The Rooster Blog

Blog submitted by Will Clingan, Rooster Rider.   I have always been around sailing as my dad and my uncle grew up sailing, so it was something my dad was always keen for me and my brothers to do. The first time I sat in a boat was when I was three and dad took me for a spin in his miracle and it is still an experience that I remember, especially how scared I was. My own sailing journey started 10 years ago in 2016 at Staunton Harold sailing club where I completed my RYA Stage One course in an optimist. In the following years as I was sailing my optimist in the youth squad, I was struggling to get to stage two level and especially struggled in the high winds. In this time, I gave a few club races a try which ended in one last place as well as a DNF because I got the course wrong. The main thing I lacked was confidence and experience which made enjoying sailing difficult for me. I can remember having one of the instructors sat on the boat with me because there were high winds and they were trying to help me relax - the boat was steadily sinking due to the weight, but it helped me to calm down and have fun. In early 2019 I sold my optimist and moved up to a Topper but then later that year we moved to Notts County sailing club just in time for the start of lockdown. After lockdown, I went for a sail and it just felt like lots of what I had learnt before started to click and I also felt more comfortable, but I still didn't have quite enough confidence to really enjoy sailing yet. In 2022, I joined Mammoth Explorer Scout Unit, which is a group based at the Nottinghamshire Scouts Adventure Centre, and who help run activities such as sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding. For my first year I stuck with paddling which felt like it was a better fit for me than sailing and really boosted my confidence being around the water. I also began to teach watersports which I found I really enjoyed. In my second season at Mammoth, I tried sailing again and everything felt natural to me and made sense which was a feeling I hadn’t had before. This led me to start taking out an RS Vision or Laser 2000 with a range of scout, cub, and beaver sections from all over Nottinghamshire for taster sessions to spend time on sailing boats and for some of the older ones a chance to helm. This was my first step into instruction, and it felt very natural for me as well as enjoyable. At the start of my third season, I completed an assistant instructor course and leant more of the teaching skills which was great knowledge to have as well as allowing me to be part of the team running RYA youth and adult courses to get into the teaching and development of skills. This made me even more interested and keen to keep instructing. I started to see that my struggles learning to sail enabled me to put myself even more into the shoes of the people I was teaching, helping me to break things down and understand the difficulties facing them to find solutions. Before the next season I attended a 5 day RYA Dinghy Instructor course back at Notts County sailing club which was an amazing learning experience for me seeing how sessions are led and understanding how I can do it in a safe and fun environment. With the knowledge and skills, I learned, I went into the season with more confidence in my ability, still learning all the time - and I hit plenty of obstacles that changed me as an instructor to overcome them. The higher qualifications came with more responsibility and care over the people I instructed that I didn't expect, and I had to learn lots of things that can’t be taught like the compassion and patience needed at times. That brings us up to date to this, my fifth season, which is my second as a dinghy instructor, and the learning keeps going but with the awesome reward of seeing the people I teach overcome their struggles - whether that's confidence or learning a sailing technique. Not only has sailing helped shape me as an instructor but also as a person with the social skills and confidence in talking or presenting to others which has shaped me into someone wanting to take a career in education as I know teaching is something rewarding and that I enjoy. Lots of times I remember the progression that I have made in my confidence and overall sailing ability, especially when I have sat on the front of single handers with kids to help calm them down like I often needed. I was also able to take part in a WASZP taster session as part of the Athena Foiling festival which, as you can probably tell, would be a huge step up for me. Once I got in the boat, I was very nervous and as I started moving, I could just feel the boat speed up which would then just keep leading to capsize after capsize. But by the end I managed to get up on the foils which filled me with immense amounts of pride and achievement over what I had done. Looking to the future, I hope to become a senior instructor, once I have built up more experience and awareness of how to supervise as well as manage people in a water sports centre setting. I'm also hoping to keep developing my sailing skills to help me get over the challenges that I have struggled with racing as well as doing more activities like the WASZP taster that would push me out of my comfort zone. I’m looking forward to the next 10 years because of the change and progression I have had in the first 10 years, I am excited to see what comes next and where I might be in 2036!

