RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show: What to Expect in 2026

Farnborough International will host the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show on 21–22 February 2026, with a programme that requires coordinated logistics for exhibitor set-up, daily technical sessions, equipment handling between indoor stands and outdoor demo zones, and scheduled visitor flows to the Para Sailing Hub and Interactive Zone.

Event logistics and on-site structure

The show layout concentrates core activity around the RYA stand, the Para Sailing Hub and the Interactive Zone, which together create predictable peaks in footfall at midday and mid-afternoon. Organisers have staggered technical talks (see table below) to reduce overlap and facilitate gear transfers for demonstrations like the Lewmar grinding rig and the wing simulator. Exhibitor bays include major brands such as Sunsail, Musto, Rockley Watersports, and Suzuki Marine, each positioned to support club-facing discussions and consumer enquiries.

Scheduled technical briefings and demos

Practical takeaways for skippers, clubs and instructors

Regional Managers will be available across the weekend to advise on progressing through the British Sailing Pathway, choosing the right dinghy or windsurf kit, connecting with local clubs and finding appropriate training centres. The show also provides a concise briefing on race administration: handicap systems, class rules and pathways into race officiating.

How aspiring racers and volunteers can benefit

• Meet coaches and representatives from the British Sailing Team and British Sailing Youth Team.
• Learn about volunteering roles at RYA events and club-level opportunities.
• Find out which clubs will be awarded British Sailing Pathway Club status in a Saturday announcement.

Para sailing, inclusion and accessibility

The Para Sailing Hub sits opposite the RYA stand and aggregates information on RYA Sailability, training opportunities and para racing pathways. Class representatives will run daily technical drop-in sessions and there is a dedicated announcement revealing clubs recognised for excellence in para racing and training.

Technical sessions and community engagement

Accessibility-focused content ranges from class-specific technical briefings to volunteer recruitment and coach training. These sessions are structured to help clubs plan equipment logistics, shore-side assistance and event access for para sailors.

Greener boating: circularity and repair

The RYA Green Blue team will lead the Sustainability Hub with practical guidance, boat repair workshops and initiatives to reduce kit waste. Visitors can deposit used wetsuits and neoprene for recycling and learn about partners such as Kitround, Circular Flow and Sustainable Extricko that focus on reuse and redistribution.

Sustainability highlights

• Boat Repair Workshops featuring hull-repair demonstrations.
• Daily sustainability quiz and interactive activities for families.
• Panel discussion "Closing the Loop" on circular solutions for kit and equipment.

Interactive experiences and competitions

The Interactive Zone will host simulators, VR foiling experiences and hands-on challenges: the Lewmar grinding rig competition, Marlow rope challenges, trapeze rigs and dinghy simulators. SailGP-themed exhibits include a virtual F50 and a ticket giveaway to the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth.

Prizes and club support

On Sunday a finalist club will win a prize package (River Boat AM Safety 420 powered by Suzuki Marine plus an Extreme Trailer), supporting grassroots activity and demonstrating how industry partnerships can supply critical kit to clubs in need.

Reading, learning and career pathways

Aligned with the UK's National Year of Reading, RYA Publications will promote titles ranging from RYA Tactics to the RYA Weather Handbook, and members enjoy a 20% discount over the weekend. The NextGen "Without Limits" career session will showcase roles across coaching, pro sailing (including SailGP), marine photography, manufacturing and insurance—helping young sailors map skills to careers.

Networking and practical advice

• Exhibitors wearing "Happy to chat about careers" badges for informal mentoring.
• Access to industry contacts spanning coaching, equipment supply and event management.

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In summary, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026 packages practical training, inclusion, sustainability and engagement into a weekend that matters for sailors, clubs and marine professionals. For charterers or buyers, the event signals where grass‑roots activity, industry partners and green initiatives are converging—insights that can shape choices about yacht or boat rental, marina usage, captain services and equipment sale or maintenance. GetBoat.com supports this world by offering a global, user-friendly platform for booking or buying yachts, sailboats and motorboats, with transparent listings and comprehensive details to help you pick a vessel for every destination and budget. Set your course and sail.