RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show: Speakers, Classes, Logistics
Alexandra
Farnborough International will accommodate more than 180 exhibitors across two halls, with scheduled freight windows and vehicle marshalling to manage the inward movement of boats, spars and retail fixtures for the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show on 21–22 February 2026.
Event footprint and exhibitor logistics
The show’s concentrated layout brings dinghies, boards and demo rigs under a single roof, reducing weather risk for displays and simplifying transport planning for marine suppliers. Organisers have staggered arrival slots to prevent congestion of trailers and haulage, and temporary rigging zones allow quick assembly of sailing and foiling craft for on-stage demos and photo shoots.
Exhibitor returns, spare-parts logistics and on-site sales require clear power, waste and security arrangements; many marine retailers opt for pre-show drop-offs and local storage to ensure swift turnaround for weekend visitors and teams packing out on Sunday evening.
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Class anniversaries and community milestones
The show will spotlight a string of milestone anniversaries across UK dinghy classes, creating a focal point for class associations and secondhand parts markets:
| Class or Organisation | Anniversary |
|---|---|
| Norfolk Punt Sailors Association | 100 years |
| National 12 | 90 years |
| Merlin Rocket | 80 years |
| Firefly | 80 years |
| Shearwater Catamaran | 70 years |
| Solo | 70 years |
| Rockley Watersports | 50 years |
Speakers, coaching and programme structure
The Sunsail Main Stage will host multi-genre talks and live coaching sessions across the weekend. Highlights include small-boat storytellers Simon Conway and Roger Barnes sharing dinghy-cruising narratives, and the launch of the new RYA Dinghy Trails initiative aimed at mapping scenic small-boat routes for independent cruising.
Elite foiling perspectives come from British Sailing Team iQFOiL sailors — Emma Wilson, Andy Brown and Islay Watson — and coach Sam Ross, who will discuss the road to the 2026 iQFOiL Worlds at Weymouth and Portland. SailGP representation includes speakers from the Emirates GBR SailGP Team and Chief Umpire Craig Mitchell on fleet-level racing and umpiring practice.
Talk schedule and practical sessions
- Small boats, big escapes — Simon Conway & Roger Barnes (2.45pm–3.30pm, both days)
- How champions rise — iQFOiL athletes and coach (2pm, both days)
- Sail setting for speed — Michael McNamara (3.30pm, both days)
- Funding the Future — Sunsail funding talk with PBO involvement (11am Saturday)
- Pathway to success — Hannah Stodel and para/youth sailors (11.45am both days)
There are also focused tracks on meteorology, sustainability and circular kit solutions, with dedicated slots such as ‘Eyes, apps, then eyes again’ and ‘Closing the loop – circular solutions for kit and equipment’ to help sailors reduce waste and choose longer‑lasting kit.
Exhibits, technology and gear previews
Returning long-term exhibitor Marlow Ropes will demonstrate the Excel Fusion+ line — a high-performance dinghy rope featuring a colour-matched core to simplify splicing and on-deck repairs. The concentrated exhibitor presence makes the show a practical marketplace: visitors can inspect new boats, test sail-handling kit, discuss engine servicing options and compare new foiling hardware in person.
For small clubs and grassroots groups, the show is also a place to source secondhand sails and hulls, negotiate maintenance packages, and network for crewing or coach services — essential elements for keeping local fleets active and affordable.
Visitor planning and budget tips
To make the most of the weekend:
- Pre-book talk slots and note demo times to avoid overlap.
- Bring measurement photos or hull details if seeking parts or valuation advice.
- Use the Saturday to view major exhibits and the Sunday for Q&A with class reps and coaches.
- Check exhibitor delivery windows and plan transport for trailer retrieval to avoid peak load-outs.
Community, participation and pathways
The show emphasises accessibility, with sessions such as ‘Getting the most from your boating budget’ and NextGen Zone programming that supports youth development and confidence on the water. Career-focused panels from the RYA Female Futures Group highlight how skills learned in dinghy sailing and watersports can translate into marine industry roles.
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Sunsail’s Funding the Future winner
Winner Otley Sailing Club will use the Sunsail £6,000 grand prize to refurbish five old Laser dinghies, extending their life for junior training and community programmes — a direct example of how targeted funding can multiply activity at club level.
Ticketing, accessibility and practicalities
The show runs 10:00–18:00 on Saturday 21 February and 10:00–17:00 on Sunday 22 February. RYA members and children under 15 go free with an accompanying adult. Adult day tickets are £15 and weekend tickets £22.50; a 10% discount is available with code RYAEX26180. Organisers recommend checking the show site for full itinerary and any last-minute schedule updates.
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Highlights of the show include the convergence of community anniversaries, elite foiling insights, and practical workshops on resilience, kit selection and club funding — all occurring within a logistical framework built to support efficient exhibitor set-up and visitor flow. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process, where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
In summary, the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show 2026 is both a logistical operation and a community celebration: an essential stop for sailors, coaches, club officers and marine businesses to inspect new gear, learn from elite athletes, and source parts or secondhand boats ready for spring. For those plotting their next charter, yacht weekend or simple beach day with a rented boat, the show offers direct access to the people and products that make boating enjoyable and sustainable. GetBoat.com supports this theme by providing a global, user-friendly solution for booking and buying yachts, motorboats and sailboats, combining transparency in listings with convenient filters for budget, captain options and destination planning. Embrace the sea, choose your course and take the helm.