Taking on one of the world's busiest shipping routes in a Topper dinghy, all to raise money for Cancer Research. Rooster rider Faith Turner shares her experience of crossing the English Channel, the challenges she faced and the moment she reached France.  Blog submitted by Faith Turner, Rooster Rider   I took on one of my biggest sailing challenges yet: crossing the English Channel in my Topper dinghy, sailing from Dover to Cap Gris-Nez in France to raise money for Cancer Research. It was an experience I'll never forget, with plenty of challenges along the way! Taking on the Channel Sailing across the English Channel is very different from the sailing I'm used to. Not only did I have to deal with some of the biggest waves I've ever sailed in, but I also had to navigate one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. Along the way, I had to avoid ferries, warships and large cargo ships, all whilst managing the conditions in my little Topper. At first, the size of the waves was quite intimidating. I'd never experienced anything like them before, and it took some time to get comfortable. But once I started to get the hang of surfing down them, things became much more enjoyable. What had initially seemed scary quickly became one of the most exciting parts of the crossing, especially when I was reaching speeds of around 8–9 knots! Reaching France One of the biggest challenges came right at the end. To complete the crossing for the world record attempt, I had to get out of my boat and physically touch French land. This was much harder than I'd expected. The waves were crashing around me, with rocks on either side, making it extremely difficult to get back into my Topper safely.  I only just managed to climb back aboard and get sailing again before drifting towards the rocks. It was definitely one of the most challenging moments of the entire crossing, but also one of the most rewarding. 2 Hours and 56 Minutes After everything the Channel threw at me, I completed the crossing in 2 hours and 56 minutes, achieving what I believe to be the fastest English Channel crossing by a dinghy sailor. Knowing that I'd completed such a huge personal challenge, whilst also raising money for Cancer Research, made the experience even more special. Thank You I couldn't have done this without the people and organisations who supported me. A huge thank you to my sponsors, XB44, Saxon Air, Rooster, Performance Sailcraft Europe and GP Watercraft, for helping make this challenge possible. I'd also like to thank everyone who donated towards Cancer Research, and especially my coach, Tim Hulse, for supporting me on the water and believing in me throughout the challenge.  It's an experience I'll never forget, and I'm incredibly proud of what I've achieved.

Blog submitted by Joshua Higgins | Bahamian ILCA 7 Sailor & Rooster Ambassador   When people think about my sailing journey, they often think about international competitions, long training days and my goal of representing The Bahamas at the Olympic Games. However, there’s another side of my sailing career that means just as much to me: coaching.  Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel internationally, compete against some of the world’s best sailors and learn from experienced coaches. These experiences have helped shape me not only as an athlete but also as someone who wants to give back to the sport that has given me so much. Sharing My Experience With the Next Generation One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been working with young sailors across The Bahamas, including in Nassau, Exuma and Harbour Island. Through coaching sessions and sailing clinics, I’ve been able to share the knowledge I’ve gained from competing internationally while helping young sailors develop their own skills and confidence on the water. For me, coaching goes beyond teaching someone how to sail a boat faster. It’s about helping them understand the importance of preparation, discipline, decision-making and resilience. These are lessons I’ve learned firsthand throughout my own racing career. Bringing International Experience Back Home Competing internationally has exposed me to different sailing conditions, racing styles and training environments. Every event teaches me something new, whether it’s about boat handling, tactics, physical preparation or the mental side of competition. Being able to bring that experience back home and share it with younger sailors is something I take great pride in. I particularly enjoy watching sailors begin to understand concepts they’ve previously struggled with. Seeing their confidence grow and their performance improve is incredibly rewarding. Balancing Coaching and Competition Balancing my own training and international racing schedule with coaching isn’t always easy, but I believe both roles complement each other. Coaching challenges me to explain techniques clearly, think more deeply about sailing fundamentals and constantly improve my own understanding of the sport.  