The Rooster Blog

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    

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.

We’re kicking off the 2025 season with some exciting news — Rooster is partnering with a fantastic line-up of classes, clubs, and teams across the globe to support the sailors and events that make our sport so special. Some of these partnerships are long-standing collaborations we’re proud to continue. Others are brand new for 2025, marking fresh connections with organisations doing brilliant work in their communities. Whether it’s powering young Optimist sailors or backing world-class racing fleets, we’re here to support performance, progression, and fun on the water. Here’s who we’ll be working with this season: 🌎 International Youth Teams 🇺🇸 USODA National & Development TeamsOur continued partnership with the United States Optimist Dinghy Association helps support junior sailors at every level of the Optimist pathway in the US. 🇺🇾 AUDO Uruguayan Optimist National TeamNew for 2025! We're thrilled to be backing Uruguay’s top young Optimist sailors as they take on regional and global competition. EU EURILCA Solidarity ProgrammeInvolving every nation—igniting the next wave of young sailors. 🇬🇧 UK Class Partnerships RS Tera UK ClassSupporting the next generation as they learn the ropes, build confidence, and discover the thrill of racing. RS Feva UK ClassOne of the UK’s most vibrant youth fleets — we’re proud to keep supporting this fun, fast, and friendly class. ITCA UK (Topper Class)A class close to Rooster’s roots, and still one of the best starting points for young racers. ILCA UK ClassFrom youth to Masters, the ILCA fleet is one of the most competitive in the world — and we’re excited to continue our support. RS Aero UK ClassLight, fast, and full of energy — the RS Aero class continues to grow, and we’re proud to be part of that momentum. J-70 UK ClassNow in our third year of partnership, the J-70 fleet continues to deliver top-tier keelboat racing across the UK and Europe. RS Class AssociationAn ongoing collaboration with the RS Class Association who support a wide range of RS fleets. Through initiatives like the RS National Tour and major class events, the association drives competitive yet friendly racing across the UK — and we’re proud to be along for the ride in 2025. 🌊 Expanding Across Watersports GBSUPNew for 2025! We’re excited to partner with Great Britain Stand Up Paddleboarding as the sport continues to grow across the UK. Magenta Foiling TeamAlso new this year, we’re proud to support this pioneering project empowering women in high-performance and foiling sailing. ⛵ Club Partnerships Hayling Island Sailing Club (UK)A legendary venue on the UK circuit — we’re looking forward to a big year of racing and community at HISC. Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (Canada)One of Canada’s most historic sailing clubs, now part of the Rooster family for 2025. Why It Matters Luke Morrison, CEO at Rooster explains: "These class and club partnerships are the heartbeat of Rooster’s approach to supporting the watersports community. Whether we’re kitting out a national team or backing the growth of club racing, we’re proud to provide the gear that helps sailors push their limits and enjoy the sport to the fullest."   We’ll be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and sailor stories from our partners throughout the season — so keep an eye on our socials and tag us when you’re out there racing in Rooster gear! @Roosterkit     #RoosterKit #InYourElement  

As the breeze begins to warm and the days stretch a little longer, there's that unmistakable energy amongst the team - It’s the buzz of boats back on the water, spring sessions, and plans for the season ahead. This Easter, we want to take a moment to wish all of our customers, community, and partners a very Happy Easter from everyone at Rooster. Over the past few months, we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, preparing for what’s shaping up to be an exciting and full-throttle season on the water. Here’s a quick look at what we’ve been up to: 🌊 New Kit, Built for AdventureWe’re gearing up to launch our new season collection, with a selection of styles already live in the Coming Soon section of our website. This expanded range has been carefully developed for coastal and inshore sailors, and also includes a few fun new essentials. Among the highlights: the SB1 Inshore Smock, Shoreline Jacket, Women’s Technical Shorts 2.0, SB2 Deck Trainers, and our all-new Coastal Hi-Fits. The SB2 Deck Trainers, in particular, have already been turning heads - not just on deck, but also among the SUP community, thanks to their lightweight design and excellent grip on wet surfaces. Whether you're coaching, racing, paddleboarding, or simply out exploring, this collection is built to handle real conditions - created for real sailors and watersports enthusiasts who love what they do. ⛵ Supporting the Future of SailingFrom junior regattas to international championships, we’re proud to support a wide range of events — not only at the grassroots level, but right up to the highest levels of performance. Our 2025 calendar includes sponsorship of top-tier sailing regattas, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) events, and coastal rowing beach sprints, reflecting our commitment to the broader watersports community. Whether it’s inspiring the next generation or backing athletes at the peak of their game, we’re invested in helping the sport grow — and we can’t wait to share more from the water as the season unfolds. 🤝 Growing the Rooster FamilyWe’ve welcomed a new wave of ambassadors, riders, coaches, and team members into the Rooster fold - all united by a shared passion for performance, adventure, and life on the water. This season, you can expect plenty of behind-the-scenes stories, product favourites, and expert insights from across the Rooster community. 🇺🇸 Looking Ahead: US Developments As our international presence continues to grow, we're currently taking time to carefully review our operations in the United States in light of recent changes, including updated tariffs and other regulatory shifts. The US remains a key market for us, and we’re committed to making well-considered decisions that allow us to continue supporting American sailors with the same care, quality, and passion that define the Rooster brand. We’ll keep you updated as our plans take shape - and in the meantime, thank you for your continued support, trust, and patience. This time of year is all about fresh starts - so whether you're clearing out your kit bag, upgrading your sailing wardrobe, or just itching to get back on the water, we’re here to help make it a season to remember. Thank you for being part of the Rooster journey — for choosing our kit, wearing it with pride, and sharing our love for life on the water. Wishing you a Happy Easter, plenty of breeze, and maybe just a bit of chocolate too. The Rooster Team🐥🧡

We are thrilled to announce the continuation of our partnership with United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) National Team. Following a successful inaugural year, the collaboration will expand for the 2025/2026 season to include the US Development Team, further supporting young sailors in their pursuit of excellence. With over 25 years of expertise in providing premium sailing and water sports gear, we are committed to ensuring youth sailors have access to top-quality, versatile equipment. This strengthened partnership between Rooster and the US National Team and Development Team will equip young Optimist sailors with the competitive edge they need to achieve their goals. Sharing core values of excellence, dedication, and the drive to be the fastest on the water, Rooster and USODA are committed to supporting the development of the next generation of sailing champions. Luke Morrison, CEO of Rooster, expressed his excitement about the ongoing collaboration: “I’m extremely pleased that, after a successful first year of collaboration with the USODA National Team, we will be continuing our partnership into 2026. At Rooster, we’re passionate about inspiring sailors and helping people truly enjoy their time on the water. This coming year, our support will grow beyond the National Team to reach the wider USODA membership, and we’re incredibly excited for the opportunity to do so. We wish everyone participating in Opti events across the US a fun-filled – and of course, competitive – season ahead.” The expanded partnership will not only provide athletes with high-performance sailing apparel but also encourage a culture of learning, growth, and enjoyment on the water. Young sailors will benefit from our dedication to developing gear that meets the demands of competitive racing while ensuring comfort and freedom of movement. Sarah Chin, UDOSA US National Team Chair added: "I'm honoured and excited to continue the US National Team Partnership with Rooster. It's a privilege to work alongside a company who shares the mission of supporting the development of top youth racers in the United States. Our Optimist sailors have a passion for performance and Rooster delivers the technical gear young sailors need to reach their potential"   This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering young sailors and nurturing future champions. With our support, the US National Team and Development Team will continue to thrive, embracing every opportunity for competition, personal growth, and fun on the water. Here's to another exciting season ahead – filled with learning, sun, and the joy of sailing!

At Rooster, we’re proud to support the sailing community by helping events not only take place but also thrive. As a clothing partner, we provide high-quality gear that ensures sailors feel comfortable, prepared, and part of a wider community. But our support goes beyond just apparel - we work to enhance the overall event experience, making sure participants can focus on what they love most: being on the water. From grassroots youth events to international regattas, we’re committed to helping sailors of all levels enjoy, compete, and make lasting memories. We’ve put together a calendar of the events we’ve partnered up with this year, we hope to see you there! CHECK OUT THE 2025 LINE UP BELOW: Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here: Website tbc   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here. Find out more or register your place here.   Find out more or register your place here.   At Rooster, supporting the sailing community isn’t just something we do - it’s who we are. Through our sponsorships, we’re proud to help grow the sport we love, giving sailors the support they need to chase their goals, whether they’re just starting out or competing at the highest level. We can’t wait to see what this season brings and to cheer on all the incredible sailors pushing their limits on the water!  

What is the Rooster Big Weekend? Is Rooster Big Weekend just another Black Friday event? Sure, there’s a sale involved - but for us, it’s more than that. At Rooster, we want this weekend to mean something. It’s an opportunity to connect with our community, make our quality gear more accessible, and stay true to our values. Why We Do It We get it - prices are rising everywhere. As a brand dedicated to quality and sustainability, we work hard to keep our products available while holding firm on fair manufacturing practices and responsible sourcing. We know that means some of our products may feel out of reach for some, which is why we created Rooster Big Weekend in the first place: to make it easier for everyone to access the gear they need. By offering special prices for a few days, we’re able to open up our range to a wider audience, so you can keep doing what you love without breaking the bank. How Rooster Big Weekend Is Different Rooster Big Weekend isn’t just about clearing out stock or pushing deals for the sake of it. Instead, we’re committed to offering thoughtful, genuine value. Each year, we focus on making our high-quality, durable products more attainable—without compromising on what makes them last. By creating bundles, exclusive deals, and even a chance to win a $250 Gift Card, we’re hoping to offer something extra for our community. Our Commitment to Thoughtful Shopping We all know that seasonal sales can lead to quick purchases and, sometimes, quick returns. As a brand dedicated to sustainability, we encourage shopping with intention. Choosing durable, well-crafted products not only keeps you geared up longer but reduces unnecessary consumption. This aligns with our mission to minimise waste, conserve resources, and keep our environmental footprint as low as possible.  Rooster Big Weekend gives us the opportunity to share these values and provide gear that fits your needs, all while offering a little extra incentive. As part of our commitment to giving something back during this busy sales period, the Rooster HQ team will be collecting a piece of rubbish for every product sold over the weekend. We’re working alongside our friends and partners at The Final Straw Foundation to make a meaningful impact on the environment we all share. Join Us This Weekend Rooster Big Weekend is more than a sale; it’s our way of saying thank you to the community that supports us. We’re a small team, passionate about inspiring, educating, and making quality sailing and watersports gear accessible to everyone. This weekend, we hope you’ll find the gear that’s right for you, that keeps you in your element… So mark your calendar, explore what’s new, and enjoy the weekend with us. Happy Rooster Big Weekend!  

When Rooster first set sail 25 years ago, its mission was simple: to make high-quality sailing gear accessible to everyone, from novices to seasoned sailors. Over the years, this mission has been upheld by not just a company but a family, both literally and metaphorically. As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the journey that has made Rooster more than just a brand—it's a legacy built on passion, dedication, and a sense of community.  A Family Company at Heart  Rooster was founded out of passion and love for the sport, which pushed me to create products that enhance sailing to a wider audience. From the beginning, I envisioned Rooster as a family-oriented company. This vision has been a cornerstone of our success, fostering an environment where values such as trust, integrity, and mutual support are paramount.  Many of our current staff members have grown up with Rooster, literally wearing the brand through their youth sailing adventures. It's common to find stories of team members who started as young sailors, donned in Rooster gear, and are now integral parts of our workforce. This continuity and connection have created a unique team spirit where the staff are not just employees—they are family.  Commitment to Quality and Innovation  At Rooster, our commitment to quality and innovation is unwavering. Over the past 25 years, we have continually pushed the boundaries of what sailing gear can be. Our products are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, durability, and performance, ensuring that sailors can focus on what they love most—being on the water.  Our team, bring a wealth of experience and passion to their roles. This connection to the brand's roots ensures that every product we release is crafted with the same care and attention to detail that I envisioned from the start of the journey.  Building a Community  Rooster is more than just a business; it's a community. Our commitment to supporting sailors of all levels has fostered a loyal customer base that spans generations. We are proud to see young sailors, like the children of our early customers, now competing in regattas wearing Rooster gear.  We regularly sponsor events to support and engage with the sailing community which is reflected in the strong bonds we have formed with sailing clubs, schools, and organisations around the world.  Looking to the Future  As we celebrate 25 years of Rooster, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of this journey.  Our dedicated hard-working staff have been pivotal in Rooster’s development, but nothing compares to our loyal customer base who have backed us from the beginning.    The future looks bright for Rooster so if you are new to Rooster, we will continue innovating, expanding our product range and supporting the next generation of sailors.      Here's to the next 25 years of Rooster Sailing—may our ‘sales’ remain full 😊 , and our course true.   

We're proud to share the launch of our newest innovation, the SB1 Inshore Jacket and Hi-fits. The range has been engineered specifically for active sportsboat sailors and racers, offering unmatched performance, comfort, and freedom of movement on the water. The SB1 Inshore range represents a natural evolution for us here at Rooster. As we extend our presence into the growing sportsboat market, we're building upon our established reputation for innovative performance gear in the dinghy sector. Developed alongside our dedicated team of Rooster ambassadors and riders, the SB1 Inshore Jacket and Hi-fits combine performance with sleek, sustainable style, reflecting our commitment to both the sport and the environment.   "At Rooster, we're always looking for ways to innovate and evolve to better serve our customers," says Luke Morrison, our CEO. "The SB1 range is a testament to our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of sailors. By combining advanced fabric technology with ergonomic design, we've created gear that allows sailors to push their limits and perform at their best."   So, what makes the SB1 Inshore range stand out? It's all in the fabric technology. Our Jacket and Hi-fits incorporate 85% recycled content throughout their fabrics and trims. They utilise a lightweight 3-layer laminate fabric, featuring a 100% recycled polyester shell with a TPU membrane, along with a polyester microlayer on the inside and a PFC-free DWR treatment on the outer surface. This innovative fabric provides stretch for maximum performance without sacrificing comfort.   But wait, there's more! The streamlined design of our products is available in two colourways, catering to different tastes while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic focused on key features. Some highlights include Cordura® N66 500 denier reinforcements for enhanced durability, fully taped seams for complete waterproofing, and reflective accents for increased visibility and safety. You can find out more about the Jacket and Hi-fits in the SB1 range on the product pages, where we also have videos describing the products in more detail.   We've also taken inclusivity seriously through the range. Our Jacket and Hi-fits have been deliberately developed in a unisex fit and rigorously tested on individuals of different shapes and sizes to ensure maximum comfort and versatility. Take a read of our other blog for a more comprehensive explanation of this.   Our aim with the SB1 range goes beyond just supporting existing customers transitioning into sportsboat racing. We're also excited to introduce new enthusiasts to the Rooster brand and inspire more people to embrace sailing. After all, it's not just about the gear – it's about fostering a passion for the water and its elements.   Ready to experience the SB1 Inshore Jacket and Hi-fits for yourself? Head over to the range to get your hands on them today!  

We are pleased to announce the launch of our latest wetsuit range at Rooster®. This new collection sets a benchmark in comfort, performance, and durability, catering primarily to dinghy sailing while also considering other sports such as Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Wingfoiling, and Kayaking, ensuring versatility across various disciplines. With over 22 years of expertise in supplying premium sailing and watersports gear, Rooster® continues to innovate and redefine industry standards. Our latest range is the result of extensive research, customer feedback, and over two years of rigorous testing by Rooster® athletes and riders, aimed at delivering unparalleled comfort and performance on the water. In accordance with the familiar styles of our core wetsuit collections, we have upheld the Thermaflex 1.5mm and Supertherm 4mm ranges. However, these ranges have undergone enhancements in design, featuring upgraded features, materials, and improvements in performance and durability. Our latest neoprene range is a testament to our commitment and passion for watersports. Every piece in this range has been thoughtfully redesigned and redeveloped to meet the evolving needs of our customers, while staying true to our core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Tailored specifically for dinghy sailors, the new range boasts advanced features and fabrics that offer improved flexibility, heat regulation, and durability. These enhancements ensure maximum comfort and performance during water activities, with specialised features designed to optimise hiking and skiff sailing experiences. For instance, the women’s long johns have been refined with a more supportive and secure fit around the upper body, ideal for the demands of hike pads when hiking. Developed by a team of passionate watersports enthusiasts at Rooster®, this range embodies our dedication to getting people on the water in style and comfort. At Rooster®, we are more than just a brand; we are a community of passionate individuals who love the water. This new range reflects our shared love for the water and our commitment to providing our customers with the best possible gear to enhance their on-water experiences. The new wetsuit range is now available for purchase on our website where you can expect the same exceptional quality and service that Rooster® has been renowned for over the past two decades.

The Rooster Classic Hiking Shorts were the first technical clothing product developed at Rooster.  We had tried to get the UK Marine Clothing industry to make hikers but the standard reply was: "The market is not ready for hiking shorts". They were obviously not aware of the potential impact to make hiking in dinghies so much more effective. I had successfully worn some of the early Australian versions in the Laser (now ILCA) and was desperate to share the benefits they could provide and help other sailors feel the benefit too. This is where my passion to branch Rooster into the technical clothing arena began...  The initial development was slow as it was hard to get the factory to do what I asked them from 100's of miles away.  So I got on a plane to the factory and spent 10 days in their Research and Development department until we had some hikers that I could be proud of.  The initial batch was a mixture of half length and 3/4 length hikers with what I thought was a cool Rooster Sailing font.      From that moment on, my mission was to help as many people as I could where thereafter I spent the next year taking them round the UK Laser regattas trying to educate the sailors that these would really make a difference. So many times I would hand a pair out to someone to try and after racing taking a payment from a happy sailor who could not believe that hiking could be made comfortable.   The 3/4 proved popular as we laser sailors tend to use our knees quite a lot on the cockpit floor.  We were also trying to stay within the weight of our sailing gear rule and anything that could save in weight was worth leaving out - hence the lack of shin covering.  This lack of lower leg also makes them easier to put on.  It was not long before Rooster Hikers could be found in all hiking boats.  The initial batch of half length versions were less popular and so we pushed our investment into the 3/4 version.  I still see some of that first batch of half length hikers around some 22 years later. I think you could argue that we make gear to last. Since then we have got a bit cooler with the logo and improved even more on the durability of the product.  We have continued to make 'comfort' a strap word for the Classic Hikers by using slightly more flexible materials than the Pro Hikers.  The Rooster Classic Hikers were definitely the start of a development journey in Rooster's technical sailing kit and they are still very much a key part of the range today.  

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. 

