The start of the season is a time for fresh ideas, new goals and renewed motivation – and the line-up of guest speakers at this year’s RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show (21-22 February) is set to provide exactly that.

The full programme of talks at Farnborough International is now confirmed, with some of the sport’s best-loved sailors, coaches and boardsports experts offering insight, experience and practical guidance to help inspire and set you up for success.

From performance skills and technical know-how to wellbeing, rules and career pathways, the schedule offers something for every age, ability and discipline to help you get more out of your time afloat.

There are three stages – the Sunsail Main Stage, the Knowledge Zone and the new NextGen Zone for young sailors and riders – all packed with content, with show hosts Lee Timothy, Rafferty Read, James Hardy and Mia Adcock on hand to guide you through.

The full schedule can be found on the show website but here are a few of the highlights to look out for over the weekend.

Sunsail Main Stage

Foiling fans can look forward to insights from the world of elite racing, with British Sailing Team iQFOiL stars Emma Wilson, Andy Brown, Islay Watson and coach Sam Ross sharing inspiration, resilience and the journey to the 2026 iQFOiL Worlds being hosted at Weymouth & Portland this September (‘How champions rise’, 2pm both days).

We’ll also bring you an exclusive update from inside the Emirates GBR SailGP Team, and share what's in store from SailGP when the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix returns to Portsmouth this July (‘Champions on the charge’, 3.30pm both days). 

SailGP commentators Stevie Morrison and Hannah Diamond will be joining on Saturday and sharing their thoughts on the action-packed season ahead, and on Sunday don’t miss Chief Umpire Craig Mitchell lifting the lid on officiating and high-pressure decision-making at the very cutting edge of the sport.

Pathways and development are a strong theme throughout the weekend. ‘Pathway to success’ (11.45am both days) brings together British para and youth sailors to reflect on their standout year, from record-breaking achievements to World Championship golds, while ‘The starting line for growth’ (12.30pm both days), led by Dougal Henshall, celebrates some milestone anniversaries for RYA National Classes and explores how they’ve helped shape the unique diversity of the UK’s dinghy sailing scene.

Weather and decision-making take centre stage as meteorologist Simon Rowell shares practical insight in ‘Eyes, apps, then eyes again’ (1.15pm both days) while adventure and escapism are explored by Simon Conway and Roger Barnes, who share stories and lessons from dinghy cruising, with Steve White joining to launch the new RYA Dinghy Trails (‘Small boats, big escapes – adventures in dinghy cruising’, 2.45pm).

With environmental protection crucial to the enjoyment of our sports, on Sunday you can explore how sailing can embrace circularity to reduce waste and protect our waters in ‘Closing the loop – circular solutions for kit and equipment’ (Sunday only, 11am).

Knowledge Zone

The Knowledge Zone is packed with practical, skill-focused sessions designed to help sailors get more from their time on the water.

Racing performance is a key focus, with ‘ILCA performance secrets’ (11am Saturday, 2.45pm Sunday) led by James Parker Mowbray, alongside ‘From the numbers to the know-how’ (11.45am), where Tom ‘Mozzy’ Morris and guests explore how sailors can use data to improve their decision-making on the water.

Boardsports and foiling also feature strongly across the weekend. ‘Wing racing is taking off!’ (12.30pm both days) sees James Hardy, Rafferty Read and Tris Best discuss how to build wing racing and community at club level and boost performance, while ‘10 easy wins to improve your windsurfing’ (2.45pm Saturday) offers practical progression tips from windsurf legend Peter Hart.

Boat set-up and equipment knowledge are addressed in ‘Sail setting for speed’ (3.30pm both days) with Michael McNamara, while paddleboarders can benefit from ‘Paddle power – equipment choices and technique tips’ (4.15pm Saturday, 11am Sunday) led by Holly Bassett, which focuses on smart kit selection and tips to help you paddle smarter and stronger.

Affordability and accessibility are also on the agenda in ‘Getting the most from your boating budget’ (1.15pm both days) where Adam McGovern and Susie Moore share practical ways to stay active on the water for less.

NextGen Zone

The NextGen Zone delivers an interactive programme focused on learning, confidence and personal development for younger sailors and those supporting them.

Rules and racing confidence are tackled through ‘Protest like a pro’ (11am both days), led by Sian Reynolds and Izze Webb, while ‘Power of the group’ (11.45am both days) sees Jonny McGovern explore how a group or club’s training environment and culture can influence success.

Jonny will also lead a session on ‘Training with purpose’ (4.30pm, Saturday only) where he’ll share advice on how to review your performance, set goals and plan smarter training.  

Looking beyond competition, ‘Without limits – where skills become careers’ (12.30pm both days) is hosted by the RYA Female Futures Group’s Hannah Diamond (Saturday) and Jess Libby (Sunday), and brings together marine industry experts and personalities to highlight how sailing and watersports skills can open doors to unexpected career paths and spark ideas about what young sailors might want to learn, explore or try next in their boating journey.

The session will see a relaxed, free-flow format with sailors able to roam the space, ask questions and enjoy one‑to‑one conversations with experts in a friendly, accessible setting.

Mental resilience and wellbeing are also key themes throughout the weekend. ‘Exploring performing under pressure’ (1.30pm both days), led by Kirstie Urwin and Tom Evans, and ‘Prepare, recover, perform’ (3.00pm both days) with Holly Bassett, offer practical tools to support confidence, resilience and recovery.

Cross-discipline learning is also championed, with ‘Boat to board – why mixing it up makes better sailors’ (2.15pm both days), featuring British Sailing Team Formula Kite athletes Lily Young (Saturday) and Sam Dickinson (Sunday), with foil-focused progression sessions also later in the afternoon (3.45pm both days) rounding out a zone designed to encourage curiosity, confidence and growth in young athletes.

Join us at the show

With over 180 exhibitors, brand new kit, hands-on displays, and stages crammed with experts and inspiration, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show has something for everyone.

There’s also lots to keep even the youngest visitors entertained, including sailing and winging simulators and a windsurfing VR experience. Our ever-popular Treasure Hunt will have the little ones on the lookout for their favourite marine wildlife as you browse the exhibitor stands, with some superb prizes up for grabs including a five-day RYA Youth Residential package with Rockley Watersports.

Best of all, kids aged 15 and under go free all weekend when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Get your tickets today! RYA Members can access a complimentary ticket worth £22.50.