At the same time, continuing to compete internationally allows me to bring fresh knowledge and experience into my coaching. Building the Future of Bahamian Sailing The Bahamas has an incredible sailing history, and I believe there is tremendous potential for the next generation of sailors. My personal ambition is to represent The Bahamas at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, but my vision extends beyond my own results. I want to help create opportunities for younger sailors to develop, compete internationally and believe that they too can achieve great things in the sport. If I can help inspire even a few young sailors to pursue their goals with greater confidence and determination, then the work I’m doing as a coach is worthwhile. More Than Just Sailing Sailing has taught me lessons that extend far beyond the racecourse. It has taught me patience, independence, resilience and the importance of never giving up when things become difficult. These are the same values I hope to pass on to the next generation through coaching. I’m grateful to have Rooster supporting my journey, not only as I continue working towards my Olympic goals but also as I give back to the sport that has given me so much.  For me, success isn’t only about what I achieve on the water. It’s also about the impact I can have on the sailors coming behind me.    Joshua Higgins Bahamian ILCA 7 Sailor | Rooster Ambassador #242ToTheWorld

Well, that was quite a summer!   We’ve spent the last few months doing what we love most, getting out and about, meeting sailors, supporting events and generally spending far too much time talking about sailing. Our Rooster van has covered some serious mileage, carrying the shop, prizes, bean bags, ping-pong table and a team who are always happy to have a chat about all things boats.   From Youth Weeks and class Nationals to World Championships, we’ve been lucky enough to be part of some brilliant events this summer. We’ve travelled from Parkstone and the Royal Southern to Weymouth, Hayling Island, Largs and Eastbourne, and across the Irish Sea to Dún Laoghaire, supporting the ILCA Masters, J Cup, the ILCA, IOCA, Topper and WASZP Nationals, HISC, Royal Southern Yacht Club and Parkstone Youth Weeks, ILCA Skills Week, the ILCA 7 Men’s Worlds, RS Aero and RS200 Nationals, and finally, the ILCA 6 Women’s Worlds. That’s a fair few events, and quite a lot of packing and unpacking! But behind all those events are the moments we’ll remember far more than the mileage; conversations with sailors, coaches sharing their thoughts from the day, parents working out what their kids actually need and young sailors discovering new kit. And of course, the “I’ve got one of those and it’s brilliant” conversations are always a favourite.   One of the things we love most is that, in the space of a few days, we can go from chatting to some of the best sailors in the world at the ILCA Worlds to helping someone who is stepping onto a boat for their very first Youth Week. From chasing a World Championship title to figuring out which end of the boat you’re supposed to sit in, we want our kit to work for everyone. Being able to talk to, understand and hopefully resonate with sailors across that whole spectrum is something we’re incredibly proud of.   That’s the stuff we love about being at events. You can’t really learn sailing from behind a desk. We’re proud to be a British clothing brand, but we’re also proud to be part of the sailing community and to spend so much time talking to the people who actually use our kit. That’s how our founder Steve Cockerill started Rooster, you learn what sailors really wear, what works when the weather turns, what coaches recommend and what people would like to see us do better. Some of that knowledge won’t ever make it into a product review or a spreadsheet; you simply pick it up by being there soaking wet through in a boat park, or more likely this summer, sunburnt to a crisp.   We’re certainly not claiming to know everything (sailors are very good at keeping us on our toes!), but every conversation and every event adds a little more to what we know, and hopefully that helps us make better kit for the people who use it.   We’ve also loved seeing the Rooster van become a familiar sight around the boat park. Yes, there’s a shop inside, and yes, there are prizes and a ping-pong table that somehow becomes far more competitive than anyone intended, but hopefully it’s also become somewhere people feel welcome. Somewhere to grab a bit of kit, ask a question, have a chat, sit on a beanbag for five minutes or simply escape the chaos of the boat park.   Because sailing events are about so much more than the racing. They’re about the clubs, volunteers, coaches, families, class associations, friendships and the people who keep coming back year after year. That’s the bit we feel very lucky to be part of.   So, to everyone who has stopped by our van this summer, whether you bought something, asked us a question, played ping-pong, grabbed a prize, plopped in a beanbag, or just came over for a chat, thank you. We’ve loved it, we’ve learnt a lot, we’ve driven a lot of miles, and we’ve probably eaten far too many sausage baps from WPNSA. We’re already looking forward to doing it all again.   Because ultimately, we don’t just want to make kit for sailors. We want to be there with them. And if that means another summer of avoiding not getting burned by the heat press and chasing ping-pong balls around the shop floor… well, we’re in!

