Kit Guides

Strong flex, I know, but you have a look at the list and see for yourself, you don't acquire a top tier team of die-hard watersports enthusiasts without creating some exciting solutions from time to time. We're also big fans of feedback and never ending development.  1. Joey Water Bottle Holder Water bottle holder sounds like a simple idea and certainly not a new concept but this is a whole new world of a solution, keeping things lighter & softer on your vessel as well as easy to remove and put back on somewhere else, washable and secure. Use the velcro straps at either end of the neoprene sleeve to wrap around your boat spars, rails , masts, tubes or even a dry bag or bungee at the front or your SUP or Kayak. It actually won a DAME design innovation award in 2019 so naturally I had to give it top spot in the blog. 2. Combi Gloves It's like if your gloves could do more than just one thing. The Combi Gloves came out of a requirement to be even warmer for your hands on those cold, wet, windy waves. Hands are always the first to go and make us want to rush back to shore, we've all been there, trying to push through the total numbness in your fingers. Initially designed for that awful wait between sailing races in the cold, the Combi Gloves have a hidden pocked at the back of the hand from which to pull out an Aquafleece® (water and wind resistant) mit to put over the top of the neoprene fingers. Naturally, you wouldn't want to race with them like this, hence the stow away pocket for action mode. You could even go one step further and get some hand warmer pouches and slot them into that pocket into the back of the hand as well. If you're familiar with Rooster then you're familiar with our obsession with layering (if you're not, well.. we have an obsession with layering - best way to get warm, best way to get cool), these gloves are just the next step up, we encourage the use of our glove liners underneath as well in cold temperatures and have found the Combi Gloves to be great for SUPping and Kayaking as well, any cold water training and you have to give these a look in.NB sports where over gripping becomes an issue and you start to develop forearm pump - Wakeboarding, Kitesurfing, windsurfing etc. - take a look at wearing just our glove liners Hot Hands or PolyPro™ glove liners they are much thinner than any neoprene gloves on the market but still give you more warmth than none.     3. RaceArmour Deck Pads for Technical Shorts Padding your clothing isn't just for dinghy hikers and rugby shoulders. Technical Shorts are cooling, abrasion resistant shorts with well designed pockets and systems that are hugely functional and comfortable for the competitive keelboat sailor, our Deck Pad inserts take them another step further. We have designed Technical shorts to be able to fit these in seamlessly. Made of M.I.S.R.A foam (Mouldable Impact Shock Resistant Armour) that is very firm for shock absorption as well as memory active to perfectly mould to your unique shape for comfort and ease of movement. Keelboat hiking just became painless.   4. Race Armour Knee Pads There comes a point in all of our lives where we just cannot stop complaining about our knees, at that level I can't think of who these would not suit but with an ultimately soft yet super abrasion resistant outer, these knee pads are most effective for anyone working hard on the water. We use NBR rubber on the inside – this has minimal water absorption so weight will not be added to the pads when wet, the properties of the rubber also mean that the pad will mould to your body slightly and also adds some shock absorption for those falls and knocks. This is all combined in a lycra sleeve with breathable mesh fabric on the back of the knee - because we all get back of the knee sweat and we don't want it. The long length means that the pads also have upper shin protection so if you are spending a lot of time plugging in at the bow on your shins and knees, you absolutely have to give these a go. 5. Splicing Toolkit I absolutely froth a organising solution, I'm all about travel pouches, pencil cases, tea bag organisers and peg boards. Nothing can fuel an obsession quite like an organiser for it and splicing is quite the skill to obsess over. In the grand scheme of things splicing is an incredibly niche market but we're so obsessed with it that we wanted to fuel your fire, fan the flames, put you up on a plinth and tell you to splice your heart out and be proud of it! Or, y'know we just wanted one for ourselves so we made one for everyone too. Compartments for all your splicing tools, lighter, whipping twine, palm, reinforced cushion for sewing needles available with contents or without contents. An absolute dream if you were ever the kid in school who had a new pencil case every year.   6. Rooster Pro Grip - Brushed EVA Deck Tape Another chandlery one for the Chang Gang (We call chandlery 'chang' here, changers, chang heads chang fans everything chang in the office, we don't know where the 'g' came from in the abbreviation either but it stuck). We've been working on a video for this so stay tuned. It's quite difficult to explain and get across just how great it is when what it is seems so simple, there was a trapeze sailor in the States who posted a video of himself absolutely losing it over how epicly sticky it actually is. It's for your rails and deck, it moulds to fit the surface applied to providing a strong connection and durable grip. When you want to remove it, it's easy and clean and does not leave any residue when peeled off - which is a pretty big flex in the world of deck grip and we're proud of it. It's also available in 6 different colours so you hard to please pink or orange lovers will have an absolute field day. 7. Hot Hands & Hot Socks I mentioned the importance of glove liners above but we also do like to bang on about the importance of socks and boot liners as well - ones that are well adapted to conditions on the water, because the next thing to go after your fingers is your toes (sometimes toes go first, I know, but it really depends on the person, the sport and the conditions on the day). Our Hot Hands and Socks have a lightweight titanium lining and are 0.5mm neoprene, very thin but with a warm silvery material against your skin, designed to get as hot as possible. 8. Aquafleece® Neck Gaiter An oldie from Rooster but a goodie, so good that the motorcyclists have got involved in a big way. Aquafleece® (wind and waterproof) on one side and breathable brushed Polypro™ on the other with an adjustable toggle, it's an invention that's almost infallible. So simple yet totally versatile, if you push the toggle all the way in you have a make-shift hat but for the most part you'll have it on your neck and pull it over your face when you start getting that face-freeze (you know the one) or go full open face balaclava, goes well under a helmet too, hence the latest enthusiasm from motorcyclists, but you don't have to be wearing a full face helmet to reap the benefits of the gaiter. 9. Recycled Knit Beanie As well as practical innovation we have a duty to look forwards, our materials, packaging, shipping, ways of doing things, making things, working on things and seeing things is always improved upon so that we are providing the most economical, environmentally friendly products that we can. The Recycled Knit beanie is on here as an individual example of the work we've been doing to push forward, recycle and clean the planet. It's a humble step but these beanies mean that there might just be fewer plastic bottles floating out on the water and that's cool with us. 10. Aquafleece® Balaclava Let me take you back to the Aquafleece® Neck Gaiter but raise you an entire face with a hole for your eyes, perfect if you just want to cover the hell up in the cold because that face freeze is no joke, we feel it, it's refreshing, then it slowly becomes a fun killer, I'd put it as maybe the third thing to go after you start feeling that numbness in your hands and feet.   We always have more on the go but this combination of our most loved, most innovated and latest accessory developments is really why we love what we do and how we do it. Nothing is made without testing - it gives us an excuse to go out and test it obviously - you have no idea how often we get asked if we need something tested but we don't have any samples because one of us (Steve) is already out testing it, Kate (our product designer) has to put new kit under lock and key until it's ready for testing. Let us know your thoughts and give us your feedback because we can't ever stop developing.

