The International Topper Class

Blog submitted by Rooster Rider Amelie Ballantyne, Devon UK As a keen dinghy sailor, there is nothing I like better than getting in my (Rooster) wetsuit and jumping on my boat- it’s the best feeling in the world! However, over the past year, I have started to realise the effects that humans are having on the waters we use and the oceans in general. The statistics around pollution, climate change and habitat destruction are quite shocking, and unfortunately, the evidence of these statistics can be seen rather close to home sometimes- I often see dead wildlife/sea creatures, plastic pollution and sewage where I sail, and it’s not pleasant. As someone who loves using the water, this concerned me, and I wanted to help bring about change. However, I am only a 15-year-old dinghy sailor from Devon, so what can I possibly do to change this global environmental problem? So, to start with, I did my research and created a list of the simple things I could promote at my club (Starcross Yacht Club). Then, earlier this year, I became a Clean Sailors Ambassador and joined a community of international sailors who all want to raise awareness of ocean conversation and sustainable practices in the marine industry. I also joined the US SailGP Climate Action Academy that links students with A-list sustainable experts to learn about global matters. Using social media has been a great platform, and I have organised old sails and wetsuit collections, as well as helping to raise awareness about key issues. Thank you, ITCA Topper community, for your kind sail and wetsuit donations at NS5 Paignton. Who are Clean Sailors and what do they do? Clean Sailors is a non-profit organisation that strives to promote awareness around ocean conservation, amongst other things. Set up in 2020 by Holly Manvell, Clean Sailors share stories, research and campaign for environmental change in the marine industry. One of their big areas of focus is demonstrating what to do with old sails. Currently approx. 97% of sails end up in landfills each year, which is approximately. 2000 tons. This is a shocking statistic! Clean Sailors help direct people to local/global businesses that will take your old sails for recycling and repurposing to keep them out of landfills. Many innovative things can be done with old sails, from clothing and accessories, community shelters for schools and villages, to deckchair covers for the beach; creating a better great circular economy. What can sailors do to help? As sailors, most of us love the seas and rivers we use and would hate to think we are adding to a large-scale environmental problem, but unfortunately, the reality is that there are things that sailors do that have an impact on the environment around them. When it comes to change, even the small steps can make a difference if we ALL start to do them and work together. Think of the times you may have lost a sweet wrapper while doing a race or dropped your sunnies overboard never to be seen again, or that times you used electrical tape and a bit it’s blown away. Well, if every sailor did this, even by accident, the environmental impact would begin to be a big problem for waterways and communities that use them. Here are my top six very easy tips for being a more environmentally conscious sailor: 1. The obvious one – use a reusable drinking bottle and not a single-use plastic bottle. Rooster sells great bottles, and most venues have refill facilities – easy! 2. Recycle your old kit: Don’t dump sails and wetsuits, and buy second-hand where and when you can. 3. Save water. After a sail, you don’t need to shower for hours, have a water fight or spend eternity washing your boat – turn taps off! 4. Use eco-friendly products. There are great boat cleaning products out there, as well as countless products for your body. 5. Take your rubbish home – use the correct bins – maybe have a snack that is not in a fiddly wrapper -Rule 55 guys! The disposable of trash 6. …….use a sunglasses strap/retainer to keep your sunnies on your eyes and not on bottom of the seabed. I am very proud to be a Clean Sailors Ambassador and to be involved in helping with sustainability and change for our future and the longevity of water sports. In my opinion, educating people about the need to be sustainable and the impact each one of us has while doing the sport we love is important; creating new habits and making changes that benefit our whole environment. We all have a role to play; we all live here. It is great to see that even our top sailors in SailGP are getting on board with becoming clean, green sailors and leading the way with sustainability. I am also very proud to be a Rooster Rider, as Rooster is committed to ethical and sustainable business practices, which is important to

Want to hear what our Rooster Riders got up to this summer? It was action-packed! From local competitions 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. For ILCA 6 sailor Zofia Wojcik she had an incredible end to the season becoming Vice u21 Polish Champion after a busy season of racing in Gydnia, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Greece on the ILCA circuit.  Fellow Polish watersports fanatic Stan Konarzewski has been enjoying getting on the water all Summer. From windsurfing and supping, Stan also came 4th place with his team in the Omega class and also won a gold in the team ranking of technical universities. In the skiffs, Lars Van Den Berg from The Netherlands has transitioned from the 29er into the 49erFX, achieving a 2nd place finish at local event United 4.Recent additions to the Rooster Rider team, 49erFX sailors Emilie & Julie from France have been training hard and competed at the Junior World Championships in Spain in July. Fellow competition Ambassadors Alicia & Elena have been training hard after coming back from an injury. But pre injury these girls set the 49erFX World Championships on fire back at the start of the year and have qualified onto the Spanish Olympic Team. 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.

