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

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

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

Blog written by Steve Cockerill, Rooster founder.  Photography: © Lotte Johnson  Although WPNSA at Weymouth can be a great venue to sail in Weymouth Bay, most of the Championships I have raced there, have been mostly been sailed inside the Harbour. This has been true of the ILCA (Laser) Nationals, RS300 Nationals, 2000 Nationals and numerous qualification events over the years. The harbour is rather large and can often have more wind than the bay, but there are some quirks that you might want to take note of: Wind from the:   North If the wind is light, the wind can bend around the Nothe point giving a right-hander at the NW section of the bay. Likely to oscillate from the land so track the wind. It will be gusty. East Clean wind may move right on a sunny day (rare to get a SE sea breeze) but possible enhancement if easterly gradient might get waves/swell near entrances. South East Portland starts to play a role, the east side of the harbour will have cleaner wind than the right, wind shadow near the academy area, prominent wind bend around the Bill, left-hander at the top of the beat. South Wind will bend around the bill, depending on how south the breeze is the East side of the harbour will be very light and patchy best bet to go middle right and play the shifts. South West Compression effect and bend off the bill, top left always good, hard right never pays, you will steadily head off the line tack to take advantage of the shift on port to the mark, Keep on the bill side downwind. Sea Breeze This usually sets in around 210 and moves slowly right to 240 and can get fresh, bends as per the detail above. West Clean wind with pulses of breeze (rolling over the causeway) If in the northern part of the harbour you may get influence from the land to the north. North West Gusty and shifty as it rolls off Weymouth and the hills - eyes out of the boat for pressure.   Tide This is negligible in the harbour, check the buoys in the area as you sail out but less than 3/4 kt (maximum near the gaps in the harbour wall).      

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

It’s a busy summer ahead here for the team at Rooster as we tour around the UK and European 2026 events. From the ILCA World Championship in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, to HISC Youth Week on the South Coast of the UK, and everything in between, we’re excited to get back on the road with a van full of kit, catch up with the sailing community, and get hands-on once again. The Rooster team will be on hand to help you find the right layers, whether it’s a rash vest and cap for the sunshine or, more appropriately for this week’s biblical weather, an Aquafleece and beanie, the team will make sure you’re ready to hit the water. At some events we'll also be armed with a selection of chandlery and performance gear to keep you sailing at your best. Expect a great selection of kit and accessories, a bean bag or two to relax on, expert technical advice, and plenty of fluttering feather flags to set the scene. We’ve also bolstered our fleet with a shiny new van. It’s huge and proudly branded with our Rooster Riders, complete with the iconic Rooster logo across the bonnet. Give the team a toot if you spot them on the road! Even with the new van, we can’t bring the entire warehouse with us, so if you’ve got your heart set on a particular piece of kit or you know you need a niche bit of chandlery, we recommend ordering online in advance.  Buckle up for the van shop tour, check out the events below; ILCA Masters National Championship3 – 5 July 2026 | Parkstone Yacht Club J Cup17 – 19 July 2026 | Royal Southern Yacht Club IOCA Girls Weekend11 – 12 July 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy ILCA UK Nationals23 – 28 July 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy WASZP UK National Championship30 July – 2 August 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy IOCA UK Nationals2 – 7 August 2026 | Largs Sailing Club HISC Youth Week29 July – 3 August 2026 | Hayling Island Sailing club Parkstone Youth Week1 – 7 August 2026 | Parkstone Yacht Club Topper National Championship9 – 14 August 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy ILCA Skills Week 15 – 19 August 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy ILCA 7 Men's World Championship23 – 30 August 2026 | Dun Laoghaire RS Aero National Championship28 – 31 August 2026 | Eastbourne Sailing Club ILCA 6 Women's World Championship5 - 12 September 2026 | Dun Laoghaire WLYC 24 Hour Race12 – 13 September 2026 | West Lancashire Yacht Club IOCA End of Seasons 3 – 4 October 2026 | Poole Yacht Club RS Tera End of Season Championship24 – 25 October 2026 | Draycote Water Sailing Club ILCA Autumn National Open24 – 25 October 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy Topper European Championship27 – 29 October 2026 | Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy

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

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

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

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

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

Blog entry by Steve Cockerill Putting your spars and foils into a cosy bag feels like the right thing to do. But if you are not careful, what appears to be a caring thing, might also be the worst thing. After sailing on salt water, we should wash our spars down with fresh water and where possible allow them to dry out. I tend to bag mine for safe keeping in transit. However, many bags use non-breathable fabrics and foams in their construction which trap any residual moisture. Moisture encourages dissimilar metal corrosion where stainless or Monel rivets react with the aluminium of the mast. The fizzing is proof of the corrosion taking place. What you need is a spar bag that breathes.Foils packed away in a non-breathable foil bag will sweat rather than dry out, causing Osmosis. Ideally, you should dry off your foils before packing them away. Again salt water is a hindrance as it attracts moisture so a quick wash helps to remove the salt and gives it a chance to dry out. Look for foil bags that breathe. What to Look For Open cell foams with a breathable membrane is the safest option for both Spars and Foils. Spars and foils dry out naturally if they are packed damp which prevents dissimilar metal corrosion and osmosis. In my experience, many manufacturers are keen to save money on material cost which ends up costing you more in replacement spars and repairs to foils. Below are some of the bags we make to protect your gear: Padded Spar Bag 3650mm by 165mm (Laser Top Mast, Aero Top Mast and 9 Lower Mast, Lightening Upper and Lower mast) Padded Spar Bag 2950mm by 165mm (Laser Boom and Standard Lower Master, Topper Upper, Lower Mast and Boom, Aero 7 Lower Mast, Aero Boom, Optimist Lower Mast and Lightening Boom) Padded Spar Bag 2350mm by 165mm (Aero 5 Lower Mast, a Laser Radial Lower Mast and 4.7 Lower Mast, Optimist Sprit and Boom) Optimist Foil Bag Foil Bag for the Laser/ILCA - also fits the Europe 4000 Rudder Bag 4000 Daggerboard Bag Solo Rudder Bag Solo Mast Bag Europe Travel Mast Bag Europe Boom Bag