The Rooster Blog

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 WLYC 24 Hour Race12 – 13 September 2026 | West Lancashire Yacht Club 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

Blog submitted by Laszlo Drummond, Rooster Rider   Going into the GB Team Selection Trials, I felt confident. The forecast looked good, with strong breeze conditions that I knew suited me well. Even so, sitting on the start line before the first race, I was nervous — but mostly excited. This was what I had worked for all year. Day One — Strong Start Race one started exactly how I’d hoped. I got a great start, managed to stay clear, and finished second. I backed that up with a 4th and then a win in the final race of the day, which meant I ended Day One leading the regatta in first position. It felt amazing, but I also knew selection weeks are long and anything can happen. Day Two — Things Started Falling Apart The first race of Day Two was okay. I finished 10th after dealing with both a yellow flag, penalty turns and losing 6 places Then came the second race. I was over the line at the start and received a BFD (Black Flag Disqualification). That immediately took away my discard and completely changed the scoreboard for me. In the final race that day, the wind died. I got trapped out to the right-hand side of the course and couldn’t recover, finishing 34th. That race was hard to handle. Carrying a 34 at a selection event is brutal, and suddenly I’d gone from leading the event to feeling like I had let myself down with unnecessary mistakes. Day Three — Another Black Flag Coming into Day Three, I knew I had to reset mentally and sail smart, most importantly not to push the line too hard. I tried to come in with an open mindset, knowing I needed strong races. But I pushed the line too hard again and got another black flag. I dont mind admitting that this was extremely emotional for me, I had minutes to pull myself together for the 3rd race. I managed it, gave everything I had a came first, another bullet. Still, at that point, most people probably thought my Worlds campaign was over. Honestly, statistically, it almost was. Carrying two black flags at a GB selection event and still making the Worlds Team was close to impossible. We worked out afterwards that my chances of recovering into the top five were tiny — almost non-existent. I was lying 12th overall and 56 points behind 5th place going into the final day. But I also knew the forecast for the last day was my kind of conditions: strong wind, where strategy, and confidence mattered. Final Day — Clawback Going into the final day, I knew exactly what I had to do. Top-five finishes weren’t enough anymore. I basically needed to win everything. The first race of the day went perfectly. I got off the line cleanly, sailed fast, and won the race. That gave me confidence immediately but I still had a mountain to climb. In the second race, I had another good start and led the race from the beginning all the way to the finish — another win. Suddenly the impossible started feeling possible. By the final race, the maths were simple: I needed to beat the sailor ahead of me by enough points to guarantee my Worlds Team spot. I went all in. I won the final race too. Four straight race wins under pressure to secure my place on the British Team heading to the World Championships. Lessons From the Week What I’ll probably remember most from this event isn’t actually the result — it’s the mindset. It’s easy to feel confident when things are going well. It’s much harder when everything starts going wrong. Carrying two black flags could have ended my week mentally. But instead, I tried to stay calm, reset each day, and trust my speed and training. One thing I’m proud of is that the comeback was significantly done by gathering my spirits and focus, not letting my emotions after the second black flag get the better of me, continuing to race as hard as I could, but without unnecessary risks, I That felt pretty special. The Team Around Me This result also definitely didn’t happen alone. I’m hugely grateful to everyone supporting me — my coach David, my family, my sponsor Rooster, and everyone who’s backed me through the hard years as well as the good ones. So to now be representing Great Britain at World Championship level for a second year means everything, it's my last year in the Optimist Class. Massive thanks to Rooster for supporting me throughout the journey. I’m incredibly proud to wear the kit and represent a brand that genuinely understands sailors and performance. Now… bring on Morocco.  