Get an inside look at our keelboat & sports boat teams thrilling 2024 season - packed with intense racing, unforgettable moment, some import lessons and rigorous testing of our new gear. Sam Mabey The 2024 sailing season has been busy, full of learning, challenges, and plenty of fun. My two main focuses were the Cape 31 circuit and getting back into dinghy sailing with the Aero 6 after almost six years away from a boat! Alongside those, I took a trip to the south of France for some classic racing with Varuna, started match racing with the Cowes Match Racing Academy and headed to Greece/Valencia to deliver FINN an N53 trimaran.    In the Cape 31 fleet, I raced as bowman with Jiraffe. We had a solid season, achieving consistent results and finishing 4th in the standings, despite an eventful final race where a kite trawl at the last leeward mark dropped us from first to 15th sending the season out with a bang! My Aero journey was more of a learning curve. I began training in March and quickly realised it would be tougher than expected. I dedicated as much time as I could ahead of my first event in June, the RS 30th regatta, where I performed well in light conditions. However, I struggled at the European Championships in heavier winds, yet still finished with a result I felt good about and headed into the worlds more confident. Although the first few days were challenging with a few capsizes and some amateur hour moments, I found my rhythm later in the week, leaving with valuable experience and a smile, despite the result.   This season, I also had the opportunity to test Rooster’s upcoming yachting gear, including the inshore smock, SB1 gear, and new deck trainers. I typically prefer running shoes or gym trainers over sailing brand trainers for their grip, so I was pleasantly surprised by the Rooster trainers—they kept their grip throughout the season and endured the demands of bow. Testing the SB1 smock in wet and windy conditions on the Cape was a highlight and can't wait to get my hands on the final version. Having a hand in the development of these products was rewarding, especially as I've been hoping for a Rooster dry smock, a key item in my inshore sailing kit. It’s been a busy but fulfilling season, with the Cape Europeans and more match racing still ahead. I’m looking forward to building on all I’ve learned next season.   Liam Willis - RS21 Team Dark & Stormy As the 2024 season comes to a close I thought I would reflect on a fantastic season of sailing, flying the flag at the events and helping with product development, in particular the SB1 range. I have had a set of SB1 Inshore kit for a year or so and have been putting it through its paces and it has performed brilliant in every application. We started the season with a photoshoot with the Rooster team, sailing RS21s from Hamble, despite the lack of wind it was a fun day out and great to get some nice photos of us all in our kit. My racing season kick off in big style with my first regatta of the year being Antigua Classics week on board a Spirit 65 as tactician, we had a fantastic week of sailing in the warm weather and came away with a good result. Back in the UK with the RS21, the first event for us was Round 2 of the RS21 UK and Ireland Cup which was also the RS Sailing 30th Anniversary regatta held at Hayling Island. It was amazing to see so many boats out and such a large RS21 fleet, we were excited to crack out our new team kit for the year at this event. It was a tricky weekend with the light winds, but we were delighted to come away with the win. Next up was RS21 Cup Round 4 in our home town of Lymington, fantastic conditions all event with sunshine and big winds so was a lot of fun blasting around the Solent. Hard fort racing but bagged ourselves the win. I then hopped out to Guernsey for another regatta on the spirit were the SB1s were the perfect items of clothing for the week with it being chillier than it maybe should have been in June but warm enough that heavy weather waterproofs were too much. Another fun week of racing and socialising with the team. With the RS21 we then teamed up with fellow Rooster riders Team Rolfe to head to Ireland for the iconic Cork Week regatta. The event lived up to its reputation and put on an epic event both on and off the water. Despite the full range of conditions over the week, the team were on form and we managed to take 11 race wins out of the 12 races to win the class. The event we were leading up to all year was the RS21 Nationals which were held in Dartmouth, having had a great start to the year we were determined to continue. Despite the lower turnout for the event than hoped the racing so still incredibly close and we had to work very hard. We were very pleased to pull it of with a race to spare and become the national champions. The following week we began our European tour, again joining forces with Team Rolfe we packed up and made the drive south to Lake Garda for the RS21 Italian nationals. With a larger fleet of 40 boats and far higher standard of full professional sailors, we were unsure how we would fair. The fleet was very tight and mistakes were punished but Garda delivered and we had amazing conditions to enjoy. Not to mention the lovely scenary, food and drink off the water too. With some good results and some not so good, we took 10th place. Next up was the world championships in Spain, in L’Escala, with a similar high quality fleet from all around the world we knew we had a tough time to be near the front of the fleet, however day 1 couldn’t have been better as we took the race win in race 2, our first international race win in the RS21. A couple of not so good races over the next couple of days in harsh big winds and big waves drops a few places to finish 13th overall. It has for sure been a busy year of sailing, with some downs but that just makes the ups feel even better. Looking forward to the next one!   Nigel Rolfe - RS21 Team 5'o Clock Somewhere 2024 has been a standout year, with our focus on the UK series laying a strong foundation for future success. We saw new sailors join the ranks and seasoned veterans return, making for competitive and exhilarating races. We kicked off with midweek training in Hamble to shake off the winter rust. The first event was a breezy, cool regatta in Hamble, requiring full Rooster gear to keep warm. Lymington followed with intense competition, though we were reminded of the importance of tides a bit too late, costing us some results. We tested our new, lighter SB1 kit here—it was perfect for the warmer, wet conditions. Next up was Cork, where the opening day brought heavy winds and waves, even challenging the local mark layers! Racing was tight, especially among the top five boats, with rain gracing us only while sailing. Cork also topped the social calendar with lively club activities and reunions with old friends.   All this was great preparation for our big challenges—the Italian Nationals and the 2024 Worlds in Spain. Italy’s Lake Garda proved hot, teaching us not to skimp on accommodation without air conditioning. Doh! With early morning starts in breezy conditions, we debuted the new Vakaros compass, which added a strategic edge to our race starts with precise distance-to-line readings. The grand finale was the World Championships in L'Escala, Spain. With high winds and waves, it was a true test for both our gear and our teamwork. The conditions exposed the narrow margins for error, making it a humbling experience despite a year of progress together.   Reflecting on an unforgettable season, we’re ready for a winter break to reset and return even stronger next year. We’ll be back!

Want to hear what our Rooster Riders got up to this summer? It was action-packed! From hot competition at home to travelling far and wide, they’ve been enjoying time with friends and meeting new faces. As we gear up for a more relaxed winter sailing season, let’s see what the Riders have been up to over the Summer. Down at Kaneohe Yacht Club team rider Aaron Tsuchitori was living the dream at the Waszp Americas, carving up the bluest waters of his home territory: Hawaii!  Further North in Halifax, Ambassador Jackson Macaulay took the win at the North American Championships after five days of epic racing conditions "It was beautiful, Halifax really did deliver! Really tight racing with me and Ethan at the top, it was a battle and came down to the last race." In the C420 class Riders Parker Moore and Sabrina Casagrande have had a great season sailing far and wide, but topping off their season with a win at the final event the South Shore Championships at Sayville Yacht Club. In short, it’s been a wild, exciting ride for our riders this summer—but we wouldn’t have it any other way! Here’s hoping they catch a breath before the winter training

As one of the biggest sporting events of the year is right around the corner, we're excited to introduce to you our athletes heading to the Games, who have worked so hard to get there. Please join us in wishing our athletes all the best over the next few weeks! Monika Mikkola  ILCA 6 (Women's Dinghy) Finland We have been working with Monika for the last six years and have been proud to watch her grow and support her on her journey to the Games. It's been amazing to see her establish herself at the pointy end of the ILCA 6 fleet. Hernán Umpierre & Fernando Diz  49er (Men's Skiff) Uruguay New to the Rooster Team this year, with some very impressive results in the lead up to the games, we can't wait to cheer these guys on!  Elena Vorobeva ILCA 6 (Women's Dinghy) Croatia A long time Team Member of Rooster and heading for her third Games this year. She'll be one of the most experienced sailors on the start line - wishing her all the best for the competition. Ebru Bolat ILCA 6 (Women's Dinghy) Romania Another new Team Member and friend of Rooster heading to the Games, qualifying in style by taking the top spot at the Last Chance Regatta in April.  

I started my sailing journey at the age of 8, where I joined my local club, Felpham sailing club, after trying sailing on an open day. Over the next two years, I got involved in many training sessions in order to learn how to helm a boat, and sail with others who were a similar age to me. I joined in on Friday night youth sessions to build my skills and confidence more, quickly progressing on to taking other new sailors out and helming for them.  In 2018, during our youth week, I raced for the first time and haven’t looked back since. I started off racing my pico, however quickly realised that I loved racing and to continue this, I needed to leave my pico behind. With some help and advice, I moved into the RS Tera and completed my first event – the Regionals at Queen Mary sailing club.   In 2020, as I continued to learn about the Tera and progress with my racing knowledge, I joined the Rooster team and one of their ambassadors. Through this, I was supported with many opportunities to do new things, and was encouraged to sail at my best and enjoy the sport, wherever that may take me. I have continued to be part of the Rooster team as both an ambassador and a Rider since 2020, and I am proud to say that I am still part of the team now. Over the pandemic, I left the Tera class and moved onto Lasers, where I have been competing across the country for the last 4 years. I sailed mostly in the 4.7 fleet, due to my size and weight, joining the London and South East regional training group for two years, before moving onto different training events as I progressed. Throughout this time, I have continuously used kit from Rooster, including sails and ‘boat bits’, their 6mm Polilite mainsheet being a particular favourite of mine. Just recently, I have started to make my transition into the RS Aero class, where I hope to become more competitive in the 5 rig, with a good line up of events coming up over the summer. As always, I will be looking to improve the set-up of my boat with new Rooster parts, and the advice from the team.

I am currently transitioning from sailing a Topper to a 29er, and it's been an exciting and challenging journey so far. One of the biggest adjustments has been adapting to sailing with a crew and learning to manage two additional sails effectively. Sailing a double-handed boat requires coordination and teamwork, which has pushed me to become more organised. Additionally, we've joined a new sailing club, so I've had to familiarise myself with new race schedules and unfamiliar waters.  Communication has proven to be crucial for our success on the water. I've also discovered that 29ers are significantly more sensitive to weight distribution, which has led to a few unplanned swims as we refine our technique. Transitioning from handling a single sail to managing two or sometimes three sails has been a steep learning curve. Despite these challenges, I am thoroughly enjoying the process of mastering the 29er and navigating new waters. The experience has been both rewarding and educational, and I look forward to continuing to improve and grow as a sailor.  

The Middle Sea Race is the final big offshore of the season with a stunning 600nm course that starts in Malta, goes through the Messina Straights, round an active volcano and back to Valetta. This year we did it on a Banuls 53 trimaran called FINN, a custom GRP/Carbon multi hull with a canting/rotating mast but also a fairly comfortable interior, hydraulic winches and a strange looking but very cushy doghouse that fully protects anyone inside from the elements. Half our team flew in from the US and the other half were British and Swiss French (we quickly learnt how much Americans love to cheers at dinner much to the horror of us Europeans). After 5 intense days of training together, debriefing and race prep we felt we had bonded as a team and were ready to take on the race.   There was an area of light wind in-between 2 systems that had a lot of wind forecast for the start, unfortunately it was over Valetta for our start. Being the heaviest multihull in the fleet we struggled getting out of the harbour in the light airs but once we were clear, we could stretch our legs and make our way to the media mark. Almost immediately after rounding the mark the wind filled in and started clocking right putting us onto a windy reach, sending it towards Sicily at 20-26kts. When going this fast the 10 tonne bus becomes a dinghy and is amazingly fun to drive, unfortunately it was short lived as the wind kept clocking right and dropping leading to a number of peels during the evening until the wind built again to 25-30kts on the nose. Then it was time make some ground, the boat loves a windy upwind and can happily do 15-16kts. We were doing quick rotations on the helm to keep everyone fresh as we don’t have windshields so driving involves getting hosed by salt water traveling at 40mph for 45 mins. Well into the night I noticed Etienne tasting something off the floor and saying “its not olive oil” which meant it was hydraulic oil! He quickly took everything apart and found our hydraulics were leaking quite rapidly due to pressure build up causing the seals to fail on the filters. After a long discussion we decided to continue racing under manual power, this involved centring the mast and installing a make shift mainsheet leading to one of the cockpit winches. After 2-3 hours we were back on track.   The morning after in the Messina Straights it was flat calm and very light airs. We clawed our way long the East side trying to stay out of the strong tide. Once clear we were able to open up a bit and head straight for Stromboli with the gennaker up. This was a great time to rest as we had hardly slept the night before. The net offers many great places to nap on deck, we also brought bean bags which were a hit amongst the crew (sometimes too much so). I was down below about to go to sleep when I heard a huge bang followed by shouting. I ran up to find our gennaker in the water, after recovering it and unfurling the solent jib we inspected the damage and found that the actual bullet had sheared in half and half of it was still in the lock at the top of the mast. After lots of thinking and planning we came to the conclusion it was impossible to change out the gennaker lock for the staysail lock which is much bigger and again we considered retiring. I made the point that the rest of the race could be upwind we will be fine (I was reminded of that comment for the remainder of the race).   After Stromboli it was mostly light airs down wind until the end of Sicily which was extremely slow and frustrating. The hooded tech tops were a hit amongst the team, providing not only comfort but also excellent protection against UV during those extended hours under the sun. After Sicily we got about 6 hours of wind until it died and then after that it was just patchy spots under clouds pretty much all the way to Lampedusa. Just after Lampedusa the breeze started to fill in and we were reaching again at speed and finally we could use the boat how it was designed to be! It was too late though, we had cemented our place in the multihull fleet after missing multiple weather systems and spending hours and hours hardly moving. The goal now was to have as much fun as possible. We finished late in the evening crossing the line in darkness feeling broken by a 4 day race that was meant to take 2.5 days! We quickly got the boat fixed again and had a fantastic, fast and fun delivery all the way back to Valencia the following week.   In summary it was a fantastic adventure with an amazing and dedicated crew which allowed us to persevere when things got tough! Hopefully next season we can come back stronger without any breakages! Sam Mabey & team

Sailing, like any sport, has a busy summer season for racing, with numerous events taking place all over the UK and beyond. For me, sailing an RS200 in the North West leads me to the RS200 Northern Tour alongside the Rooster Championship Tour which will include the National Championships taking place at East Lothian Yacht Club. Chinese general and military strategist, Sun Tzu, once said: “Every battle is won before it is fought”. In other words, you need to manage resources and preparation effectively before you enter battle…or in dinghy terms, any racing event. Whether it is a club, regional, national or international event, it is useful for us to consider the appropriate preparation and ensure that mentally, physically and emotionally we are as strong as possible. Whilst I was at university and learnt team racing, I always found it useful to keep focused in the moments leading up to the race and then to maintain a present state of mind when racing. As a result of the covid-19 pandemic, racing events were fewer and far between over the last couple of years. Nevertheless, I managed to participate in a first major RS200 event in late 2021. Sailing in at Royal Torbay Yacht Club for Summer Championships in August 2021 demonstrated to me how quickly coastal areas can change in relation to wind and weather conditions and the appropriate attire also changed, so a dry bag with extra kit is essential! These are some of my favourite pieces of kit which I feel are very important in contributing to a positive day of dinghy racing. The supertherm range is great for cold Winter training and racing – Women's SuperTherm 4mm Wetsuit |Rooster Sailing & Watersports I tend to bring out the Thermaflex for the summer months - Women's ThermaFlex 1.5mm Wetsuit | Rooster Watersports The Essentials range is great for majority of the year, if you wear layers underneath and on top - Essentials 2mm Full Wetsuit Plus I would highly recommend the Aquafleece for wetter and often coastal days, particularly when competing in a racing series and you are sat in between races - Women's Aquafleece Spray Tops | Rooster Sailing & Watersports     Since I had a major life event taking place in 2022, I decided not to commit to any major racing events but concentrated on my overall fitness and strength. Wakeboarding regularly ensured that my strength and stamina was maintained and you can read more about my wakeboarding experiences via the link: https://www.roostersailing.com/blogs/ambassadors/wagers-with-wakeboarding-where-to-start-what-to-wear-and-what-to-expect I also sailed regularly to train and worked on my sailing posture and adaptation to wind conditions, which I hope will be of great help in the upcoming racing season for 2023. I am regularly competing in club races at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club and look forward to the challenges that will be faced in the other sailing events.     Whilst considering a return back to dinghy racing, I created the below acrostic which reads “Whatever The Weather, Be There”. I hope this provides some useful inspiration and tips ahead of the dinghy racing season, and motivates you to enter the next dinghy racing event. Always remember Benjamin Franklin’s words: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”.     Whether the weather be fine, Or whether the weather be not, Whether the weather be cold, Or whether the weather be hot, We'll weather the weather Whatever the weather, Whether we like it or not! - be disciplined no matter what and make the start line…   Have goals - build up your schedule to reflect what performance you hope to achieve…   Aim high - it never hurts to be optimistic as one day you may win that race…   Train consistently - if that means only once or twice a week in the gym, stick to a regular pattern…   Exercise in a way that suits your body - if you prefer mornings, start early or if you are a night owl, finish the day in a positive way…   Vary your training - water drills, land sessions, strength and conditioning, yoga or Pilates: all help to strengthen the body in different ways    Eat a balanced diet - your body needs fuel to keep going and sailing is a strenuous sport   Read your rules - make sure you’re up to date with all the racing rules that apply to your class of boat    Tune your boat - make sure that every part of your boat is in tip top shape    Height and weight are important - know the measurements of helm (and /) or crew to ensure boat is tuned well     Expected weather conditions should be in your mind at all times - watch the weather forecast with great interest and ensure that you have the appropriate clothing to match (I would recommend using supertherm for the very cold weather, thermaflex for moderate weather and essentials for medium – warm weather and remember that coastal sailing involves wind and tide and therefore, will probably result in wetter conditions overall)   Work smarter, not harder - ensure that you know the race course    Examine your sails regularly - check for any damages and ensure you have emergency tape on you at all times is important    Arrange lines in advance - tangled spinnaker sheets are less than ideal!    Tune rig for expected conditions - you can adapt them as you go    Have an open mind - weather conditions, travel, boat breakages, a faster competition…all these factors can throw you off pre/during/post racing so try to keep open to changes as they inevitably come along…   Embrace the challenge - try racing at coastal and inland environments to observe the different wind and tidal conditions    Remember your own limits - always wear safety equipment, including a buoyancy aid and safety nice, and don’t go out on the water if you’re unsure about the conditions…   Be disciplined on implementing a watch system - ensure you have a high quality timer for the start   Eliminate your competitors by first identifying them - during the pre-race sailing and during the race, make sure you watch your speed in relation to others sailing around you    Take the time to evaluate yourself and your habits at the start of a new year - is there anything more that you could do to help yourself feel better prepared (ie. more light wind boat handling, roll tacks, boat bimbling)    Hydrate - make sure you have spare bottles of water / homemade energy drinks (ie. squash accompanied by the appropriate amount of sugar - speak to your coach if you’re unsure)   Energise - whatever helps you feel most ready for training ie. starting the day with a brisk walk, a jog or some yoga to get yourself into the best mindset    Re-hydrate - remember that you need to continue taking in fluids after your training / practice racing    Even when you have doubts about your performance, just give it a go!      “Proper preparation and planning prevents poor performance”   Enjoy your sailing!   Sitara 😊

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:  

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.

If you’ve got a young sailor in the family, you’ve probably already discovered the world of Optimist sailing—a sport that’s as exhilarating as it is challenging. Whether you're just starting out or gearing up for national regattas, having the right gear can make a huge difference in both comfort and performance out on the water. Here’s a complete guide on what an American Optimist sailor should wear, broken down by an essential gear guide with weather variations and real-life sailor advice from our US community.  THE CORE KIT - WHAT EVERY OPTIMIST SAILOR NEEDS: No matter the weather or skill level, there are a few pieces of gear that every Optimist sailor should have every single time they hit the water, Spring can just be a bit more tricky! Rash Guard, Pro Rash Leggings and Boots Hot Top, Bibs, and Pro Lite Aquafleece US Coast Guard PFD, Gloves and Hats REAL POINT OF VIEW: Meet one of our US Rooster Riders, Aidan O'Gwen from New Jersey. Aidan has now transitioned into the C420 class but was very recently a seasoned Optimist sailor who knows a trick or two about dressing correctly for the right conditions -- "When I go sailing on a cold spring day I find that what you wear affects performance and how much you can get out of that training session.  Wearing the correct gear cannot only improve your results but your overall enjoyment out on the water. As a base layer I like to start out with the Thermaflex 1.5mm long John wet suit. The Thermaflex Long John allows me the freedom to move while providing a warm base layer.  On top of that  I wear the classic Aquafleece top. It provides extra warmth and keeps spray off my upper body. Finally, if it’s really cold, I wear full fingered Aqua pro gloves for keeping my hands warm.  Before and after a training session the  Aquafleece rigging coat is great for keeping warm on land. Being from New Jersey we have to sail in all kinds of weather conditions. Rooster always has the right gear for different conditions." Sailing the Optimist is all about learning independence, confidence, and resilience from the start of their sailing journey. Dressing right helps young sailors stay focused on the fun part—catching the wind, mastering manoeuvres, and racing toward the finish line. And when they’re warm, dry, and protected from the sun, they’ll love it even more. If you still would like some support and advice, our friendly Customer Service team is on hand to help you, either over the phone or on live chat, just get in touch!

