Sailing stars officially open the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show
by Susie Nation-Grainger, RYA 28 Feb 2015 11:53 GMT
28 February - 1 March 2015
Laser World Champion Nick Thompson and Ben Ainslie Racing sailor David 'Freddie' Carr officially open the 2015 RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show © Paul Wyeth
Four time Laser World Champion Medallist Nick Thompson and Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) sailor David 'Freddie' Carr officially opened the 2015 RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show brought to you by the RYA, in association with Yachts and Yachting (28 February-01 March).
In front of a packed crowd of eager visitors, Nick and Freddie, joined by RYA junior mascot Bob the Buoy, cut the ribbon and opened the world's only show dedicated exclusively to dinghy sailing.
Just for this weekend, London's Alexandra Palace is transformed into a dinghy sailor's heaven as the annual show provides the perfect start of the sailing season showcasing hundreds of dinghies and everything you need to buy, know or learn.
On the Suzuki Main Stage you'll find fantastic free expert talks throughout the show from some of the top names in the sailing world. Whether you're a beginner or expert, get hands on in the coaching area where dinghy sailors will be sharing their top tips and giving you the advice to improve your sailing.
Throughout the weekend, there are plenty of free activities and events to entertain and inspire the whole family. Younger visitors can also take part in the famous treasure hunt collecting clues and treasure around the show for the chance to win great prizes.
Freddie says: "It's an honour to open the show! It's the show I love the most, the one I came to with my dad. Everyone here is a sailing enthusiast, everyone's here to talk about boats. There's so much to do and it's a really great day out so make sure you come along!"
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport to travel to the show. The RYA will be providing free shuttle buses which will be running on loop all weekend (9:30-18:30 Saturday and 9:30-17:30 Sunday) from Wood Green tube station and Alexandra Palace Station.
Make planning your visit to the show even easier by downloading the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show mobile app, courtesy of YachtsandYachting.com. The app is available in both the Google Play and Amazon Kindle stores for Android users, and the Apple app store. Simply search for 'Dinghy Show' or scan the QR code here.
Tickets can also be purchased on the door for £15.50 and free for children
For more information visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk