THE ROOSTER BLOG

Summer sailing and regattas often mean long hours on the water — sometimes with three or more races back to back. If you’re new to it, or haven’t raced in a while, knowing what to wear or take with you can feel overwhelming. For the seasoned sailor, it’s often second nature — but even the most experienced can get caught out when they’re a bit rusty or just haven’t had to prep for a full championship day in a while. Even simple logistics can throw you off: can you drop a drybag on a rib? If so, great — you have more flexibility. But if you’re scrambling to find that rib between races or the next warning signal goes up right after the finish, you could be left without the gear you were counting on. Just like any endurance sport, sailing demands planning — for clothing, food, and hydration. The goal? Bring what you need without overpacking. Most dinghies don’t have room for your entire wardrobe and snack cupboard. Pack too much and it's dead weight; pack too little and, inevitably, that’s the day you needed that extra layer or snack bar. The Weather Never Makes it Easy British summer sailing is unpredictable. Sure, we all know the signs — clouds building inland, a sea breeze on the way — but forecasts rarely tell the full story. The “real feel” out on the water can be wildly different from what was expected. We've written a blog on this which is well worth a read. Read more. When you’re 2 hours from shore in a dinghy, you have to be self-reliant. Even at a big event surrounded by boats and safety cover, you need to look after number one. That means having the right gear, fuel, and backup layers — because when the unexpected happens, you want to be ready. Fuel Matters: Food & Hydration Outfit choices are only half the battle. Staying fuelled and hydrated is critical for performance and recovery — especially over back-to-back races. That’s why we’ve partnered with Voom Nutrition, whose bars and hydration products are designed by athletes, for athletes. Their nutrition is developed to perform under pressure (and be kind on your stomach), so you can focus on the racing, not feeling rough in your boat. Your Championship Kit Guide: What to Wear, What to Pack We’ve created a simple guide to help you layer up, pack smart, and stay comfortable during race days — whether it’s a short session or an all-day affair. Your Standard Base Kit Based on British Summer Time | 20–28°C Top layer: Rash top or PolyPro top Rash = cooler, UV protection PolyPro = extra warmth + UV, fleece-lined Bottom half: Thermaflex 1.5mm Longjohn or Race Armour Lite Shorts Buoyancy Aid Aeromesh Cap – protects your head & aids ventilation UV Neck Sleeve – adds sun protection Boots – suitable for your boat and grip needs Sunglasses – ideally with a retainer   Long Day on the Water (3–5 hours | 3–4 races back-to-back | 20–28°C) UV lip balm / small suncream Voom POW Beet Bars (slow-release energy) Voom Pocket Rocket Bar (fast-release energy) On Board: 2x large water bottles 1 water, 1 electrolytes (use a Joey Bottle Holder) Drybag - 10L Rolltop Drybag - perfect for on the boat or 35L Dry Backpack - if you have access to a rib to store: Lightweight spray top or SB1 dry smock Spare warmer layer (PolyPro or Thermaflex top) Suncream Lunch/snacks   Shorter Day on the Water (1–2 hours | 1–2 races back-to-back | 20-28°C) Pockets: UV lip balm Mini suncream Voom Pocket Rocket Bar On Board: 1–2 large drinks bottles (again, ideally one with electrolytes) Joey Bottle Holder   Drybag - 3L Rolltop Drybag: Lightweight spray top or Thermaflex top Extra snack Suncream   Bonus Kit: Things You Might Be Glad You Brought! Spare rope/lines Whistle Knife Duck tape (“If you can’t fix it with duck tape…”) Electrical tape Spare shackles/blocks/split pins Sail repair tape Multi-tool Emergency blanket Phone or VHF radio   Long days on the water are where championships are won and lost, and your preparation can make a huge difference. Pack smart, dress for the conditions, and fuel your body properly. That way, you’ll be focused on racing, not worrying about what you left behind.