When it comes to sailing, what you wear can make or break your time on the water. Whether you're out racing, cruising or training, the right outfit ensures comfort, performance, and safety. Different boat classes demand different gear — from technical clothing designed to keep you dry and warm to lightweight, breathable layers perfect for racing hard in Spring conditions. In this guide, with the help of some of our Riders, we’ll break down the best sailing outfit ideas tailored to each class, helping you gear up with confidence in a temperature range of 10-15 degrees, no matter what kind of sailing you’re into.   RS AERO Sammy Base Layer - Rash Top-Long Sleeved Mid Layer - Pro Hikers 4/3mm (Fixed Battens) Top Layer - SuperTherm 4mm Top Extras - Custom Race Bib, Rooster Cap (Structured), Supertherm 4mm Wet Socks,  Pro Laced Boots and Race Armour Buoyancy Aid   RS21 Liam Base Layer - Tech Shorts and Long-Sleeve UV Top and/or Poly Pro's Mid Layer -  Hybrid Jacket or a Fleece Top Layer - Light Weight Spray Top and/or SB1's Extras - Hat, Deck Shoes 49erFX Emilie and Julie Base Layer - Women's PolyPro Top Mid Layer - Women's SuperTherm 4mm Long John Top Layer - Classic ThermaFlex 1.5mm Top – Unisex and Women's Classic Aquafleece Top  Extras: Buoyancy Aid, Race Bib, Gloves, Boots, Trapeze Harness OPTIMIST  Amélie Base Layers - Poly Pro Top and Leggings  Mid Layer - Thermaflex 1.5mm Long John’s   Top Layer - Classic Aquafleece Top  Extras - All Purpose Boots, Rooster Cap and Poly Pro Gloves ILCA 4 Eva Base Layer: Supertherm Top Mid Layer: Pro Hikers and Wear Protection Shorts Top Layer: Pro Lite Aquafleece Top Extras: Race Armour Buoyancy Aid and Hot Socks ILCA 6 Jake Base Layer: Rash Top Mid Layer: Thermaflex 1.5mm Long-John Top Layer: Race Armour Buoyancy Aid & Race Bib Extras: Pro Laced Ankle Strap Boots, 3/4 Classic Hikers 4/3mm & Structured Cap TOPPER Meg Base Layer: Rash Top and Hot Legs Mid Layer: Supertherm Long John and Top Top Layer: Pro Aquafleece Top Extras: Structured Cap, Pro Laced Boots  29er Henry and Finn Base Layer - Poly Pro Top and Legs and Supertherm Socks Mid Layer - Supertherm Long John  Top Layer - Pro Lite Aquafleece Top  Extras - Pro Race Gloves 5, Pro Laced Boots and Dimond Over Head Buoyancy Aid Thanks to the insights from our supported sailors, it’s clear that comfort, functionality, and adaptability are key when dressing for 50-65 degrees on the water. From technical base layers to waterproof outerwear, thoughtful choices help you stay safe, warm, and focused on the important stuff. So next time you head out, take a cue from the pros! For any additional advice on what to wear, our friendly Customer Service Team are always on hand to help for your personal preference, just give us a call!

Regatta Report & Rooster Gear Guide By Sam Patterson When I signed up for Sunfish North Americans an hour before registration closed, I was definitely picturing a fun, challenging weekend of racing on Barnegat Bay, surrounded by great people who remember that at the end of the day, sailboat racing is our recreation. What I hadn’t quite imagined was 3 days of hanging on for dear life in 18+, getting absolutely humbled regarding my fitness level, and falling in love with the Sunfish all over again. I was fortunate enough to get a Sunfish for my 14th birthday, which kickstarted my love of sailing. However, that particular boat was never raced and I haven’t been in a Sunfish for about a decade (aside from one short race in 2022 where I retired after a few legs with a slowly sinking hull). My North Americans campaign officially began 13 days before the event began, with a message to Sunfish Superstar Amanda Callahan to see if I could borrow a boat; she happily let me use her 2023 hull and a great sail, I just had to provide a mainsheet and sail ties. My workout plan was simple; continue to walk my dog every morning, and do nothing at all to prepare physically for international-level competition. I’m super grateful for the work that Lee Montes has done to provide the community with educational content surrounding the boat, and without a few hours of watching his videos I would not have felt nearly as comfortable hopping into the boat for the event. My only real goals for the event were to learn as much as possible about the boat, and to try to be above midfleet in the process.   After a few mishaps involving a forgotten bag and a snapped axle, I arrived at the beautiful Lavallette Yacht Club with two boats in tow for Amanda and I, a couple of hours after the practice race as the regatta drinks were starting to flow. Racing started the next day, and we were the last boats to arrive. By flashlight, the sail got tied on and outhaul and cunningham systems were constructed. The rest was going to have to wait until the morning, as I had to get to the grocery store before they closed to get snacks and electrolytes!   Day 1 + Gear Guide   A 6:45am arrival at the venue left plenty of time to purchase some new traveler blocks, and rig my 7mm Polilite mainsheet with the 2:1 purchase system that is gaining popularity. Despite my height I’m a bit on the light side, and recently had major shoulder surgery, so the extra purchase was incredibly helpful for the weekend. I used 48’, which gave me enough to tie to the hiking strap and was perhaps a foot or two too long. I went ahead with a Jens rig halyard to depower, and did a final cleaning of the boat. At this point in the morning, the breeze hadn’t quite built and it was looking like a Chamber-of-Commerce day.   For the first time in a long time, I pulled on my Rooster Classic Hikers and started to get into race mode. It was quite hot so I wore a basic longsleeve UV shirt on top, and a Rooster Neck Gaiter around my neck. On the first day I only wore the gaiter around my neck, but found that wearing it as a full face covering on Days 2 & 3 was great for sun protection and keeping my hat on when boathandling. Rounding out my gear selections were the USCG PFD and Pro Race 2F gloves. Keeping my lunch dry was the new Rooster 3L Dry Bag, decked out with RS Fest Miami branding.  I found the 3L to be a perfect size for the Sunfish gear cubby, and easily held a day’s food, some ibuprofen, and one mini can of Diet Coke.   Race 1 started in 12-14, right out of the south with a nice fetch for the chop to turn into a washing machine in a few spots. 105 Sunfish on the line makes for a huge course, and the 1/2mi starting line created a lot of opportunity, none of which I successfully claimed. The boat felt light and responsive, and it was quickly apparent that achieving my midfleet goal was going to take some work with a 57th place finish. Fouling someone at the leeward mark didn’t help! Upwind legs were set at 1.0 miles to start the event, with race time around 1 hour.    As Race 2 began, breeze built to the steady 18 that we would see for every other race but the last. I was super glad the Jens rig (a lower halyard lift point, to depower) was already set up, but I began to feel overpowered and was envious of the couple folks I saw drop a reef in. Going into maneuvers down-speed in big breeze and chop like that was disastrous, and after a few times in irons I quickly learned to be more intelligent about my tacking. Downwind was a ton of fun, and the boat’s heritage as a sail board really comes through when surfing downwind. Race 3 saw a number of the fleet retire as the breeze continued to build, and I was incredibly close to joining them. However, I felt safe and my only reason for going in would have been my incredible lack of fitness leading to me not having an awesome time. So, with nothing else on the calendar for the day I decided to get a workout in and attempt to finish every race of the event no matter the breeze. One more race was run that day, and about ½ the total fleet finished the day on the water. Day 2   I woke up on day 2 wondering how to get Advil to sponsor the next regatta I hosted, with my quads so tight I could barely get down the stairs at the house. “Yoga for Tired Legs” was searched on YouTube, and 26 minutes later morale was on the upswing. The breeze was still up, and the courses were still long. Another four races were completed, and my Sunfish education advanced another step up on the learning curve. Race 2 was when I figured out the gooseneck adjustment, and cranked that aft to about 20”. Immediately, the boat balanced out and I felt more in-control than I had all weekend. In conditions like that there was no question that depowering to your own level was fast, and that physical fitness is key. A lot of my mistakes seemed to be larger strategic decisions that were just boneheaded in retrospect, which tracked with how much time (95%) my head was focused in the boat and not on the broader course. I seemed to make up for it on the downwind legs, passing a few folks each time this day. Submarining was a bit of an issue to start the day, which I had mild success mitigating with adjustments to daggerboard height. Downwind has never been my strong suit and I’ve spent some time working on it in other classes in the past few years, so this overall felt like a victory. I also managed to finish every race, and was beginning to think a little outside the boat by the end of the day. Day 3   At a certain point in a heavy-air regatta, the hiking just doesn’t hurt anymore. Even the best hiking pants can’t make up for several years of neglecting fitness, and you just have to keep going. Staring upwind at whitecaps as the sequence started for the first race of the day, I just kept reminding myself I only had to finish each race. The breeze had rotated 180 degrees overnight so the fetch was marginally smaller, but a 1 mile uphill slog is still a 1 mile uphill. Going into Race 2 of that day the breeze slightly died, I started to get my head outside of the boat and snagged a top-40 finish. Race 3 saw breeze as low as 14, and I started to feel the boat move going upwind. Having spent three days pushing the absolute limits of boathandling and steering, I felt comfortable enough to get my head out of the boat and actually tack on headers reliably for the first time all weekend. The downwinds became much, much harder in the light stuff as I struggled to out-surf folks, but I managed to end the event with a 20th in the last race and a 41st overall.   The 61st Sunfish North American Championship was a regatta to remember, and I’m quite glad that I had the opportunity to learn about the class in some challenging conditions. The learning curve was exponential, and I feel insanely grateful to the entire class for being super supportive and helpful, from rigging tips to chatting about changing conditions on the water. Amanda Callahan deserves unending thanks for her commitment to grow the class and willingness to give me a boat and housing for a weekend. Thank you to Lavallette Yacht Club for hosting an excellent event, and the USSCA for organizing!

