Countdown to RYA Volvo Dinghy Show starts with a bang
by Emma Slater, RYA 16 Jan 2011 18:13 GMT
5-6 March 2011
The countdown begins to the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show © RYA
A real party atmosphere with confetti, party poppers and champagne were the order of the day to start the countdown to the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show yesterday (Saturday 15 January) at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show.
Visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and RYA staff gathered to set the clock ticking, counting day the 48 days until the start of the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show; the only show in the world dedicated to all things dinghy sailing, on Saturday 05 March.
Legendary dinghy sailor Ian ‘Chips’ Howarth; 4 x Fireball World Champion, 1 x Enterprise World Champion, Musto Skiff & Melges 24 European Champion, 18 x national Champ in 10 different classes as both helm and crew, Endeavour Trophy winner and 50th Anniversary Endeavour Champion of Endeavour Champion winner, to name a few, as well as being a regular Dinghy Show attendee joined the party and commented.
“I first visited the Dinghy Show when I was 14 years old. It’s a really unique show pretty much run by sailors for sailors and is attended by nearly all the dinghy classes. I remember 20 years ago how much the show smelt of varnish as everyone prepared their boats for showcase over the weekend.
“It’s perfect for people who know nothing about dinghy sailing, as well as regular sailors; with loads of practical things taking place giving a real hands on experience.
“It’s really inclusive and I love going and catching up with old friends”, Chips concluded.
Taking place at the fantastic Alexandra Palace in London over the weekend of 5-6 March the show has loads in store for every kind of sailor, from complete novice taking those first tentative steps right through to the seasoned pro hoping to pick up the extra tip to two to improve their sailing and gain that all important competitive edge.
“There are a whole host of talks, interactive coaching sessions, demonstrations, competitions, exhibits, exhibitors and visits by some sailing superstars lined up for this year’s show”, commented Paul Bayliss, RYA Volvo Dinghy Show manager.
“The show always has a real buzz about it and is a great day out for all the family and being this year is our 60th Birthday there will be a real party feel to the show too.
“This year we have some great talks including the likes of High Speed wing-sailing with Team Invictus to tails of sailing around the UK in a Wayfarer. In the popular coaching area we have everything from Trapezing Tips to how to put your dinghy together; whilst around the show there is a Volvo Towing clinic, Cherub Hall of Fame and for the kids the Holt Blow Boat Challenge and the Diamond Treasure hunt. Definitely plenty to keep you busy.
“We look forward to seeing anyone with a passion or even a passing curiosity in dinghy sailing at the show.”
Tickets brought in advance cost just £11.00 for adults (£9.00 for RYA members and £8.00 for RYA Gold members), children 16 or under; accompanied by an adult, just £5.00 a ticket and go free on Sunday (maximum two free of charge child tickets per adult). Children who are RYA members go free of charge all weekend.
Tickets can also be purchased on the door for £13.00 adult and £7.00 child, but if you want to beat the queues and save money then book online now at www.dinghyshow.org or call the ticket hotline on 0844 811 0409.
Win great prizes
Once again by booking in advance you could also help your club win some fantastic prizes. Anyone buying a ticket in advance up until midnight on 4th March 2011 will be able to nominate their sailing club to be in with a chance of winning. Thanks’ to show sponsors Volvo plus Suzuki, Rigiflex, Mersea Trailers and Rooster Sailing, clubs will be placed into one of the three prize draw groups depending upon the number of tickets sold and nominations made.
Clubs could win:
| 10 - 20 tickets sold | CLUB CAN WIN | Set of 10 Rooster Sailing buoyancy aids |
| 20 – 30 tickets sold | CLUB CAN WIN | A set Volvo race marks |
| 30 or more tickets sold | CLUB CAN WIN | Safety Boat Package comprising: Suzuki 9.9hp Outboard engine, Rigiflex New Matic 360 motor boat and trailer from Mersea Trailers |
Just nominate your club when you book your tickets (for group bookings please use the telephone hotline) and you could help your club win one of these great prizes.
Don’t worry if you’re not a member of a club, if you’re passionate about dinghy sailing or simply want to find out about getting started, then book your tickets now and come visit the show; there really is something for everyone.
Free advice, free workshops and free talks are available at your fingertips, and the halls are packed to the rafters with dinghies galore, from timeless classics to the very latest in design. There are also hundreds of exhibitors filling the show so you’ll find everything you need to improve your sailing or get you started.
So make a date in your diary now and come celebrate 60 years of the show with us. For all the show information visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk