The show will be run at London's Alexandra Palace on March 1 and 2 and will provide a venue setting for "talk" with four live stage areas and a full conference programme.

The RYA hopes the "buy it" temptation will be invoked by three halls of boats, boards and kit, while for those who like to "live it", there's an exhibition by leading marine photographers, a big screen showing the latest action videos and Gybe Zone, a new kid's area with competitions and activities.

Show manager Jenny Curry said: "We think the theme sums up everything that makes our show unique - although it's growing year by year, it's still known as the 'friendly show'."