GBR National eSailing Championships to be launched at RYA Dinghy Show

GBR National eSailing Championships to be launched at RYA Dinghy Show © Paul Wyeth

Following the success of last year's eSailing World and GBR National Championships, the RYA are pleased to once again be partnering with World Sailing and Virtual Regatta, the leading digital sailing platform, for the GBR eSailing National Championship.

The free-to-play online game provides players with an opportunity to race against friends, fellow sailors and real-world Olympic champions.

The GBR National eSailing season will officially begin at the RYA Dinghy Show with show host Sam Whaley putting his skills to the test against fellow members of The British Sailing Team in a live eSailing showcase at 15:00 on the Great Hall Stage (both days).

There'll also be an opportunity for visitors to experience the thrill of eSailing racing for themselves on Sunday 01 March at 16.00 in the Knowledge Zone.

From 29 February, players from the United Kingdom will automatically be entered into the exclusive GBR eSailing National Championship, racing the same challenges, seasons and playoffs as the eSailing World Championship and ranking both nationally and globally.

The season will end on 01 September 2020 with the top ten ranking British eSailors invited to a Live Final event on Saturday 19th September 2020 in Southampton where the 2020 GBR eSailing National Champion will be crowned.

The top 10 from the GBR Championship will also automatically qualify for the eSailing World Championship Finals Playoff where they'll have a chance to qualify for an all-expenses paid trip to the Live Final at an international destination (to be confirmed soon).

RYA Shows and Promotions Manager Celia Edgington commented: "We're delighted to be working with World Sailing and Virtual Regatta to officially launch the start of the GBR National Championships. This year the competition promises to be more exciting than ever.

"We know that the number of eSailing players continues to grow and it's becoming a popular clubhouse social event or windy day alternative to keep sailors entertained. It's also a great way to demonstrate racing tactics or keep youngsters entertained between races at regattas" Celia concluded.

Could you be crowned champion? Come along to the RYA Dinghy Show to find out more or simply visit virtualregatta.com or download the 'Virtual Regatta Inshore' App from the App Store or Google Play.

What's on at the Show?

There's lots in store at the 2020 RYA Dinghy Show in association with Yachts & Yachting at Alexandra Palace, London (29 February-01 March). Visitors of all ages able to enjoy family-friendly show favourites from the 360 degrees 'On the Water' virtual reality sailing experience, to the sailing simulators, activity pool, trapeze rig and the famous RYA Dinghy Show Treasure Hunt.

As well as a full line up of expert talks and coaching sessions, you'll also discover hundreds of boats from beautiful classics to the very latest in cutting edge design along with clubs, classes, boat builders, holiday companies and much more!

Get your ticket

Advance tickets are available at a special discount rate of £10.00 for RYA members and £12.50 for non-members. Groups can also take advantage of a special ticket price of £10 when booking six tickets or more. Don't forget four children go free with each paying adult as well.

Buy your tickets at dinghyshow.org.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 8589069.

For all the latest news and information visit dinghyshow.org.uk