What I love about Rooster is our team’s passion for technical development, a passion that consistently results in products that truly make sense for the sailing and watersports world. Steve has always been and continues to be a driving force in this process. Alongside Kate, our Head of Product and Marketing, and the wider team, we remain focused on creating products that are thoughtfully engineered, genuinely useful, and represent outstanding value for money. This summer brings some exciting new additions to our range. So whether you're a dinghy sailor, keelboater, or simply someone who loves getting out on the water, there's something here for you. Whatever you choose to invest in this season, we’re confident you won’t be disappointed. All we ask is that you share your thoughts, either by leaving a review or, if you’d prefer a more in-depth chat, feel free to email me directly at luke@roostersailing.com This season, we’re proud to: Launch the new SB1 Dry Smock, designed for sailors demanding reliable inshore protection Evolve our much-loved Technical Shorts, now available in both men’s and women’s fits Introduce our first-ever trainer with the SB2 Deck Trainer - a lightweight, flexible shoe with non-marking soles, designed for comfort and performance both on and off the boat. And expand our technical casual range with the Shoreline Jacket and Polartec® Fleece, both now also available in women’s styles.   Here’s what’s launching: SB1 Dry Smock Designed to perform where it counts, this latest addition to our trusted SB1 Inshore Range combines advanced waterproofing, breathability, and freedom of movement in a lightweight, high-performance package. Ideal for both dinghy and keelboat sailors, the SB1 Dry Smock is engineered for comfort, durability, and serious use on the water. Coastal Hi-Fits Cost-effective without compromise – our new coastal hi-fits deliver great protection and performance at a sensible price. Tough, breathable and cut for comfort, they’re ideal for coastal cruising and general watersports. Now available in junior and adult sizing. SB2 Deck Trainer Our first footwear product – the SB2 Deck Trainer is lightweight, flexible and secure. With excellent grip and a non-marking sole, it’s designed for confidence on wet decks and all-day comfort ashore. A perfect blend of performance and versatility. Changing Mat Bag A practical essential – our upgraded changing mat doubles as a tie-up bag. Ideal for changing out of kit on rough or wet ground, then cinching everything neatly away. Simple, clean and effective. Technical Shorts 2.0 – Reimagined A fresh evolution of our much-loved technical shorts. Featuring tougher, more comfortable fabrics, improved cut, and smarter detailing. Designed to hold their shape and keep up with long summer sessions on or off the water – and now available in tailored fits for both men and women. Shoreline Jacket A lightweight, waterproof outer layer ideal for everyday use on and off the water. With taped seams, windproof fabric and a structured hood, it offers reliable protection when you need it. Smart enough to wear ashore, functional enough for rigging, RIB rides or coastal days – now also available in a women’s fit. Polartec® Fleece A warm and breathable fleece made from 100% recycled Polartec® fabric. Designed for layering or wearing alone, it combines technical performance with casual comfort. Durable, easy to wear and ideal for cooler summer mornings or breezy evenings – also now in a women's-specific cut. What Our Customers Are Saying "The SB1 Dry Smock is a game-changer! Keeps me completely dry and comfortable during races."— Verified Rooster customer   "Perfect for coastal cruising. Lightweight yet durable, and the fit is excellent."— On the Coastal Hi-Fits   "These trainers offer fantastic grip on wet decks and are super comfortable for all-day wear."— On the SB2 Deck Trainer   "A must-have for sailors. Makes changing out of wet gear easy and keeps everything tidy."— On the Changing Mat Bag   "The new design is spot on. Comfortable, durable, and the added pockets are very practical."— On the Technical Shorts   "Stylish and functional. Keeps me dry and looks great both on and off the boat."— On the Shoreline Jacket   "Warm without being bulky. Ideal for layering and very breathable."— On the Polartec® Fleece   We hope you enjoy discovering and using these new additions as much as we’ve enjoyed developing them. We’re proud of what this season brings – and we’re always listening, so your feedback is always welcome, it’s what helps us keep improving. Wishing you a happy and fun-filled season on the water, hopefully with a Rooster product or two by your side. EXPLORE THE FULL RANGE    