The most important aspect of a good pair of hiking shorts is positioning of the battens and the lift they provide. The options we do for hiking are: Pro Hikers  Classic hikers ¾ Pro Hikers No Pads Race Armour Lite Shorts Thermaflex Longjohns & Legs Supertherm Longjohns Pro Rash Legs Now that list might be overwhelming so here is a quick summary of the different options. A lot of the time the choice of which hiking system to go for is down to personal preference but hopefully this guide will give a bit of insight into our hikers. Pro Hikers Full length with fixed battens, the pads tend to fit longer legged and pro sailors better. With longer legged sailors and super fit sailors, they are able to extend their legs further from the toestrap in a more comfortable manner, so they manage to get the hike pad over the side deck. My lack of ILCA training would have meant that I would have only managed to place the pro hike pad on the side deck. At 4/3mm and full length Pro hikers are ideal for cooler temperatures and winter sailing paired with hot or polypro legs. Then great by themselves all summer! Classic hikers ¾  ¾ length so just below the knee with knee reinforcements. These are also fixed pads that are slightly higher up the leg which tends to fit the less fit senior sailors and fitter younger sailors as well. A particular favourite for Topper sailors and younger sailors.   Pro Hikers No Pads Full length 4/3mm neoprene with the same construction as the standard Pro Hikers, just without the fixed pads. Compatible with our ProHike Pads so you can choose the size of pad you would like and also the position of where works best for you. I recently used them at the UK ILCA Masters Qualifier which was a brutal weekend of gusts in the area of 37 knots, although the RO thought it never reached over 27 on his committee boat (whilst holding his wind indicator under his jacket perhaps?)   Fitting the pads is easy, just turn the pro hikers inside out and place the hike pads about 3 inches from the knee seam.  The top of the hike pads are shaped to protect your delicate parts. The top of the hikers ended up being well into my bum cheeks.   I was not embarrassed as I can still remember seeing Paige Railey (World #1 Radial Sailor),waddling like a Penguin whilst walking on the shore.  Our Prohike pads are pre shaped to your leg, which gives you additional lift off the side deck.  This gives the sailor the ability to sail the boat much flatter without hitting the water, which is fast!   For me it also makes for a slightly nicer hiking position - gives my legs a slight bend, which having not sailed the ILCA much this year was a godsend. Having fitted the pads to where felt best, the pads were central to the deck edge, and I was in the lap of luxury.   Race Armour Lite Shorts  Our most versatile option, these neoprene and spandex shorts have the capability to add Prohike pads into the seat through our standard hook and loop attachment. These shorts can then be worn by themselves for summer sailing or over the top of any other wetsuit or drysuit. At the ILCA Qualifier my wife Sarah wore the shorts over her Supertherm Longjohn which she thought was a game changer. They never dropped or moved. Happy wife is a happy life! LongJohns and Legs  Similar to the shorts, our longjohns and legs are compatible with the Prohike pads. Meaning you can use your longjohns and legs for hiking but also for a large variety of watersports such as Stand Up Paddleboarding, Surfing or Kayak Hopefully this guide has been helpful in explaining our different hiking options. If you are still feeling overwhelmed or confused, contact our customer service team on hello@roostersailing.com or +44 (0) 1243 389997  

Knowing what to wear when paddling can be tricky, especially at the different times of year when air and water temperatures can vary massively, and you don’t know for certain whether you’re going to stay dry or be getting wet. Whatever time of year you’re paddling you want your clothing to be comfy and unrestrictive, whether wet or dry. And also practical, offering you some protection from the elements, which during the Spring & Summer months can be anything!… sun, wind, or rain! We've teamed up with SUPBoarder Mag, who are very experienced in knowing the best clothing options and to bring you some top tips for what to wear through the warmer months on you SUP. Watch the full video below:  

Get yourself ready for the season by making sure you have a buoyancy aid that is the right fit for you and ensures you are comfortable on the water. Here is some of our best advice when it comes to buoyancy aids. Does it fit properly? Your buoyancy aid should be snug to your body when fully tightened. If you can't get it close to your body through tightening the straps then it is probably too large. Your buoyancy aid, adjustable or not, shouldn't rise up to your mouth/ears when pulled up as otherwise it will do this when you're in the water, making swimming difficult. Is it still safe? Your buoyancy aid should be certified for your weight and without any obvious signs of reduced buoyancy. Conduct a basic visual inspection to check all the obvious things: That the foam has not clearly deteriorated Make sure that there are no rips or tears that will affect its performance If there are any buckles, check they are all still working If you want to check the buoyancy of a CE certified buoyancy aid there is a simple test you can perform to make sure it is still safe* Check it out here: *Rooster takes no responsibility for inaccuracies during your own test. Still not sure? Contact our customer service for any advice you may need :)  hello@roostersailing.com

It’s that time of year when the winds get crisper, the water turns colder and the seasoned watersports enthusiasts prepare to stay warm so they can continue to enjoy their time on the water. From team to Rooster riders, we’ve found some great tips to keep you toasty this season. Tip 1: Layers, layers, layers Layering is key, we recommend in the winter a thermal base layer : Either PolyPro™ or Hot Stuff and depending on how cold you get can be worn as a combination with the top, leggings, socks and glove liners. Next up is Neoprene, we firmly believe in the wetsuit layering system where you have a longjohn and top - if you combine our thickest range you get 8mm thickness on your core then 4mm on your arms and legs where you need to move. The cherry on top of your Rooster layering is then an  Aquafleece® spray top, these come in a large variety of styles, thickness and colours so the choice is really up to you, and how you feel the cold on the water. For the full layering guide click here Tip 2: Look after your extremities We all know you lose the most heat out of your head, hands and feet - so why not look after them and keep them as warm as possible! For your hands wear both a glove liner (Hot or  PolyPro™) plus a normal grip glove over the top. On your feet you can wear a combination of socks from the liners (again Hot or  PolyPro™) with the wetsuit socks over the top that come in a 2.5mm thickness or a 4mm thickness. Lastly your head, it's pretty obvious but many people forget about it, so put a beanie on either a wetsuit one, a merino wool beanie, or a waterproof fleece beanie. Other accessories such as the neck gaiter and headband can also help keep those important parts of your body warm. Tip 3: Take a warm drink onboard Invest in a flask or chilly bottle that keeps drinks warm on the go. There’s not much that beats a hot drink on an icy day. It will help you heat up but also give you a bit of a morale boost when it's one of those really cold days. Tip 4: Stay active when you’re on the water The sea might be calm,  but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Regular moving on your boat / board will generate body heat, keeping you warm and making sure your muscles are ready for any movement. A great trick if you’ve lost the feeling in your hands is to do this movement to get the blood flowing back into your hands. It’s simple yet an effective way to tackle numbness in your fingers! Tip 5: The sock strategy Put your socks on before your wetsuit or longjohn which can save the struggle of getting a thicker wetsuit on over your feet. Also ensure your base layer leggings are tucked inside of your sock so these do not ride up when you pull your wetsuit on. Another good trick with socks is if you are using them for consecutive days and you haven’t managed to fully dry them, then turn them inside out so you have a dry inside sock. We hope that armed with these invaluable tips you can embrace the changing weather with open arms and know that you are prepared to be snug and warm whatever the Autumn seas might throw at you. Fair winds and warm layers!

It’s inevitable…the seasons are changing. Summer is pretty much over and Autumn/Fall are very much on the way. Do not fear, you can continue to enjoy the water sailing, supping, winging, kayaking with just a few key changes to your kit bag. Check out below the best ways to keep your gear going through the seasons. Base Layers Swap this:  For that:  Changing your base layers can have a massive effect on your warmth on the water. Our PolyPro layers are a great choice that can be used throughout Autumn and Winter with more layers, but can also be used by themselves as a layer during Spring and Summer. If you’re planning on continuing to go on the water through the depths of Winter, or you just get very cold then the Hot Stuff range will be more suited to layering with your current wetsuits.   Spray Tops Swap this: For that:  The Lightweight Spray Top is a brilliant option for the warmer months, when you’re still going to get splashed but the water and air temperature aren’t too cool. When the weather starts to cool down switching to the fleecy Aquafleece will keep you toasty. With so many options to choose from they are perfect for many sports. Hats Swap this:  For that: It’s no secret that you loose a lot of heat through your head, so its important to keep your head warm. These hats are easy swaps to make and not too expensive that can really elevate your experience on the water during the Autumn.   Extra layers honourable mentions A few HANDY extras for additional heat that you can add to your kit instead of having to swap out gear. Aquafleece Neck Gaiter - now in eight colours, this combination of Aquafleece and PolyPro material provides excellent protection from the elements keeping your neck warm and dry with its fleece inner layer and water resistant outer layer. Hot hands - add that extra bit of heat to your hands with these 0.5mm neoprene glove liners that go underneath any gloves you already own, for an extra heat boost. Hot socks - works the same as the glove liners, the 0.5mm titanium neoprene will give your feet a heat boost as they reflect the heat back into your body. Can be worn under any sock or boot. If 0.5mm titanium neoprene isn’t your style then check out our PolyPro glove liners and socks that also provide a great extra base layer to your hands and feet. If you need any further help with kit guidance get in touch with our friendly customer service team by phone  +1 757 778 9997 (Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm GMT) or via email salesUSA@roostersailing.com

