Don’t miss this weekend’s (1-2 March) RYA Sailboat and Windsurf Show at Alexandra Palace which promises to be the best yet with over 230 exhibitors including most of the country’s premiere dinghy and windsurfing classes. This annual event, which marks the start of the sailing season, attracts 1,000s of visitors and is arguably the biggest show of its type in the world.

The bumper exhibitors’ list this year is a direct result of the extra space available with the addition of the Panorama Hall – a semi-permanent structure adjacent to the main hall. Here, as with the other two main halls, you’ll find a host of exhibitors plus the RYA Forum area and an RYA café.

Talk it, Buy it, Live it is this year’s theme. ‘Talk’ with four live stage areas, a full conference programme and plenty of comfortable bars. The temptation to ‘buy it’ is overwhelming with three halls packed with boats, boards and kit. For those who like to ‘live it’ there’s an exhibition by leading marine photographers, a big screen showing the latest action videos and Gybe Zone, a new children’s (under 16) area with competitions and activities.

On the Gybe Zone stage the RNLI will be testing children’s knowledge of water with a special interactive talk as well as running their popular ‘Get your Kit On’ game. There’ll be the chance to construct, and race, amazing craft in the Holt Blow Boat competition, and Marlow Ropes will be holding a Splicing Competition. Andark Watersports will be giving away a bag of goodies to the fastest ‘packer’ in the Bag It’ race and, for keen windsurfers, team15 experts will be there to give away heaps of advice and sharp moves.

Gybe Zone activities are free to all young visitors, subject to availability on a first come, first serve basis. The Holt Blow Boat competition will be available to a limited number of entrants so the advice is to head straight for the Gybe Zone to register for a time slot.

The doors open on Saturday morning at 1000 and, as well as the ongoing list of activities throughout the weekend, there’ll be a special National Champions presentation at 1500 on the Live stage on Saturday. Last year’s event attracted over 40 champions and, with a free show ticket per champion up for grabs, this year’s event is likely to exceed expectations.

To ensure you get the most from your day on Saturday, make sure you head for Rod’s Beach Bar Happy Hour at 1800 where cocktails will be served.

Show information

VenueAlexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London N22 7AY Telephone: 44 020 8365 2121

Show opening times

Saturday: 1000 – 1800

Sunday: 1000 – 1700

Admission prices

Adults: £9.00, 5-16s: £4.00

Under 5s admitted free

Group discount offer

10 per cent discount for group bookings. Buy 10 tickets, get 11th free

Special Sunday family ticket

Up to two under 16s free when accompanied by a paying adult

RYA ticket hotline

0845 345 0424

Buy your tickets online

www.rya.org