Kit Guides

Blog entry by Steve Cockerill     Putting your spars and foils into a cosy bag feels like the right thing to do. But if you are not careful, what appears to be a caring thing, might also be the worst thing. After sailing on salt water, we should wash our spars down with fresh water and where possible allow them to dry out. I tend to bag mine for safe keeping in transit. However, many bags use non-breathable fabrics and foams in their construction which trap any residual moisture. Moisture encourages dissimilar metal corrosion where stainless or Monel rivets react with the aluminium of the mast. The fizzing is proof of the corrosion taking place. What you need is a spar bag that breathes.Foils packed away in a non-breathable foil bag will sweat rather than dry out, causing Osmosis. Ideally, you should dry off your foils before packing them away. Again salt water is a hindrance as it attracts moisture so a quick wash helps to remove the salt and gives it a chance to dry out. Look for foil bags that breathe. What to Look For Open cell foams with a breathable membrane is the safest option for both Spars and Foils. Spars and foils dry out naturally if they are packed damp which prevents dissimilar metal corrosion and osmosis. In my experience, many manufacturers are keen to save money on material cost which ends up costing you more in replacement spars and repairs to foils. Below are some of the bags we make to protect your gear: Padded Spar Bag 3650mm by 165mm (Laser Top Mast, Aero Top Mast and 9 Lower Mast, Lightening Upper and Lower mast) Padded Spar Bag 2950mm by 165mm (Laser Boom and Standard Lower Master, Topper Upper, Lower Mast and Boom, Aero 7 Lower Mast, Aero Boom, Optimist Lower Mast and Lightening Boom) Padded Spar Bag 2350mm by 165mm Optimist Foil Bag Foil Bag for the Laser/ILCA - also fits the Europe 4000 Rudder Bag 4000 Daggerboard Bag Solo Rudder Bag Solo Mast Bag Europe Travel Mast Bag Europe Boom Bag  

Having tried countless pairs of boots over the last few years, some good, some bad I finally managed to get my hands on a pair of the Rooster Split Toe Skiff Boots. Having fed back to Steve during development what I think to be the best features I have to say I am very pleased with what has been developed…in fact so much has gone into the boot I am going to have to bullet point it! Internal Split Toe Design – I feel this is essential in a high performance dinghy boot. In standard boots I have found that in waves downwind if you bury the bow the sudden loss of speed makes it very easy to lose your footing. The split toe helps by preventing the boot ‘rolling’ round your foot and providing a more positive grip on the rack/gunwhale. The internal design also prevents phantom mainsheet cleating between your big toe and the rest of your foot and other objects such as stones, control lines, foot straps and tiller extensions getting caught up mid tack or gybe! Velcro Straps – I’m a fan of a strap as long as it’s a simple design. The Rooster strap is attached to a webbing band that goes round the back of your heel and locks the foot into the heel of the boot. This stabilises the foot, helps to provide grip and again helps to prevent the boot rolling round your foot. Another nice little addition is that straps are reinforced. I have found that a basic Velcro strap will either snap or wear out very quickly so the extra webbing removes this problem. To provide the required level of grip the sole is 1mm thick and diamond cut. The thin sole makes it easier to feel what the boat is up to underneath your feet. The only downside of this is that you feel every stone on slipway before/after every sail! One way around this is to buy a large cheap pair of strap on sandals to wear during launch and recovery to save wear on the boots. Despite never having conducted a controlled experiment I believe that pulling boats up and down slipways inflicts more wear than the sailing itself! Certainly from a comfort perspective a combination of single and double lined 5mm neoprene and sealed seams has created a very warm boot without the need for socks. Water ingress has also been minimised due to a shaped entry to the boot which has meant it is perfect for year round sailing. Overall a great pair of trapeze boots!

Rooster Harness with Nappy Crotch The Rooster harness has been reimagined, redesigned, and rigorously tested by our team to provide to ideal amount of support and comfort on the Trapeze. The curved and pre-shaped body can be adjusted at 3 points on each side to allow adjustment down the upper back, across the middle and up from the seat panel, to tailor the fit to different shapes. This harness is compatible with a wide bar to support the hips and lower back, the bar can be changed to preference through the harness bar slot at the front. There is NBR rubber on the inside of the harness, this has minimal water absorption ensuring that no weight will be added when wet, applies a small level of shock absorption, and moulds the harness to your body. Soft Duratex II neoprene nappy style crotch with reinforcement at edges to add structure and comfort 3 point lace adjustment (each side) - upper back, waist and seat Inside pocket to tuck away laces Internal waist band closure for a more secure fit Wide spreader bar slot that allows for your preferred bar Adjustable shoulders with webbing and buckle closure Internal foam creating shock absorption Section on back for optional back support   Materials: Heavy duty Ripstop Nylon Duratex II seat and crotch NBR Rubber