With the blazing sun on the rise, it's time to talk about the essential topic of UV protection: protecting our precious skin from those sneaky UV rays. At Rooster, we know the importance of shielding ourselves from the sun, which is why we have a full range of UV protective clothing, ranging from leggings/tops to hats. Our tight-fitting rash vest range is limited to long sleeve only, as we strongly believe that protection is the key to longevity in both your health and the time you can spend doing the sports you love. So, read on to see why UV protective clothing is so important.     The Sneaky Threat of UV Radiation   UV radiation are the invisible troublemakers that the sun sends our way. There are 3 types or UV rays, UVA, UVB and UVC that can seriously mess up our skin. While the Earth's atmosphere absorbs most UVC, UVA and UVB rays still pose a significant risk to our skin. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to various health issues, including sunburns, premature aging, eye damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. That's why we need to take UV protection seriously. Suncream is the number one thing most people think of when they think ‘sun protection’, but, wearing the wrong clothes can lead to unexpected sunburn and damage through your clothing – That’s why It’s important to get your kit right, but that is easy because we have done the hard bit for you! Check out our UV offering here:   Why Long Sleeve Rash Vests Are a Must-Have   Enhanced Sun Protection: Long sleeve rash vests offer coverage, ensuring that your arms remain shielded from the sun's harmful rays. By minimizing exposure, these garments significantly reduce the risk of sunburns, skin damage, and potential long-term health consequences. You can soak up the fun without soaking up the UV! Versatile Style: Our long sleeve rash vests are designed with versatility in mind. They're made for action! Whether you're sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or any other water activity, these versatile garments have your back (and your arms). They're the perfect combo of protection and comfort, so you can enjoy every moment of your aquatic adventures. Breathable and Comfy: We get it. No one wants to feel like they're wrapped in a hot, sweaty sauna suit. That's why we offer both the tight-fitting long sleeve rash vests and our UV long sleeved T-shirts, which are made with lightweight, moisture-wicking materials. Working to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable, even when you're working up a sweat out there. Durability: We pride ourselves in delivering high-quality products, where our rash vests, longsleeved UVF tops and leggings are no exception. Constructed with durable materials, these garments are built to withstand the elements and get you on the water in your element.     So, in conclusion, protecting your skin from those harmful UV rays is no joke, especially when you're out on the water. By choosing UV protective garments, you can enjoy the water with peace of mind, knowing that your skin is shielded against harmful UV radiation. Embrace the world of UV protection and prioritize your health and well-being on your next adventure.

Extract from book, to be the published "Maintenance and Recommissioning of Racing Dinghies” 1. Storage Wooden Boats.  There is only one place for an all wood or composite racing dinghy to be stored, and that is undercover in a dry storage garage, workshop or shed.  Even with modern varnishes (1 and 2 pot) and epoxy coatings, there is still a chance for water, ice & frost to penetrate the surface & joints and damage the wood. Expensive to repair once damaged, and water damage often ends up being painted over due to discoloration. Plastic boats. All glass and FRP boats will survive the UK winter climate outside but invest in a good breathable cover with a deep skirt as seen in the photo 1 - on a Solo dinghy. It will also prevent UV fading of the gelcoat as seen on this blue 2000 - See photo 2 below. Photo 1 Photo 2 - Shows typical UV fading if left unprotected, the gelcoat is slowly degraded by UV radiation causing the surface to become yellowy / white and powdery as the gelcoat is oxidized. – Can be expensive to correct. Also, I have seen ILCA/Lasers hulls that have been dry stored (and with non-breathable PVC covers - both with top and undercovers) being stored inside with damp or wet surfaces and can suffer over time from osmosis.  Make sure the carpet or protection used on the trolley cradle is dry before storing, as this will hold water and damage the hull (both wood and plastic hulls) surface over time.  2. Sail Care Remove the sails from your boat. Boats both stored outside and inside are a target for rodents to hibernate in and eat your sails and sail bags. The damage can be extensive. Give them a thorough rinse with fresh water from a hose. I hang mine up to dry on the washing line (use the mainsheet rope) and then store indoors/garage/workshop. Check for any damage around the batten pockets and headboard/luff rope area and get any repairs at your local sailmaker.   3. Spars Remove the spars from your boat, wash, dry down and then dry store if possible. Galvanic corrosion (see below photo 3 example of a RS400 s/s block mounted on the boom) can occur between the stainless-steel fittings and your aluminium mast. Note: Carbon fibre masts will not suffer from galvanic corrosion but metals in electric contact (and the presence of an electrolyte such as salt water) with carbon can cause issues.   Photo 3 - Above (red arrow) shows typical galvanic corrosion that occur between the stainless-steel fittings and your aluminium spar. If you find an issue, then remove the stainless fitting, and clean the area behind them thoroughly.  Bed the fittings down with Duralac paste applied to the entire surface when putting them back, taking care that there are no voids between fitting and mast wall where water can get in and stand. Duralac also provides corrosion protection. Also, add a smear Durlac on the screws or rivets when affixing the fitting. Duralac paste (photo 4) is a chromate containing jointing compound designed to inhibit electrolytic decomposition between dissimilar metals – often called galvanic corrosion. It is a single pack, air setting product. Used correctly, Duralac prevents anodic decomposition. Photo 4 4. Hull Upkeep Wash and polish the hull.  Many sailing areas around the coast suffer from the issue of sewage discharge into the sea and harbours.  This is especially noticeable on the light breeze days, when a light brown scum line can be seen on the waterline of your dinghy. Wash down every time you exit the water and sponge off the hull.  The discharge is stubborn to remove and will stain especially FRP/Glass boats as seen in photo 5 and can be difficult to remove without a good deal elbow grease and a product like the Facecla G3 Fine Finishing Compound to remove the staining.  Finish off with a good quality polish such as the McLube polish. Photo 5 – Pollution staining 5. Ropes and control lines  Remove and wash the control lines and sheets (remove all non-continuous control lines).  You can put the control lines in a bucket of warm water with a mild detergent to soak. The mainsheet, jib and kite sheets in a pillowcase, tie off the opening and put in a washing machine on a cool temp wash with some suitable conditioner. When the cycle is complete remove from the machine and allow to dry off before storage. 6. Security If the boat is stored - especially in the winter months in the local dinghy compound or park, make sure that the boat is tied down well, the cover is undamaged and that the securing clips are locked in place and tightened. It is important to check that your insurance covers you for winter outdoor storage. Make you own ground concrete tie down anchorage fixings if needed. (Photo 6) Photo 6 - Build your own concrete tie downs - if permissible by your club.  Use wheel clamps & hitch locks, plus padlocks and chain (photo 7) for added security. Photo 7 - A substantial wheel clamp and padlock. 7. Maintenance Deck fittings I recommend slightly loosening off the tops off your cam cleats and giving them a thorough clean with mild detergent and fresh water. When dry, apply a dab of Harken McLube OneDrop Ball Bearing Conditioner. Do not use grease or oil as this will attract salt particles next season. Damaged cam springs can be replaced, and you may need new cams/cleats if you have signs of wear on the cam teeth. Ball bearing mainsheet block systems and traveller cars need particular attention, flush through with fresh water.  It’s a good time to check traveller cars are running freely and replace if necessary. Check all rudder fitting both for galvanic corrosion between the alloy fitting and the screws/bolts. Check for tightness of all fixings. Toestraps One the most used items on the boat and take considerable amount of stress and strain during the season. They generally start to wear at the edges, around the pressed in eyelets and the mounting points (if they are screwed down via the gripper plates) check the fixing points and tighten any screws and replace any adjustment ropes as necessary toestraps should be given a good clean and thoroughly washed with freshwater. Toestraps are easily replaced and are relatively inexpensive and can smarted up an otherwise tatty hull. Check your gripper plate screws for tightness as seen in photo 8. Photo 8 - A typical toestrap gripper plate. Foils.  Rudder and daggerboards/centreboards are easy to work on indoors. Check the leading and trailing edges for signs of damage before storing away. Any gelcoat work should be done at this time in a warm (indoor) environment.   Bailers leaking? Now is the time to replace those internal rubber seals with a service kit. Otherwise, if not leaking, then just putting the bailer down and then smearing a small amount of Vaseline along the sides and back of the wedge that protrudes below the boat to keep it in good shape. Then put the bailer up and wipe off any excess.   Trailers and Trolleys. Trailers: Grease the bearings (or replace the entire hub if corroded (photo 9) or you have worn bearings - and they become noisy or stiff when rotated). Locate the grease fitting—it is the nipple (photo 10 - see the red arrow) that fits into the female end of a grease gun. Squeeze grease from the gun until bearings are well lubricated (but not too full). Photo 9 - A trailer wheel & hub in poor condition. Photo 10 - Location of the hub grease nipple. 'Milky grease' in the bearing is a sign that it has been compromised by water. If this happens, repack all bearings or replace. Lubricate your wheel nuts. Doing so will help you to loosen them when changing wheels. This is especially important if you are fixing a flat by the side of the road. Wheel nuts tend to rust easily. Use Copper Ease grease to lubricate the threads to stop them seizing. Check your tyre pressures. Check the tyre sidewall (also for sidewall perishing) for the correct pressure and ensure the tread depth is not below the legal limit. 1.6mm is the legal minimum tyre tread depth for all vehicle tyres, including trailers, a minimum of 3mm is recommended, as this ensures the safest driving - and towing - experience across all road and weather conditions. Below this level, handling can be compromised.   Trolleys Check you glass fibre cradle(s) for cracks or damaged, and repair. Replace the any damaged foam covering or use the Astro Turf matting – (See photo 11). Get any metal/welding repairs done now rather than in the middle of the sailing season.  Repairs will almost always be cheaper than the cost of a new trolley. Consider replacing your pneumatic wheels with puncture proof wheels/tyres if your boat is launched from a hard surface. (Not recommended for sandy foreshores). Photo 11 - Astro Turf matting. Astro Turf matting (photo 11) as used on the trolley cradle. Reduces water retention and possible scratching of the hull from any grit and sand held on the cradle. Consider a set of puncture proof wheels as seen in photo 12 - ideal for launching from hard surfaces. Photo 12 – A puncture proof trolley wheel Photo 13 - A wide 'beach wheel' used on for launching on sandy and soft launching areas.  If you leave you boat outside, use a decent prop, so if any water that does get in - it can drain out. -Photo 14 Photo 14 - Use a prop to support your dinghy. Final bit of advice! Investing time now to prepare your dinghy for winter will pay dividends when the warmer weather comes around, enabling you to get sailing quickly again without any fuss. You will also have helped to protect your investment for the longer term.

