If you are visiting the YachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show this month pay a visit to the RYA.

Now in its 49th year, the Southampton Boat Show is one of Europe’s biggest purpose-built marinas showcasing the very best that the international marine industry has to offer.

Celebrating the lifestyle, fun and excitement that being on the water has to offer, Britain’s biggest festival of boating is set against a stunning backdrop of hundreds of boats lined up along Europe’s largest purpose-built marina.

The RYA has a wealth of advice and information available to visitors to the show from getting on the water with the whole family, to improving your boating and finding the right training course. Whatever your experience RYA experts are available throughout the show to help you to make the most of your boating.

Amongst these experts you will find members of the RYA Cruising Department including RYA Cruising Advisor Carol Paddison.

“The show provides a unique opportunity for us to meet members of the boating community and for visitors to receive face to face advice on the issues that are relevant to them,” she explains.

“The most popular things we get asked include questions about boating abroad such as how to get an ICC, and people often ask for guidance on which RYA training course is right for them or what experience they need before taking a course.

“You might want advice on buying a boat or have a query about one of the latest current affairs or environmental issues. Whatever your question, someone on the stand should be able to provide you with the expert guidance you need, or direct you to the person within the RYA you need to speak to.”

On the stand you can also discover everything you need to know about the RYA SafeTrx App. Speak to one of the team about what is new for 2017 and how the vessel tracking solution can benefit you.

Publications

As well as the useful advice freely available on the stand, you can pick up RYA publications. There are over 200 titles to choose from including the RYA Racing Rules of Sailing and the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus & Logbook.

RYA members get a 20 per cent boat show discount, so whether you are swotting up for a training course or preparing for a trip, you will find the publication or eBook that is right for you.

Powerboating for all

To kick off the week, on preview day (15 September) the new RYA Powerability scheme for Sailability is being officially launched.

Powerability enables disabled boaters to log their achievement and build confidence on the water and covers everything from safety equipment to getting started in a powerboat, developing crew skills and what it takes to be a helm. Join the Sailability team for at 13:00 and find out how you can get involved.

Crowning champions

On 16 September at 14:00 the RYA will reveal the winners of the 2017/2018 ilovesailing calendar competition. Picked from hundreds of entries the top 12 photos make up the 2018 ilovesailing calendar. Pick up your copy from the stand and you will also receive your very own ilovesailing rubber duck for free.

Then, on 17 September, it is blast off for the national final of the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship 2017 in front of the Honda stand in Solent Park. Cheer on the area final champions aged eight to 16 who will be putting their RIB driving skills to the test to be crowned champion.

Action takes place from 09.30, with the winners revealed on the Honda stand (C66) at around 17.00. The 2017 winners will then take on representatives from last year’s winning clubs, Findhorn Marina and South Staffordshire Sailing Club, to determine the winner of the Champion of Clubs trophy.

Exclusive Membership offer

The RYA has teamed up with British Marine Boat Shows to offer every RYA member a free ticket to this year’s show with the opportunity to purchase up to three additional tickets at the special price of £12.

RYA members can take advantage of this offer by visiting the Southampton Boat Show member benefits page www.rya.org.uk/go/sbstickets

And remember, as an RYA member if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the show you can relax in the RYA members’ lounge which will be serving food and beverages throughout the day. During the show in the RYA members lounge there are a whole host of offers for members.

If you sign up or renew your RYA membership during the show choose one of three gifts including an RYA cool bag, beach bag or RYA power banks.

There will also be a daily prize draw each day to win a Dryrobe, and members can enjoy a free tea or coffee everyday between 15:30 and 17:30. Just collect your vouchers from the lounge. You can also keep the younger visitors entertained by picking up a free build a boat kit.

If that is not enough to whet your appetite benefits also include:

  • Private table service dining area
  • Self-service cloakroom
  • Easy access to a Starbucks coffee station and the Holiday Inn bar if you fancy something a bit stronger
  • Access to the Holiday Inn’s Spirit Health Club throughout the duration of the show, including gym, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi
  • Opportunity to purchase your RYA books from the members’ lounge
  • RYA reward partners including Dryrobe, Sebago, Honda and Sacua will be showcasing their offers

 

Dates: 15 – 24 September

You will find the RYA on stand B032 right at the heart of the show, adjacent to the RYA members’ lounge in the Holiday Inn.
www.southamptonboatshow.com

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