Skills, pathways and performance take centre stage at RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026
The most important message emerging from the first speaker announcements for the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026 is not about new boats or hardware, but about skills transfer — from elite sport to everyday participation, and from established professionals to the next generation of the marine workforce. The programme places coaching, decision-making and performance learning at the heart of the event, underlining how the sector continues to invest in people as much as products.
The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show returns to Farnborough International on 21–22 February 2026, bringing together sailors, coaches, clubs, manufacturers and service providers from across the small-boat and watersports market. Alongside more than 180 exhibitors, the show programme spans three main stages – the Sunsail Main Stage, Knowledge Zone and NextGen Zone – with sessions designed to improve on-water performance, broaden participation and support career pathways into the marine industry.
Elite performance provides one of the clearest learning lenses. British Sailing Team iQFOiL windsurf stars Emma Wilson and Andy Brown are among the first confirmed speakers, appearing after winning world championship titles at the 2025 iQFOiL World Championships in Aarhus. Joined by leading coach Sam Ross and Olympic hopeful Islay Watson, the group will discuss how they respond to setbacks, develop consistency and prepare for future campaigns, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle and the iQFOiL World Championships at Weymouth & Portland from 7–12 September.
High-performance insight also comes from SailGP, with members of the 2025 champions Emirates GBR sharing perspectives as they begin another Rolex SailGP Championship season and prepare for a home event in Portsmouth later in the year. For clubs, coaches and commercial operators, these sessions offer practical examples of how professional sailing teams structure learning, analyse performance and build resilience.
Beyond elite sport, the programme reflects the breadth of dinghy and watersports activity. Dinghy historian Dougal Henshall will explore how RYA national classes have influenced participation and design, while meteorologist Simon Rowell focuses on practical weather awareness, combining traditional observation with digital tools. Adventure sailing also features, with Simon Conway, Roger Barnes and Steve White introducing the new RYA Dinghy Trails, aimed at encouraging accessible cruising in small boats.
The Knowledge Zone leans heavily into applied learning. Analyst and commentator Tom ‘Mozzy’ Morris will examine how sailors can turn data into better on-water decisions, while British Sailing Pathway head coach Jonny McGovern addresses communication between helm and crew as a performance factor. Rigging and boat setup remain core topics, with Michael McIntyre returning with practical rigging guidance and James Parker Mowbray focusing on ILCA-specific performance detail.
Boardsports are equally represented. Peter Hart will lead a session on common windsurfing errors and practical fixes, while Rafferty Read and contributors introduce the fundamentals of wing racing for those looking to enter the discipline.
For the wider marine industry, the NextGen Zone is a key indicator of future workforce development. Sessions hosted by The Female Futures group focus on how transferable watersports skills can lead to careers across the marine sector. Fitness training, decision-making under pressure and goal setting are also part of the programme, aimed at younger participants navigating both sport and professional pathways.
Tickets are on sale now with more information available online at the show’s website.
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