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The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show set for the 24-25 February 2024 have announced the first of their speakers for the event. Whether you’re taking your first tentative tacks, dreaming of adventures afloat or are looking to hone your high performance skills, you’ll find all the advice you need with the line-up of expert talks.
The first wave of guest speakers has been revealed for the season-opening showcase atFarnborough International, and, coupled with over 160 exhibitors from the biggest marine brands, whatever your level and wherever you’re looking to take your water-based passions this year, you’ll find the guidance and support you need at the Show.
Discover
Fasten your life jacket and get ready for an epic and entertaining tale of human resilience, courage and endurance from Neil Peters – alter ego Stick Daring – who dared to circumnavigate the unpredictable waters of Britain anti-clockwise aboard his £50 Laser dinghy. Through vivid narratives, captivating images, and a love of the open sea, you can relive the journey and celebrate the spirit of adventure that lies beyond the horizon.
Show regular and dinghy cruising royalty Roger Barnes will be sharing his tales of cruising the coast in a small boat, while if watersports are your thing then RYA Instructor Trainer and Pathway Coach James Hardy will be exploring winging, from foil tuning tips to nailing those manoeuvres. He’s joined by wing instructor Mia Adcock and teenage UK Wingfoil Slalom National Champion Hugo Dobrijevic.
Windsurfing legend Peter Hart will also be on hand once again with his masterclass and will clear up any confusion around kit selection.
Inspire
With two of the sport’s biggest global events – the Paris Olympic Games and the America’s Cup – just around the corner, let 2024 be the year that inspires you in your own boating journey.
Fancy a future in foiling? World class coach Penny Clark (Saturday only) and Hattie Rogers, James Crossley and Noah Fitzgerald of Athena Pathway will be shining a spotlight on their mission to build a long-term, equitable pathway in high performance foiling sailing. Led by double Olympic gold medallist Hannah Mills OBE, the British team is building towards the Youth and inaugural Women’s America’s Cup this autumn in Barcelona.
RYA Performance Director Mark Robinson MBE and 49er crew Fynn Sterritt (Saturday only), who’s set to make his Olympic debut on the waters of Marseille this summer, will be talking Games preparations with Show host and Tokyo gold medallist Eilidh McIntyre MBE. They will also be dissecting what it takes to make it as a top level crew with members of the British Sailing Squad’s Crew4Gold Talent ID scheme, launched last year to fast-track young female athletes into the fast-paced world of 49erFX crewing.
Progress
Whatever your means of getting afloat, our experts will be on hand with all the advice and practical tips you need to help you improve.
RS Feva and 420 coach Jake Elsbury along with Optimist coach Josh Atherton will head up a session for youth and junior dinghy racers on preparing for the season ahead, while British Sailing Team physio “H” Draper will share tips to get you fit, whatever your goals, and help prevent injury this season.
SUP rider Holly Bassett will be on hand to offer expert advice for paddleboarders of all abilities including essential kit and techniques for paddling in all conditions and location
The full line-up of speakers for the 2024 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show will be revealed at the end of January and will include a host of returning Show favourites covering dinghy cruising, top racing tips, getting the best out of your rig set up and much more.
Get tickets now
Tickets are on sale now so don’t miss out!
RYA Members can access a complimentary ticket worth £21 for one or both days of the event, while kids under 15 years go free.
Photo credit: Sean Evans