B14s at the RYA Dinghy Show 2020 - Project 800

SeaDek foam grip on the 'Project 800' B14 © James Head

This year at the Dinghy Show, the RYA has changed the layout and moved the non-major suppliers to the West Hall. In the Great Hall will be the likes of Hartley, Ovington, RS and Topper plus the shopping experience. A move that turns the show in to zone experiences. It shall be interesting to see the feedback post the show.

So this year the B14s have been moved to the West Hall with the likes of the Merlin Rocket, which is a first for both classes. The B14 will be adjacent to the stage on stand G10.

Much has been happening in the class over the last 12 months and new B14s have been in build, culminating in Project 800, which has bought about the refinement of the B14 to another level. On the stand will be a standard B14 hull to show what you get if you buy a standard base package and Project 800. Project 800 is the same B14, but one of the most pimped epoxy foam sandwich dinghies to have been built in recent years.

On display on this B14 will be SeaDek foam grip showcasing what can be achieved with a little thought and planning, other new partner parts, the new North Sails big head mainsail (same area as the North Sails LGM-08) as seen on the Selden Sailjuice Winter Series this winter undergoing trials and a few other enhancements to make sailing the B14 an even greater enjoyment/experience.

Mark Barnes from Seavolution the supplier of the B14 will be available all weekend to discuss the developments being undertaken and ready supply of a new B14s, if that is what you are looking for. If not then a secondhand B14, there are some very nice boats available ready to buy. Details available on the stand.

Over the weekend, on Saturday morning we will have Ant McMahon from Solent Boat Works the manufacturer of the B14 hull and Manitis, to discuss repairs and build programs.

At 1130 on Saturday we will have Sean Roebuck from Seadek Pro UK Ltd on the stand till approximately 1200 to discuss the Seadek product with show attendees, showcasing their latest design on the B14. Moving forwards the plan is to offer grip packages to the fleet where fitting is undertaken with minimum fuss by the end user or fitted by TMS / Seadek Pro Ltd.

Tony Blackmore of Admiral Trailers will be on the stand most of the weekend, if looking to discuss your new or existing dinghy/powerboat trolley/trailer.

This season the B14s have their National and European Championships in Rock, Cornwall in early September and then off to Sydney, Australia for the World Championships in January. Then it is off to Torbole, Lake Garda for the European and World Championships in 2022. If wanting that bit of fizz in your sailing, come and have a chat.

So if looking for something to do over the weekend, come to Ali Pali and see some great dinghies, and meet like minded people for a chat and exchange of ideas. See you there.