The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show celebrated success and plaudits from the boating community at the 2022 British Yachting Awards, presented by Sailing Today with Yachts and Yachting.
The awards ceremony, held at the Royal Thames Yacht Club on Monday (28 November), recognised achievement and innovation across the marine industry and is a snapshot of a thriving and immensely diverse boating scene.
The evening was presented by Hannah Diamond, SailGP athlete and part of the Athena Pathway Programme, which is attempting to win the Women’s America’s Cup in 2024.
The event’s guest speaker Sara Sutcliffe MBE, Chief Executive of the RYA, congratulated all the shortlisted nominees and of course the winners.
Speaking about a more inclusive approach to sailing governance with a focus on diversity and equality, Sara said: “Everyone should be able to access, be welcome and enjoy sailing and water activities whatever their background. So my call to action to the whole sector is to embrace change and be honest about the challenges we all face to make boating accessible, sustainable and inclusive to all of society.”
The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2022 was shortlisted for ‘Event of the Year’ and was Highly Commended in this category following its move to a new venue at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre.
Also enhanced by the addition of watersports exhibitors and content for the 2022 show to complement the dinghy features, the awards organisers hailed an ‘an already flourishing boat show’ as being further invigorated.
“We’re delighted that the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show has been honoured in this way by the boating community,” said RYA Director of Sport Development Rob Clark.
“The Show provides a wonderful opportunity to bring the industry together to share knowledge and inspire people of all ages and abilities to get out on the water, whether that be through dinghy cruising, racing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, winging, or any of the other ways you can enjoy being afloat.
“Thank you to our exhibitors, sponsors and all our visitors for their continued support. We look forward to inspiring you further in 2023!”
With even more in store at the 2023 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show presented by Suzuki (25-26 February), get ready to kick-start your sailing season with the best advice and latest gear. Tickets are on sale now and RYA Members can take advantage of a free two-day ticket worth £21.