She s the best known sailor in the UK after breaking the world record for sailing solo around the world and now Dame Ellen MacArthur is setting her sights on something a little smaller (well, just for the weekend), as she opens the RYA Dinghy Sailing Show, in association with Yachts & Yachting and Suzuki, at Alexandra Palace, London.

Thousands of enthusiastic sailors of all ages and abilities descend on Alexandra Palace to wade through the RYA Dinghy Sailing Show s lively mix of stalls, talks, activities and spot a few well known faces scheduled to be in attendance over the weekend, including Olympic medallists.

The RYA Dinghy Sailing Show offers the latest sailing news, equipment, and courses to the wide spectrum of sailors, from complete beginner to pro.

Misconceptions about sailing being too technical, too hard to get into, or a preserve of the rich will be quite literally blown out of the water.

Sailing rivals football and cricket in terms of national sporting success, Britain being top of the league for Olympic medals worldwide. Its rapidly developing nature provides constant stimulation and tests. With the 2012 London Olympics drawing ever closer now is the perfect time to get involved.

The 2007 show will also be a fun day out for the whole family. Sunday is Kids Go Free day and on both days there is a Children s Treasure hunt which more than 1000 children participated in last year. The Holt Blow Boat challenge to make your own boat is one of many interactive features for people to get stuck into.