RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2009.

The RYA has announced that Volvo Car UK will be the new title sponsor of the RYA Dinghy Show, the only exhibition in the world dedicated to dinghy sailing.  Volvo chose to become title sponsor for the show to compliment their current sponsorship portfolio of British Sailing.

 “We are delighted to be working with the RYA again and with the show dedicated to dinghy sailors. The RYA Volvo Dinghy Show provides a great platform to expand our brand's appeal, showcase our cars and features which suit the sailing community so well”, said Lesley Milne, Head of Events and Sponsorship, Volvo Car UK.

The show provides dinghy sailors of all ages and abilities with the latest boats, kit, along with coaching sessions and advice from experts, including Olympic class sailors, all under one roof. Volvo has been involved with the show since 2000 through their support of the RYA's youth training programmes.

Jenny Curry, Dinghy Show event organiser said: “We are really excited that Volvo is sponsoring the show for the next three years.  We are confident that with their support the show will become bigger and better than ever.”

The show, which has been running for over 50 years, will now be known as The RYA Volvo Dinghy Show, in association with Yachts and Yachting and Suzuki.

The 2009 show takes place at Alexandra Palace, London on Saturday 07 and Sunday 08 March.  Further details on, ticket availability and ‘what's on' to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2008 Dinghy Show's unique coaching area allowed you to talk to leading experts and get a range of practical hints and tips to improve your skills both on and off the water.  From basic rig tuning, where the set up of your rig can mean the difference between first and last place, to an insightful master class on Laser dinghy sailing with three times Laser European champion and Skandia Team GBR's Paul Goodison.

The RYA's National Sailing Coach John Thorn and the Royal Navy's sailing coach Grahame Forshaw head up the rigging sessions throughout the weekend giving a 'hands on' demonstration of some of the basics of getting the most out of your rig.

Grahame said: "We will get the audience involved in a number of practical demonstrations aimed at club sailors trying to get the most out of their rig. Poorly set up rigging can make a massive difference to the performance of a boat."

If you're looking to get that extra edge out on the water then ex Fireball world champion and top coach Adam Bower's special 'Winning Talk' could be just what you need.  He will be letting listeners in on one of the great secrets of winning: communication.

Adam believes that a quiet boat is a slow boat and that simply through communicating better a team can pick up considerable speed.

He said: "Imagine going for a tack without telling your crew, it would be chaos and you would obviously lose boat speed. This talk is about taking that concept further, winning teams communicate losing teams don't. It's about going faster without spending a penny on your boat."

For visitors with a need for speed then the 'Performance Cat Racing' and 'Sailing takes off' presentations are a must.

One of the fastest boats on the water, performance catamarans can provide some of the most exhilarating sailing imaginable but require a high level of expertise. Cat legend Brian Phipps will provide some insight into the skills required to tame the beast. 

On the main stage and new to the 2008 Dinghy Show programme foiling pioneer Peter Barton, provides a glimpse in to the future of sailing with a stunning presentation on the development of hydrofoiling dinghies.  He will explain the basic principles of foiling alongside some amazing footage of these remarkable boats in action.

2008 RYA Dinghy Sailing Show

You can now book your 2008 Dinghy Sailing Show tickets online by visiting www.dinghysailingshow.org.uk .  The website will give you all the information you need about the 2008 show - from events and coaching programme to exhibitor's information and activities for the kids.

Take a look at the video clip introduced by Dame Ellen MacArthur DBE and see for yourself just what the show has to offer.

Jenny Curry, Dinghy Sailing Show event organiser said:  "This year's show is shaping up to be the best yet.  Being the only show dedicated exclusively to dinghy sailors it really is an essential for any dinghy sailor's diary."

Held at London's Alexandar Palace, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March, visitors can c ome along and meet the RYA's Beijing 2008 nominees before they head off to battle for Olympic medals; including the likes of Laser sailor Paul Goodison and 49er - skiff sailors Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes.  Hear from top instructors and coaches from the world of dinghy sailing, including Hugh Styles and renowned sailing author Grahame Forshaw who will be giving expert advice and providing answers to your questions. 

Also on show will be some of the latest dinghy designs and innovations, as well as all the kit and equipment essential for any dinghy sailor.

DINGHY SAILING STARS GALORE AT DINGHY SAILING SHOW

Whether you're an aspiring dinghy sailor or have years of sailing experience, nothing could be more inspirational then hearing from the crème de la crème of dinghy sailors for those invaluable hints and tips.  At this year's RYA Dinghy Sailing Show, in association with Yachts and Yachting and Suzuki, you can do just that, with top dinghy sailing stars including Geoff Holt and sailors from the British Olympic team providing insights in to their sailing experiences.

Geoff Holt, who in 2007 became the first disabled sailor to complete a singlehanded circumnavigation of Great Britain, will give a fascinating insight into a trip he dubbed his 'Personal Everest', in his talk 'Extreme Cruising' (Main Stage, 10:00, Saturday and Sunday). 

He will outline the trials and tribulations of an epic 109 day journey, undertaken on a tiny 15ft trimaran. Prepare to be inspired as he tells of his battles against the worst weather the British summer could throw at him, including being flung from his boat just after the start, and a rollercoaster ride in the Irish Sea.   

Geoff said: "I always knew that this was going to be my ultimate challenge, with the weather standing as my main enemy.  I left the yacht club at 1pm and was nearly drowned by ten past. It just made me even more determined to prove the doubters wrong."

Alongside Geoff, the show boasts a plethora of Olympic sailing hopefuls for you to rub shoulders with as they gear up for the Olympic Games in August, creating a real buzz around the show.

Key members of the team will be taking to the main stage throughout the weekend (Main Stage, 13:15, Saturday and Sunday), talking you through the trials and tribulations they have experienced on the road to Beijing in a special interview with Yachts and Yachting editor, Gael Pawson.

Three times Laser European Champion and Skandia Team GBR's Paul Goodison will also give visitors a master class on Laser racing, whilst top coach Adam Bowers unlocks the essential principals for good communication, an essential factor for successful sailing in 'Winning Talk'.

Tickets

Tickets cost just £10.50 for adults / £9.00 for RYA members.  Kids go free on Sunday and child tickets on Saturday cost only £5.00 (5-16 years), £4.00 for child RYA members.  Tickets will also be available on the door - prices; adult £12.50, child £6.25.

By buying your tickets in advance you can save money and beat the queues.  Also this year, thanks to the shows newest sponsor, Crystal Active, anyone who purchases a ticket before the show will have the chance to win a fantastic family activity holiday to one of Crystal Active's beach clubs in either, Greece, Turkey or Croatia; full details available on the Dinghy Sailing Show website.

So book online now at;  www.dinghysailingshow.org.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0845 345 0424 .

Images have been reproduced by kind permission of onEdition