Blog submitted by Logan Bell, Rooster Rider   I describe my younger self as someone who really struggled with new environments, meeting new people, and changes in routine. When I first started sailing, it took me time to build trust and relationships with others in the sport. But one small step led to another, and within my first season I had already achieved far more than anyone expected of me. I found a sense of freedom, and something that no other sport or hobby had been able to give me. Sailing didn’t just give me a hobby. It gave me focus, helped me build friendships and relationships, allowed me to develop new skills, and most importantly, it became a real passion for me. Sailability gave me a sense of belonging, within a community that now stretches globally. I have just completed my 10th year of sailing, and my goals and hopes for future achievements continue to grow. What Sailability offers – a sport for everyone For me, the Sailability community has been transformative. It is a space where people meet without judgement, where tough days are understood, and where everyone is free to be themselves – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Whatever the need, it can be met, allowing freedom from life’s challenges. That sense of acceptance has become a foundation for me over the years. I have built confidence, passion, and drive not only to develop my own skills, but also to support others to achieve their goals and reach their potential. Through Sailability, I have had opportunities I could never have imagined. I have raced internationally across the globe, representing my country, growing, and developing both skills and qualifications along the way. I have naturally become a role model to other sailors, especially younger sailors who are facing similar challenges to those I have faced or am still working through. My message is simple: sailing is, and can be, for everyone. It is an inclusive sport. Sailing isn’t defined by background, ability, or circumstance. It is a sport that allows you to be yourself and take from it what you need. It gives you the opportunity to grow, explore, discover what you are capable of, and achieve things you may not have thought possible. For me, it has become both a lifeline and a passion. I have gained many qualifications, and I have been recognised for my achievements and for the difference I make to other people’s sailing journeys. I have received several awards and have been named a “Rising Star”. For someone else, sailing might be the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Giving back through sailing One of the most meaningful things to me now is watching newcomers take their first steps into the sport. I recognise the anxiety, uncertainty, and challenges that come with that moment, but I can also see the potential in what they could gain. Helping others find their own confidence and build their own journey is something I find humbling, and deeply rewarding to be part of.

Blog submitted by Amelie Ballantyne, Rooster Rider   Being a kid can be tough sometimes. There’s school, homework, friendships, and rules to follow. But when you’re a sailing kid, there’s another challenge: transitioning boat classes. At some point, the time will come to move on due to age, size, weight and this change can be tough too. For some people it’s exciting, but for others it can feel daunting. I want to share my experience of transitioning boat class and how it worked for me. I decided to make the move at the end of the summer, after the Topper Nationals. I had been sailing in the Topper class for a few years and chose to transition into the ILCA class due to my age. Looking back, I think the timing was right for me because it has given me the whole winter to train before the sailing season starts. Even so, I was still nervous. I worried about what the class would feel like, what the training would be like, would it be a massive step up, who I’d be sailing with, and knowing I would probably be nearer the back of the fleet at first. I had so many thoughts going through my head. I also spent a lot of time thinking about which class I should move into. I’m quite small and light, which would suit a double-handed boat best, but that also means dealing with a crew and I wanted to sail a single-handed boat so I could be my own boss. Naturally, as there are a lot around, I headed in the ILCA direction. I applied for the RYA ILCA 4 Transition Talent Academy and, after the selection process, I was on the program for the year alongside other sailors who were also transitioning to the class. I was happy to find out that two of my Topper friends, George and Charlie, were doing the same thing. That made the whole experience feel a lot less daunting. The RYA Talent Academy has been a great option for me, and the coaches have been fantastic. From the very first day however, training DID step up a level! One of the biggest differences I noticed straight away was the level of expectation on us. We were treated like youth sailors and expected to be much more independent, especially with our boat preparation and learning. Not long after starting the Talent Academy, our coach suggested that we sign up for the ILCA National Opens at WPNSA. Most of us decided to go for it, even though secretly none of us really felt ready for it. On the first day, I was extremely nervous. Looking around the dinghy park, I saw adults, Olympians, and sailors I’d always looked up to. The atmosphere felt very different from junior sailing; less chaotic, more chilled out and people just get on with their own thing. There was no pushing at the tally board queue and far less parents and siblings present. I definitely felt a bit of imposter syndrome creeping in and assumed I’d struggle. Sailing with around 70 boats on my rig on the start line, heading out past the harbour wall for the first time ever, was a huge step up. The waves, the pace, and the competition were intense. But when I came off the water, I felt absolutely buzzing. It was challenging for sure, but it was so amazing…..and I didn’t come last! The ILCA class has been very welcoming and helpful to new bees like me. Since then I have done several national events, including the RYA Youth Nationals on the ILCA 6 rig, which was awesome. My advice to anyone thinking about transitioning classes is to choose your timing carefully and not rush into it. It’s a big step up from junior sailing, but if you feel ready, it can be incredibly rewarding. For me, looking back, I feel that you naturally head in a certain direction, but don’t forget you can try out other classes if you are not sure, such as the WASZP and NACRA15 classes for example. They often run taster/demo days which are great fun. Think about what class would suit you carefully, and don’t be afraid to feel nervous because that’s completely normal. It’s all about enjoying yourself, so sail something you like with the people you want to hang out with.