The SB1 Inshore Dry Smock is built to keep you dry and protected in a wide range of sailing conditions. At the heart of its performance is the neoprene neck seal, which provides a near-dry seal for inshore and coastal sailing. But comfort is key too — and we know that not everyone has the same neck length or preferences when it comes to feel. That's why we’ve designed the neck to be fully customisable. Below is an easy step-by-step guide to adjusting the neck seal for a personalised fit. Rooster founder, Steve Cockerill also explains via video why you might want to trim the neoprene neck seal and explains an alternative method if you don’t need a fully dry seal and want a softer feel next to your skin. Watch the video below or head to our youtube channel for more videos: Why the Neck Seal Is Made This Way The SB1’s neoprene neck is intentionally manufactured at its longest setting — suitable for those with longer necks or those seeking maximum protection. But we know that for many sailors, this can feel a little high. Fortunately, it’s easy to customise. Option 1: Trim to Your Neck Length If you want a more tailored fit, you can trim the neoprene down at the front. Here’s how: How to Trim the Neck Seal: Try It On FirstPut the smock on and assess how much material you’d like to remove for comfort. Start conservatively — it’s better to take a little off at a time. Mark the Cut LineUse a soft pencil or tailor’s chalk to draw a shallow curve at the front of the neck. Most people choose to take off a small crescent from the centre front, tapering off at the sides. Use Sharp ScissorsCut slowly and cleanly along your marked line. A sharp pair of fabric or neoprene scissors works best. Avoid jagged edges. Test and AdjustTry the smock on again. You can always take a little more off if needed — but you can’t put it back! Note: Cutting the neck will compromise the original dry-seal design slightly, but many sailors find this trade-off worth it for improved comfort in moderate conditions. Option 2: Roll the Neck Inward If you'd rather not cut the neck — or want to keep the dry-seal option for future sessions — there’s another simple trick. How to Roll the Neck for Comfort: Fold the top of the neoprene neck in on itself, so the sticky glideskin layer (which provides the dry seal) is no longer touching your skin. This results in a softer feel and slightly looser fit — ideal for warmer days or when you don’t need full waterproofing. This method gives you the flexibility to adjust the seal depending on conditions, without permanently altering the smock. At Rooster, we believe kit should work with you. Whether you choose to trim the neoprene or roll it in, the SB1 Inshore Smock is designed to give you control over your comfort and performance on the water.

Rooster is pleased to announce its second year running supporting the Women’s Open Keelboat Championships (WOKC) as the event’s exclusive clothing partner for 2025. This partnership reflects Rooster’s long-standing commitment to supporting women's competitive sailing and promoting inclusivity within the sport. Established as a key fixture in the sailing calendar, WOKC brings together skilled female sailors from across the globe to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship, resilience, and collaboration. The event not only showcases exceptional talent on the water but also continues to serve as a platform for empowering women in sailing. “We are proud to support the Women’s Open Keelboat Championships,” said Kate Morrison, Head of Marketing and Product Development at Rooster. “Our roots are deeply embedded in the sailing community, and this partnership reinforces our dedication to events that celebrate diversity, excellence, and the growth of the sport.”   As part of the sponsorship, Rooster will be providing on-site support throughout the event, ensuring competitors have access to expert advice and the right gear for peak performance. A dedicated pop-up shop will offer the latest Rooster products, giving sailors and attendees the opportunity to explore and purchase high-performance apparel designed specifically for the demands of keelboat racing. To further celebrate the spirit of competition, a selection of exclusive Rooster prizes will be awarded during the regatta, recognising standout achievements on and off the water. In the evening, Rooster will host a dedicated technical clothing workshop designed specifically for women in sailing. This session will offer an insight into the design, functionality, and performance of Rooster’s latest Women's Tech Shorts, highlighting the innovation and thoughtful engineering that goes into creating gear tailored to the unique needs of female sailors. This partnership underscores Rooster’s broader mission to equip sailors of all levels with the tools to succeed, both on and off the water. From grassroots initiatives to global competitions, Rooster continues to invest in the future of sailing through innovation, quality, and community engagement. Join us in celebrating the Women’s Open Keelboat Championships and the remarkable women leading the way in the sport. To learn more about Rooster’s commitment to sailing and explore our latest technical collection, visit our website.  