Embracing the Future with Rooster: Empowering Junior Sailing   At Rooster, we value the crucial role junior sailing plays in sustaining the Watersports community. As a top manufacturer of technical clothing and equipment, we aim to make sailing accessible and fun for young enthusiasts. By providing high-quality gear, we support junior sailors, nurture their passion, and equip them for success. Rooster is dedicated to promoting junior sailing, knowing these young sailors are essential to the sport's future. Our goal is to inspire the next generation to excel and become lifelong ambassadors for sailing. Together, we can keep the wind in their sails and pave the way for a future filled with adventure, learning, and competition on the water.   The Joy of Sailing: Fun on the Waves  For many young sailors, their first experience on the water is a memorable one, filled with excitement and wonder. The sensation of gliding over the waves, the thrill of the wind filling the sails, and the exhilaration of steering the boat create an unparalleled sense of joy.   Engaging in this sport provides children with an alternative to sedentary indoor activities, encouraging them to connect with nature and embrace a physically active lifestyle. It also introduces them to a community of like-minded peers, fostering friendships that can last a lifetime.    Skill Development: Learning Through Adventure  Junior sailing is not just about fun; it is a powerful tool for personal development. The complexities of sailing demand a diverse set of skills, from understanding wind patterns to mastering boat handling and navigation. As young sailors grapple with these challenges, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. They learn to anticipate changes in weather conditions, make quick judgments, and take responsibility for their actions – skills that are invaluable both on and off the water.  Moreover, junior sailing fosters resilience and perseverance. The sport teaches young sailors to cope with setbacks and challenges, be it capsizing in rough waters or dealing with an unexpected shift in the wind. These experiences help them build confidence and self-reliance, qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.    Healthy Competition: Fuelling Ambition and Team Spirit  As juniors advance in their sailing journey, they encounter the competitive aspect of the sport, which plays a critical role in their development. Sailing regattas and competitions provide young sailors with opportunities to test their skills, push their limits, and strive for excellence.  This healthy competition fosters a spirit of ambition and a drive to improve, while also teaching the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. In sailing, success often hinges on the ability to work seamlessly with a crew, communicate effectively, and synchronise actions. These collaborative skills are essential not just in sports but in many areas of life, from school projects to future careers.    Sustaining the Sport: Keeping Watersports Buoyant and Thriving  The influx of young sailors into the sport is essential for the longevity and prosperity of the Watersports community. Junior sailing programs serve as the lifeblood of the sport, continuously infusing it with fresh enthusiasm and energy. These programs ensure that there is a steady stream of new talent, which is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and competitive environment at all levels of sailing.  Furthermore, junior sailors often grow into lifelong enthusiasts and advocates for the sport. As they transition from youth programs to adult sailing, they bring with them a wealth of experience and passion, contributing to the growth and development of the sport in numerous ways. They become the future coaches, volunteers, and organisers who will continue to promote and advance the sport, ensuring that it remains accessible and enjoyable for future generations.   Looking to the future, junior sailing plays a crucial role in shaping the sport’s direction, ensuring its vitality and success for years to come. This is why we at Rooster are committed to supporting young sailors. 