It’s that time of year again. The marquee will soon be up, the kit carefully unwrapped, the weather will hopefully be behaving itself, and Southampton will be ready for ten days of all things boats. Yes, Southampton International Boat Show is nearly here, and Rooster will be back down on the waterfront. We’re in the same location as last year, but we know it’s still a fairly new spot for some of you, so here’s your friendly reminder, we’re down on the waterfront. Come and find us on stand W38. Come and see what we’ve got The show is always a good excuse to catch up with familiar faces, meet new ones and, inevitably, have a chat about sailing kit. We’ll have plenty of Rooster favourites with us, along with some new bits to get your hands on. So whether you’re looking for your next set of sailing gear, something for the kids, a few bits for the boat, or just fancy seeing what we’ve been up to, come and have a rummage. And, of course, you can try things on and talk to the people who actually use the kit. No hard sell. Just good kit chat. The outlet rails are back… Now for the important bit. We’re bringing outlet rails packed with some seriously good deals to Southampton this year. These will be a mix of end-of-line, discontinued and limited-stock Rooster kit, with prices you’ll only be able to get your hands on at the show. So if you’re a bargain hunter, this is your warning. Get there early. Have a rummage. And if you see something you like, don’t hang around. Because there’s nothing worse than coming back later to find the thing you wanted has gone to a new home. Fancy coming for free? We’re also giving you the chance to win three free tickets to Southampton International Boat Show. Bring your sailing buddies, your family, your crew, whoever you fancy spending a day at the show with. To enter, simply: Follow us on social media Like the competition post (check it out on Facebook and Instagram in the next few days) Tag the friend you’d bring along in the comments Share it on your story and tag @roosterkit for a free extra entry! Winners will be announced via DM from the Rooster official Instagram and Facebook pages – so make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop and enter your name in the draw. See the terms and conditions at the bottom of this post! And if you don’t win, don’t worry… Save on your tickets with Rooster Our Rooster discount code is still live, so you can save on your show tickets. Make the most of the discounted rate of £19.99 to purchase tickets for any one day of the show. Use code: ROOSTERSAIL A little more money left over for that outlet rail, perhaps?   Where are we? We’re down on the waterfront, in the same spot as last year on stand W38. Once you’re in the show, make your way towards the marina and keep an eye out for the Rooster branding. Come and say hello. Have a look around. Try something on. Ask us about the kit you’ve been wondering about. Tell us what you think we should be making next. Or just come and say hi. We’ll see you on the waterfront. Southampton International Boat Show 2026 18-27 September 2026 Mayflower Park, Southampton Stand W38 Rooster – down on the waterfront Come for the boats. Stay for the bargains! Competition Terms & Conditions    Open to UK residents aged 18+. To enter, follow Rooster on Instagram and/or Facebook, like the competition post and tag a friend in the comments. Share the post to your Instagram Story and tag @roosterkit for one additional entry. One winner will be chosen at random and will receive 3 tickets to Southampton International Boat Show 2026. The competition closes at 15 September 2026. The winner will be contacted by DM from Rooster’s official Instagram or Facebook account. Please be aware of fake accounts – we will never ask for payment or bank details to claim your prize. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, another winner may be selected. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. This competition is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram or Facebook. By entering, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Rooster Sailing heads to the 2026 ILCA World Championships. For us, this partnership is about much more than supplying clothing. It’s about being there with the sailors, coaches, volunteers and event teams who make an event like this happen – both on and off the water.