We’re thrilled to kick off the 2025 season with a bold new chapter in performance sailing by announcing our official partnership with the Magenta Foiling Team. As their exclusive clothing partner for the clinic team leaders and the participants who sign up to experience the thrill of the world of foiling, we'll be joining them on their mission to a sustainable female foiling talent pathway.  Being pioneers in both high-performance gear and supporting excellence in sailing, teaming up with the Magenta Foiling Team is a natural fit. Known for their fierce determination on the water, the Magenta Foiling Team embodies the very spirit of innovation and empowerment that Rooster stands for. A Shared Vision for Performance and Progress At Rooster, our mission has always been to support sailors at every level with gear that’s been tried, tested, and trusted in the toughest conditions. The Magenta Foiling Team, with their dynamic presence in the foiling circuit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport, represents the future of sailing and matches Rooster's commitment to facilitating access to participation at all levels.   Empowering the Next Generation The Magenta Foiling Team is known for their advocacy in growing diversity and inclusion in sailing. Rooster is honoured to support their broader mission of making the sport more accessible and inspiring the next generation of water sports enthusiasts.   As 2025 unfolds, we’ll be working closely with the team not only on ensuring they have the right gear to take them to their limits, but also on outreach initiatives that encourage more young women — especially in underrepresented groups — to get involved in foiling and competitive sailing.  What’s Next? Collaboratively, we'll be bringing you behind-the-scenes content and exclusive team insights from around the world as the clinics unfold over the course of 2025. Follow the journey through social media as we enter an exciting season with our new teammates.

At Rooster, we believe technical clothing should work with you, not stand in your way. That’s why the development of our Women’s Technical Shorts 2.0 has been a carefully considered process - over three years of dedicated development, shaped by feedback, expertise, and a clear vision for performance. These aren’t just another pair of shorts -they’re the result of listening to women, testing with women, and designing for real bodies and real sailing conditions.  Built to Fit Real Women From the very start, our mission was clear: to create a pair of technical sailing shorts that actually fit women — of all shapes, sizes, and heights — while still offering a clean look that could blend into everyday wear. We didn’t want a “pink it and shrink it” version of our men’s shorts. We wanted something that worked because it was built for women, not in spite of it. Luckily, we have the perfect team to help. Our office is full of active women — sailors, runners, climbers, rowers — all passionate about outdoor sport and technical performance. Their honest, practical feedback helped us fine-tune the cut, waistband height, dial in the leg length, and perfect the stretch and movement across sizes. When we were closer to what felt like a final product, we brought in a small focus group of female sailors and outdoor enthusiasts to test a full size set — from the smallest to the largest. These weren’t models or marketing faces — they were real women, with valuable insights. We built this group through an open call on our social media channels inviting keen sailors to give their feedback and help us refine the final design. Their feedback? Invaluable. From tweaks in the waistband construction, to how the fabric felt, to thoughts on the colourway and styling — they shaped what you now see as the final product. I am impressed with the fact that Rooster is trying to find improved fitting women’s clothing . It was interesting to be part of this process and see the effort that goes into choosing the design. - Sam Norton (part of our focus group)   Why It Took Over 3 Years In truth, launching a women’s-only technical product is a big decision for us. The market for female sailing gear is smaller, and factory minimum order quantities (MOQs) don’t always make it easy. But this project mattered, not just for the product itself, but because we know how valuable good kit is for women who are active in the sport.  Over the past decade, Rooster’s range has evolved to include female alternatives to most of our key products. When we can, we create female-specific options. And when that’s not viable, we always consider women’s fit when designing unisex products, making sure they’re as versatile and inclusive as possible.  We understand that introducing a women’s-specific short meant getting every detail right, and doing it when the brand was in a strong position to deliver it well. This isn’t just about launching a new product — it’s part of a bigger commitment. At Rooster, we’re proud to support women at every level of sailing, from grassroots participation to high-performance racing. Our involvement in initiatives like the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship (WOKC), the Magenta Foiling Project, and our continued support across sportsboat classes, including the J/70s, reflects just the start of where we’re heading. Women still make up a smaller share of active sailors — estimated at just 20–25% globally, and often less in technical classes like sportsboats and keelboats. But that number is growing, and we’re proud to be part of that progress. For us, inclusivity and innovation in women’s technical gear isn’t an add-on — it’s a core part of what we do.  