At Rooster, we are proud to support a wide range of sailing classes and clubs, ensuring that sailors of all levels and abilities can have the opportunity to thrive on the water. From youth classes to specialised sailing communities, our commitment spans across many events and classes. Here’s a look at some of the many classes we proudly support: RS Sailing Classes Our partnership with RS Sailing has been a cornerstone of our community involvement. For years, we've sponsored and supplied prizes for numerous RS racing events, becoming the sailing kit maker of choice for many RS sailors. Our dedication to making sailing enjoyable and accessible for everyone is evident in our ongoing support and active participation in the vibrant RS community. J/70 Class The J/70 class represents an exciting venture into the keelboat and sportsboat scenes for us. Following a successful European Championships last year, we have partnered with the UK J/70 class. This partnership highlights our commitment to supporting bigger boats and we’re excited about the future and opportunities this collaboration brings. Topper Class We believe in nurturing young talent and supporting the development of youth sailors. The Topper class is a prime example of our commitment to youth sailing. From local regattas to World Championships, our support for Topper events helps foster a love for sailing among young sailors and aids their growth and development in the sport. 4000 Class The 4000 class is another area where our support is making a significant impact. By providing the necessary gear and backing for events, we help 4000 sailors achieve their best performances, whilst also being the official license holder for everything to keep your 4000 in racing condition. Blind Sailing We recognise the unique challenges faced by sailors with visual impairments and are committed to providing the support they need to excel. Our involvement in the Blind Sailing community underscores our belief that sailing should be accessible to all. Having supported them for the last 5 years we are incredibly proud of the achievements of these sailors including the team becoming World Blind Sailing Champions in 2019. Deaf Sailing Similar to our efforts with Blind sailing, we have inclusivity at the heart of our mission. Our support for Deaf Sailing ensures that sailors with hearing impairments have the resources and opportunities to participate fully in the sport. We help make sailing accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities. WASZP Class As one of the fastest growing fleets, we have been collaborating with the SailGP Inspire Waszp sailors since 2019 to promote foiling among younger generations. Now, with our partnership with the UK class and support for the North American Championships, we are excited to see where this collaboration leads. Laser/ILCA Class Our journey began with the Laser class, and it remains a fundamental part of our identity. Our founder, Steve, launched Rooster Sailing after campaigning in the Laser class in the 90s and creating the Polilite mainsheets, which quickly became a favourite among top sailors. We are thrilled to have rekindled our sponsorship with the ILCA fleet, continuing our legacy of supporting one of the most popular and competitive sailing classes.   Beyond traditional sailing classes, we are also enthusiastic supporters of various other water sports. Our involvement in the Round Hayling Challenge highlights our commitment to supporting diverse water sport events, bringing together athletes from various disciplines to compete in a challenging and thrilling race around Hayling Island. We are continuing to support the Women’s Open Keelboat Championships, where women get a weekend to have a go at all the different roles on a keelboat and participate in an encouraging but competitive environment. Additionally, we are honoured to support the Women's Paddle Symposium, an event that empowers women in paddle sports through workshops, training sessions, and community building. Top of Form There are many other events and classes that we help clubs and classes out with, and we are always interested in hearing about exciting events within your community. If you’ve got a special event happening and in need of some support, get in touch with our team on hello@roostersailing.com

 The Solidarity Programme was initiated in 2018 at the Annual Meeting of Eurilca. During this meeting, the board noted that there were remaining funds in the account. I suggested creating the Solidarity Project to assist nations that were not participating in the Europeans. That's how we got started... Since then, we have managed to enable over 100 sailors to represent their countries at ILCA 4 European Championships. The goal of the project is not only offering economic support, but also high-level coaching and support before, during and after the championship on the water and on the shore. We offer free entry fee, coaching on the water and on the shore, team clothing sponsored by Rooster Sailing. Since 2021, we've additionally supported national coaches to attend events alongside our high-level coaches to enhance their coaching abilities.  