Delighted to see FREE RYA entry to the Southampton Boat Show 2023

[Sandy]

Just received an email from the RYA saying that they are offering free entry to the Southampton Boat Show 2023.

I wonder if they read the feedback, my rant in particular, on here?

 

[Concerto]

Applied for a free ticket earlier this evening, but awaiting the email with the printable ticket. Not sure I will use it as most likely have an exhibitors pass for any days I am visiting the show.

 

[Sandy]

Applied for a free ticket earlier this evening, but awaiting the email with the printable ticket. Not sure I will use it as most likely have an exhibitors pass for any days I am visiting the show.

Yes. it is an odd way of sending tickets out. Why not sent them out when you apply rather than wait until 01/09.

I happen to be sailing in Lake Solent that week and will be visiting on the last Saturday of the event, if you are there @Concerto I'll pop in and say hello.

 

[Parabordi]

They must have got the attendance figures from last year. Of course they could just drop the entrance price a bit...

 

[Goldie]

They must have got the attendance figures from last year. Of course they could just drop the entrance price a bit...

Tbh, we were so disappointed with last year’s show that even with a free ticket, I doubt we’ll attend this year. If I lived close by I would, but I’m not minded to make a special trip.

 

[john_morris_uk]

We’ll be in the uk in September so I’ve taken up the free ticket offer and paid for a ticket for Mrs M. Total cost £16. I don’t think that’s expensive.

 

[lustyd]

They must have got the attendance figures from last year. Of course they could just drop the entrance price a bit...

The attendance last year was excellent. The number was lower because they were forced to close for a day, not because people didn't attend. 98,000 in 2018 (pre-covid), 88,000 in 2022 but closed for a day.

 

[Sandy]

Google does work searching this site! I found this from September 2022

Southampton Boat Show attendance

 

[Caer Urfa]

As a member and instructor in the RYA I have to say how disappointed I am in their ideas of recruiting more membership, do they think nobody sails north of Watford?
like many I would have liked to have attended but who the hell wants to drive to Farnborough for three hours or change trains for nearly four hours and that's just from Birmingham not to mention others people further North East and West. its not that a big venue so many places could hold it more central with easier access in England.
Then as said there was no concessions for pensioners and I attended the Boat-life Exibition in Birmingham where they never even had a stand

 

[KeithMD]

As a member and instructor in the RYA I have to say how disappointed I am in their ideas of recruiting more membership, do they think nobody sails north of Watford?

It might be a circular argument. As in, when the RYA people (on their stand in Southampton) ask where their visitors have come from, few mention anywhere north of Watford. Whch might confirm the wrong thing (in the RYA's mind).

Coincidently, I just read (elsewhere)
"The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show takes place at Farnborough Exhibtion Centre 25-26 February. "
Which sounds like another event "darn sarf" that might reinforce the confirmation bias.

Does RYA have a stand at the "All Wales Boat and Leisure Show"? In Holyhead, 6th-7th May.

 

[Sandy]

Then as said there was no concessions for pensioners and I attended the Boat-life Exibition in Birmingham where they never even had a stand

A friend attended the Boat Life event in Brum, is assessment of the day out was, 'disappointing'.

Everytime I do an RYA course I get a wee slip of paper that gives a £5 discount for new members, a figure that has not changed in about 20 years, why not give any member £10 discount on their next years membership. There is a thin gold stripe at the top of my membership card.

 

[KeithMD]

Just out of curiosity, I just did a search for "RYA Scotland" and found this:
events
Looks likes there's plenty of RYA events - a long way north of Watford?

 

[dunedin]

As a member and instructor in the RYA I have to say how disappointed I am in their ideas of recruiting more membership, do they think nobody sails north of Watford?
like many I would have liked to have attended but who the hell wants to drive to Farnborough for three hours or change trains for nearly four hours and that's just from Birmingham not to mention others people further North East and West. its not that a big venue so many places could hold it more central with easier access in England.
Then as said there was no concessions for pensioners and I attended the Boat-life Exibition in Birmingham where they never even had a stand

The RYA don’t organise the Southampton Boat Show. It is the boating industry that organises the show.
The RYA is just giving a membership benefit of free tickets. So don’t blame RYA if not happy with the location (but there is perhaps a hint in the title of the Southampton International Boat Show).