Where Function Meets Purpose We’re excited to launch our Women’s Technical Shorts 2.0 and can’t wait to share the product we have been working on, they combine:  A flattering, technical cut designed for active movement. Optimised waist height for support and comfort. Stretch and flexibility where it matters most. Ideal leg length for both comfort and coverage. Reinforced, durable fabric at the seat — built to handle high-wear areas and long hours on deck. Smart, functional features right where you need them — including leg pockets, belt loops for a safety knife, internal compartments for optional deck pads, a secure waist closure, and more. And of course — they’re built from the same trusted technical foundations as our much-loved men’s shorts, which have seen five years of proven performance on the water. We can't wait for you to try them, find out some more on our video below:  

Rooster's lucky break. In 1998 I gave Robert Scheidt (current world number one in the then laser class) a Polilite® 7mm mainsheet to test. He loved it but requested a lighter weight version for the expected light winds that Sydney would give.  We then developed the 6mm version for him and Ben Ainslie. Polilite® went onto win all three medals at the 2000 Olympics.  6mm, 6mm, 7mm took the three spots on the podium then and has made it there many times since 2000. -Steve Cockerill (Rooster Founder & Chairman) The History of Polilite® They say that necessity is the mother of invention.  In my case, I had been so upset by the way the mainsheets behaved on my Laser during the 1992-1996 Olympic cycle that I was keen to finally solve it.  The concept was to produce a rope that was closer to 7mm than 6mm to help reduce the tangles and make it a little easier on the hands. I also wanted it to be lighter than a normal 6mm polyester rope and primarily, I wanted it to run out easily.  I figured that it was the properties of the inner core that made the rope more likely to tangle. His idea to solve the problem was considered by the rope manufacturer to be more revolutionary than evolutionary. I had the idea to put a low tech high stretch rope as the inner core of the rope. This would make the core lighter and leave the outer core to be the load bearer. The outer core would therefore also pinch the inner core under load - which would help maintain stability. I named it it Polilite® as it's a light weight polyester sheet.  Wash & Care Instructions Wash before use: Wash the Polilite® mainsheet in a washing machine on a cold cycle with a small amount of powder detergent. This removes manufacturing oils that make the rope initially slippery but were used to increase body and reduce kinks. Handling and coiling: Always treat the rope with care. Coil it climbing rope-style to prevent kinks and twists. Alternate between left twist and right twist when coiling to maintain rope stability and protect the core. Inspection and replacement: Regularly check the outer core for wear, as it bears the load. Replace the rope after 1 year of weekend use. Rigging instructions: Before rigging, ensure all coils and kinks are removed from the rope. Once dead-ended in the boat, the rope won’t create or absorb kinks. A good tip: throw the rope across the boat park and pull out twists before rigging.      

Blog submitted by Rooster Rider Scarlett Hadley from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Competing in the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile was something I never imagined would be possible so early in my sailing career. Here I was at 16 years old, representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines on one of the biggest stages in the sport. It was also my very first international competition which is crazy to look back on.    Coming from a small Caribbean Island where sailing is not as competitive or recognized, stepping into the competitive sailing world was surreal and inspirational. I was racing against Olympians that I had previously only seen online and looked up to. Suddenly, I was no longer watching them, I was racing against them.      It meant the world to be able to represent my country. To have our flag on my sail and to know I was opening doors for other young sailors at home was what really made every challenge worth it. It pushed me far out of my comfort zone but also showed me how far passion, hard work, and belief can take you.    This experience would've been impossible without the support of Rooster, whose gear made it possible for me to compete at the top level, where before our sailors had little knowledge about the gear needed to perform at the best, especially in the cold conditions in Chile. The support has kept me prepared, whether racing in tropical heat or chilly winds and I’m incredibly grateful. As I anticipate the Junior Pan American Games in August and the Youth World Championships in Portugal this coming December, I'm hoping to be ready with the right equipment, especially a jacket to help with those freezing temperatures between races!      The PanAm Games, which would usually be a later goal for most, was just the beginning for me. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and hopefully inspiring the next generation of sailors in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

“When I am sailing, I never think about my lack of sight.” These words, spoken by Lucy Hodges MBE, encapsulate the true spirit of Blind Sailing — a world where limitations are left ashore, and the wind becomes their guide. 

