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February is often cited as the month of love, and while most people think about roses and chocolates, the team here at Sailing Chandlery has its heart set on something a little more salt-resistant. We believe there is no better time to show your boat some genuine affection. As the days begin to stretch out and the light lingers just a little longer each evening, that first spring launch is officially appearing on the horizon.
Right now, we are in what we call the "Golden Window" for boat prep. It is that sweet spot between the deep freeze of mid-winter and the frantic scramble of the first April regatta. Taking the time to clean, repair and do your boat prep now isn't just about maintenance; it is about tactical advantage. It means that when that first perfect, blue-sky weekend arrives, you will be the one pulling away from the slipway while everyone else is still stuck at the boat park, scrubbing a winter's worth of grime off their hulls and doing their boat prep.
In this blog, we're going to dive deep into why February boat prep is the key to having a successful 2026 season and how you can use this month to get your boat - and your crew - into peak condition.
A clean boat is a fast boat. It sounds like a cliche, but the physics don't lie. Over the winter, even under a cover, your gelcoat can accumulate a film of oxidation and environmental pollutants. Show your boat some love by giving it a deep, restorative clean this February - and get our top tips for boat prep.
At Sailing Chandlery, we stock a curated range of marine-grade cleaners designed to do more than just remove dirt when it comes to boat prep. We focus on products that protect. For those looking for that extra tenth of a knot, we highly recommend the Harken McLube Hullkote Speed Polish. This isn't your standard wax; it's a high-performance, citrus-based polish that creates a super-slick, hydrophobic surface on your hull. It bonds to the gelcoat, reducing drag and making it much harder for salt and algae to stick during the season.
Don't rush the scrubbing.High-quality boat prep requires patience and the right marine-grade cleaners. Remember, the quality of your finish is only as good as the time you put into the initial boat prep stage.
When you spend your February weekends doing your boat prep, you aren't just making the boat look pretty for the "gram" - you are ensuring that your hull moves through the water with the least possible resistance.
February is the month to be honest about the state of your hardware. We've all been there: a slightly sticky block, a cleat that's lost its bite, or a toe strap that's looking a little tired. Even the smallest shackle replacement is a vital victory in your overall boat prep strategy. During the heat of a summer race, these are minor annoyances. In the spring, they are equipment failures waiting to happen, that's why it's vital to do your boat prep now, whilst we're still in the off-season.
Nothing says "I love you" to a sailor (or sailing partner) like the gear that will actually keep them warm and dry. Let's be honest, a bouquet of flowers won't help you when you're hiking into a Force 5.
Treating yourself to new boots is the most comfortable part of your annual boat prep routine.
If you're looking to treat your crew - or yourself - this Valentine's Day, we have some serious contenders for the "best gift ever" title:
(Pictured: Soloman Day - Sponsored Sailor)
One of the reasons we love what we do is the sailing community. This month, we wanted to highlight a story that reminds us why fast shipping and expert advice matter.
We recently heard from Kacey Brown, who found herself in a bit of a kit crisis. Her son had accidentally left his entire dry bag - full of his essential sailing gear - behind at an event in Weymouth. With another event looming just days away, they were in a race against time.
Kacey's story is a reminder that boat prep isn't just about the boat - it's about having your kit ready to go at a moment's notice.
Whether it's a lost kit bag or a broken mast base, we know that your time on the water is precious. That's why we prioritise Fast Tracked Shipping. We want you to have your boat prep parts by tomorrow so you can finish your project this weekend.
To help you show your boat some love, and stock up on your boat prep essentials without breaking the bank, we've put together some incredible February offers. These are the essentials that will make your 2026 season more comfortable and more competitive.
The team at Sailing Chandlery isn't just sitting behind a desk, we are out there on the start lines with you. From ILCA masters to skiff crews, our staff knows exactly what it's like when a shackle fails or a wetsuit doesn't fit quite right.
If you're stuck on a February boat prep project, don't guess. Contact us. Whether you need to know that exact length for a traveller rope or the best way to apply a gelcoat filler, we are standing by to help. We don't just want to sell you a part; we want to make sure it's the right part for your boat, and make your boat prep sessions smoother than ever.
Consistency is the secret to a long-lasting boat, and having a structured approach to your boat prep makes the job much less daunting:
Start with the Hull - Ensure that this "big job" is out of the way early. Once the polishing is done, you can move on to the technical details of your boat prep.
Check every shackle, split pin and cleat. The smaller details can get overlooked during boat prep, so it's important not to skip this part!
Finish your boat prep by auditing your personal gear. Does your wetsuit have any holes or loose seams? Are your boots grippy enough to last another season? Is your buoyancy aid too tight?
When these three pillars of boat prep are complete, you'll find that your confidence on the water increases significantly. Remember, thorough boat prep in February is what prevents a "DNF" (Did Not Finish) in May.
February might be short, but its impact on your sailing season is huge. By using this "Golden Window" for doing your boat prep, you are setting the stage for a stress-free, high-performance year.
So, this weekend, grab the polish, check those split pins, and maybe treat yourself to those new sailing boots you've been eyeing up. Don't forget to tag us @sailingchandlery with your orders, or boat prep work - we love seeing the hard work you put in to get your boats ready for the 2026 season. Whether you are a seasoned racer or a weekend cruiser, taking the time for thorough boat prep now is the best gift you could ever give your future self.
Thank you for being part of the Sailing Chandlery community. Let's get these boats gleaming and ready with boat prep before the spring. We'll see you on the water!
See you soon 👋🏼
Amy & The Team at Sailing Chandlery
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