Sarah Ayton and Sam Whaley to present RYA Dinghy Show 2020

Sarah Ayton © RYA

Sam Whaley © RYA

The RYA is delighted to announce the hosts of the 2020 RYA Dinghy Show in association with Yachts & Yachting.

Over the weekend of 29 February- 01 March, double Olympic Gold Medallist Sarah Ayton OBE will be joining forces with British Sailing Team's Sam Whaley at Alexandra Palace to host a fantastic range of expert speakers on the Great Hall and West Hall Stages and in the Knowledge Zone.

Sarah is famously known as one of the 'three blondes in a boat' trio from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where she won her second gold medal in the Yngling class. She was also named Rolex World Sailor of the Year in 2016 and is currently a performance coach, motivational speaker and busy mum to her two boys.

"I'm really looking forward to presenting the show," she said. "I remember going to the Dinghy Show with my parents aged ten and looking at all the boats and wanting them all!

"Whatever your level of sailing there'll be loads you won't want to miss this time. We've got some really inspirational speakers lined up including adventure cruisers on the Great Hall Stage and world class coaches in the Knowledge Zone. We hope to see you there!"

Sam Whaley initially enjoyed racing at his local sailing club before entering his first national competition in 2011. After that he was hooked and at 19 he knew he wanted to pursue a career in sailing. He is now a member of the British Sailing Team competing in the Laser class.

"It's a real honour to be hosting the Dinghy Show alongside an Olympic Gold Medallist" Sam commented. "The show means so much to me, whether it's seeing all the new and existing boats, entering all the competitions on the stands as a kid or simply finding out a lot more about sailing".

The 2020 show theme is 'a world of opportunity- see where dinghy sailing can take you.' From competing on the race course, to travelling the globe, an exciting career on the water, or simply spending valuable time outdoors with family and friends, the show will celebrate the unique wealth of opportunities that dinghy sailing provides.

"I think the theme is very relevant." Sarah continues. "I've been very fortunate to live my whole life sailing from learning at Queen Mary Reservoir to competing at two Olympic Games. I've sailed all over the world making friends for life and now having retired from Olympic sailing I'm starting that journey with my children and it's a sport which we can all do together".

Yachts & Yachting will once again be returning to support the show as official media partner. The performance sailing magazine covers everything from Optimists to offshore sailing and is packed with unmissable advice from world class sailors and industry experts. Visit the team on stand C84 to pick up a special subscription deal - plus don't miss the March issue of the magazine which includes your free copy of the show guide.

Wherever you want your sailing to take you, the RYA Dinghy Show has everything you need to get you there.

Get your ticket

Don't forget that up to four children go free with each paying adult. The 'weekend ticket' also returns for those who wish to return for a second day of action. Advance tickets are available at a special discount rate of £10.00 for RYA members and £12.50 for non-members. RYA clubs and large groups can also take advantage of a special discount price of £10.00 when booking six tickets or more. Discounted weekend tickets are available at £15.00 for RYA members and £18.75 for non-members.

You can buy tickets here or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 858 9069.

For all the latest news and information visit dinghyshow.org.uk or follow us on Facebook or on Twitter, Join in: #DinghyShow