Visitors to the ExCel London Boat Show can get advice and tips on how to improve their boating skills and practices. For those who want to miss the shoal patches in their area then there's RYA Training Manager, James Stevens' talk, 'Start to Navigate' (Saturday 12th, 11am), whereas for the more advanced sailor 'How to pass your Yachtmaster' could be more up your street (Monday 14th, 11am).

The Green Blue will also be taking you through how to make your sailing more environmentally friendly with the help of yachting journalist and recent Green Blue convert, Tom Cunliffe, (Friday 18th, 16.30), who will be putting the Green Blue team through their paces on the benefits and impacts of being green.

But it's not just the main stage that will see all the action as the RYA launches its brand new 'Get the Knowledge' campaign, designed to get more people to match their on-water experiences with off-water learning, through expert advice and information contained in its wide range of RYA publications (Saturday 12th, 12.30, stand no. BO01). Come along for the launch and you could be pitching your sailing knowledge against the experts in the 'Get the Knowledge' quiz.

Publications also showcase the latest RYA DVD, 'Boat Handling for sportsboats and RIBs' by John Mendez.

On Friday 18th, The Green Blue will be hosting a short seminar on the future of antifouling in freshwater environments, from problems to solutions (14.30-16.00, South Gallery room 30). If you want to have your say on the future of antifouling book your place by calling 02380 604 228 or emailing info@thegreenblue.org.uk



London Boat Show also marks the unveiling of the 2007 RYA Yachtmaster of the Year, (stand BO01, Wednesday 16th, approx 15.45). HRH Princess Anne will present the award to the yachtsman or woman, who has excelled when taking their Yachtmaster examination, one of the most highly respected qualifications in the world.

The RYA's 12 Regional Young Sailor of the Year 2007 winners will also be at the show (Saturday 12th Jan, 16.00, main stage) to receive their prestigious awards. Voted for by RYA affiliated sailing clubs, these young sailors have made a significant impact on youth sailing. Ranging from gold medal winning achievements and overcoming adversity, to the huge amount of hard work and effort they give back to their clubs.

Two of the RYA's regional winners, Laurence Greenough and Tom Gillard, have also been selected as finalists for the National Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year Award, the winner of which will also be announced at the ceremony.

For Yachting Monthly, deputy editor Miles Kendall will be talking about chartering a yacht on Tuesday 15th Jan 11 am, editor Paul Gelder will join Blue Water Rallies director Peter Seymour on Tuesday 15th at 5pm to talk about round the world cruising. And YM's features editor Dick Durham will talk about his home waters on the East Coast on Wednesday 16th at 5pm.

Yachting Monthly, 3 January 2008