Guía de capas

Muchos regatistas siguen asociando un equipamiento más pesado con un mejor rendimiento, y en determinadas condiciones, esa forma de pensar tiene todo el sentido. Si estás expuesto durante largos periodos a salpicaduras constantes, bajas temperaturas o condiciones offshore, niveles más altos de protección son esenciales. Mantenerse cálido y seco importa. Para muchas modalidades de navegación costera y de quilla, el rendimiento no depende simplemente de la máxima protección. Se trata de equilibrio. Porque navegar rara vez es algo estático.   Estás en movimiento constantemente: cruzando la embarcación, trimando, haciendo banda y adaptándote tanto a las condiciones cambiantes como a la carga de trabajo a lo largo del día. Y con el tiempo, una capa exterior inadecuada puede empezar a jugar en tu contra. No porque no sea suficientemente impermeable, sino por cómo afecta al movimiento, la comodidad y la regulación de la temperatura durante sesiones largas. La mayoría de los regatistas reconocerán esa sensación. Al comienzo del día, un equipamiento más pesado puede transmitir una sensación de protección y seguridad. Pero después de varias horas, ese volumen extra empieza a notarse más. Los movimientos se vuelven más limitados. El exceso de calor aparece cuando aumenta el esfuerzo. Y la fatiga llega antes de lo que debería. Y de repente estás pensando más en tu equipamiento que en navegar. Ahí es donde la libertad de movimiento empieza a marcar la diferencia. Las mejores capas exteriores no son necesariamente las más pesadas. Son aquellas que te ofrecen la protección que necesitas mientras te permiten moverte con naturalidad, regular la temperatura correctamente y mantener la comodidad a medida que las condiciones evolucionan durante el día.   Ese equilibrio se vuelve especialmente importante en las regatas costeras y de quilla, donde la carga de trabajo suele ser alta y las condiciones pueden cambiar rápidamente. Una chaqueta que se siente rígida, voluminosa o restrictiva puede ofrecer protección sobre el papel, pero si limita el movimiento, aumenta la fatiga o dificulta reaccionar rápidamente a bordo, puede acabar afectando al rendimiento de maneras más sutiles. Por eso el equipamiento técnico moderno para vela ha evolucionado hacia construcciones más ligeras, flexibles y con sistemas de protección transpirables, especialmente para la navegación costera. No para reducir la protección, sino para mejorar cómo el equipamiento trabaja junto al navegante. El objetivo no es simplemente mantenerse seco, sino mantenerse cómodo, reactivo y concentrado durante toda una jornada en el agua.   Esa filosofía está detrás de productos como nuestra gama SB1 Inshore. Diseñada para ofrecer protección fiable sin volumen innecesario, está pensada para navegantes que necesitan libertad para moverse, adaptarse y rendir en condiciones cambiantes. Porque al final, el mejor equipamiento de vela suele ser aquel que dejas de notar por completo. Simplemente te permite concentrarte en navegar. Puedes leer más sobre el diseño detrás de la gama SB1 Inshore en nuestro otro blog aquí: https://europe.roostersailing.com/es/blogs/rooster-news/the-sb1-inshore-jacket-and-hi-fits-redefining-performance-for-sportsboat-sailors    