    POST VIDEO NOTE:Please use a separate piece of line to attach the two blocks to the traveller eye.  see image below: This is to stop any chance of the two blocks and their 3mm elastic from tensioning the traveller in any way.  This was required by measurement at the 2018 World Championships. The story: During the recent RS Aero World Championships, it became apparent that if I wanted to release the controls downwind efficiently that I would need to change the control lines to over deck take up style. The old style tended to get a little tangled downwind:   I was inspired by Steve Norbury’s version that I had seen at the Aero Southern Championships which I knew was class legal. Obviously, I have put some of my splicing experience into the kit to fasten the two Ronstan Shock Blocks in place and used Rooster’s EasySplice™ Continuous Control Line as it’s just so easy! I used the Ronstan Shock Blocks as they can be colour co-ordinated and are very light – which I guess is nice as the boat is so nice and light. I also used Selden 30mm Loop Top Blocks for the take ups in the video and have recently changed them to Allen 30mm Blocks . Rooster has produced a kit with most of the splicing done, all you will have to do is ‘cow splice’ the Ronstan Shock Blocks onto a pre-made double loop 180mm line under the deck. We suggest you use 2mm Spectwelve (an SK78 12 braided Dynema) for the take-up tidies and Rooster 4mm Zero a super low stretch UHMPE 12 braided line for the traveller. You will also notice that I have adopted the Rooster colours which have been used extensively in singlehanded sailing with blue for downhaul/ Cunningham, grey for outhaul and red for kicker or vang. Feel free to take the parts and ropes in the colours you are used to. I used 5m of EasySplice™ for the outhaul system, although I did not have much line to spare so perhaps it’s worth taking 6m and losing a bit.  Our kit is now 5.5m so you will need to first ensure your outhaul is maximum off.   Then join the outhaul when it can just go in front of the centreboard case with a little movement. For the downhaul, I used 8m of EasySplice™, plus 1m of 2mm Spectwelve for the two side deck tidy’s and 1m of 4mm Zero for the traveller. Tools:I like my tools so I tend to try and use them all. But if you are keen to do the whole thing yourself then you will need: Serrated Scissors 2/3mm Pull Fid 4mm Push fid Rooster EasySplice™ Needle Fid (I use the super thin needle for the EasySplice™ Control Line splice). Needles and Waxed Whipping Twine (available on the Rooster website to finish off the joins in the control line.) If you purchase the kit, then you will only need the EasySplice™ Needle Fid, twine and needle, although I am sure you would still find the Serrated Scissors useful. Splicing TipWhen you cut the centre core out of easy splice, leave it as loose as possible.  This will enable the other line to pass into it easier.  Do not try and milk it to make it smaller as this will make it harder to pull the other end through it.    RS Sailing is the most forward-looking company I have ever been close to. I understand that they will be stocking these ‘Rooster’ upgrade kits in due course. I think it will make a significant difference to your Aero sailing enjoyment – if it could get any better!

How to Prepare Your Boat and Gear for Your First Big Championship There's something truly special about a sailing championship. It's more than just a regatta; it's an opportunity to challenge yourself, explore a new venue, and become part of a community that shares your passion for sailing. Whether you’re fizzing with excitement or feeling super nervous, good preparation can make all the difference. This guide has been put together to help you arrive prepared, confident, and ready to make the most of every moment. The better prepared you are, the more you'll be able to focus on what really matters – enjoying the experience, learning from every race, and creating memories that you'll look back on for years to come. Give your boat a thorough MOT We’ve pulled together this basic list below; it’s not an exhaustive list, and it’s not class specific, but it’s a fantastic place to start. You’ve been training hard all winter, so it’s time to get your boat back on point for its Championship showcase. If you discover an issue and aren't sure how to fix it, don't panic. Your Class Association community is often the best place to start. Class sailors and coaches have a wealth of experience and can usually offer practical advice or point you towards the manufacturer or class-approved hacks. The Team at Rooster are always on hand to help, and true to our heritage, the team love nothing more than bimbling with boats and looking for those small wins to allow you to be in your element. Whether you need advice on maintenance, replacement parts, or essential spares, get in touch; we'd be delighted to help you arrive at the championship feeling ready to perform at