Forget size it's the passion that matters

On the weekend of the 1st and 2nd March I was filming at the RYA Dinghy Sailing Show for the next episode of RYA TV. Another boat show I thought, it seems like they never stop. But this one did stop me, right in my tracks. I got the feeling that every single person who came to the show was a passionate sailor or about to become one.

The exhibitors were a mix of professional companies and amateurs manning club stands. And there was a great buzz of energy wherever we went. I suppose I should confess that I own a GP14 dinghy, lovely wooden example that needs a bit of TLC if I'm honest. But there really was a great feeling of sharing a passion. This is an intimate show at a small venue, but the bigger show organisers should take note and look at the mix of content and specialists available to talk to the visitors. We had a busy weekend but really enjoyable, and it has motivated me to get out the varnish and sort out my dinghy...

Dinghy sailors aren't afraid to get wet and that's a good thing with this week's weather set to continue for another couple of days. What kind of weather are we going to get this year I wonder? February had a record of dry sunny weather, last year we had plenty of sunshine in the first quarter too. I'm no expert on global warming but I'm sure it's becoming much more of a lottery as to what kind of season we get.

We're currently finishing our next episode which will be my ARC crossing. What great memories the footage brings back. I really hope that we manage to get across the fun that we had even through the tired watches. It still seems remarkable to me how 10 strangers shaped themselves into 2 efficient watches that managed all the tasks needed and at the end were all still smiling.

I hope all your preparations for the coming season are going well and you also make some great memories too this year.

Happy sailing


Steve