Every sailor knows our sailing waters have a way of testing us - and our kit. 

Whether you’re racing a Laser around the cans, cruising a keelboat at sunset, or coaching the next generation on a Topper, having the right gear onboard makes all the difference. Some items are luxuries. Others are absolute must-haves. 

In this post, we’ll cover 10 essentials every dinghy and keelboat sailor should own, and how they make life on the water safer, faster, and more enjoyable.

Rope isn’t just rope - it’s the veins and arteries of your boat. Poor quality line stretches, slips, and frays when you least want it to. For dinghies, you’ll want ropes that resist UV damage, are comfortable in the hand, and deliver low stretch for control lines.

At Sailing Chandlery, you’ll find trusted lines from Marlow Ropes, including Excel Control and Excel Fusion. These are proven in dinghy racing and stand up to the constant pulling, cleating, and adjusting. For keelboats, thicker braid on braid Polyester sheets are a must - hardwearing and dependable.

Pro tip: Always carry a few spare lengths. A broken vang line mid-race is easily fixed if you’ve got backup rope in your kitbag or buoyancy aid.

Your boat spends more time ashore than afloat, so protection is essential. A cheap, non-breathable cover traps moisture, leading to mould and UV damage to your sails and deck.

That’s why a breathable polycotton boat cover is one of the smartest investments you can make. 

Take the Topper Breathable Polycotton Cover  or Laser/ILCA version- both stocked at Sailing Chandlery. These covers have cotton inside which expands when wet to keep water out, yet allow the boat to breathe on dry days. It’s a long-term money-saver, protecting your pride and joy season after season.

Safety is non-negotiable. A comfortable, CE-approved buoyancy aid should be on every sailor’s checklist. Look for slimline designs with freedom of movement for tacking and hiking.

The Zhik PFD range available at Sailing Chandlery is a top pick- designed with sailors in mind, offering a snug fit, big front pocket storage, and minimal bulk. It’s the kind of kit that doesn’t just keep you safe- it helps you sail better. 

Rope burn is a rite of passage once, but after that, it’s just painful and avoidable. A pair of quality sailing gloves is a must-have whether you’re racing dinghies or trimming sheets on a keelboat.

Sailing Chandlery stock Gill 3 Seasons Sailing Gloves and Rooster AquaPro gloves - both known for durability, grip, and comfort. Half-finger styles give you dexterity, while full-finger options protect in heavier winds.

If you sail an ILCA/Laser, Topper, or similar performance dinghy, your kicker system is one of the most important control lines onboard. A weak system slips under load, costing you speed and pointing ability.

The Selden ILCA/Laser Hi-Load Kicker Kit stocked at Sailing Chandlery is a popular upgrade. It’s engineered to handle serious loads without creep, keeping your rig flatter and faster when it matters most. This is one of those “buy cheap, buy twice” scenarios- go for quality and it will last seasons.

Comfort equals performance. If you’re not securely locked into the boat, you’re wasting energy just holding position. That’s why hiking straps are a must-have for dinghy sailors.

Sailing Chandlery offers Zhik Hiking Straps and class-specific straps for popular dinghies like the Laser and RS ranges. They’re built with grip and comfort in mind, so you can hike harder, longer, and with fewer bruises.

Whether it’s your phone, snacks, or a spare jacket, keeping things dry on the water is critical. A waterproof dry bag is one of the simplest pieces of kit, yet one of the most important.

From small roll-top Bags for essentials to larger gear bags, Sailing Chandlery stocks multiple options that fit neatly in the front of a dinghy or below deck on a keelboat.

Decks get wet. Dinghies demand agility. That’s why proper sailing footwear is a must. Trainers slip, but sailing boots and shoes are designed for grip, warmth, and protection.

Zhik boots are a great choice, available at Sailing Chandlery. Pair them with neoprene socks in colder conditions, and you’ll wonder how you ever sailed without them.

Ask any sailor - hardware has a way of disappearing when you need it most. A lost shackle or split ring can ruin a day’s sailing if you don’t have spares.

Keep a small box of essentials: stainless steel shackles, snap hooks, split rings, and rudder pins. Sailing Chandlery stocks a wide range of these fittings. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and can be the difference between racing and retiring.

Last but not least- clothing. Being too cold, wet, or sunburned turns sailing from joy to misery. Every sailor needs a base kit:

• Wetsuit or drysuit, depending on your climate.

• Spray top or smock to block wind and spray.

• Thermal base layers for cold days.

• Caps, visors, and UV tops for sunny conditions.

Sailing Chandlery carries Zhik, Rooster, and Gill sailing clothing ranges - all designed for sailors, tested on the water, and proven in tough conditions.