Top rigging and hardware picks at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025
by RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 15 Feb 09:00 GMT
22-23 February 2025
Top rigging and hardware picks at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show © RYA
Refresh your rigging, explore the latest tech and tie up a bargain with our exhibitors' top picks
As the new season beckons, there's no better time to refresh your sailing staples - and with over 170 exhibitors at the 2025 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show (22-23 February) you're sure to find all the hardware you need from your favourite marine brands.
We take a look at some of our exhibitors' top picks at the show this year - from rigging and tech to hardware products - that you can find across the stands and chandleries at Farnborough International.
Tie up some great deals
Sailingfast is delighted to offer show-goers 15% off the RRP when purchasing five metres or more from its Marlow Ropes range. In addition, they're offering a knot bag for every order over £30 during the show weekend. Pop by stand 168 to browse the extensive range of high-performance ropes from Marlow Ropes on the Sailingfast stand.
The Marlow Ropes Excel Dinghy Range is constantly updated with new products, improved specifications and the latest colours. This range is developed in conjunction with the world's best sailors, including the British Sailing Team, and helps ensure success at every level of dinghy sailing. Speak to the Marlow team on stand 172.
Cover all your ILCA set up needs with Performance Sailcraft Europe (stand 314) where they're offering Harken Outhauls and Vangs (complete or lines only) and a complete Ronstan 8:1 Downhaul.
Top of the blocks
Tickle up your Topper with a choice of six meticulously curated race packs from Allen Brothers (stand 6) utilising high-performance components such as dynamic blocks, Tii-on blocks and aluminium cam cleats as well as high-performance British-made rope, which is pre-cut or spliced to the required lengths.
The packs are completely class-legal and can be used for competition and training, with a 30% show discount available on the Allen stand.
P&B (stand 4) are offering Harken's Zircon blocks (main image) - described as their most efficient small boat blocks, featuring industrial ceramic ball bearings in caged races for ultra-low friction. Over 700% stronger than stainless, they stay smooth and won't deform under load. Their responsiveness in light air allows precise sail trim, improving sail shape and boosting speed.
You can also check out Allen's Tii-Bone connector on the P&B stand. A lightweight but robust connector designed for performance sailing, the Tii-Bone range streamlines rigging for halyards, sheets, and control lines. Crafted from anodised marine-grade aluminium, it's lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant and is user-friendly for all skill levels making it an essential addition to any sailor's kit.
Looking for a secure, flexible through-deck fitting? Allen's Pad-Tii with removable Tii-Bar (also available at P&B) offers a practical solution designed for ease of use and versatility, making it an ideal choice for various fitting applications.
Spinlock (stand 5) invites you to check out its Rig-Sense - user-friendly rig tension device for dinghies and keelboats. Offering direct load measurements in kilograms, its self-supporting design allows single-handed operation, while high-quality components ensure consistent accuracy and long-term reliability. Compact and efficient, Rig-Sense simplifies rig tension measurement with precision and ease.
Hartley Boats and Chandlery also has you covered for all your hardware needs from leading marine brands as well as showcasing their own brand boats, sails and boat covers. Visit them on stand 204.
Barton Marine (stand 220) is having a warehouse clearance of high-quality carbon fibre tiller extensions, starting from £45, and you can also receive 10% off across the board on their stand and with Barton Marine's show retail partner P&B on stand 4.
Frensi is also launching its exciting new rig which makes an ILCA dinghy more versatile and convenient to sail. It can be fitted without any permanent modification to your boat, rigged in a couple of minutes, launched with the sail down and can be stored under the boat cover. Check it out on stand 114.
Technology Zone
A new show feature for 2025, the Technology Zone will showcase various equipment influencing race operations and dinghy sailing, from; Robotic 'MarkSetBot' race marks, tracking and scoring from SailRacer, mobile phone tracking from GeoRacing through to onboard tech such as the Velocitek ProStart and Cyclops load sensors, to name but a few.
The technology will all be on display with additional information and the opportunity to interact and learn more about it, so go and check it out. The Technology Zone is located at the eastern end of the show floor, close to the Food Court.
Meanwhile, if you're looking to upgrade on your on-water communications set-up then swing by the Icom UK stand (stand 234) and check out their range of marine VHF radios.
Power up with ePropulsion
As the official innovation partner of the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, ePropulsion is set to make waves at stand 178.
Whether you're curious about switching to electric propulsion or keen to explore their cutting-edge range, the team will be on hand to answer all your questions and demonstrate why electric is the future of sustainable boating.
And that's not all - join the RYA Treasure Hunt to have a chance to get one of ePropulsion's branded dry bags, which also comes with automatic entry into their grand prize draw to win two TeamO Micro 170N Manual Lifejackets.
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to discover the benefits of clean, quiet, and efficient electric propulsion, and take home some fantastic swag while you're at it.
Elsewhere for outboard users, BH Fabrications' (stand 219) stainless-steel propeller deflector (aka prop guard) helps to protect the propeller and gear box from damage and increases safety of people and marine life around the propeller. They offer an off the shelf universal fit, or tailored solutions for specific applications are also available.
Buy show tickets today
You can check out our full list of exhibitors at this year's show on the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show website.
Tickets are on sale now, and RYA Members can access a complimentary weekend ticket worth £21, while kids aged 15 and under go free!
Book your tickets at dinghyshow.org.uk and follow on socials @RYADinghyShow