Loads in store at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show 2014

by Emma Slater, RYA 4 Feb 2014 19:47 GMT 1-2 March 2014

The RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show, in association with Yachts & Yachting, is the only place to be over the weekend of 1-2 March if you're passionate about dinghy sailing or are thinking about taking to the water for the first time – it's a great day for all the family!

Take a peak around the show...

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, with hundreds of sailing clubs, classes and associations, chandlers and boat builders and a whole host of exhibitors, all under one roof.

Each year the show attracts new visitors, cutting-edge boats and kit and remains fresh and exciting; whilst maintaining all the original charm and spirit of the very first shows back in the 1950's.

What to expect from the show in 2014?

We welcome Team Cobalt in Palm Court. Designed to break records this small hydrofoil catamaran should whet your adrenaline appetite. Chat with members of the team and take a close look at this 200kg, carbon fibre cat.

In the Panorama Hall why not have a go on our RS Sailing Simulator. This full size RS Quba simulates the life-like motion of the boat giving you the chance to experience the feeling and movement required to sail in a controlled, and dry environment!

Over in the West Corridor we will be celebrating the anniversaries of not one but two class associations – 40 years of the Miracle class and the 60th anniversary of the 505's. Check out both classes who will be displaying a range of dinghies from across the years.

New show sponsors Suzuki Marine will be showcasing a range of RYA Club Safety Boat packages from boat builders Ribcraft and Rigiflex, as well as their brand new DF30A and DF25A outboard models. The Suzuki Marine team will be on hand to offer advice and guidance and top tips for the use and maintenance of four stroke outboards.

Visit the joint RYA Youth Programme and Volvo Car UK stand (Great Hall, stand C8) a new location for 2014; and RYA staff and representatives from class associations will be on hand to provide information and advice on how to get involved with all levels of racing from club or regional level through to RYA UK Youth Squads and beyond.

Back by popular demand is the RYA Magic Marine Trapeze Rig, launched at the 2013 show. 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 and the Boat repairs workshops; check out the website for timings and costs. The ever popular kids Treasure Hunt is also back and this year, RYA Junior member mascot, 'Bob the Buoy', will be in charge!! Keep your eyes peeled throughout the weekend and you might even spot Bob hanging out around the show!

Don't forget you can also chat with the RYA experts in the Panorama Hall who will be more than happy to answer any of your dinghy sailing questions from where to get started, how to improve your skills and much more. And, if you're new to sailing or looking to get back into it then check out the 'Start Sailing' area. Our friendly team will be able to offer advice on kit, boats, clubs and courses and if you take part in our start sailing competition where you could win yourself a mega prize package (to be announced) with a star prize of a Topaz Taz courtesy of Topper Sailboats International Ltd.

Top tips from the experts

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.

What's on when?

• 09.50 Opening Ceremony Start line countdown with show compere Tracey Clarke and RYA Race Officials Education Officer, Chris Watts
• 10.00 Show opens

On the Main Stage

• 1015 What's on Overview of what is going on at the show
• 1030 Skiff tactics Dave Hivey RYA UK National Coach Feva - This talk gives Skiff sailors the chance to learn more about asymmetric tactics; when to gybe, high or low modes and some techniques to help.
• 1115 Top tips from the boat whisperer Steve Cockerill - Former RS and Laser Radial National Champion and founder of Rooster Sailing - Sailors of all levels can benefit from this talk, which will demonstrate how some boats sail faster than others for no more than better technique.
• 1200 Safety boat specification Clive Grant - RYA Powerboat Trainer & Coach Assessor, Army Sailing Association - This talk will give Sailing Clubs and Club Bosuns an expert guide as to what the key considerations should be when looking for a new safety boat. In association with Suzuki Marine.
• 1245 OnBoard to the World Championships Teenagers from Shoreham Youth Team - Hear from the Team about their experiences of going from the RYA OnBoard scheme through to the 2013 Sonar Worlds in New York.
• 1345 Prize draws/ presentations Prize draw presentations – e.g.:
  Saturday – Sail Racer / Sail Juice Series and Miss Isle Sea and Summit Challenge launch
  Sunday - John Merricks Sailing Trust OnBoard Presentation / RYA Regional Youth Champion presentations
• 1415 Sailing with your senses Vicki Sheen -Double World Blind Sailing Champion - Vicki will be revealing some of the secrets of how she sails in order to help sighted sailors expand their skills using all their senses.
• 1500 Starting to race Chris Atherton - RYA Senior High Performance Manager - This talk will give you everything you need to know to enable you to get into racing. Packed with the most up to date racing scenarios and tips.
• 1545 RS Design a Sail competition Award presentation (Sat only) with Jon Partridge (RS)
• 1600 RYA Club of the Year awards Awards presented to the top five clubs and we reveal the Club of the Year (Sat only)
• 1630 Treasure Hunt Presentation Saturday and Sunday

RYA Coaching Area Hall 1 (Panorama Hall) – interactive sessions where you can learn from and speak to the experts.

• 1100 Rig tuning Grahame Forshaw MBE - RYA Powerboat Trainer & Coach Assessor - Top tips on how to set up your rig for various conditions. This is a hugely popular and informative demonstration using a fully rigged RS200.
• 1200 Start Sailing Adam Bowers - Sailing Coach - Learn the basics before you get afloat: Points of sail, wind direction, steering and jargon explained.
• 1300 Racing rules Chris Watts - RYA Race Officials Education Officer - Swot up on the latest rules and how they could affect you – submit your questions on Facebook before the show!
• 1400 Tactics Alan Williams - RYA Optimist UK and Junior Squad Head Coach - No other sport requires the combination of so many elements as sailboat racing, which includes - strategy, boat preparation, boat handling, starting, speed, and most importantly tactics around the race course.
• 1500 Sailing fitness Matt McGovern - RYA Youth Squad Physiotherapist & Conditioning Coach - Fitness training exercises that you can do at home to help you get in shape for the season ahead.
• 1600 Posture & hiking Dave Mellor - RYA Coaching & Development Manager - Learn how to take the strain out of your back and knees whilst maximising leverage.
• 1700 (Sat only) Rig tuning Grahame Forshaw MBE - RYA Powerboat Trainer & Coach Assessor - Top tips on how to set up your rig for various conditions.

For ticket details, club discounts and loads more information visit the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show website at www.dinghyshow.org.uk or check out the RYA Dinghy Show Facebook page www.facebook.com/ryadinghyshow where you could win yourself a pair of tickets to the 2014 show!

(Information correct at time of going to press)

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