GBR eSailing National Championship to be launched at the RYA Dinghy Show

GBR eSailing National Championship to be launched at the RYA Dinghy Show © Marina Garcia / Sailing Energy

Following the success of last year's inaugural eSailing World Championship, the RYA are pleased to be partnering with World Sailing and Virtual Regatta, the leading digital sailing platform, to launch the GBR eSailing National Championship at the RYA Dinghy Show.

The free-to-play online game provides players with an opportunity to race against friends, fellow sailors and real-world Olympic champions. All players from the United Kingdom will automatically be entered into the exclusive GBR eSailing National Championship, racing the same challenges, seasons and playoffs as the eSailing World Championship and ranking both nationally and globally.

The inaugural season will end on 1 September 2019 with the top ranking British eSailor crowned the 2019 GBR eSailing National Champion. The top ten British eSailors will automatically qualify for the eSailing World Championship Finals Playoff taking place in early September, with the top eight advancing to the 2019 eSailing World Championship Final in Bermuda.

Aimed at everyone from expert sailors to total novices, the eSailing World Championship is helping to inform, engage and inspire a new community of sailors and sailing fans.

Last year's eSailing World Championship saw 170,000 unique players from 74 nations battling it out to be crowned eSailing World Champion. Inspired by the excitement of sailing, the game aims to reach both sailors onshore, as well as those without access to sailing equipment.

Governed by the World Sailing Virtual Rules of Sailing, the eSailing World Championship closely matches the real-world rules and formats that govern on-the-water racing. The in-game 'Sailing School' provides a clear explanation of the sport and a new and effective learning tool to familiarise players with the strategies, tactics and terminology of sailing.

RYA Director of Sport Development, Alistair Dickson commented: "We are delighted to be working with World Sailing and Virtual Regatta to deliver the GBR eSailing National Championships. The game provides us with a brilliant opportunity to promote the sport to new audiences, who may not have considered it as an activity before.

"We look forward to hopefully inspiring a new community of all ages and backgrounds to get involved with sailing, get out on the water and discover everything the sport has to offer."

Could you be crowned champion? Come along to the RYA Dinghy Show to find out more or simply visit www.virtualregatta.com or download the 'Virtual Regatta Inshore' App from the App Store or Google Play.

Visiting the show

The RYA Dinghy Show in association with Yachts & Yachting and Suzuki returns to the magnificent Alexandra Palace this weekend (02-03 March).

Get down early to see the 2019 hosts, Shirley Robertson OBE, Matt Sheahan and Annie Lush officially open the show at 10:00.

Double Olympic gold medallist, Shirley commented: "The RYA Dinghy Show is a highlight in every dinghy sailor's calendar; there's something for everyone, whatever your experience or 'tribe' and it's always a brilliant opportunity to catch up with old friends.

"For me, the show is the perfect way to start the new sailing year and I look forward to seeing you all there!"

This year the show boasts more than 190 exhibitors, from boat builders and top sailing brands to class associations, sailing clubs and RYA programmes. There will also be a full schedule of expert speakers and workshops on the show's five stages, as well as plenty of free, interactive activities to inspire the whole family.

Saturday highlights:

• Invictus Games sailors, Andrew 'Pav' Taylor and Sadie Melling share their life-changing Invictus experience on the Main Stage at 11:45.
• Have your say and join the interactive 'Future of Dinghy Sailing' debate on the Main Stage at 12:30.
• Foiling is taking off on the Main stage at 14:15! Find out more about how to get started in this fast growing tribe from Paul Outram and Phoebe Twigg.
• Learn from Olympians in the Knowledge Zone as Paul Brotherton (12:00), Simon Hiscocks (14:00) and Saskia Clark (15:00) all share their expertise.
• Join Annie Lush in the Women's Sailing Hub as she shares the latest news from the Magenta Project at 11:00.
• Who will be crowned the RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year? Find out on the Main Stage at 16:00.

To view the full schedule visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk or download the official app.

RYA Shows and Promotions Manager, Celia Edgington said: "We're delighted to be returning to Alexandra Palace for the 68th RYA Dinghy Show this weekend. With so much on this year, we're looking forward kickstarting the season with another brilliant show."

Can't make it on Saturday? Don't worry, we'll be returning to do it all again with more speakers and great activities on Sunday.

Don't forget to buy your tickets before midnight tonight (01 March) to take advantage of RYA Member and advance ticket discounts.

Advance tickets are available at a special discount rate of £10.00 for RYA members and £12.50 for non-members. RYA clubs and large groups can also take advantage of a special discount price of £10.00 when booking six tickets or more. For those wanting a bit more of the action, discounted weekend tickets are available at £15.00 for RYA members and £18.75 for non-members. Don't forget up to four children go FREE with each paying adult.

You can buy tickets here or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 858 9069.