Here are some ingenious tips and tricks to make your kit bag work harder for you this winter without breaking the bank. TIP #1: Cold Hands and Feet Your trusty sailing gloves and boots haven't let you down all summer but the rapidly dropping water and air temperatures are leaving your extremities cold and numb.  I can manage down to 8 degrees by adding some glove liners  such as Hot Hands or PolyPro™ Glove Liner. We also have a number of options on sock liners you can wear with your wetsuit boots to keep you toasty. If your boots are already on the right side, then take a look at Hot Socks, Thermaflex Wetsocks and PolyPro™ Sock Liner or if you have some space in your boots  then try the Supertherm Wetsocks are sooooo warm.  The fabrics and thicknesses vary depending on each individuals needs and the great thing is they can be used for a range of other sports too, like SUP'ing, cycling, skiing and Although our biggest selling glove by far is the Aquapro Glove, If you need some super warm hands - then the NEW Combi Glove will hit the spot with a space for a hot sachet where the tuck away mitten lives.  I've enjoyed super warm hands whatever the weather.  Check out the Fell Running Guide's review on our socks, and he also uses our glove liners when racing :) If the options seem confusing, give us a call and we'll guide you through the range.  Photo Credit: www.fellreunningguide.co.uk   TIP #2: Cold Ears/ Ice Cream Headache! Winter showers, hail, snow or an unexpected dunking, the most important part of your body to keep warm and dry is your head. It's amazing the difference putting a hat on can make to your day on the water. Even in Summer it's worth carrying a hat in case you find yourself hanging around in between races. Our Pro Aquafleece® Beanie gives you the comfort of a fleece lining, while the waterproof outer and taped seams work to keep the water out. It was one of my favourites:   Cold ears? Try our Heabands - I have even used them Cross Country Skiing.  The updated Superthem Beanie has become my winter favourite.  I like the way it stays on my head whatever with its new elastic drawcord.   TIP #3: My summer wetsuit is great, I don't need another one but I'm COLD!! Get your base layer right. Lycra rash vests are out I'm afraid, the fabric is designed to keep you cool so these should only be worn to protect you from UV rays. PolyPro™ base layers are in and will make a huge difference to your core temperature. Once again, these items can be used across multiple sports and activities. The brushed, fleece-like lining is very soft and comfortable next to your skin and the polypropylene fabric is naturally hydrophobic which means it repels water rather than absorbing it.    TIP #4: I'm STILL cold :-( Take a look at your first line of defence, what's keeping the wind, rain, snow and spray out? Our Aquafleece® revolutionised the standard spray top - waterproof outer AND a soft fleece lining, the perfect combination! You can wear it all year round too, just adjust the layers you wear underneath in the warmer months to stop you overheating. Our range is available in a number of different colours, styles and constructions - watch this video to find out more.   Check your Neoprene Thickness Next is to look at the thickness of the neoprene you are wearing. Usually, less than 3mm neoprene is used in the summer months or in warmer climates. We would recommend our Men's Supertherm range or our Women's Supertherm range which is 4mm and provides good warmth in colder months. A Supertherm Longjohn and Top Combo is very cosy. Our Pro Hikers are also 4mm and can be paired with our Supertherm Top which is what I wear for most of the winter months - but only when combined with our awesome Poly Pro base layers.    Who said its too cold to go sailing!!     

