Just five more sleeps until the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show

Just five more sleeps until the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show © RYA

Don't forget to get your tickets!

There are just five more ‘sleeps' until the start of the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show, when Alexandra Palace in London becomes the centre of all things dinghy sailing.

The show, in association with Suzuki and Yachts & Yachting, takes place over the weekend of 3-4 March when more than 200 exhibitors, in some 12,000 sq. metres of halls will be showcasing all the very latest boats, books, kit and more.

Being the only show in the world dedicated exclusively to all things dinghy sailing, whether you're young or old, novice or pro, cruiser or racer, it's the perfect way to kick start the 2012 season.

There are some fantastic talks and presentations lined up with expert analysis and insight on the Volvo Main Stage on a whole host of topics, including Olympic classes sailing preview, rules and tactics, professional driving and towing, as well as the finals of the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show SailX Championship. Whilst over in the Coaching areas some of dinghy sailing's leading experts and coaches will be sharing their top tips on a host of topics from rigging and trapezing, to core stability and wetsuit repairs.

The halls will be packed to the rafters with some spectacular boats from the old time classics to the very latest in design, including a fantastic centenary celebration display of Jack Holt designed dinghies in the West Corridor.

There are loads of activities for the kids too including the Holt Blow Boat Challenge, treasure hunt, sailing simulator, good luck card competition, Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship online game, and when that's tired them out they can relax and surf the net in the Volvo Chill-Out Bubble. Here you can also find out more about some of the country's top sailors on the Volvo Sailing App or even hang out with Team Volvo and Skandia Team GBR's 470 pairing Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills.

We'll also be celebrating our nations Olympic and Paralympic sailing heritage with the RYA's ‘Our Sporting Life – Sail for Gold' exhibition. On display in Palm Court the exhibition consists of photos and memorabilia through the ages from pre-first world war through to our present day champions.

Showcasing items kindly shared with us by past Olympic and Paralympic sailors including legend Rodney Pattisson, Keith Musto, Andy Cassell, Mike McIntyre and Alistair Currey, amongst others.

There are also a whole host of competitions for you to take part in, so if that whets your appetite then book your tickets today.

Tickets brought in advance cost just £11.00 for adults (£9.00 for RYA 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 £6.50 child, but if you want to beat the queues and save money then book online now at www.dinghyshow.org.uk or by calling 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 will be able to nominate their sailing club to be in with a chance of winning. Thanks' to show sponsors Volvo plus Suzuki, Rigiflex and Rooster Sailing, clubs will be placed into one of the four prize draw groups depending upon the number of tickets sold and nominations made.

Your club could win:

• Bring 30 people CLUB CAN WIN A Rigiflex safety boat complete with Suzuki 9.9hp outboard and trailer
• Bring 20 people CLUB CAN WIN Five Volvo cars for a sailing event*
• Bring 15 people CLUB CAN WIN A set of training marks
• Bring 10 people CLUB CAN WIN Rooster race bibs

* Subject to availability

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.

For the price of your ticket, you get far more than just a show. 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 joins us at the show for an action packed day. For all the latest show information visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk

The advance ticket line closes at 5pm on 2nd March and the website closes at midnight on 2nd March.

* Offer limited to a maximum of four tickets per RYA Member
** Up to two children get in free on Sunday when accompanied by a paying adult