Have you ever wondered what it may be like to sail with no hearing and having to rely on your other senses? For many deaf sailors, sailing may seem virtually impossible due to a multitude of barriers; from everyday sailing to races.    However, through the work of the deaf sailing community, deaf people have gathered together to work through these challenges and obstacles and with GBR Deaf Sailing, we work to influence change amongst local sailing clubs and to build accessible pathways; enabling deaf people to be treated as equal sailors.   You may often wonder, how do deaf people communicate when sailing, or perhaps what can clubs do to be more inclusive?   For deaf people, like any other sensory losses, your other senses are heightened which can be seen as an advantage, a tool within our armour. Deaf people typically have heightened senses with their eyes, therefore when it comes to sailing, they tend to be more observant to their surroundings and may pick out on the smallest of visible changes quicker than others.   When it comes to sailing amongst crews, communication is vital. Many deaf sailors do not sail for obvious reasons with their hearing aid or implants. When sailing in a group of deaf people, there isn’t the ability to speak/shout whilst under sail or in race mode, this can make it extremely more challenging especially if deaf crews use sign language to communicate or perhaps lip read one another. This often means there are times whereby hands need to be freed to sign and you may see the odd rope in the most strangest of places!    As crews, we come up with effective forms of communication that takes some time to learn and to master, for example should crews not be able to gauge a sense of action through the natural art of sailing, there are certain hand-signals or types of taps to the hull used. However each helm, will have different ways of communicating, based on my own helming style, my typical communication methods are;   To obtain an immediate action would be a series of hard bangs to the hull in order to act fast or to get everyone’s attention.  When it comes to a marker and a tack/gybe, a series of three bangs to the hull in a timed sequence; 1 - ready about, 2 - close to mark, 3 - action Hand signals; A circular motions up in the air with the index finger - to signify the movement of upwards or downwards actions and also the speed of the motion signifies the speed. For example releasing or taking down the spinnaker, a fast clockwise motion would signify a quick release, anticlockwise would mean to take down (opposite direction). When racing, using numbered signs is key for timed sequences, for example a count down of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 using your fingers. Racing for deaf crews can be challenging, however Rooster’s shop enabled deaf crews to purchase limited edition optimum watches which has vibration settings - this is a life saver for deaf sailors.   As you can see there are a number of ways of communicating on board without the use of speech, this list could be endless, however summaries some of the examples when it comes to sailing. What could clubs do to be more inclusive?   When it comes to races and events, we ask for a time-pace keeper to assist with the time sequence, this enables deaf crews to follow the sequence of a klaxon / horn. This is where someone would signal a 3, 2, 1 before a klaxon / horn in order for the crew to set their timers in line with the sequence.    We also ask for clubs to give considerations to use of flags and communication tools - thinking about the effective uses of these - not all clubs use flags in this way. Clubs are encouraged to work with deaf sailors to make minor tweaks and adaptions - for example a warning signal in order to get ready, using a pre-agreed flag that is waved at the same time as the signal is sounded.   Clubs have opted to use strobe lights as well as klaxon / horns, however the colour and size of the strobe is key in order to aid in the visibility of this.   GBR Deaf Sailing welcome clubs or individuals who want to know more about how to be more inclusive. For more information or tips please contact daniel14clements@gmail.com   Article written by Daniel Clements GBR Deaf Sailing - Sailor and Committee member