Rooster is one of the biggest Buoyancy Aid designers and manufacturers in Europe and has a vast amount of sailing experience within the team. You can be sure that once you have read this you will know what buoyancy aid will suit your requirements. If you are buying a buoyancy aid for the first or even the nth time, this article will help you work through the different versions, styles and specifications of those on the market. Our different buoyancy aids, often mistakingly called life jackets, have unique features that make them suitable for kayaking, SUP-ing, kite surfing, high-performance trapeze boat sailing, single-handed sailing, sports boat sailing and junior sailing. We tend to use the industry term PFD which stands for Personal Floatation Device. Which Buoyancy Aid is right for me? Our 50N overhead PFD took its inspiration from a kayak pattern and has been super popular with high-performance dinghy racers who want a clear view of their trapeze hook or who are looking for a PFD that gives them a good clearance with a low boom. Its high cut volume gives you extra manoeuvrability with your arms - so it is super comfortable sheeting or paddling. It also comes in a junior overhead PFD is the same volume as the small adult but has leg straps. As they grow, you can remove the leg straps and still have a functioning PFD as they grow. One possible drawback is as an overhead PFD, it can be slightly harder to put on for those with less flexibility. Every effort has been done to ensure that the foam has been shaped around your chest for comfort and that the adjustments have been covered by neoprene to reduce snagging, This can make it a little awkward to release the tensioning straps at the side (the ladder locks are hidden under the neoprene cover) but once you have felt the ladder lock under the neoprene with your thumb, you can release the tension from the outside of the neoprene. If you are looking for a junior PFD for your 8 year old - then the junior front zip makes it really easy to fit as your youngster only needs to stand in the loops when it is undone and you just zip them in. On the other end of the spectrum, we have our newest addition, the low profile 50N CE impact neoprene buoyancy aid, specifically developed to fit snugly in all the right places. Unique to Rooster, this CE12402-5 Approved certified buoyancy aid is an advance in our buoyancy aid range. I have been wearing the initial sample 50N CE impact PFD for a couple of years during its development. I wanted something that I did not know was on me and was as slim as it could be. We also wanted the smaller chest sized sailors had sizes that fitted snugly but also offered the required buoyancy for their weight. Used by high-performance dinghy racers wakeboarders, windsurfers and kitesurfers. You can tell how much we loved the final samples by our reaction in the office back in Autumn 2019. EN ISO 12402-5 Side Zip PFD Our Side Zip Buoyancy Aidis a less sporty more general-purpose side zip option which is simpler and easier to put on and also uses the same softest foam for ultimate comfort we find in all our pfds. The foam does not have the internal shaping that we use on the Black Diamond Overhead PFD, but it is thinner which makes it more flexible. You do, however, have to remember to zip and clip once it is on before it will offer you the security you require. You would have seen my Father wearing a side zip version when he was sailing his GP14 until he hung up his sailing boots 86 in 2015. All of our specifications have passed regulations for use in dinghy sailing and both conform to the 50N rule detailed in the rule book we all sail by. You may, however, notice that this 50N rule does not mean that every PFD has 50N of thrust - since smaller users would find too much buoyancy a hindrance - the 50N rule laid out in the specification details the required amount of lifting thrust required for the weight of sailor. Still confused - give our technical or sales team a call on 01243 389997.

