Official increase

The RYA have announced a significant increase in numbers at the Dinghy Sailing Show

The organisers of the RYA Dinghy Sailing Show, held in association with Yachts and Yachting at Alexandra Palace over the 4 - 5 March, have confirmed an increase in visitors at this year’s event. Over the two days 11,459 people visited the show compared to 10,793 in 2005.

More families than ever took advantage of the ‘children go free’ offer on the final day with an impressive 41% increase in the number of visitors on Sunday. 1,427 children visited the show on Sunday – nearly double last year’s figure indicating that children are keener than ever to get involved in sailing.

Jenny Curry, RYA Dinghy Sailing Show Manager said: “The show has been a great success. Bucking the trend shown at recent boat shows, we had more visitors than ever before and the response from all exhibitors and visitors has been fantastic. From committed dinghy racers to complete novices, all were able to find out anything they wanted to know about sailing, whether it was from the Coaching area, listening to talks on the main stage or from speaking to one of the many exhibitors.”

Adrian Hart, Sales Manager for Laser added: “It’s great to see so many enthusiastic dinghy sailors from all around the UK and abroad. I have spoken to many overseas visitors who are amazed to find that a whole show can be focused around dinghy sailing and visit the UK especially at this time of year to attend the show. We have had a hugely successful weekend, the children’s party on Sunday proved a huge hit and we will definitely be back next year with more activities for children and adults alike.”

The show is the only dinghy show in the world, with over 200 exhibitors from all over the UK attending, including over 100 different classes of dinghy, plus many clubs, class associations, chandlers and equipment manufacturers. The show marks the beginning of the new season for racing and cruising dinghy sailors.