Name Length Diameter Type Jib sheet strop 3.4m 4mm Rooster Spectwelve (grey) Jib sheet 4.5m 6mm Rooster AllSpec Pro™ Spinnaker Sheet 12.7m 6mm Rooster AllSpec Pro™ Standard mainsheet 7.25m 9mm Rooster Polilite® 5:1 Mainsheet 10m 9mm Rooster Polilite® New rear sheeting mainsheet 12m 9mm Rooster Polilite® Mainsheet strops 2.5m 4mm Rooster Spectwelve™ Boom strops (main) 0.7m 4mm Rooster Spectwelve™ Boom strops (kicker) 0.9m 4mm Rooster Spectwelve™ Continuous kicker 13.5m 4mm Rooster EasySplice Continuos Control Line Cunningham 13.5m 4mm Rooster EasySplice Continuos Control Line Cunningham tail 1m 4mm Rooster Spectwelve™ Tramp ties 3.6m 4mm Rooster Polyloc™ Toe Strap Ties 0.8m 5mm Rooster Polyloc™ Wing pin ties 0.3m 3mm Shockcord Jib fast pin ties 0.25m 3mm Shockcord Main/Spin halyard take up 1.8m 5mm Shockcord Trapeze front 5m 5mm Shockcord Trapeze back 6m 5mm Shockcord Control line take away 3.8m 5mm Shockcord Take away block tie 0.3m 3mm Rooster Spectwelve Spinnaker sock tie 0.3m 5mm Shockcord Daggerboard Retainer 0.7m 5mm Shockcord Control line ties 0.2m 3mm Rooster AllSpec Pro™ Bowsprit launch line 3.2m 4mm Rooster Spectwelve™ Bowsprit / Spinnaker tack line 6m 4mm Rooster Spectwelve™ Spinnaker halyard 21.5m 5mm Rooster Spinfast Jib halyard 15m 4mm Rooster Halitec™ Main Halyard 21.5m 4mm Rooster Halitec™ Trapeze adjuster 1.6m 5mm Rooster Polyloc™

Since the Dinghy Show in 2014, Rooster's involvement in the 4000 class could be construed as slow but steady. Early in 2014 we introduced the new Mainsail with a modern look. We changed the cloth of the Asymmetric Spinnaker to one that was more slippery - ideal for the chute of the 4000.    Photo © Richard de Fleury Late in 2014 we started testing a new rudder stock with brass pintles. Yes brass! It seams that stainless steel is more likely to propagate cracks than brass. The old steel pintles were failing regularly so we worked closely with Sea Sure and a metallurgist consultant to create the ultimate rudder stock. We have completed the updated Gennaker Chute that will work with both the older and newer boats. The new Carbon Trailing Edge Daggerboard and Rudder Blade has been made from aluminium tooling. We have a second carbon mast in hand now that is ready for testing. The class are keen to make the boat much easier to handle in tacks and gybes, and with its foam filled top mast, even easier to right. We have had made replacement Bow U Bolts as these are starting to fail on second hand boats. They might be something we all need to consider changing before the rig comes down. I am sure we will be able to once again build and sell boats, now we have new sails, new foils and a carbon mast - it makes the sums possible that a new boat is not too far away from a second hand boat with all the extras.

Sometimes we develop good ideas ourselves; sometimes they fall in our lap. I am not taking any credit for this invention, but it is sheer brilliance on the part of a fellow Masters Laser sailor!Perhaps its because I have to spend half an hour every 6 months changing my self bailer bands, or maybe its the worry that the bailer might leak for the next sail after changing them. This is a once only solution. However, they only work on the current official (old replica) nautos® self bailers for the Laser® or ILCA...So when you open yours up for the umpteenth time to change the bands, check its a nautos® which most of them are by now) and you can fit a Rooster® Spring Plate instead of the rubber bands. They are class legal and are being manufactured under the Rooster Parts Brand. 

How to Stop Your Spinnaker Halyard Getting Jammed? When pulling it up or "your standing on the spinny halyard" When pulling it down "- ***m its re-cleated again". This short video shows you what we did recently to solve this problem. Its a development of what we have seen on a well rigged Feva and appears to make the kite sheet run smoothly. The trick is to use a stainless ring and 3mm elastic to pull the halyard to one side of the cleat - so it will not cleat - unless you get the tension when the kite reaches the top of the mast. We have also recently changed the kite halyard to some nice 4mm Spinfast: Its less sticky in the boat - runs faster and is less likely to snag. We have also been doing some boat bimbling on our mainsheet bridle system. Simple Taper with Rooster Dual Core Dual Core sheet has two Dynema cores, one inside each other. The outer sheet is easy to open up to take out the two Dynema cores, you can then cut it, taper it and feed it inside the two Dynema cores to make a smooth transition. I then sewed some whipping twine into it to make it secure at each end. To make the split bridle part - you can take the inner core out from the middle core, weave it in and out once and Bob's your uncle. You might also notice some more bimbling on the outhaul. A couple of basic loops in the end of the red and blue spectra lines for the flattener and outhaul - which quickly and safely loop around the boggles attached to the boom. Rooster Dual Core Sheet

I started this project wondering how to make a reliable Halyard using Rooster's Zero  (UMHwPE heat treated and solution dyed) equivalent to some of the best Dyneema® on the market.  Luckily I had some expert help from Derek Clark who was happy to share some of his work for the RYA, and together we tested and made a solution for the Europe. I have had one on my boat since March 2021, sailed in lots of breeze over the season in my bid to win the UK Europe National Championships just 25 years since my last title. On inspection the excellent stainless bead has only polished the Zero that takes the strain and offers me a very lightweight custom solution at the same time.  It's easy to make a quick adjustment to maximise the height of the headboard as well.   Check out the video below - I hope you find it instructive.       The video pretty much spells out how to make the halyard.  The kit is available from our UK store here.   A nice lightweight  2mm halyard line (reduces windage) is available here. Also used in the video are Rooster Serrated Scissors.    

Gelcoat First, try to buy a gelcoat either by the name of the existing hull/deck colour/shade of your boat, or if possible find out from the original manufacturer or class association the BS or RAL code of the gelcoat colour used, so that it will match the existing. See this video here for more details. Years of UV and sunlight will discolour the surface and may cause a some mis-match to getting a perfect match. You may need to mix an additional pigment to get a perfect match for your boat. For the Laser 2000 here is a handy guide to the colours v sail numbers they used see:Hull Colours | 2000 Class Association the deck moulding and hull below waterline have always been Vella Grey, except for the Purple boats which we believe were Dawn Grey. A RAL colour chart such as the above can be useful. Once you have your gelcoat, check that the gelcoat you intend to use has a small amount (approx. 2%) of styrene wax additive added. This wax additive is used to aid curing the gelcoat, and creates an air barrier so the resin can cure to a tack-free state ready for wet sanding and finishing. Always stir the contents thoroughly for at least 1 min before using and dispensing from the container. You will need to add and mix catalyst to the gelcoat to make it cure. MEKP is the standard curing agent/catalyst for polyester resins and gelcoats. How to repair small damaged areas? 1. The area of damage should be thoroughly cleaned. Loose particles should be scraped or sanded down. Very minor damage or scratches need only to be cleaned with acetone. 2. Mask up using masking tape the area, sand down with 120 grit oxide to expose & key the damaged area. Clean the area with acetone, mix the gelcoat (add any extra pigment to get the exact colour/shade) and then add the catalyst. How much Catalyst? 2% is ideal, 3% is a fast mix. Additions outside these bands in not advisable for proper curing, in fact adding more than 4% may result in a failure to cure. The pot life of the mixture is also determined by temperature and the amount of resin you are mixing in the pot etc. Appy the first coat of gelcoat mix with a small plastic spatula. The minimum temperature whilst filling, should be + 13C both the air and surface temperature.  The higher the temperature the faster the cure. Ideal temperature is 16 - 20°C Use 6 drops into 10ml of resin. (As a guide 1 UK tablespoon = 14.2ml) Curing: At 15C pot life is approx 15 mins, repair cure 1-3 hours. At higher temps, cure times will be reduced and colder, will be slower. Never work on surfaces colder that 10C and do not allow the resin or catalyst to freeze. 3. Allow to cure for 3-4 hours (depending on temperature). After 1.5 hrs at 20 deg. C the first gelcoat layer is hard and tack free. 4. Rub down the repaired area lightly with 180 grit wet and dry paper, until all unevenness is removed. Use the grades, 200, 400, 600 and 800, and finish by lightly sanding with 1000 and 1200 grade wet and dry paper. Use lots of water when rubbing down and prevent the wet and dry paper from clogging. 5. If necessary, repeat the above process and apply further quantities of mixed gelcoat and more rubbing down, finishing off with 1000/1200 grade wet and dry paper. 6. Avoid sanding outside of the damaged area (using masking tape again to protect the existing gelcoat) as one can easily rub through the existing coloured surface to expose the uncoloured laminate beneath and therefore increase the area of damage. 7. After sanding down with 1200 grade wet and dry, polish to a mirror finish using a fine rubbing compound (with a light spray of water on the surface and a damp cloth) such as Farecla G3 and then G10 and apply a good marine polish such as McLube HullKote polish to complete. The final repair completed seen here in this short video.. 

At the local club (Dell Quay SC in Chichester Harbour) we have strong Solo Class. To help encourage the National Solo class to grow , the decision was made by two existing owners (who currently race Solo FRP boats) to find and purchase a wooden Solo, in order to help continue to promote this strong fleet at the club.Over the next few weeks, I will try to give an insight on how to restore a 23 year built boat and be competitive for club racing.... Most of the materials and fittings used during the restore are available from the Rooster Sailing website….The choice of wood over FRP was made not only for budget purposes, but also for the tough construction wood has over the modern FRP hulls in case of any damage occurring and also that we have the expertise in the class to look after a wooden boat . Anyone who has sailed a wooden racing dinghy will also appreciate the 'charm' that a wooden hull gives too. The 3 main aims of having a Club Solo are:1. To have a Solo available for potential new members of Dell Quay SC who wish to try out a Solo before purchasing one and joining the Club.2. To have a Solo available to current members of DQ from other Classes who would like to use her for occasional racing and an introduction in to how lovely these boats are.3. To have a spare boat available to the members of the Solo fleet to use when their own boats are either off the water or packed up for travelling Series.Watch out for further Rooster blog articles on the restoration process...