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  

When the temperature drops, sailing doesn’t have to stop. With the right layers and smart kit choices, winter sailing can be just as rewarding as summer — sometimes even more so. For junior sailors, learning how to stay warm and dry on the water is a key part of growing in the sport. At Rooster, we’ve spent years developing kit that works as hard as the sailors wearing it — gear that keeps young sailors confident, comfortable, and ready to face the chill head-on. Why the Right Winter Kit Matters Cold conditions can make or break a training session. It’s hard to focus on racing tactics or boat handling when you’re distracted by numb fingers or shivering. Proper layering helps young sailors stay safe and comfortable — and most importantly, enjoy every moment on the water. Rooster Rider Amelie Ballantyne puts it best: “Once you’re warm and dry, everything changes. You can focus on sailing — not surviving. My top tip is to block the wind BEFORE you get wet. Wind chill is your number one enemy and it’s hard to warm up if you’re already cold and wet. I always wear my Pro Aquafleece Top to keep warm"   What Our Riders Recommend We asked our Rooster Riders to share their top layering tips for winter sailing — the things they wish they’d known before their first cold session. Their advice all points to the same truth: getting layering right means you’ll stay on the water longer, sail better, and have more fun. The Junior Winter Kit System Here’s a simple layering setup our Riders swear by: 1. Base Layer – Polypro or ‘Hot’ Top & Leggings  A warm, stretchy yet thin foundation that regulates body temperature without restricting movement. 2. Mid Layer (Wetsuit layer) – Supertherm 4mm Longjohn and Top The powerhouse of your winter kit. Neoprene creates a dynamic thermal barrier by trapping a thin layer of water and maintaining your core temperature, all while offering stretch and freedom of movement for active sailing. 3. Outer Layer –  Aquafleece Spray Top Your essential weather shield, perfect for throwing on over your base. Protects against spray, rain, and wind chill — keeping core warmth in and water out. 4. Accessories – Gloves, Boots, and Hats Often underestimated but crucial. Warm extremities = happy sailor. Shop Junior Winter Kit Layer up, Sail on… Great kit doesn’t just keep you warm — it builds confidence. When juniors can focus on their technique rather than the temperature, they develop faster, stay positive, and actually look forward to those early winter starts. That’s what we love to see at Rooster — young sailors who are comfortable, capable, and ready to take on any conditions. Explore our Rider-approved winter essentials for junior sailors and help your sailor stay warm, dry, and ready for every challenge this season. Read more about the right layers for you on our Layering Guide

Winter sailing can be some of the most rewarding time on the water — crisp mornings, steady breezes, quieter waters. But with colder conditions comes one big challenge: staying warm. Your wetsuit is your first line of defence, and choosing the right thickness is critical. Here’s why upgrading to a Supertherm 4mm wetsuit can transform your cold-weather sailing experience. Quick Look: 1. How Neoprene Keeps You Warm Neoprene works by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. Your body heats this water, creating an insulating barrier. The thicker the neoprene, the more insulation it provides — making it much harder for heat to escape. 2. Why Thickness Matters 1.5mm neoprene (like our Thermaflex) offers flexibility and comfort for mild to warm conditions. 4mm neoprene (like the Supertherm) adds serious insulation for cold-weather training, helping you retain heat for longer sessions. Think of it like the difference between a light jacket and a winter coat — both have their place, but when the cold bites, you’ll want the thicker layer. 3. Advanced Linings for Extra Warmth The Supertherm 4mm range isn’t just thicker — it’s smarter. Enhanced linings wick moisture away from your skin, add thermal comfort, and dry faster between sessions. That means less of the “chill factor” when you put your wetsuit back on for the afternoon race. 4. The Role of Stitching: Flatlock vs GBS Not all seams are created equal. Flatlock stitching (used in thinner suits like Thermaflex) is breathable but allows small amounts of water through — fine for warmer sailing. GBS (Glued and Blind Stitched) seams, used in all our Supertherm range, are sealed to minimise water entry. This keeps the insulating layer of water more stable and your body much warmer. 5. Designed for Winter Performance Sailors often assume thicker neoprene means restricted movement — not with Supertherm. Our panels are engineered for stretch and flexibility where you need it most, so you stay agile and comfortable while still benefiting from maximum warmth. 6. Pairing with Other Layers The Supertherm range is built to be part of your complete winter system. Layer it up with: ·       Thermal base layers like our Polypro or Hot tops & leggings — not only do they help manage moisture, but they also add an extra insulating layer, trapping air and boosting warmth. ·       Spray protection such as the Aquafleece® or SB1 Inshore Dry Smock — your outer defence against wind and water. Together, these layers create a system that locks in heat, keeps you dry, and stands up to whatever winter sailing throws at you. Read more about layering by visiting our Layering Guide. Don’t let the cold hold you back. With the right wetsuit, winter sailing can be just as enjoyable — if not more — than the summer season. Our Supertherm 4mm range is designed to give you the warmth, comfort, and performance you need to sail on through the colder months.