Malachy's come up with an awesome way to re-use the packaging that your kit was sent in!

It's the little things that make the biggest difference to how you get on out there on the water. Gloves, boots, headwear, each needs to work for your climate, your sport and your personal preference. We're on hand to help you get it right. £67.95 PRO LACED BOOT ANKLE STRAP £49.50 ALL PURPOSE BOOT £22.50 DURA PRO 5 FINGERS £27.50 PRO RACE 5 FINGERS £49.50 LOW CUT BOOT £27.50 PRO RACE 2 FINGERS £23.50 DURA PRO 2 FINGERS £28.50 ALL WEATHER NEOPRENE

Getting technical about shorts... here's one for all you Tech Shorts enthusiasts, a bit of detail about our latest system in place to surpass that deck grip and guarantee a cushiony soft seat on the rail every time.

Low profile neoprene buoyancy aid, specifically developed to fit snugly in all the right places. Unique to Rooster, this CE12402-5 certified buoyancy aid is an advance in our buoyancy aid range. Complemented by minimalist styling to match the maximum kit combinations. It is longer and thinner to be less bulky when worn – there is minimal adjustment to limit bulk, however, the neoprene allows it to stretch to fit your body size. SHOP IMPACT BUOYANCY AID GREY SIGNAL BLUE   AZURE WHITE

Women's Sport Shorts & Sports Bra from Rooster® on Vimeo. Designed for and by active women who have the requirement for supportive, breathable underwear/base layers under our wetsuits as well as for running, SUPping, at the gym, or just walking to the shops – let’s be honest when it’s comfortable enough we can wear active kit anywhere. Our latest Women’s High-Waisted Sports Shorts and Medium-Impact Sports Bra are a passion project that is now in stock. The fit is close and seamless, unable to catch or snag or be visible under your wetsuit and watersports kit layers. The pattern styling completes our blue azure print across our women’s range, well matching the Women’s Thermaflex Longjohn, Women’s Thermaflex Top, DAME Award-nominated Women’s Thermaflex Shorts, Women’s Longsleeved Rash Top, Azure Microfibre QuickDry Towel and Azure UV Neck Sleeve. The high waisted shorts are constructed from heavyweight spandex for extra support. It features a mesh breathable crotch panel making them ideal for sports training as well as for underneath your wetsuit. They are double-lined high waisted design for a comfortable, flattering and seamless fit. The Medium-Impact Sports Bra/Bikini top is in signature Rooster Azure Women’s styling. The sports bra is double-layered throughout for support with a racerback made from mesh enhances breathability. Wide yet soft elastic chest band keeps top securely in place.  

