At Barton we enjoyed the exciting buzz of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Dinghy Show 2023 and had a great weekend exhibiting our new dinghy hardware and providing several competitions that resulted in 2 prize winners receiving Barton equipment vouchers!  A full crew of Barton sailors was on hand at the show to give out the new Barton Racing stickers, answer questions and provide advice on our wide range of Barton dinghy products available. 

Star of the show was the new Windicator range which provide a 100% accurate wind direction indication in just 2 knots of wind.  Available in five versions, including dinghy specific models optimized with mast or goose neck fittings for Optimists, Lasers, Aeros and Toppers.  It is designed to last with a highly durable construction, whilst weights have been kept to a minimum (22g-63.5g).  This range sells itself as soon as sailors see it on display and experience its easy application and wind sensitivity. The Windicator has been put through its paces on the racing circuit by many top New Zealand sailors for over thirty years and is raved about for its precision and ease of use.  
 
The new 6:1 Topper Downhaul Assembly and 6:1 Pico Kicking Strap Assembly are now available.  Easy to install with everything required included in one package, these kits are designed to provide extra purchase for those who find the standard system a struggle or who want maximum power in a breeze when club racing or training.  We also have a range of ready to fit kits for Laser sailors as well and we spoke to lots of people at the show about them.  
 
Sometimes the simplest widgets can be overlooked when getting everything ship shaped for the water, but they often make all the difference.  That’s why we exhibited our range of dinghy support parts with new Rope Stoppers, Lacing Buttons, Lacing Hooks and 50mm Toe Strap Bridges, all in a variety of sizes and colours.
 
Alongside all the new products, we launched a new Photography Competition, which will provide year-round opportunities to win.  The launch category at this show was the best dinghy photo. You can still send in your Dinghy Sailing images, showing off the Barton gear you have installed and how it helps you out on the water.  Click this link to visit the entry page. http://www.bartonmarine.com/competition.asp

Congratulations to Ben from Warwickshire who won our Beat The Barton Block Clock Competition with an amazing time of 18.16 seconds! If you wanted to know how many rope stoppers were in the jar, well it was 616! No one guessed 100% accurately, but Donna was closest with a guess of 643. Both winners will receive £50 vouchers to spend on Barton equipment.
 
Whether you push to the limits racing for line honours or prefer the cruising lifestyle, whether you are learning to sail or respected as the local guru, the Barton dinghy range is perfect for everyone. We'll see you at the 2024 dinghy show.