Winter doesn’t mean your sailing or training has to stop – it just means you need to prepare your kit properly. The right layering system will keep you warm, dry, and able to focus on performance instead of the cold. At Rooster, we’ve refined our layering philosophy so every piece works together, giving you flexibility whether you’re racing, coaching, or training ashore. You can check out our full layering guide for tips throughout the year, but for Autumn/Winter specific keep reading below:   The Golden Rule: Layer Like an Onion Layering is about trapping warm air close to your body while managing moisture and protecting against wind and spray. Each layer has a job to do, and when combined, they deliver comfort and performance in even the harshest conditions.      Think of this as your second skin. Its job is to regulate body temperature and wick moisture away, keeping you dry even when you’re working hard. Technical base layers: Soft, quick-drying fabrics prevent chills caused by sweat. Close-fitting design: Ensures no cold gaps and allows easy layering on top.   Rooster Pick: Hot Top & Leggings – the winter sailor’s secret weapon. Top tip: Skip rash vests or Lycra layers as insulation – they won’t add warmth and can actually make you feel cooler. When it comes to layering, sometimes less really is more.   This is where you add warmth. Choose pieces that are flexible, breathable, and easy to peel off when conditions change. Flexible layering: Adjust your neoprene thickness to match the forecast. When the temperature drops below 15°C, reach for your Supertherm® 4mm Top and Longjohn for maximum warmth. In milder conditions, your Thermaflex® 1.5mm layers may be all you need – and if you’re someone who feels the cold, add extra base layers for comfort. When it is really really cold, you could double up on neoprene!   Check out our blog on what the forecast says vs the actual temperatures.   Your shell is the barrier against wind, spray, and rain. Look for waterproofing, breathability, and freedom of movement. Aquafleece Spray tops or SB1 Inshore Smock: Great for dinghy sailing. SB1 Jacket or Pro Rigging Jacket: Added protection when conditions are rougher.   Your hands, feet, and head lose heat fastest, so finishing your system with quality accessories is vital. Neoprene gloves & mitts for grip and warmth. Neoprene socks layered under boots for warm, dry feet. Hats, beanies, neck gaiters & balaclavas to prevent heat loss from your head and neck.   💡 Did you know? Research published in the British Medical Journal found that if your head is the only part of your body uncovered, you can lose around 7–10% of your body heat through it. A simple hat or hood can make a huge difference to your comfort and endurance on the water.   Customer Favourite Pick for Autumn/Winter Training: AquaPro Gloves, Hot Socks, Supertherm Beanie & Aquafleece Neck Gaiters.   One of the toughest parts of winter training is when the day is split into two sessions with downtime in between. That mid-day break can be when the cold really creeps in, leaving you feeling flat, sluggish, and unmotivated for round two. The good news? With a few smart habits, you can stay warm, recover properly, and head back out ready to perform.   Top tips for staying warm between sessions:  Layer up quickly: Throw on a warm, windproof outer layer such as our Pro Aquafleece® Rigging Coat or Aquafleece® Robe to trap heat and stop the chill setting in. Swap your kit: Take a spare pair of socks and gloves to change into during the break – dry, warm hands and feet make a huge difference. Don’t forget your head: A simple beanie helps keep body heat in and makes you feel instantly warmer. Refuel smartly: Pack proper food and a hot drink to top up energy levels and keep your core temperature steady. Keep moving: Light activity between sessions helps circulation and stops you from cooling down too much.     Avoid rash/lycra layers – they hold water and makes you cold. Stay flexible – pack an extra mid-layer, socks and gloves in your kit bag so you can adapt. Check your fit – layers should sit comfortably without restricting movement. Look after your gear – rinse saltwater off regularly and let items dry fully.   Final Thought: Winter sailing and training are all about preparation. Get your layering right, and you’ll be warm, comfortable, and ready to perform – whatever the weather throws at you.   Our full layering guide and more information on layering for different conditions can be found here.

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 Top layer: Rash top or PolyPro top Rash = cooler, UV protection PolyPro = extra warmth + UV, fleece-lined Bottom half: Thermaflex 1.5mm Longjohn or Race Armour Lite Shorts Buoyancy Aid Aeromesh Cap – protects your head & aids ventilation UV Neck Sleeve – adds sun protection Boots – suitable for your boat and grip needs Sunglasses – ideally with a retainer   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: 2x large water bottles 1 water, 1 electrolytes (use a Joey Bottle Holder) Drybag - 10L Rolltop Drybag - perfect for on the boat or 35L Dry Backpack - if you have access to a rib to store: Lightweight spray top or SB1 dry smock Spare warmer layer (PolyPro or Thermaflex top) Suncream Lunch/snacks   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: 1–2 large drinks bottles (again, ideally one with electrolytes) Joey Bottle Holder   Drybag - 3L Rolltop Drybag: Lightweight spray top or Thermaflex top Extra snack Suncream 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.

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.

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: