Monty Halls goes sailing ahead of the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show

Monty Halls goes for a sail ahead of the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show © RYA

Broadcaster and explorer Monty Halls took to the water at the Mount Batten Centre in Plymouth in preparation for the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show, to be held at Alexandra Palace from 5-6 March 2016.

A former Royal Marines Officer, Monty, who will be hosting this year's show, has spent over two decades leading teams in some of the most remote environments on earth. He has presented wildlife and adventure documentaries and worked with companies both in the UK and overseas.

Yet Monty took on his toughest test yet when he jumped aboard a Laser Bahia with Senior Instructor Andy Smith from the Mount Batten Centre. From helming to trimming the sails and tacking, Andy helped Monty get to grips with all aspects of sailing. Monty was joined on the water by sailors from the Plymouth University Sailing & Powerboat Club.

Such was his progress during the day, Monty was able to take a Laser out single-handed by the end of the session, completing several manoeuvres without assistance.

Of his day, Monty said: "Going out sailing was a fantastic experience, a real revelation. I had so much fun out on the water, and it's clear that sailing really is a sport everyone can try.

"I'm really looking forward to hosting the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show and learning even more about this sport."

Our sincere thanks to the Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth University Sailing & Powerboat Club and LaserPerformance for helping Monty get afloat.

Advance tickets to the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show 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.

Visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk for more information.

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