your best! Category Subcategory Check Item Hull Structure Give the hull a good once-over and look out for any cracks. Hull Structure Check the mast step for cracks or anything that doesn't look quite right. Hull Structure Look for scratches, cracks or peeling grip around the centreboard case. Hull Finish Tidy up any chips and scratches before they get worse. Hull Finish Make sure the self bailer opens and closes smoothly and isn't full of grit. Hull Finish Check your bung is in good condition and throw a spare in the toolbox. Spars Mast Sight up the mast and make sure it's nice and straight. Spars Mast Check fittings and rivets for corrosion, movement or wear. Spars Mast Make sure all mast sections fit together snugly. Spars Boom Check fittings and rivets are secure and corrosion-free. Sail Panels Hold the sail up to the light and look for holes, tears or thin patches. Sail Stitching Check seams are intact and not starting to pull apart. Sail Battens Make sure battens are undamaged and seated properly. Rigging Halyard(s) Look for worn spots, fraying or damaged rope. Rigging Mainsheet Check for wear and any sections that feel tired.  Rigging Jib Sheet Make sure it's running smoothly and isn't showing signs of wear. Rigging Spinnaker Sheet Make sure it's running smoothly and isn't showing signs of wear. Rigging Controls Check the kicker is working smoothly and still bites. Rigging Controls Make sure the outhaul runs freely and holds tension. Rigging Controls Check the downhaul isn't worn and can be adjusted easily. Rigging Controls Make sure the traveller isn’t wearing through. Rigging Painter Check for wear and confirm it complies with class rules. Rigging Clew Strap If the velcro is slipping, it's time for a replacement. Rigging Blocks Spin every block and make sure ratchets still sound and feel healthy. Centreboard Foil Check the leading edge for chips, dings or rough spots. Centreboard Foil Make sure the trailing edge is smooth and undamaged. Centreboard Case The board should go up and down smoothly without sticking. Centreboard Elastic Make sure the elastic still has enough life to do its job. Rudder Blade Check for damage, chips or rough areas. Rudder Stock Make sure all fittings are secure and in good condition. Rudder Tiller Look for cracks or sun damage in the universal joint – they often fail without warning. Toe Straps Webbing Check for wear where straps rub and inspect all fixings. Toe Straps Elastic Make sure the straps still spring back into position. Fasteners Hardware Check screws are tight and haven't worked loose. Fasteners Hardware Check bolts are secure and corrosion-free. Fasteners Hardware Fresh tape always looks smarter and makes spotting problems easier. Buoyancy Hatches Check seals are clean and keeping water where it belongs. Buoyancy Buoyancy Bags Inflate them and make sure they're holding air properly. Buoyancy Leak Test A bubble test can uncover leaks before they become a headache. Trolley Frame Look for rust, corrosion or signs of fatigue. Trolley Wheels Check tyres are inflated and ready for a long walk to the slipway. Trailer Bearings Give them a check now rather than on the hard shoulder later. Trailer Lights Test everything before setting off. Trailer Straps Make sure straps are in good condition and still doing their job. Measurement Class Rules Double-check sail numbers are correct and clearly visible. Measurement Class Rules Make sure all required equipment is onboard and class legal. Get the right gear The right kit really makes all the difference on the water, and the beauty of British weather means you can launch in a sublime summer's day and be chewing through a hail storm as the four minute gun goes for the start of race three. Staying warm, protected, and comfortable means you can focus on performance — and staying out for longer. We’ve tried to take all the faff out of packing your kit bag and created these handy what to wear guides, from Juniors through to trapezing, there’s something for everyone Pack the opposite kit in your dry bag in your boat; if you’ve launched in glorious sunshine, make sure you’ve got a lightweight spray top and beanie you can pop on if that sea breeze kicks in or you have an accidental capsize. On the flip side, if you launch in a cosy Aquafleece, make sure you can pull it off in between races, if that sunshine does show its face. Top it off with a cap, with an epic pair of sunglasses and a slathering of suncream. It can be really tempting to pop all your spares in a support rib, but it’s not always possible to find them in between races, even with the most attentive crew. So, keep those essential bits of kit and fuel close in a little dry bag in your boat, so you’re not caught short! Hangry and freezing is not the way to spend a day. Don’t forget on shore too; changing rooms at big championships can be manic. Write your name on every single bit of kit you own and consider al fresco changing alternatives, like a quick dry poncho and a changing mat if you’re not a fan of the crowds. Spares After you’ve read this blog, your boat will be MOT’d and bimbled to perfection before your regatta, but breakages do happen, even to the most prepared sailors. Either tucked in your buoyancy aid, or safely stowed in your boat, we’d suggest always having these two secret weapons.  