RYA at Southampton boat show

News of some of the RYA acitvity this September

This year's Southampton Boat Show will be most exciting yet for the Royal Yachting Association with best selling authors launching new books, birthday surprises, parties and competitions galore. Two new books - Go Cruising and VHF Handbook - will be on display on the RYA/BMF Stand (E 052) and available to buy for the very first time. The RYA and BMF joint environmental awareness initiative 'The Green Blue' celebrates it's first birthday with a huge birthday party and kids will be able to get OnBoard a dinghy and have a go at sailing - no matter what their level of experience is. Regional winners from across the UK will also be gathering to take part in The Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship Final.

On Saturday 16 September, the RYA will be celebrating the launch of 'Go Cruising' - the third title in the hit children's series - with a fun filled children's party. Fun for all the family, there will be plenty of activities to keep the children amused including: face painting, magician show and tricks, knot tying demonstration and competition. Author, Claudia Myatt will be on hand to chat to adults and children alike, and for book signing. Hot on the heals of the hugely successful Go Sailing and Go Sailing Activity Book, Go Cruising gives young children their first written insight into cruising.

RYA Publications, the largest marine publishers in Europe, will also be launching the new VHF Handbook. Author, Tim Bartlett will be on hand to answer questions and for book signing.

The RYA and BMF joint environmental awareness initiative 'The Green Blue' will be one year old and as part of it's birthday celebrations will be throwing a huge party on Monday 18 September. Free guides, useful recycling bags and advice from the experts will be available on how to become more environmentally friendly. In partnership with the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), the research vessel, Song of the Whale, will also be at the show to improve understanding of the threats facing marine wildlife and habitats, and to encourage support for their protection.

For the first time ever at the show, kids will be able to get afloat with the RYA's OnBoard scheme. During both show weekends, kids will be able to have a taster sailing session which is fully supervised by experienced RYA dinghy instructors. To book simply visit the RYA stand - E052 (no booking in advance) and slots will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Onboard will provide everything needed to have fun on the water from sailing gear and buoyancy aids to changing facilities, although it is recommended to bring a change of clothes -this is a watersport after-all! More details are available on the Southampton Boat Show website.

Check out what is sure to prove a tense competition, as the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship Final takes place on Saturday 23 September. The best of the best young RIBsters from throughout the UK will compete against the clock and perform boat handling manoeuvres to win the Championship title along with a 4.8m Ribcraft RIB with a Honda 50hp engine on an Indespension trailer for their club.

The RYA members VIP day will be Thursday 21 September. Tickets are £10 in advance (saving £4.00) with a £1.25 booking fee per transaction. Members will receive a 20% discount of publications on the day so don't forget the membership card to take advantage of this great deal.

Throughout the week, the RYA stand will also be the place to find out about how to get started in one of the many aspects of boating, buy RYA Publications and RYA Vouchers, talk to RYA experts for advice on all boating matters, or show your support for the RYA by joining as a personal member.