The Dinghy Dance 2026: Tropical Island Edition

Published 22:03 on 18 Jun 2026

The Dinghy Dance is back.

Last year's Dinghy 'Pirates' Dance sold out and delivered one of the best party atmospheres we've seen at the Club in years. A huge thank you to everyone who embraced the theme and helped make it such a memorable evening.

With the bar now set rather high, we're delighted to reveal this year's theme...

Tropical Island Edition.

Without giving too much away, Hugo Mills and the SVOD team have been hard at work dreaming up all manner of tropical-themed frivolity, mischief and entertainment to help transform Sea View Yacht Club into the Island's ultimate beach club for one unforgettable evening.

One of the ambitions this year is to get the party started earlier.

Dancing guests will be welcomed from 20:00, with the staging becoming home to our new Sundowner Sessions. As the sun sets over the staging, expect music, tropical cocktails, great company and a few special touches designed to tempt people down earlier than ever before. Rum punch, sunset drinks, some snacks and perhaps even a saxophonist are all among the ideas currently being explored.

Let's be honest — we know people enjoy a pre-drink. Our challenge this year is making the Club the best place to be from the moment the doors open.

For those joining us for dinner, we've deliberately limited dining numbers to around 80 guests. The intention is simple: create a better experience. Guests will dine comfortably inside the Mermaid Room before joining the wider party as the evening unfolds.

The kitchen team have been delivering some exceptional food recently, particularly for charter groups and larger events, and Head Chef Paul Hayward, together with summer Sous Chef Oscar, are already developing ideas for a tropical-inspired menu that promises to be a real highlight of the evening.

Music, meanwhile, is firmly in safe hands.

Johnny Longwood & The Buntymen were spotted by Hugo at a recent Cowes gig and immediately felt like the perfect fit for The Dinghy Dance. Young, energetic, versatile and very much up for delivering a proper party atmosphere, they will headline the evening before the legendary Harry Cotterell takes over to see us through until close in traditional yacht club fashion.

And because every great party needs a good cause, proceeds from the event continue to support the SVOD Class, with the committee already excited about the prospect of delivering another memorable evening for both the Class and the Club.

Tickets go on sale at 12:00 noon on Saturday 20th June.

Dinner tickets are expected to sell quickly given the limited numbers available, so now is the time to start organising tables, rallying friends and making plans.

Finally, keep an eye out for details of this year's SVOD Summer Drinks, taking place on 15th August, with further announcements coming soon.

For now:

22nd August. Tropical Island Edition.

Summer. Done Properly.

Related

• The Dinghy Dance 2026 Tropical Island Edition (22 - 23 August, 19:00-02:00)