This year, we had a total of 28 sailors, comprising 15 females and 13 males, representing 11 different nations. Our team was bolstered by three Olympian coaches whose expertise significantly elevated the coaching standard, providing immense benefits to our sailors. As the team leader, I oversee support during measurement, registration, and handle all matters requiring resolution. Additionally, I occasionally step in to provide on-water coaching when necessary. How do we find the sailors? I review the entry list and analyse the Europeans' statistics. Following this, I reach out to the national ILCA class representatives who haven't participated in the last 3-5 years to understand their reasons for non-participation. Some require coaching, while others lack the funds to cover charter expenses. Once I've gathered all the applications, I assess which sailors require support and assemble the team, seeking final approval from the EurIlca board. Additionally, some boat builders support our program by offering special charter deals to our sailors.   Rooster Sailing plays a key role in our project. Their exceptional clothing fosters a strong sense of team unity among us. We proudly march together at the opening ceremony, donning our team apparel, with the Solidarity Logo prominently displayed on red bibs to help our coaches easily spot our sailors on the water. Additionally, we provide our coaches with technical gear for on-water activities. The Pro Rigging Jackets, visors, and waterproof backpacks are highly valued by our coaching staff.  

We are very excited to announce that 2024 will be another jam packed calendar of boat and outdoor shows. As always we will host competitions and bring you offers to help you get to the show you’re looking forward to most. Keep your eyes peeled on our newsletters and socials to find out how you can be involved. Read on to find out where we're heading and when. 1. Dusseldorf Boat 20th-28th January - Messe Dusseldorf  After taking a few years out from this show due to the global pandemic, we are thrilled to be back at Dusseldorf, Europe’s largest indoor boat show. It will be the biggest stand we’ve brought to Europe to date, and we look forward to bringing our iconic Rooster shop and showcasing the range to our European customers. The show is an important comeback for Rooster, as the largest gathering of boats in the continent, it's great to be a part of the bustling atmosphere Dusseldorf has to offer. Come and find us in Hall 11, stand 11A04. 2. RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 24th - 25th February at Farnborough International. We’re back for our 24th edition of the show! The Dinghy Show is where the UK sailing community kick off their calendar. All your Dinghy friends from across the UK, and sometimes further, gather for one weekend of the year to catch up, check out the latest releases of models and equipment, listen to their sailing idol on stage and stock up on chandlery and gear for the year ahead. As it will be Rooster’s 25th birthday in 2024, there will be some extra special features and competitions available to take part in during the build up to the show and on the stand over the weekend. We want to help you get to next year's show, so we’ll be launching a competition for a family pack of tickets and a Dinghy Show Rooster spending voucher - stay tuned to find out how to get involved over the next few weeks. Come and visit us at stand N40 in February. 3. The National Outdoor Expo 23rd - 24th March at Birmingham’s NEC. In line with our outdoor industry growth, we are attending one of the UK’s largest outdoor retail shows; bringing together speakers, brands, outdoor enthusiasts and the gear to get you started, all under one roof. Tickets are now available to book online, if you fancy something a little different and to stock up on essentials and hear from the best in the industry for your other loved activities, besides sailing and water sports. 4. The Southampton Boat Show  15th - 24th September, Southampton Waterfront We’re heading back to Southampton Boat Show for the 23rd time! It’s the show for everyone, whether you’re getting started or you’re visiting as master of the seas, to top up your gear during a week of action packed ocean-lovers paradise. Come and find us in the Dinghy Zone where we will have our stand divided into our Outlet and a retail store. Tickets are already available to purchase for September 2024 at the early bird rate. 5. Annapolis SailBoat Show 10th - 14th October, City Dock, Annapolis, MD  We made our debut with our brand new US trailer shop in 2023, hitting the Annapolis showground running with competitions to win a full kit bag. Meeting our US customers face to face has been invaluable, so in 2024 we’re heading back to the Annapolis  waterfront to do it all again. Stop by and catch up with the team, stand number tbc. We look forward to seeing you, whether you’ll be attending one or two shows or the whole lot…we’re ready to welcome you and help you with your questions and queries on kit for your hobbies. Keep an eye out for competitions to win tickets and much much more, see you very soon!

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 😊

The new design Rooster RS Aero 5mm Pro Halyard Loop is a simple way to reduce troublesome slippage that occurs while sailing your RS Aero.The idea was formed at the 2022 RS Games, with complaints of sails being hard to pull up, falling down the mast, or even snapping. There had to be a simple, cheap solution to this challenge.Made using Rooster 5mm All Spec-Pro, with its hard wearing 16-plait cover, tapered by our expert splicers into the super strong and thin 3.5mm core this newly designed Halyard Top glides up the mast with ease and bites into the mast-head cleat and holds strong for your whole sailing session.This cost effective solution to halyard replacement is very simple to install. Just cut your old Halyard top off, put your bobble onto Rooster RS Aero Halyard Upgrade, and half hitch (or sheet-bend) your current halyard tail on and away you go!Having now sailed using this new design for 6-8 months, I can confirm it’s the best solution for keeping that sail pinned to the top of your mast.

I have always thought of myself as a lightweight whilst racing the Solo.  In 2022 I was 74Kg which was not the lightest or heaviest I have been over my 35 years of Solo sailing.     Actually the Solo is quite forgiving for lightweights, since height to windward is not as compromised in the Solo as it would be in say a Laser or Aero once you start using the vang to de power.  In fact the other advantage is that Solo's don't generally go well in foot mode upwind (bow down).  Height is king in the Solo fleet which makes the shifts drive the tactics around the course.    The issues for a lightweight is when waves come into play.  Its then that you need a combination of a boat with an optimum distribution of the hull's weight and some waves sailing skills.  I was even keen to reduce the weight of the rig with a lighter weight forestay and carbon battens.   As the boat is in the transition from bow down to bow up (the gap between the waves ) its then that a short stab away from you with the tiller will help lighten the bow, reducing the impact of the crest, which also allows you to enjoy the apparent wind lift lift due to the rig moving slower than the hull.   The rudder in push mode with a little heel sinks the transom to lift the bow. - and when pulled, lifts the transom and stops the bow from taking off the top of the wave.   One really needs to get the bow to stick to the back face of a wave to begin the journey back up the next wave.      Check out these techniques explained in more detail on the Boat Whisperer DVDs - Upwind (digital download version).  Gear wise:  I liked the Winder Mk1 and the Boatyard at Beer designs after coming second in both of them,  but I have tried a couple of not so hot designs before stepping into the Boon/Ovi/Rooster/Ginger (you know what I mean) which was fast out of the blocks in 2022, however,  yet another second!    I am a fan of the D+ mast (no sleeve).  Perhaps its behaviour when vang sheeting that makes it so unique and my first choice.  In the past I have let the shrouds go a little, but in 2022 I used the standard set up and was fast upwind and downwind in the light and in the breeze.    Taxi's HD design was a standard cut sail used on 6001 and behaved flawlessly throughout the range of conditions.  P.S. 6001 is for sale to a good home.  

As a brand that are anti-consumerism, and whose primary aim is to make quality durable products, reduce unnecessary purchasing and in turn reduce our environmental footprint, it might seem contradictory that we partake in Black Friday activities and promotions that actively promote consumption. So why is this? There are simple reasons why we see it important to actively promote and partake in Black Friday: 1. We want to give all our customers and reach an equal chance to purchase rooster products.   We understand that our pricing has had to increase over the years, and this is something that we are mindful can mean our product range may become out of reach of some pockets. We try to minimise these rises but unfortunately the creep up has had to happen due to several reasons; increasing costs of manufacture, shipping, raw material costs, more environmentally friendly processes/handling and of course being selective in our manufacturers to ensure fair pay and appropriate working conditions. Putting out Black Friday deals encourages inclusivity for our customers to be able to purchase some products that they may not have otherwise been able to have access to at full retail price.     2. We listen to customer feedback when it comes to product development and improvements.   We love to hear feedback on our products, and how they can be better. Often our Black Friday deals will be encouraging the shift of stock, where a new version may be in the pipeline, or we are making room in our collection for a product that has shown a lot of demand.  We strive to only update a product where we deem it a necessity, often the update will feed straight into the product line unnoticed yet in a slight technical functional improvement. Discreet updates like this prolong the longevity of a product within society, and honour our trusted dealers and distributors so that there is uniformity across our entire sales network. Sometimes, however, in order to react to the customer demand and introduce new and improved products into the range, we need to shift some of the previous designs.     3. The sales from Black Friday help us to cover overheads and keep us afloat. We’re a small company, made up of a strong committed team of likeminded ‘drivers’ that put everything into Rooster as a brand to make sure that we are moving in the right direction and encourage people to practise their sports effectively. As a brand, we rely on sales for the business to run smoothly, and so we can pay our humble team and support their families. We all enjoy the environment and the benefits it offers, in our sports and at the end of the day we want our network to join us on this mission: We aim to inspire, educate and facilitate access to the freedom of getting out in the elements! #INYOURELEMENT We understand you will be bombarded with tempting deals this season, shopping with a conscious mind can reduce unnecessary waste and a heap of returns which doubles the delivery emissions. We thank you for choosing Rooster this Black Friday, our customer service team are always available to chat about products if you are unsure what is for you.

The latest development in our iconic Aquafleece® range takes the form of the ‘Aquafleece® Robe’. This robe is the perfect answer for those cold days. Perfect for chucking on after a sports session, whether that be sailing, sea swimming, cycling, running to aid in recovery– it’s so versatile, once you put it on you won’t want to take it off. In fact, most the Rooster team in the office are now reaching for this jacket in everyday life as ‘it feels like wearing a dressing gown’. Keeping the samples located in one place has been a challenge to say the least…  Having recently won the Clothing and Crew Accessories Category in the prestigious Dame Award 2022 at the METs Trade Show in Amsterdam, this is an invention we are proud of, alongside the focus on sustainability that we put behind this. But this is just like any other robe on the market you may ask – what is so different about the Rooster® Aquafleece® Robe? We scratched our heads together off the back of the supply chain implications involved with the Coronavirus pandemic to think more cleverly in producing a product that utilised Rooster fabrics, ones we already have stock of in the factory, alongside eco-friendly fabrics to make a sustainable product – not only for the supply chain but also for economic, social and environmental aspect. This meant that we could support our factory workers, whilst some of the other materials were difficult to source. The robe is based from our well known Aquafleece® Rigging Coat, but with a simpler construction and panel layout to maximise on useable fabric from the roll. As we use the Aquafleece® fabric across our extensive range, all offcuts from this product go into the production of other products. To think out the box further, the concept to have a removable fluffy teddy lining was something that we knew the importance of – we all know how smelly we can get after a hard run in the trails, or a salty session in the sea! The ability to remove the lining, means you can wash the liner and keep your Robe fresh. But not only does the removable liner give the benefit of washing, it also means the Robe has a multi-purpose 4 in 1 use. Wear it as a super cosy warm jacket, or take the lining out to have a lighter weight long rain coat (proven to be a popular one for dog walking), then you have 2 ways you can wear the liner – one way gives you