What's on at the 2016 RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show

Main Stage at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show © Paul Wyeth / RYA

This year, there is more than ever to explore at the show. From exclusive boat launches to a first look at cutting-edge kit, the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show is the only place to learn new techniques, discover new boats and pick up the latest equipment ahead of the new season.

The RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show, in association with Yachts and Yachting, is held at the magnificent Alexandra Palace in London from 05-06 March 2016.

From boat retailers to class associations, sailmakers and clothing specialists, with more than 150 exhibitors present there will be something for every sailing fanatic. Alongside a packed schedule featuring dozens of talks and coaching seminars, you'll find everything you need to kick start your sailing season.

Our schedule of seminars, talks and workshops in the coaching area will help you get ahead, whether on the race course or just cruising along the coast. With experts delivering sessions on rig tuning and racing rules, there is something for every sailor from beginner to expert.

There will also be members of the British Sailing Team on hand to share their experiences. Taking over part of the West Corridor, you will be able to find out more about the British Sailing Team's Olympic heritage and speak to members of the team in person as they enter the final months of preparation.

If you head over to the Suzuki Main Stage on Saturday afternoon, you can hear more as sailors discuss at length their progress on the Road to Rio. From training regimes to diet plans and pre-race routines, you can get the inside scoop on everything Rio-related from the sailors themselves.

Following its successful debut last year, the 2016 RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show will see the return of the Cruising Corridor. For anyone wanting inspiration for their next trip, visit the Cruising Corridor for the latest boats, equipment and advice from cruising experts.

A huge hit with young visitors last year, the Treasure Hunt will be returning better than ever in 2016. With a whole range of prizes on offer, the Treasure Hunt will give you the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of the show in the hunt for clues and, ultimately, prizes.

One of 2015's most popular talks will also be returning to the show. Roger Barnes, President of the Dinghy Cruising Association, will be taking to the RYA Suzuki main Stage to offer his top tips on the layout and equipment needed to stay overnight aboard a dinghy.

Advance tickets are available at a reduced rate of £10 to RYA members and £12.50 to non-RYA members. RYA Affiliated Clubs are encouraged to make a day of it and travel en masse, and if you make a group booking in advance of 10 or more people, affiliates can benefit from the RYA members price of £10 per person. All advance tickets will be available until midnight on Friday, 4 March 2016. A transaction fee of £1.50 applies to each transaction. Tickets will also be available on the door for £16 each and each adult ticket entitles you to bring up to two children free of charge. You can buy tickets online or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 858 9069 (calls are charged at 7p per minute, plus network extras).

Activate your show ticket or exhibitor pass at the Sailing World Cup stand in the Panorama Hall and this will give you free access to the spectator's area at the Sailing World Cup at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on Saturday 11 June. The RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show will offer the perfect chance to kick start your sailing season in 2016, so make sure you get your tickets today.

Suzuki Main Stage

• 10:00 Show opens
• 10:30 Patrol boat handling and recovery techniques and debut of new Suzuki outboard
  Essential tips for those who volunteer for patrol boat duty at sailing clubs. Advice on how to increase confidence, promote good practice and tops tips on how to recover some of the more modern foiling classes.
• 1115 No pressure!
  Tips on how to read the local weather and tides to enable you to make the most of your time on the water with a focus on wind.
• 12:00 The Boat Whisperer
  Steve Cockerill offers his hints and tips for improving your racing performance.
• 12:45 Rio 2016
  Get the latest on Team GBR's preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
• 13:00 Prize Draw Presentations
  Various prize giving events, including the RYA Regional Youth Champion Awards
• 13:45 Extending the sailing season - the GJW Direct SailJuice Winter Series
  Top tips on extending the season / winter race series and prize presentations.
• 14:30 Sleeping on board a dinghy
  Top tips on layout and equipment needed to stay overnight on your dinghy.
• 15:15 BAR update
  Portsmouth event review, BAR successes, America's Cup boat and kit developments.
• 16:00 RYA Club of the Year awards (Saturday only)
  Finalists prize giving and we reveal the winner of Club of the Year.
• 16:30 Treasure Hunt Presentation
  Explore the show in the hunt for prizes.
• 17:00 70 years of UK dinghy development; 70 years of the Merlin Rocket (Saturday only)
  The Merlin Rocket is the epitome of that very distinctive dinghy race scene that we enjoy in the UK. Yet the boat is also important as so many of the developments that we enjoy today, from self-bailers to spinnaker chute, Class organisation to country wide open meetings, all have their roots in the class.

• 11:00 Rig tuning
  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.
• 12:00 Start line tactics
  Learn how to get the best start in a race.
• 13:00 Start Sailing / Sailing Basics
  Basic sailing tips for newcomers or as a refresher for returning sailors.
• 14:00 TBC
  TBC
• 15:00 Racing rules
  Swot up on the latest rules and how they could affect you – submit your questions on Facebook before the show!
• 16:00 Preparing to win
  The psychology of dinghy racing, including attitude, control, goal-setting, concentration, building confidence, team work and no shouting at each other!

To find out more about what's on the show, and to book your tickets visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk.

Download our App before the show to find exhibitor stands, view schedules and more by scanning the QR code or search for 'Dinghy Show' into your app store!

Love Dinghy Sailing? Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding boating. Join today and support the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms. Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers. Find out more by calling 0844 556 9556, email or visit www.rya.org.uk