saskia Clark (Saturday) and double Olympic silver medallist Joe Glanfield (Sunday) |
| 15 | Boat Fit Boot camp | Matt McGovern puts you through your paces with some fitness training exercises you can do at home to help you get in shape for the season ahead |
| 16 | New Racing Rules | The RYA's Chris Watts will be explaining how the rules have changed and how it could affect your racing |
Whatever your age and sailing ability there really is something for everyone, so book your tickets now. For more information about what's on, details on a whole host of great competitions for you and your club and to book your tickets visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 858 9069.