For 2021, the RYA Dinghy Show will take place at a new location and will be held at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre over the weekend of 27-28 February.

“After 25 fantastic years at Alexandra Palace, it feels like we’ve reached a milestone year for the RYA Dinghy Show and the time is right for a change in venue,” said RYA Director of Sport Development, Alistair Dickson.

“Over the past few years we’ve been listening to both the visitor and exhibitor feedback and have taken on an extensive review of the show’s location and venue, carefully considering everything from travel and distance to sustainability and floor space.

“A large number of potential venues were considered across the UK, with Farnborough eventually coming out top due to its excellent accessibility, modern and sustainable facilities, appropriate size and space, free onsite parking and reasonably priced local accommodation options for visitors and exhibitors.”

Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, Venue Director, Michael Watton commented: “We’re delighted to be hosting the March 2021 edition of the RYA Dinghy Show here at Farnborough. The RYA’s decision to relocate their show to our venue is a fantastic endorsement of our easy to access location and flexible facilities. We look forward to seeing the show take shape in our venue and to welcoming exhibitors and visitors for a fantastic event.”

The RYA Dinghy Show epitomises everything we love about dinghy sailing whether it’s bargain hunting for new kit, browsing all the boats from classics to modern designs, exploring and inspiring the family or enjoying a catch up with life-long sailing friends.

“We would like to thank Alexandra Palace for hosting the Dinghy Show for the past 25 years and helping us make it the success it has become today. Looking to the future, we’re excited to grow and develop the show and we’re already busy planning new attractions to ensure we can continue to appeal to a whole generation of sailing fans,” Alistair concluded.

If you would like to exhibit at the 2021 RYA Dinghy Show at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, please get in touch by emailing [email protected].

History of the RYA Dinghy Show…

The show first opened its doors in 1952 and was known as the “Build your Own Dinghy Exhibition and Conference”. By 1965 the show had moved to Crystal Palace and changed its name to “The London Dinghy Exhibition” gaining the active backing of the RYA, before becoming an established RYA event in 1983.

From 1996 to 2004 the show, now held at Alexandra Palace, was known as the “Sailboat and Windsurf Show”. In 2004 the show once again changed title to the “RYA Dinghy Sailing Show” in order to reflect the show’s focus on dinghies, before becoming the “RYA Dinghy Show” as it is known today. More information can be found at www.dinghyshow.org.uk.