Dinghy Show

Watersports-mad!

More than 7,000 dinghy sailors and watersports fanatics from across the UK flocked to Farnborough International in February for the new-look RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show, presented by Suzuki. Featuring its traditional core of dinghy sailing, the event this year also had stands for windsurfers, wingsurfers and foilers plus paddleboarders. Olympic gold medallists Dylan Fletcher and Eilidh McInytre cut the ribbon and the crowds packed into a back-to-back schedule of talks by them and other famous names, including our writer Mark Rushall, the British Sailing Team strategist.

Above: Model yacht racing in the foreground, with the popular try-trapezing rig to the left and scores of dinghies and watersports kit beyond!

Below left: Our regular writer Mark Rushall, the British Sailing Team's strategist and a leading coach, gives one of his popular talks on racing tactics at one of the show's stages Above: the show was opened by Olympic gold medallists Dylan Fletcher (centre) and Eilidh McIntyre (to his left). Fellow members of the British Sailing Team and Olympians were to be spotted around the show chatting to visitors and giving talks

ALL PHOTOS: PAUL WYETH/RYA EXCEPT WHERE MARKED

Above: 470 sailor Martin Wrigley (right) of the British Sailing Team gets some advice from two cool young sailors demonstrating the dinghy simulator

Below, left to right: Top sailor Hannah Diamond did a great job in presenting and hosting the show across two days; INEOS Britannia grinder and SailGP crew member Matt Gotrel (below right) chats to two young fans; Matt was also one the many who signed the "Back the Pledge" campaign to get sailing reinstated into the Paralympics for the Games in Los Angeles, 2028

The daily treasure hunt is a big feature of the show, with young treasure hunters collecting stamps at particular stands around the hall. The winners are announced by the pirate captain at the end of each day

THIS PHOTO: ROB PEAKE

Thanks to all of you who stopped by our stand for a chat and to those who subscribed to the magazine!

Three keen sailors take a good look at the RS Toura, which was unveiled at the show. Offered at the event for £7,995. The SailGP VR headset experience was a popular choice for all ages with visitors competing against eSailing Champion Mike O'Donovan on Virtual Regatta