Top tips for building your own boat or buying second hand at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2010 

Advice and guidance from the experts

Not all of us can afford to buy a brand new dinghy, so alongside the many exhibitors showcasing the very latest boat designs and models at this years’ RYA Volvo Dinghy Show, in association with Yachts & Yachting and Suzuki, there is also plenty in store for those among us who are looking to buy a second hand boat or embark on a DIY project.  

Kick starting events on the Volvo Main Stage in the West Hall at 10.30 will be Dinghy Sailing Magazine editor Pete Vincent who will be sharing his tips and advice on what to look out for when buying a second hand dinghy and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls.   

Then over in the Great Hall there are some very informative boat repair workshops where you can pick up practical skills to repair your boat and save you pounds.  

There will be workshops each hour from 11.00 to 16.00 on how to repair your glass fibre boat and then on the hour from 12.30 to 15.30 novices are shown how to make repairs to their boats.  

If you are thinking about embarking on a DIY project then why not come and see what the team on the ‘Boating on a Budget’ display (Panorama Hall) have achieved. 

The team, made up of members from the Marine Trade Association, LaserPerformance and the RYA have taken an old Laser and lovingly restored it, so it’s ready to hit the water once more.  

You’ll be able to see just what they did and how much it cost to restore it to its former glory and you’ll also have a chance to win the boat by entering the raffle which runs throughout the show.  

Raffle tickets cost just £2 and all proceeds raised will go to the RYA Sailability programme. 

The lucky winner will be announced at the show at 14.00 on Sunday 7 March, and will get to keep the renovated boat, along with some other goodies.

Graham Manchester, Regional Development Officer Manager for the RYA who has been working on the project said:  “We want to show people that it is pretty easy and cost effective to do up an old boat and get out on the water.  Hopefully the lucky raffle ticket winner will get lots of enjoyment out of this lovely dinghy.”  

Visitors to the ‘Boating on a Budget’ stand will also be able to talk to the team behind the ‘Activate Your Laser’ programme set up by the RYA, LaserPerformance and the International Laser UK Class Association. 

The programme looks to encourage clubs and Laser class captains to restore and return the estimated 20,000 Lasers that are sat unused in boat parks around the country back to the water and get even more people sailing.  

Tickets and Information

The RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2010 takes place at Alexandra Palace, London over the weekend of 6-7 March. 

To find out more and to order your tickets visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 811 0409.

Tickets cost just £11.00 for adults / £9.00 for RYA members, if you book in advance.  £5.00 for children (5-16 years), free on Sunday, with children who are RYA members going free of charge all weekend.   

Tickets can also be purchased on the door for £13.00 adult and £6.50 child.  

Advance booking club competition

Thanks to show sponsors Volvo plus Suzuki, Rigiflex, Mersea Trailers and Rooster Sailing, for every 10 or more members visiting the show from your club, the club could win:

• 10 or more WIN 10 Rooster Sailing buoyancy aids
• 20 or more WIN A set of five Volvo racing marks
• 30 or more WIN Safety Boat Package comprising: Suzuki 9.9hp Outboard engine, Rigiflex New Matic 360 motor boat and trailer from Mersea Trailers  

So give the name of your club when you book your ticket and you could help your club win one of these great prizes.    

All visitors to the show can also pick up their FREE show guide and FREE sailing season wall planner.