The exhibition provides a national showcase for RYA affiliated class associations and clubs.

And since the RYA has 103,000 personal members and an estimated further 500,000 boat owners nationally - members via the clubs and associations - the show is a valuable arena for the industry to get to grips with the public at a grassroots level, through direct participation as well as a programme of lectures and events.

Heralded a huge success by visitors, exhibitors and organisers alike, day two of the show saw Suzuki, Ribcraft and the RYA unveil their latest safety boat packages whilst a number of competition winners claimed their prizes.

On the larger end of the scale, Black Water Sailing Club was named winner of the safety boat prize draw, and picked up a Suzuki engine, Jeanneau Rigiflex safety boat and Mersea trailer. Club commodore Barry Foulds was moved to say: 'This is absolutely super, just fantastic news'.

A little further down the scale of prizewinners, Christian Seaman, aged six from Bristol, was crowned Treasure Hunt champion and picked up a huge selection of goodies, as well as a box of Mothers Day chocolates for his mum.

Exhibitor Steve Cockerill from Rooster Sailing said: 'This show really is a focal point for any dinghy sailor and once again has proved to be a must see. It's a fantastic collection of like-minded people and associations, and is the best event for dinghy sailors in the world.'

Skandia Team GBR’s Sarah Ayton, Nick Dempsey and Helena Lucas were also on hand throughout the day signing autographs, answering questions from visitors. The show's regular favourites, the Holt Blow Boat Challenge, the RYA Sailing simulator and model-boat pool all proved as popular as ever, pulling in the crowds throughout the weekend.