The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show supported by Sunsail attracted nearly 9,000 attendees seeking out opportunities to learn, shop and network.
The show, which took place at Farnborough International, featured dinghy sailing, windsurfing, wingsurfing and foiling as well as paddleboarding.
This year, the show expanded to see 171 exhibitors, with visitors from across the UK and overseas including from France, Norway, Spain, Bermuda and Singapore.
“There was just an amazing atmosphere across the show weekend, with so many people discovering new kit, skills and techniques to help them progress their water-based passions, and some healthy business relationships to be had as well,” said RYA director of sport development Rob Clark.
“The RYA organises this show to bring together the small boat sailing and watersports community and there’s really nothing else like it in the world. We’re a community that’s so generous in sharing our time, knowledge and passion with others and that is so evident in what we saw across a fantastic weekend.”
Highlights included a range of expert talks and workshops. These included a talk on tactics by Olympic sailing coach Mark Rushall and one by instructor Mia Adcock on wings and foils. The British Sailing Squad iQFOiL talked about women in windfoiling.
The British Sailing Team’s Sam Whaley shared his tips on downwind ILCA sailing and there were winging and windsurfing masterclasses. There were also updates on Olympic Games and America’s Cup preparations, and insights into the experiences of para sailors who showed there are no barriers to on-water adventures.
During the show weekend, the 1948 Olympic Firefly ‘Jacaranda’ was the winner of the Concours d’Elegance – best boat in show – while Draycote Water Sailing Club was crowned the RYA Club of the Year supported by Gallagher.
Fourteen university sailing clubs were recognised for their commitment to green actions in The Green Blue’s University Sailing Sustainability Challenge. On-water achievements were marked in the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series prize giving, and with Lucas Meldrum picking up the UKWA Windsports Personality of the Year trophy.