Small Carbine Hook – Shackle gone? Bosh clip it back on. Rope that is 1.5 metres long, around 3/4mm - tie something back together, it won’t be pretty, but it will get you round. Breakages are great challenges to overcome, but it’s good to practice them in a low stress environment. What would you do if your mast webbing strap failed on your topper? Or if your kicker clip blew up on your RS Tera? Have a go on shore, and then on the water, testing how you could bodge a fix, it could save you a big point discard or even better, you could help a friend on the water.   Fuel Eating and drinking the right things before, during and after racing will help you stay focused, make better decisions, and maintain your energy throughout the duration of the regatta. Before heading afloat, aim to eat a balanced meal containing slow-release carbohydrates such as porridge, wholegrain toast, cereal, or pasta. These foods provide a steady source of energy that will last longer than sugary snacks. Hydration is equally important and an easy to sip on the go bottle is essential. Start drinking water as soon as you wake up and continue throughout your morning preparations at your accommodation and in the boat park. Even on cooler days, it's easy to become dehydrated without realising it, which can affect concentration and performance. A very simple rule of thumb is that you should be drinking approximately 1 litre for every race you do. This isn’t foolproof, so please adapt it for your needs and the conditions on the day. For longer days, pack simple snacks that are easy to eat between races. Bananas, flapjacks, cereal bars, dried fruit, wraps or a sandwich are all great choices. These provide quick energy without causing a sugar crash. Try to avoid relying completely on sweets, chocolate and energy drinks. While they may give a short burst of energy, they can leave you feeling tired later in the day. With everything in life, there’s a balance to be found, make sure you’re excited to tuck into something tasty between races. Remember: good sailors look after their boats, but great sailors also look after themselves. Fuel your body well, and you'll give yourself the best chance of performing at your best on the water.   Relish the detail by doing your homework One of the easiest ways to gain confidence before your first championship is to arrive as prepared as possible. Long before you launch your boat, there is a huge amount of information available online that can help you understand the event and venue. Start by reading the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions so you know the format, schedule, and key rules. Watch any competitor briefings if they are available and take note of local advice. Explore the venue on Google Maps to familiarise yourself with launching areas, race courses, parking, and facilities. Check out the club and class websites to learn more about the venue, local conditions, and previous events. You can even use Google or ChatGPT to research typical weather patterns, tides, currents, and sailing tips for the area. Did you know we have some of our own venue guides by the legendary Steve Cockerill and our fantastic Rooster Riders? If you’re heading to Weymouth, Largs or Pwllheli this summer, you’re in luck! The more you know before you arrive, the less there is to think about when racing starts. Good preparation won't guarantee results, but it will help you feel confident, organised, and ready to make the most of your championship experience. Set goals that you can control Attending your first championship is exciting, but it's important to remember that success isn't just about where you finish. Rather than focusing on winning, set yourself SMART goals; goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, you might aim to get a front row start in at least three races, change your settings on every leg of the course, or not to be the outside boat at every mark rounding. These are things that are within your control and can be measured throughout the event. By focusing on personal performance goals rather than results, you'll gain confidence, learn more from the experience, and finish the championship with a real sense of achievement, regardless of your overall placing. And finally Above all, have fun. Throw yourself into the experience, make some new sailing mates, and try to enjoy every minute both on and off the water. There will be plenty to learn, plenty to laugh about, and hopefully a few adventures along the way. Sail your best, embrace the challenge, and make some awesome memories you'll be talking about for years to come.