a fluffy dressing gown feel against your body, the other puts this on the outside with the flatter surface on the inside. You choose how to wear it. Another key benefit to the removable liner is that it is made from recycled plastic bottles (recycled Polyester), and it can be recycled again when it comes to the end of its life, so the idea is it can just keep circulating round and round for its next life, and not contributing to landfill. We’ve teamed up with the Final Straw Foundation on this one, who have given us extra advice for some handy information on safe washing for the liner: Washing your Aquafleece® Robes lining is easy, but we need you to help us trap those microfibres, so they don’t contribute to plastic waste in our seas. Please get yourself a Guppyfriend Washing Bag and place your robe lining in there before it goes in the washing machine. This bag will trap those fibres for you. Once the washing cycle is finished then take your bag out and remove your lining. Then simply hang your lining to dry and gently shake out the inside of your guppy bag into the bin and place it ready to be used again. You can use it for any item you own that is made of synthetic materials.  We spoke to Bianca at the Final Straw Foundation; “We are big fans over here of a comfy and warm robe to throw on after a big session in the sea or out on the beaches. We regularly wear ours on beach cleans. Why do we like the Rooster one so much? Well, it’s because they are thinking further down the line environmentally and not stopping at just using plastic waste already on our planet. We all know this can be seen as a bit greenwashy, using plastic bottles to make clothing, but they are openly addressing the way in which we care for the robes, to ensure that all microfibres from the washing side of this product are captured, and they don’t end up down the drain and into our seas. Plus, Rooster is encouraging everyone to live a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce their personal plastic footprint. The environment is important to Rooster, and it’s a pleasure to see them taking their responsibility so seriously. As a company they are looking at phasing out the synthetic fibres they use but are using up all the stock they have so none is wasted. It’s going to be great to watch their journey over the next few years. “  The outer shell fabric is fully waterproof with taped seams and due to the natural properties of the Aquafleece® fabric, it doesn’t need to be reproofed EVER, so you won’t have to worry about leaking. AND another bonus is that as the fabric is a bonded fabric, with no additional coatings, there will be minimal run off pollution into the eco system when worn in the rain. We know the fabric in and out through over 20 years of developing Aquafleece® products, so you can trust us on this technology.

A year of Heartache, Stress, and Humble Relief  It has certainly been another historic year, and I would personally like to thank each one of our customers who, year on year, put trust in us for providing your product needs.  On the face of it, you would think that the types of products we sell are straightforward to manufacturer, but like all industries worldwide, we too have been at the hands of everything that we are all now too familiar with. If a pandemic was not enough, how about Brexit, a global supply chain crisis, and of course, good old raw material shortages making it tricky to manufacture the very products we want to sell you. Despite all that, the Rooster team have worked incredibly hard to keep the cogs rolling, and although perfection is a far-flung thought that we all aspire for, we strive incredibly hard to maintain the best customer service so that ultimately you get in your hands the products you want, coupled of course with considered advice from the team about what the best options for you are.  I think it is important to highlight that the Rooster team is like a family. We are all sailors and water sports enthusiasts who understand what kit you need to wear in order to keep you warm, cool, or protected, and with our technical team, we strive to make sure you truly understand all your options.  Whilst this year has been a successful one for many reasons, it has also been a sad one. The pandemic continues to cause such grief and sorrow, whilst the economics of Brexit has disabled business from working in a cost-effective and seamless way, but despite that, 2022 will be a better year, with perhaps a little less Covid and with some stabilization in the global supply chain, the Rooster team are planning for success. In January, we will quickly turn to make quick progress on enhancing our content development online, getting to grips with a cool enhancement that will make it super easy for you to understand what size you need and in general better enabling you to truly understand what we are offering. Our USA Retail website platform will go live early in the year, and of course, we have some exciting product developments which will join the Rooster family of products, backed of course with great explanation and understanding. I would once again like to take this opportunity to thank you for being a Rooster customer, and I would also like to extend my thanks to all our partners and suppliers whom we work with to deliver our broad and exciting product range all year round. Enjoy your Christmas Holiday season, and all the best for a great new year.  My Best Wishes Luke Morrison Managing Director