RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show Q&A: Ellie Ratusniak, UKLA Class Secretary & Events Manager

ILCA 7 racing © RYA

As the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show fast approaches, we talk to some of the people that will be in Farnborough International with us to get a little insight of what you might expect.

First up its Ellie Ratusniak, UKLA Class Secretary & Events Manager.

RYA: Hello Ellie.

Ellie: Hi.

RYA: Right, let's get straight to it shall we?

Ellie: Sure.

RYA: I guess the first question is have you been to the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show before?

Ellie: I certainly have. I've exhibited with UKLA three times before, and even before that I used to go as a customer, so it's safe to say I've been a few times.

RYA: What do you like about the show?

Ellie: It's just a great way to catch up with everyone from across the country. You can also find some new deals and some new things on the market. But, you know, just to keep in touch with the community is really important.

RYA: It's the first one at Farnborough International, what are your thoughts?

Ellie: [Laughing] Well it's closer to me now so I guess that's one thing. But to be honest, I don't know what to expect, I'm really excited to find out though.

RYA: What can we expect from UKLA?

Ellie: We are going to focus on training for this show. We are going to have Ali Young come along to talk about the Olympics, and she is also involved in the ILCA4 training, so her and Tim Hulse will be available to talk about our plans and training for the year - something we think was really successful last year.

RYA: That sounds good, and you are bringing along a three-time Olympian...

Ellie: Yes, but we are also looking at bringing the grassroots in to the class more and trying to encourage all club sailors. We are bringing our National Coordinator for that. We want to show the whole journey from grassroots to the Olympics. Sailing really is for everyone after all.

RYA: So tell us about the stand. What can we look forward to from you?

Ellie: We will have some games and prizes to win. We will obviously bring a dinghy along for display. We really want to try and keep in interactive and get people engaged though.

RYA: That sounds fun. Ok, final question. Any advice for a first timer to the show?

Ellie: I'd say just make the most of it. Make sure you get around to all the stands you definitely want to see - and hopefully ours is on that list.

RYA: We are sure it will be. Thank you, Ellie. We will see you in Farnborough very soon.

Ellie: Thank you.

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