Gear Up: Your Essential Kit Guide for Summer Sailing Champs

Gear Up: Your Essential Kit Guide for Summer Sailing Champs

Summer sailing and regattas often mean long hours on the water — sometimes with three or more races back to back. If you’re new to it, or haven’t raced in a while, knowing what to wear or take with you can feel overwhelming. For the seasoned sailor, it’s often second nature — but even the most experienced can get caught out when they’re a bit rusty or just haven’t had to prep for a full championship day in a while.

Even simple logistics can throw you off: can you drop a drybag on a rib? If so, great — you have more flexibility. But if you’re scrambling to find that rib between races or the next warning signal goes up right after the finish, you could be left without the gear you were counting on.

Just like any endurance sport, sailing demands planning — for clothing, food, and hydration. The goal? Bring what you need without overpacking. Most dinghies don’t have room for your entire wardrobe and snack cupboard.

Pack too much and it's dead weight; pack too little and, inevitably, that’s the day you needed that extra layer or snack bar.

The Weather Never Makes it Easy

British summer sailing is unpredictable. Sure, we all know the signs — clouds building inland, a sea breeze on the way — but forecasts rarely tell the full story. The “real feel” out on the water can be wildly different from what was expected. We've written a blog on this which is well worth a read. Read more.

When you’re 2 hours from shore in a dinghy, you have to be self-reliant. Even at a big event surrounded by boats and safety cover, you need to look after number one. That means having the right gear, fuel, and backup layers — because when the unexpected happens, you want to be ready.

Fuel Matters: Food & Hydration

Outfit choices are only half the battle. Staying fuelled and hydrated is critical for performance and recovery — especially over back-to-back races. 

Your Championship Kit Guide: What to Wear, What to Pack

We’ve created a simple guide to help you layer up, pack smart, and stay comfortable during race days — whether it’s a short session or an all-day affair.

Your Standard Base Kit

Based on a mild Summer  | 20–28°C

 

Long Day on the Water

(3–5 hours | 3–4 races back-to-back | 20–28°C)

  • UV lip balm / small suncream
  • Cereal or oat based bar (slow-release energy)
  • Gel, sweets or fruit (fast-release energy)

On Board:

Drybag - 10L Rolltop Drybag - perfect for on the boat or 35L Dry Backpack - if you have access to a rib to store:

 

Shorter Day on the Water

(1–2 hours | 1–2 races back-to-back | 20-28°C)

Pockets:

  • UV lip balm
  • Mini suncream
  • Snack bar

On Board:

 

Drybag - 3L Rolltop Drybag:

 

Bonus Kit: Things You Might Be Glad You Brought!

  • Spare rope/lines
  • Whistle
  • Knife
  • Duck tape (“If you can’t fix it with duck tape…”)
  • Electrical tape
  • Spare shackles/blocks/split pins
  • Sail repair tape
  • Multi-tool
  • Emergency blanket
  • Phone or VHF radio

 

Long days on the water are where championships are won and lost, and your preparation can make a huge difference. Pack smart, dress for the conditions, and fuel your body properly. That way, you’ll be focused on racing, not worrying about what you left behind.

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