It’s a busy summer ahead here for the team at Rooster as we tour around the UK and European 2026 events. From the ILCA World Championship in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, to HISC Youth Week on the South Coast of the UK, and everything in between, we’re excited to get back on the road with a van full of kit, catch up with the sailing community, and get hands-on once again. The Rooster team will be on hand to help you find the right layers, whether it’s a rash vest and cap for the sunshine or, more appropriately for this week’s biblical weather, an Aquafleece and beanie, the team will make sure you’re ready to hit the water. At some events we'll also be armed with a selection of chandlery and performance gear to keep you sailing at your best. Expect a great selection of kit and accessories, a bean bag or two to relax on, expert technical advice, and plenty of fluttering feather flags to set the scene. We’ve also bolstered our fleet with a shiny new van. It’s huge and proudly branded with our Rooster Riders, complete with the iconic Rooster logo across the bonnet. Give the team a toot if you spot them on the road! Even with the new van, we can’t bring the entire warehouse with us, so if you’ve got your heart set on a particular piece of kit or you know you need a niche bit of chandlery, we recommend ordering online in advance.  Buckle up for the van shop tour, check out the events below; ILCA Masters National Championship3 – 5 July 2026 | Parkstone Yacht Club J Cup17 – 19 July 2026 | Royal Southern Yacht Club IOCA Girls Weekend11 – 12 July 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy ILCA UK Nationals23 – 28 July 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy WASZP UK National Championship30 July – 2 August 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy IOCA UK Nationals2 – 7 August 2026 | Largs Sailing Club HISC Youth Week29 July – 3 August 2026 | Hayling Island Sailing club Parkstone Youth Week1 – 7 August 2026 | Parkstone Yacht Club Topper National Championship9 – 14 August 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy ILCA Skills Week 15 – 19 August 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy ILCA 7 Men's World Championship23 – 30 August 2026 | Dun Laoghaire RS Aero National Championship28 – 31 August 2026 | Eastbourne Sailing Club ILCA 6 Women's World Championship5 - 12 September 2026 | Dun Laoghaire IOCA End of Seasons 3 – 4 October 2026 | Poole Yacht Club RS Tera End of Season Championship24 – 25 October 2026 | Draycote Water Sailing Club ILCA Autumn National Open24 – 25 October 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy Topper European Championship27 – 29 October 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy

A lot of sailors still associate heavier gear with better performance, and in some conditions, that thinking makes complete sense. If you’re exposed to prolonged spray, cold temperatures or offshore conditions for long periods of time, higher levels of protection are essential. Staying warm and dry matters. For many forms of inshore and keelboat sailing, performance isn’t simply about maximum protection. It’s about balance. Because sailing is rarely static.   You’re constantly moving - crossing the boat, trimming, hiking, adjusting to changing conditions and changing workload throughout the day. And over time, the wrong outer layer can start working against you. Not because it isn’t waterproof enough, but because of how it affects movement, comfort and temperature regulation over long sessions. Most sailors will recognise the feeling. At the start of the day, heavier gear can feel reassuringly protective. But several hours in, that extra bulk becomes more noticeable. Movement becomes more restricted. Overheating creeps in once the workload increases. Fatigue arrives earlier than it should. And suddenly you’re thinking about your gear instead of your sailing. That’s where freedom of movement starts to matter. The best outer layers aren’t necessarily the heaviest ones. They’re the ones that provide the protection you need while still allowing you to move naturally, regulate temperature properly and stay comfortable as conditions evolve throughout the day.   That balance becomes especially important in inshore racing and keelboat sailing, where the workload is often high and conditions can change quickly. A jacket that feels stiff, bulky or restrictive might offer protection on paper, but if it slows movement, increases fatigue or makes it harder to react quickly onboard, it can start impacting performance in more subtle ways. That’s why modern performance sailing gear has increasingly shifted toward lighter, more flexible construction and breathable protection systems, especially for inshore racing - not to reduce protection, but to improve how the gear works with the sailor wearing it. The goal isn’t simply to stay dry - It’s to stay comfortable, responsive and focused for an entire day on the water.   That thinking sits behind products like our SB1 Inshore range. Designed to provide reliable protection without unnecessary bulk, they’re built for sailors who need freedom to move, adapt and perform across changing conditions. Because ultimately, the best sailing gear is often the gear you stop noticing entirely. It simply lets you get on with sailing.. You can read more about the design behind the SB1 Inshore Range on our other blog here: https://www.roostersailing.com/blogs/rooster-news/the-sb1-inshore-jacket-and-hi-fits-redefining-performance-for-sportsboat-sailors