2020 Dinghy Show

Originally posted by fleaberto Straight away that turns into a 2night stay if we want to be there and get home at a reasonable time rather than one. We couldn't go this year - first we've missed in 10yrs - but I can't see the attraction of this new location to be honest. So, more car journeys? Less to do in the area? 🤔 Seems a bit of an odd choice if a change was needed.

It could still be a 1 night stay. Leave home say 8am. Arrive 1pm. 3 hrs at show Sat Pm. Stay over. Show Sun Morning. leave say 2pm. Home for tea?

I've never planned my visit to co-incide with specific speakers etc. Yet for a work conference etc I would...

Farnborough is better for those of us in the west of England - takes an hour off our journey. But seems an odd choice of venue for a national show. 

Moving the show to a better venue was required to stop the slow loss of exhibitors, both business and enthusiast.

Perhaps what seems to be a crazy idea will surprise us all and halt the slow decline.

But I dont think many of us are holding our breath.

Originally posted by A2Z Originally posted by Do Different London may not be central but at least it is a rail hub.  Farnborough? You can fly straight in ;)

I find the Gulfstream needs at least 200 miles to warm up properly, these short hops are not engine friendly

Whilst a central Midlands venue would have been the most sensible option. I am sure that the NEC would have been prohibitively expensive for most associations and businesses. As a commercial exhibitor this year and many times an association exhibitor, I think Farnborough is a very good move by the RYA. Having lived in Basingstoke for many years, only 20-30 minutes away, the road links to almost anywhere in the country are better than trying to get into
London. We are east coast based now so it is further but the reality is that it will be logistically much easier. As someone who generally has no confidence in the direction the RYA is taking the sport I am quite impressed that they have finally made a positive decision.

What would have been even better in my view would have been to run it from marquees at a venue such as Grafham or Rutland giving visitors the option of seeing and trying boats on the water. Perhaps they should resurrect the Try-a-Boat days that were a huge success in the late 80’s in addition to the Dinghy Show.