The biggest dinghy show in the world just got bigger!

The world's largest dinghy sailing show on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March at Alexandra Palace will be giving visitors a preview of all the latest boats, equipment, clothing and hi tech gizmos you'll ever want.

The show is also playing host to some magnificent oldies this year, including an early wooden Wayfarer, celebrating its 50th birthday this year. 2008 is also the 40th birthday year for the Yawl – a Grp derivative of the 200 year old wooden Salcombe Yawl, and the refitted DY92 ‘Skerrybore' daysailer will be on show.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Merlin Rocket Association's bright orange hi-tech ‘General Lee' will be hard to miss. Fully carboned on deck, the boat is full of the string equipment and controls that are the signature of the Merlin. The ‘Alto', a new two-person single trapeze high performance racing dinghy, incorporating the ‘Altopole' asymmetric spinnaker pole system, debuts at the show, as does Devon Composites' new Hornet, featuring a space-frame construction and double bottom.

Visitors will get the chance to meet sailing clubs from all over the UK, such as Northampton Sailing Club, who are at the show for the first time. "We are excited to be at this great event," said the club's Jim Milroy. "It's a wonderful opportunity to meet up with old – and new friends – and a good way to talk to people about how to get the most out of sailing." The club, which hosts the popular Steve Nicholson Trophy, will be showing a film of the 2007 races on their stand.

Class performance

A huge number of class associations will also be at the show. Scorpion are showing off their 2007 National Championship winning, lightweight, high-performance, 2-man, 3-sail symmetric; and the Solo Class will be displaying three new build/builder options. The Hurricane 5.9 Class is offering test sails in its three-sail Hurricane SX boat, on display at the show.

Due to the resurgence in Interest in Mirror Class sailing, there will be three boats on show, with top boat builder Alistair Duffin demonstrating some of the techniques of building a Mirror from kit, assisted by members who have previously built or repaired their own boats. The boat will be built on the MCA's new jig, which is available for members to borrow to help build a fast-shaped Mirror.

The Buzz Class Association's great value second-hand boats will be available with New Hyde sails – flying has never been so economical and so much fun!

Moth Class Association International will be displaying a new Axiom v.4 Aardvark Technologies and Gul International will be hosting visits to the stand by members of Skandia Team GBR who will be signing posters.

Top Gear

The show is always the place to grab the latest in dingy clothing, and this year Ben Ainslie is launching the new Henri Lloyd range on Saturday. Harken are displaying their new award-winning Rigtune Pro and innovative spray top, while Crewsaver's new range of technical dinghy clothing introduces the latest in design technology and durable fabrics. The Musto 2008 Dinghy range includes a host of accessories, ranging from headwear to luggage, and new to the show from Azure Wear are the Kavlar Thread 100% waterproof sailing gloves.

Just some of the latest equipment at the show includes new versions of the Quick Release Trapeze Hooks from RWO Marine Equipment, and Ronstan's revolutionary Orbit Block Series 40, 55 and 70, using advanced fibre and polymer technology to make it remarkably light and strong.

To book tickets go online at www.dinghysailingshow.org.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0845 345 0424. All pre-booked tickets (purchased by 26 Feb) are automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a fantastic family holiday from Crystal Active – for full details visit the website.