January 2026 News - Winter Refit List | Sailing Chandlery.

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January 09, 2026 4 min read

january 2026 news

January 2026 Newsletter | Sailing Chandlery

(Pictured: Amelie Ballantyne)


While the rest of the world is focused on gym memberships and juice cleanses, the sailing community knows that January is the true starting line for the upcoming season. The frost might be thick on the deck and the air crisp in the boatyard, but every hour spent on your boat now is an hour of pure, uninterrupted sailing gained in the Spring.


At Sailing Chandlery, we know that the best seasons aren't born in May, they are the quiet, cold months of January and February. Here is your comprehensive news recap for January 2026 to make the most of the New Year, New You mindset with Sailing Chandlery.

WHY START THE YEAR WITH SAILING CHANDLERY?

There is a psychological edge to being the first boat launched when sailing in the Spring. While others are scrambling to find a spare shackle key or realising their sail is past its best, you'll be hitting the hiking straps.


The Sailing Chandlery Advantage: To help you get ahead, we've streamlined our service for 2026:

WINTER REFIT EXPERTS - Hard to find parts for all the popular dinghies

NEW STOCK - Fresh stock for 2026 arriving daily from the brands you know and love

FAST SHIPPING - Don't let your project stall - get parts delivered tomorrow

LOYALTY BOOST - Sign up to start earning Sailors Club Points on all orders from this month

EXPERT ADVICE - Unsure about a fitting? Our team of sailors are just a phone call away

LAST MONTH's FAVOURITES

more than just boat maintenance

For many, a sailing "Winter Refit" sounds like a daunting task reserved for professional racing teams or yacht owners. In reality, a refit is simply the process of inspecting, renewing, and upgrading your craft during the off-season - whether it's a high-performance ILCA, a family RS Feva, or a club Pico.



THE HARDWARE AUDIT

January is the perfect time to strip back your systems. Check your blocks, cleats, and fairleads. Are your ILCA control lines running smoothly, or is there friction hiding in those old pulleys?


Constant exposure to salt and UV light eventually takes its toll. Replacing a worn-out block now costs a fraction of what a "did not finish" (DNF) costs during a crucial trophy race in the summer. We are currently stocking fresh sailing gear for 2026 from some of the world's leading sailing brands to ensure your boat is as efficient as it can be. 



ROPES & RIGGING

If your lines are stiff, faded, or fraying, they've lost their performance edge. Modern rope technology has moved forward significantly. Upgrading to high-performance Dyneema cores can reduce stretch and improve the responsiveness of your trim when sailing. When the wind picks up in March, you'll want to know that your outhaul and Cunningham are going to hold exactly where you set them. No matter what jobs are on your list this winter, we've got everything you need here at Sailing Chandlery.

PERFORMANCE CLOTHING: BEAT THE CHILL

The biggest barrier to getting on the water early in 2026 isn't the wind - it's the temperature. If you're cold, when you're out sailing, your reaction times slow down, your muscles tighten, and your enjoyment vanishes.


This season, we've seen a massive leap in technical gear. The New Mens Zhik Microfleece X Skiff Suit and the latest Gill Edge Sailing Boots are game-changers for winter sailing. These aren't just 'thick wetsuits'. They are designed as thermal systems for sailing.


Investing in your kit is just as important as investing in your boat. If you are "warm and toasty, as we like to say, you can stay out on the water for longer, practising those tacks and gybes while your competitors are shivering on the shore. 

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

January 2026 Newsletter | Sailing Chandlery

(Pictured: Mark Ripley - Photo Credit- Tom Wildy Photos)


Last month, we heard from Joe, a Laser Bosun for PSC, who emphasised the importance of being prepared. He restocked his club's entire winter spares kit through us, ensuring that when the club members return, the fleet is ready to go. 

"Well organised , quick delivery, always can be trusted with our club spares."

- Joe

Whether you are a club bosun responsible for twenty boats or a solo sailor with just the one, that level of organisation is what separates a stressful season from a successful one. Taking a leaf out of Joe's book: check your spare box now. 

MADE FOR SAILORS, BY SAILORS

January 2026 Newsletter | Sailing Chandlery

As we look ahead to 2026, it's important to remember why we put in this effort during the coldest months of the year. Sailing is a sport of margins. A second gained at the windward mark because your controls didn't jam, or the extra five minutes of focus you had because your boots kept your feet warm, can be the difference between a podium finish and the middle of the fleet.


January is the time to be honest about your gear. If you've been 'making do' with a frayed mainsheet or a leaky drysuit, 2026 is the year to elevate your game. At Sailing Chandlery, we don't just see ourselves as a shop; we see ourselves as your technical partner. Whether you're prepping an ILCA 4 for a youth championship or getting a Pico ready for the summer, our goal is to ensure you never miss a day on the water due to equipment failure.



Follow us on social media for more quick tips, product demos and some fun sailing moments from our team and customers ⛵️ 

Don't forget to tag us in your sailing photos to be featured on our social pages 📸 


Thanks for catching up with us. Here's to more adventures in 2026. 


See you soon 👋🏼

Amy & The Team at Sailing Chandlery

* FREE DELIVERY OVER £95 - Excludes boats, masts, booms, trolleys, trailers and awkward items.



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