This year is also the 40th birthday year for the Yawl – a GRP derivative of the 200 year old wooden Salcombe Yawl - and the refitted DY92 Skerrybore daysailer will be on show.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Merlin Rocket Association's bright orange hi-tech General Lee will be hard to miss. Fully carboned on deck, the boat is full of the string equipment and controls that are the signature of the Merlin.

The Alto, a new two-person single trapeze high performance racing dinghy, incorporating the Altopole asymmetric spinnaker pole system, debuts at the show, as does Devon Composites' new Hornet, featuring a spaceframe construction and double bottom.

Visitors will get the chance to meet sailing clubs from all over the UK and a huge number of class associations will also be at the show.

The Scorpion class is showing off its 2007 National Championship winning, lightweight, high-performance, 2-man, 3-sail symmetric, while the Solo Class will be displaying three new build/builder options. The Hurricane 5.9 Class is offering test sails in its three-sail Hurricane SX boat, on display at the show.

Resurgence in interest
With the resurgence in interest in Mirror sailing, there will be three boats on show, with top builder Alistair Duffin demonstrating some of the techniques of building a Mirror from a kit, assisted by members who have previously built or repaired their own boats. The boat will be built on the MCA's new jig, which is available for members to borrow to help build a fast shaped Mirror.

The Buzz class association's great value second-hand boats will be available with new Hyde sails – flying has never been so economical and so much fun!

The Moth class association international will be displaying a new Axiom v.4 Aardvark Technologies and Gul International will be hosting visits to the stand by members of Skandia Team GBR who will be signing posters.

The show is always the place to grab the latest in dinghy clothing and this year Ben Ainslie is launching the new Henri-Lloyd range on Saturday. Harken is displaying its new award-winning Rigtune Pro and innovative spray top, while Crewsaver's new range of technical dinghy clothing introduces the latest in design technology and durable fabrics.

The Musto 2008 Dinghy range includes a host of accessories, ranging from headwear to luggage, and new to the show from Azure Wear are the Kavlar Thread 100% waterproof sailing gloves.

There will also be new versions of the Quick Release Trapeze Hooks from RWO, and Ronstan's revolutionary Orbit Block Series 40, 55 and 70, using advanced fibre and polymer technology to make it remarkably light and strong.

To book tickets go online at dinghysailingshow.org.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0845 345 0424. All pre-booked tickets (purchased by February 26) are automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a family holiday from Crystal Active.