Did you know that sailing is one of the oldest sports on the Olympic programme? It was first contested at the Paris 1900 Olympic Games, with racing split between the River Seine and Le Havre.

Today, British sailors are a force to be reckoned with in the Olympic sailing classes.  At the last Olympics held in Beijing in 2008 the team clinched an impressive seven medals; four gold, two silver and one bronze.

With the 2012 Games just around the corner the RYA, as part of its ‘Sail for Gold’ programme, is putting together an exciting exhibition of photos and memorabilia to celebrate our great Olympic and Paralympic heritage.  

The fourth annual Barclays Wealth Jersey Boat Show has once again attracted thousands of visitors this Bank Holiday Weekend, despite the mixed weather. The larger scale and nature of this free event make it impossible to count exact numbers, but organizers are confident the total number is equal to or slightly higher than the 30,000 visitors that attended in 2010.

Over the three days, visitors flooded down to the marinas to admire boats, sample seafood and Genuine Jersey delights in the Fisherman’s Village, try their sports skills out with Team Extreme and lap up the maritime atmosphere.

The 2011 show was officially launched in front of a large crowd at noon on Saturday 30 April.

Using the same dates as those intended for the boat show, the City of Liverpool is to run a waterfront spectacular with Tall Ships, a shanty festival, regattas and a canal boat Royal Wedding salute.

The official name, according to the Liverpool Daily Post, is Spring on the Waterfront, which was designed as a last minute replacement for the Liverpool Boat Show that was, says the ‘paper, “controversially scrapped” earlier this year.

Spring on the Waterfront runs from 29 April to 8 May and features more than 100 free events, many of which were originally scheduled for the boat show.

The British Leisure Show is being held at Windsor Race Course this weekend, 11th-13th March. Open daily from 10am – 5pm this unique and innovative event promises to deliver visitors a host of exciting experiences, many of which will be featured in the Velos Boats & Watersports Zone set against the beautiful back-drop of Windsor Castle!

This area is dedicated to all boating enthusiasts, those looking for a fresh challenge and new adventures. Exhibits include motor, sailing and sports boats. There are RIBs, Inland Waterway stands and of course water-sports; including rowing, canoeing, kayaking, kite-surfing and windsurfing.

The Bray Lake Canoe Pool is bound to be a hit with all ages wanting to ‘have a go’ at something new.

If you fancy a trip to the Royal Windsor Racecourse on 11-13 March, head along to the British Leisure Show.

This year’s event is crammed full of a huge range of things to see and do, these include the all  important food hall, the British motor festival, boats and watersports zone, outdoor and country zone and many more.

Visit the Garmin Stand at: H112 to see some of our latest products. Exclusive show offers include:

• Free Homeport for any preloaded plotter brought at the show (GPSMAP 451, 551 and 750)