Not so long ago watersports in the winter was reserved for the brave and stupid. However, this is no longer the case and the saying “there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong kit” has never been more true. So what is the right kit? You will have most likely heard about layering systems at one point or another and the principle is more or less the same across the board, this is that although it may be tempting to just chuck on three t-shirts, two jumpers and some sweatpants, it isn’t the most effective way to stay warm and selecting the right materials with fewer layers is crucial for warmth and manoeuvrability. I find that the three-layer system works best and as the name suggests it involves only three layers of clothing: Base Layer A base layer is a tight-fitting layer close to the skin. Although thin the difference between wearing a thermal base layer and not is very noticeable and definitely the first thing to grab when you expect it to get a bit chilly. I use Rooster’s PolyPro thermal base layer top and PolyPro Leggings, they are super warm, quick-drying and hydrophobic meaning that if they don’t get easily wet, it won’t be a problem. Mid Layer Unlike the other two, the mid-layer is very flexible and can be anything from a Quick-Dry Tech T to what may as well be a sleeping bag with armholes. Picking the correct mid-layer is important and there are lots to choose from. Fleecy material is quite popular as well as down material and synthetic alternatives that tend to have more water-resistant properties. It is a good idea to have a mid-layer with some sort of water resistance as when the temperature rises you may want to take off the outer layer. Some examples of mid-layers are Rooster’s Superlite Hybrid Jacket, Soft Shell Jacket and Hybrid Fleece or Tech Sweater. Outer Layer The outer layer offers protection from the elements and usually won’t have any insulation as it is what stops the wind and water getting in but is still breathable. The outer layer you need will depend greatly on what the conditions are and some examples are Rooster’s Passage range and their Aqua Fleece smocks. Extras The above covers what to wear over your lower and upper body but your extremities suffer more from the cold and affect your core temperature. In winter you will most likely be wearing boots so you may not pay much attention to what socks you wear underneath, however, water can still find its way down your boots and if you’re wearing cotton socks your feet will be very cold very quickly. I wear my PolyPro Socks under my boots, even though they are very thin they are warmer and more comfortable than traditional boot socks. When winter rolls in and fingerless gloves no longer cut it but you still want to be able to do things like tying knots your choices are limited, this is where glove liners come in. Rooster’s PolyPro Glove Liners are perfect to keep your hands warm whilst still having functioning fingers. If conditions are extreme then the new Combi Gloves will not let you down when it comes to warmth and protection. Your ears and head lose heat at a rapid pace so it is important to insulate them. A Supertherm Beanie does the trick, although if you want more coverage you might be happier in a full Aqua Fleece balaclava. It is amazing how much more enjoyable time on the water is when you are warm and dry so don’t brave the elements this winter, control them with a well thought through wardrobe of kit that will allow you to cruise around like it’s summer again.   Sam Mabey

Lockdown Boat Bimble Offer: There's no Better Time Than Now from Rooster® on Vimeo.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, wearing the right kit for the conditions and being comfortable on the water can affect your enjoyment, safety and results. The buzz word in the technical marine clothing industry at the moment is “layering,” but what does that actually mean? The idea can be confusing, particularly in winter when too many layers of warm clothing can leave you looking like the Michelin man and unable to move. Thanks to advances in fabric technology and the way these are applied to the design and fit of sailing kit, you can find that you can get away with a “less is more” approach to your kit bag. Rooster®’s approach to manufacturing sailing kit starts primarily with the end-user in mind. Our products are specifically designed to give the wearer maximum comfort, safety and functionality whilst maintaining quality and durability - it won’t break the bank either.   The Rooster® layering concept involves selecting a base layer, mid layer and top layer that is interchangeable and can be worn all year round – and this is where you get your value for money. Choose pieces that can be layered up or down depending on the temperature and conditions, this is particularly important for Brits who can experience four seasons in one day. The Rooster® base layer is called PolyPro™ and should be worn next to your skin underneath your wetsuit. Another buzz word in the industry is “hydrophobic” which basically means the material repels water. These base layers can be washed overnight and will be dry by morning, in fact they feel dry to the touch when you take them out of the washing machine. They’re also multi-purpose and can be used for skiing, winter cycling and running, basically any time you feel like you need to put thermals on. Our PolyPro™ base layers are available as a top, leggings, glove liners, socks, head band and balaclava.  Learn more about PolyPro;    The mid layer is your neoprene layer. We recommend choosing a longjohn and top as they can be worn as separates depending on the conditions. We offer these products in a range of thickness to suit the climate the sailor predominately sails in and whether they tend to feel the cold or not. The most popular with our year-round sailors is the SuperTherm® 4mm Longjohn.  For the occasional fair weather sailor or for those lucky to sail in warmer waters, the ThermaFlex® 1.5mm Longjohn would be more suitable. These can be paired up with a top of the same neoprene thickness, however many opt for a thinner layer combining a 4mm Longjohn with a 1.5mm top. More about Supertherm® VS Thermaflex®: Finally, the top layer is probably the cherry on the Rooster® cake. Our development of the Aquafleece® material revolutionised the standard spray top. The fabric has a Polyurethane coating on the outside for water resistance, durability and flexibility combined with a fleece inner layer to keep you snug and warm - a combination that works well when wet or dry. It’s one of those products that people try once and never look back! Once you’ve added your accessories – Gloves, Boots, Buoyancy Aid, Hat – you’re ready to go and will be warm, comfortable and moving around the boat like a ninja! Best of all, you’ll have a wardrobe of interchangeable kit that will see you through all seasons. For advice on layering and which products might work best with your existing kit to give you a heat boost, just give us a call, we’re more than happy to help.   Save Save

I am keen that you start telling tales that Rooster now has a Teflon® impregnated wool tell tails set that enables it to work in the wettest of conditions. The picture shows the red Teflon® coated tell tale verses the green untreated tell tails. Our tests have shown that the teflon impregnated tell tales take up to 90% less water than normal tell tails. This leaves them free to fly whatever the weather. If you are like me, then your tell tales are probably the most important sail setting device you will ever use. I recall seeing a fellow Finish sailor at a major European event sailing with over 250 sets of tell tails on his Europe sail. It resembled a hedgehog rather than a sail - but the different angles the tell tales took were fascinating - perhaps that's why he was so fast - we were more interested in his sail than our own!