New to dinghy racing? Learn how to get started with simple tips, beginner advice, and essential sailing kit to build confidence on the water. Racing can look intense from the outside — crowded start lines, fast decisions, and a lot going on. But the reality? Everyone starts somewhere.Whether you're curious or ready to sign up for your first race, this guide should help you get started. 1. You Don’t Need to Be “Ready” Most people wait too long to try racing because they think they need more experience.You don’t.Club racing is designed for learning, and one of the best ways to improve your sailing is to get involved.Start with:- A local club race- A relaxed evening series- Sailing your own race (not worrying about results) 2. Focus on the Basics First Forget complicated tactics for now, just focus on a few key things:- Getting a clean start- Keeping your boat moving fast- Simple, tidy manoeuvresThat’s it. Everything else comes with time. 3. The Right Kit Makes a Big Difference Racing often means more time on the water, more waiting around, and pushing yourself a bit harder.Being too cold/hot, restricted, or uncomfortable? That’s what knocks confidence.Focus on:- Layers you can move in- Protection from wind and spray- Kit that works across training and racing 4. Everyone Feels Nervous at the Start That pre-start feeling? Completely normal.Even experienced sailors still get it.The difference is — they show up anyway.And once you’ve done your first race, everything starts to feel a lot more familiar. 5. Just Give It a Go You don’t need perfect conditions.You don’t need perfect skills.You just need to start. Ready to Get Started? Explore our What to wear guide for some tips on what to wear for your activity.

We are delighted to welcome IOCA, the UK Optimist Class Association, as a new partnership for Rooster, joining a strong network of long-standing UK class partnerships at the heart of what we do. We are committed to supporting grassroots sailing at all levels and making the sport accessible to all, ensuring opportunity is driven by passion and participation, not circumstance. At Rooster, we have always believed that sailing starts with strong foundations, and the Optimist class is where many sailors first discover their passion, develop resilience, and build the skills that carry them through their sailing journey. We are also proud to support the IOCA UK sailors representing the class at international events. Each team will be equipped with a range of custom Rooster kit, including jackets, t-shirts and rash vests— all designed specifically for IOCA UK. This ensures sailors feel part of a unified team on and off the water, while performing in kit built for the demands of competition.   The wider fleet will also benefit from a bespoke range of IOCA-branded Rooster clothing, allowing sailors, families and supporters to represent the class both on and off the water.  We also recognise the vital role that parents, coaches, and volunteers play in shaping these young sailors. Through this partnership, we aim to support the wider network around the sailors — helping to create a positive, well-equipped, and inspiring environment at every event. For us, this is a natural fit. Many of today’s top sailors started in the Optimist class, and we’re passionate about helping the next generation follow in their footsteps. By working alongside IOCA, we hope to contribute to a pathway that is accessible, enjoyable, and performance-driven. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see where this partnership goes. We look forward to being part of the Optimist journey — on and off the water — and supporting the sailors who represent the future of sailing. Stay tuned for more from Rooster x IOCA as the season unfolds.

For more than two decades, the Aquafleece has been at the heart of what we do at Rooster. Originally introduced in 2002, Aquafleece was one of the very first clothing products we brought to market. It quickly became a staple for sailors around the world thanks to its unique combination of warmth, flexibility and weather protection — a simple idea executed exceptionally well. Since then, Aquafleece has become synonymous with the Rooster brand. Whether you’re training on a cold winter morning, racing in gusty conditions or simply rigging up on the shore, it’s a piece of kit many sailors simply won’t leave home without. Over the years we’ve refined and expanded the Aquafleece range, but the Pro Aquafleece Top has remained one of the most recognisable and trusted pieces in sailing kit bags worldwide. So when the time came to revisit it, we knew one thing:we weren’t looking to reinvent it — we were looking to evolve it carefully.   Why Update Something That Already Works? The Pro Aquafleece Top has stood the test of time for good reason. Sailors value it for its warmth, durability and the freedom of movement it offers on the water. But materials, construction techniques and user expectations continue to evolve. After more than 15 years with the same core design, we saw an opportunity to make small but meaningful improvements while staying true to what people love about the original. The result is the Pro Aquafleece Top 2.0 — a refined update to an iconic product.   What’s New in the Pro Aquafleece Top 2.0? While the DNA of the original remains intact, we’ve introduced several thoughtful upgrades to improve comfort, performance and durability. Improved cuff and hem closures Enhanced closures help seal out wind and spray more effectively while allowing for a better personal fit. Grippy neoprene hem A new grippy neoprene hem helps keep the top securely in place while sailing — preventing ride-up when hiking or moving around the boat. Improved stretch and comfort Updated materials at the waistband offer improved flexibility, allowing greater freedom of movement while maintaining the warmth and protection Aquafleece is known for. Reflective fleck neck adjustment cord A subtle but practical addition, the reflective fleck cord makes the neck adjustment easier to see and handle in low-light conditions. Updated styling We’ve refreshed the look to bring the Pro Aquafleece into the modern Rooster design language while retaining the clean, functional aesthetic sailors expect. Addition of a Women's fit You spoke, we listened. The Pro Aquafleece Top 2.0 sees the return of a dedicated women’s fit, designed to provide a more tailored and comfortable shape on the water. It launches in a brand-new Midnight Teal colourway, created specifically for the women’s range. Built on 20+ Years of Experience Updating a product like the Pro Aquafleece Top is not something we take lightly. This is a piece of kit trusted by Olympic sailors, weekend racers, instructors, and beginners alike. It’s worn in dinghies, keelboats, coach boats and on shorelines all over the world. The goal with the Pro Aquafleece Top 2.0 was simple:Keep everything sailors love — and make the small improvements that matter.   The Next Chapter for Aquafleece More than twenty years after Aquafleece first launched, it remains one of the most recognised pieces of sailing kit on the water. The Pro Aquafleece Top 2.0 continues that legacy — built on decades of feedback, refinement and real-world use. Same trusted protection.Same unmistakable Aquafleece feel.Just better. Hear from Rooster founder Steve Cockerill as he introduces the Pro Aquafleece Top 2.0 and explains the thinking behind the latest refinements:

Here is my checklist for when the season starts and I lift the cover off the boat - usually too late! Toestraps I check my toestraps for signs of wear, the toestrap fixings and rope attachments. Spars Look over your rivets and fittings for any signs of wear. If there are any wobbly fittings then it's time to change the rivet. You might also like to check the related blog on helpful hints on Riveting. Don't forget to use some Duralac to help stop the corrosion that occurs between dissimilar metals and please use a 4.8mm drill bit not a 5mm drill bit.  We stock a wide range of Holt, Allen, Ronstan, Superspars and Selden spars and fittings. Check your shrouds and halyards for signs of wear and make sure your halyard tails are remade so you don't loose your jib halyard on your first hoist.  If you have a rope halyard - I can't recommend Halitec enough if you want a non stretch, durable 4mm easy cleat halyard.  If you use a 2:1 halyard, you might like to check that the termination at the top of the mast is smooth with no sharp edges and move your knot ready for the season.  We tend to supply Halitec main halyards that are very generous, so you can move the wear position throughout the season - just to be sure.   Sails  Simple tears in the body of your sails can be repaired with sail or spinnaker repair tape, but for bolt rope issues and tears in your loaded areas, you will need to take it to your local sailmaker. Rope You might like to wash your ropes to rejuvenate them, but if you are using Polilite® sheets, remember that the outer braid is the load bearer, so changing them annually on high wear sheets is recommended. If your sheets are not running well, you should ensure that the blocks that they run through are at least 4 times the diameter of the rope. Check over your primary load lines. You might like to get some top tips on how to do some splicing - check out our how to video tips on this. Control lines that have gone flat and are showing signs of wear can either be end for ended to improve their longevity, or changed. If you are keen to do some continuous control lines, we have the video so you know the secrets. Blocks If they are not working too well, they might just need some soapy water and some lubrication to get them working as good as new, but if they are looking dodgy and need changing, we can help. Cleats Even after some lubrication you might have some issues with your cleat holding lines. They might be over tightened or the return spring may need adjusting. If your jaws are worn flat, a needle file can put the bite back into them, or you might just need to replace them. Trailers An annual check and service is advisable and we have entire blog post dedicated to the job. Hull Check over the outside for any nicks that can be easily repaired with your gelcoat/catalyst mix. You should be able to get your colour from the boat manufacturer. The best polishing compound to bring up the finish after you have used wet and dry paper is Farcela, followed by an environmentally friendly hull polish. Foils The finish on these is much more important than the hull. Check out our blog on an epoxy foil repair. When you have finished your A1 job, don't forget to wrap them up in a decent Foil Bag when travelling. Rudder Stock and Tiller Your tiller extension joint is likely to be perished - I think we stock every type at Rooster! I tend not to use the rope cored versions as I don't have faith in them.  Once they have see through rubber, my feeling is that the UV degrades the rubber quicker.  I recently changed my RWO black standard joint on my tiller extension that I put on before the 1995 Olympic trials - it was starting to look perished!  If you are confused about how to attach your joint to your tiller, our video should help. Rooster Carbon Tiller extensions make changing the joint a 3 minute job and are a bullet proof option - but we also stock aluminium ones as well if you prefer. Your rudder stock is a vital piece of equipment. I tend to check it for corrosion or cracking. We stock a wide range of rudder accessories from wing nuts, gudgeons and pintles for both the boat and your stock. Feel free to comment below with your boat prep successes and failures! Happy Preparation, Steve          Save