Please select your home edition
Edition

Rockley Celebrates Successful Weekend at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026

by Rockley Watersports 27 Feb 10:13 GMT 21-22 February 2026
Rockley celebrates successful weekend at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show © Rockley

Rockley is delighted to reflect on a highly successful weekend at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026, which once again brought together thousands of watersports enthusiasts from across the UK.

Held at Farnborough International, the two-day event attracted impressive visitor numbers and showcased the continued growth and enthusiasm within the sailing and watersports community. For Rockley, the Show provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with existing customers, meet new faces, and highlight the many ways individuals can get involved on the water.

Peter Gordon, Owner of Rockley Watersports, said: "It was fantastic to see so many people passionate about getting out on the water. The Dinghy Show continues to be a brilliant reminder of how strong and supportive our community is, and it's hugely encouraging to see so much enthusiasm across all ages."

Across the weekend, Rockley's stand saw high levels of engagement from families, young people and adults alike, all keen to explore training courses, instructor pathways, and adventure opportunities. The level of interest reflected a continued desire to get afloat and build long-term connections with watersports.

A key highlight of the weekend was the Exhibitor Drinks at the Rockley Clubhouse, where exhibitors, partners and friends gathered to celebrate the start of the season and officially kick off Rockley's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Pip Woods, Managing Director, added: "The atmosphere this year was brilliant, and we would like to thank the Royal Yachting Association, fellow exhibitors, partners, volunteers and all visitors who stopped by the stand. The continued enthusiasm shown throughout the weekend shows that watersports continues to inspire the next generation."

Rockley also partnered with Rooster Sailing to offer a fantastic competition prize bundle worth over £700. The prize included £500 in Rockley vouchers, a Rooster Pro Aquafleece and buoyancy aid. They also generously contributed prizes for Rockley's popular Spin the Wheel, which proved to be a real crowd-pleaser and attracted a steady stream of visitors across the weekend.

Jack Clark, Commercial Director, commented: "The weekend was a real success for Rockley, both in terms of engagement and partnerships. From the stand activity to the exhibitor drinks, it was a great opportunity to strengthen relationships and celebrate everything that makes this industry so special."

With an exciting season ahead and major anniversary celebrations planned for 2026, Rockley looks forward to welcoming even more people into its community in the months to come.

Related Articles

Bullet for Jethou at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
A record fleet of 51 maxis competing, including the welcome return of three J Class Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the final event of the International Maxi Association's 2026 Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge got under way today with a record fleet of 51 maxis competing, including the welcome return of three J Class yachts. Posted today at 8:11 am
Supernova Travellers at Ogston
Most of Ogston's regulars were out with injuries to themselves or their boats Saturday 26th September saw the 1st round of the 26/27 Noble Marine Supernova Northern Travellers Series being held at Ogston Sailing Club in the beautiful Amber Valley in Derbyshire. Ten visitors joined the 7 club sailors . Posted today at 7:38 am
J Class at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Day 1
Svea strike first with light winds victory Svea won their first ever race at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez in light winds today, the Swedish flagged team emerging victorious from a spirited, close J Class windward-leeward race. Posted on 28 Sep
ILCA 6 Men's Worlds at Vilamoura Day 2
Four points separate top four Four sailors aged 16 and 17 lead the international fleet after four races, with Francisco Dal Ri and Toma Smircic separated by just one point. Posted on 28 Sep
Contessa 32 Nationals at Lymington
2026 Season closes out in tempestuous then shifty Western Solent September sees the end of the Contessa 32 inshore racing programme, this year warmly hosted by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Located in the town that is the birthplace of the class, there was a very special sense of homecoming. Posted on 28 Sep
2026 iQFOiL U23 World Championships day 1
148 sailors from 34 nations launch the battle with 4 course races in ideal conditons The 2026 iQFOiL U23 World Championships got under way today on the Bay of Puck, bringing together 148 sailors from 34 nations for a week of racing featuring some of the most promising young iQFOiL athletes from around the world. Posted on 28 Sep
Comet Duo 'Worlds' and Nationals at Cransley
One boat representing the USA... in the heart of rural Northamptonshire Has it really been ten years since the first Worlds were held at Cransley SC (a wonderfully picturesque reservoir in the heart of rural Northamptonshire)? Posted on 28 Sep
49er and 49erFX UK Nationals at Weymouth
26 entries spanning from first-timers to Olympians This year's 49er Nationals were once again hosted by WPNSA from the 24th-27th September. With 26 entries spanning from first-timers to Olympians, we welcomed friends from Ireland, Spain, America and Uruguay to join the event. Posted on 28 Sep
McIntyre GGR “Window Live” touches a nerve
Gunnar recounts ordeal - Mara questions her Golden Globe future Candid McIntyre GGR WINDOW LIVE broadcasts reveal the emotional demands of solo circumnavigation, while Damien Guillou and Pat Lawless approach the southeast trade winds. Posted on 28 Sep
420 GP5 at Itchenor Sailing Club
Autumn breeze, big breeze and black tie The GBR International 420 fleet descended on Itchenor Sailing Club for GP5 and a memorable weekend that combined seven highly competitive races with one of the more glamorous socials on the 420 calendar. Posted on 28 Sep