First Published by Nick Welbourn - October 2016. As the sailing season draws to a close many people will be packing up their boats for the winter and forgetting all about sailing for a while. But if you're one of those oddballs who’s getting ready to sail straight on through the winter, whether it’s for your club’s winter series or for squad training, like me, you’re going to need to make sure that you're prepared for whatever the lovely British weather may throw at you. I remember, three years ago, aged 11, when I was first selected for the Topper North Zone Squad I spent most of the winter simply trying to stay warm. At this time of year many young sailors across the country who have just been selected for zone squads etc. may be about to face the same dilemma so, 3 years on I thought I’d share what works for me. I began my first winter in a dry suit. It was OK to start with, I could just about stay warm and get through the day when training inland, but with a dry suit the warmth comes from what you wear underneath it and I really didn’t enjoy being bulked up like the Michelin man. Also, as soon as I started sailing on the sea, which sometimes meant being out on the water for up to 6 hours at a time, a dry suit just wasn’t practical. I then spent a long time trying to find kit that would keep me warm through winter, not restrict movement and not bankrupt my parents. That was when I discovered Rooster and, after trying various options, I have finally got there. I’ve got kit that keeps me warm in all weathers and I can concentrate on sailing and improving rather than just thinking about how cold my hands are! I think there are a few important things when trying to get the right kit to keep warm: 1 - Base Layers . A common mistake that you see people making in winter to try and keep warm is layering rash vest over rash vest. I tried it when I started sailing - it doesn’t work! The theory behind this is explained by Steve in this video. Once I’d realised this mistake and switched to Polypro it made a huge difference. They work really well as they wick the moisture away from your skin. For the autumn, and even on cooler summer days, I wear a Polypro Top under my sailing wetsuit and as the temperature drops I add Polypro Socks, Leggings and other layers. Photo Courtesy of Simon McIlwaine - www.wavelengthimage.com Rooster Topper Worlds 2016. 2 - Mid Layers Then comes the most important layer - the wetsuit. Rooster seem to have got this right with the Supertherm Longjohn and Top. My Supertherm Longjohn is probably my favourite Rooster product. By swapping and changing other layers I’ve worn it all year round, layered up in winter or just with a polypro top underneath on cool summer days. I can also fit my Rooster Hiking pads inside the long john.  3 - Extremities To keep my feet warm under my sailing boots in winter I wear a pair of Supertherm Wet Socks over my Polypro socks, just to add an extra layer of warmth, as it is very easy for hands and feet to get cold. What to wear on my hands has always been a tricky one for me as I find that I need both a lot of grip and also a lot of warmth; a tricky combination to find. I have tried normal sailing gloves and thermal builders’ gloves and loads of other types of gloves, but now I think I have finally found the right solution for me. I wear Rooster AquaPro gloves, which are really good because the fleece lining keeps your hands warm. They also keep your hands mostly dry and with the fancy PU coated Amara grip on them I am certainly not short on grip. I also usually wear a pair of Rooster Hot Hands which are basically a Hot Top for your hands! And recently I have been trying Rooster’s Polypro glove liners.   Photo Courtesy of Simon McIlwaine - www.wavelengthimage.com Rooster Topper Worlds 2016. 4 - Top Layer On top of all this it is important to have a good spray top to beat the wind-chill. In winter I wear a Rooster Pro Aquafleece. I find that this is a great product because, as well as having wind chill protection, it also has a lovely fleece inside to add even more warmth and the adjustable seals at the waist and wrists prevent cold water flushing when you hit a wave. Along with this I wear an Pro Aquafleece Beanie as it doesn’t absorb as much water as a usual knitted hat would if you happen to be unfortunate enough to fall in! I find that if you wear the right kit it makes sailing in the winter so much more productive and most of all enjoyable. Each time someone else retires from a race because they’re cold, if you’re still out there you’re assured of finishing one place further up the fleet! Nick Welbourn