If you own a dinghy, are thinking about buying one, or are interested in finding out more about the sport of dinghy sailing, make sure you head for Alexandra Palace today. This annual event which runs throughout the weekend, is organised by the Royal Yachting Association, marks the unofficial start to the dinghy sailing season and this year promises to be one of the best yet with nearly 300 classes, clubs, organisations and trade stands on show.

Whether you’re in to cruising, club racing windsurfing or have Olympic racing aspirations, this event is one not to be missed. Find out about all the latest sailboat racing technology, meet some of dinghy sailing’s brightest stars including Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie, and pick up some race-tuning tips from the Sail and Windsurf Smart Tour. Throughout the weekend, a team of experts will stop off at a variety of dinghy and windsurfing stands including Wanderer, GP14, RNLI, International 14, Finn, Bainbridge, Wayfarer, Solo, Cherub and 405 to give some lively talks and answer all your race-tuning questions.

Interested in finding out how nutrition can help you achieve your personal best on the racecourse this year? Don’t miss the ‘live’ session presented by some of the country’s top sports physiotherapists, psychologists and nutritionists. If looking good on the racecourse is one of your priorities, head straight for the ‘live’ stage for the sailing fashion show. You’ll also have the chance to see interviews with some of the country’s top dinghy sailors and take part in ‘live’ competition sessions.

Other highlights of the show include a Coaching Blind Date (a unique contest to win a free day on the water with one of our top coaches), a presentation by Jamie Hawkins on latest news from the windsurfing world including Team 15 the new RYA youth windsurfing initiative designed to encourage young people to start windsurfing on a regular basis at local venues. The ever-popular Commodores Conference has some top speakers lined up and will take place on Saturday morning. Visitors to the show on the Saturday can also take in the regatta atmosphere thanks to the band playing throughout the afternoon and the live entertainment at the bars in the Palm Court area.