Loads in store from the RYA at the PSP Southampton Boat Show 2014

The RYA has a whole host of events and activities lined up for this year's PSP Southampton Boat Show (12-21 September), from launches and workshops to fantastic competitions and prizegivings.

To kick start the week, on Saturday (13th) at 14.00 pop along to the RYA stand (JO66) and help us congratulate the winners of the RYA ilovesailing calendar competition who will be visiting the show to collect their winner's prizes and see the 2015 calendar for the first time. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase your very own copy of the 2015 calendar and the first 100 people to buy a copy will also receive one of our much coveted ilovesailing rubber ducks!

Later at 15.00 we will be celebrating the launch of the RYA's latest title, the RYA Advanced Powerboat Handbook. Join us for a glass of bubbly and have a chat with the book's author, Paul Glatzel. Purchase of copy of the new title either at the show or via the RYA web shop and you will be entered in to a free prize draw to win an RYA Advanced Powerboat Course, courtesy of Paul Glatzel's RYA Training Centre, Powerboat Training UK.

As we head in to Sunday (14) the engines will be reeving as the 28 young finalists from across the country gear up for the grand final of the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship. Putting their expert driving skills to the test in a timed boating handling challenge, by the end of the day the top youngster in each age group (8-12 and 13-16) will be crowned. Make sure you come along and cheer them on.

Digital Day

Monday is 'Digital Day' on the RYA stand. Throughout the day we will have a whole host of RYA experts available for you to talk to about all things digital, giving demonstrations and answering any questions you may have. From RYA eBooks and eLearning programmes, to digital Training Almanacs, the new online chart plotter, ePacks, SafeTrx app and so much more.

"The aim of Digital Day is to showcase how the RYA's is using the latest technology and modern media to improve training courses, knowledge distribution and its publications. We'll be demonstrating how this technology can assist students in their learning and how modern media can be an invaluable teaching aid to instructors", commented Craig Burton, RYA Training Resource Manager.

Great competitions

We also have two fantastic competitions for you to take part in. The Green Blue, the environment project of the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine Federation, have teamed up with AkzoNobel to give one lucky visitor the chance to win 5 litres of International Paint's Micron Extra, in a colour of your choice from their colour card, offering you the highest level of antifouling protection throughout the season. Simply visit the RYA stand, complete the entry form, answer the competition questions and pop your entry in the box, it's that easy.

As well as the Green Blue, the RYA Membership Team are giving you a chance to win around £3,000 worth of amazing prizes in the 'Mega Prize Draw'. All you need to do is complete the entry form and pop it in the box; simple. One lucky entrant will then be in with a chance of winning the whole prize package which currently includes:
One year's free boating insurance from Bishop Skinner
A Suzuki DF2.5s outboard engine
Exposure Marine X2 Torch
Weekend Break courtesy of IHG
Clothing from Musto and Gill and loads more.

Visit the stand to find out just how many goodies up are for grabs in the mega prize draw and post your entry.

It's back – RYA Active Marina Experience

Back for the third year is the RYA's extremely popular Active Marina Experience, running throughout the show, offering you the opportunity to refresh your boating skills and gain top tips from expert instructors through our on-water and shore based workshops.

From berthing and boating handling, short-handed MOB and spinnakers and polling out, to powerboat handling skills and introduction to motor cruising the RYA Active Marina Experience is a great way to gain some real hands-on experience for FREE at the show.

For more information and details on how to book your place visit the RYA website.

Chat with the experts

The show is also the perfect place to chat with many of the RYA's experts. Every day on the stand we will be joined by one of the RYA's Regional Development Officers and experts from our Cruising, Legal and Government Affairs, Training and Membership teams who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the boating you do, from getting started to sailing around the world.

It's also the perfect time to join or renew your membership and support the RYA in its work protecting the rights of recreational boaters and take advantage of all the great benefits RYA membership provides. RYA members also enjoy a special show discount of 20% on all publications purchased during the show. If you want to purchase one of the many RYA eBooks now available pick up your discount code from the stand.

Don't forget we've moved!

The RYA stand (JO66) will now be situated amongst RYA Training Centres and holiday and charter companies in the large Mayflower marquee opposite the entrance to the marina area. "We believe this a much better location for the RYA stand and will mean we are easier to find", commented Show Manager, Guy Malpas.

The RYA member's lounge has also moved and will be situated at the heart of the in the Holiday Inn.

The new look lounge comes with the enhanced benefits of private table service, dining area, self-service cloakroom and a separate lounge area where you can sit and relax, with easy access to a Starbucks coffee station and the Holiday Inn bar if you fancy something a bit stronger! RYA members will also be able to take advantage of the Holiday Inn's Spirit Health Club throughout the duration of the show, including gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi.

RYA member's ticket offer

Enjoy all this and all that the PSP Southampton Boat Show has to offer for just £12.00 with the RYA Members specially negotiated ticket offer.

For more information and details on how to take advantage of this great offer visit the RYA website

For more information about the PSP Southampton Boat Show 2014 visit www.southamptonboatshow.com