2025 Roundup: Sponsored Sailors | Sailing Chandlery

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December 29, 2025 16 min read

If 2025 has proven one thing, it's that Team Sailing Chandlery don't just wait for the right conditions - they go out and make them. 


From the biting cold of the winter series to the high-pressure start lines of the Summer Nationals, Sailing Chandlery's Sponsored Sailors have been out there pushing limits and testing gear to the breaking point.


This year, for our sponsored sailors, wasn't just about collecting silverware (though there was plenty of that!), it was about the grit, the late-night boat prep, and the sheer love of being on the water. 


As we look back on a massive 12 months of racing, cruising and celebrating, we're incredibly proud to share the standout moments that defined Team Sailing Chandlery's season.

SAM BLAKER: @samblaker_sailing

Sam Blaker

BEST MOMENTS:

Sam's 2025 campaign with Sailing Chandlery took him to some spectacular locations, starting with his first trip to Lake Garda for the RS Aero European Championships, where he secured an impressive 5th place. Back home, he dominated the water, clinching 1st place at the RS Aero Southern Championships. Beyond his own racing, Sam found a passion for coaching, helping develop the next generation of sailors in the Aero, Feva, and Tera fleets, including notably coaching this year's RS Tera Sport National Championships. 


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT:

Without a doubt, Sam's biggest achievement of the year was his sensational performance at the RS Aero World Championships in Quiberon, France, where he finished a phenomenal 2nd place globally. 


FAVOURITE GEAR:

Sam relies on two key pieces of kit to maintain his edge: his Zhik 360 Sailing Boots are a must-have for hiking power, which he calls 'the best hiking boot on the market', that we also happen to sell at Sailing Chandlery. He also credits the precision of the RS Aero Tapered Dyneema Main Halyard Rope for helping him fine-tune his rigging setup.


GOALS FOR 2026:

Sam is focused on the biggest events of the new year, including the RS Aero European Championships in Travemünde, Germany, the RS Aero National Championships in Eastbourne, and taking on the new challenge of the RS200 Nationals. 

NINA MARSH: @nina.212109

Nina Marsh

BEST MOMENTS:

Nina's sailing year culminated in a superb performance at the ILCA 6 Nationals, where her biggest achievement was securing a spot in the prestigious Gold Fleet. This success highlights her consistency and skill among the nation's top sailors, as a keen member of Sailing Chandlery's Sponsored Sailors. 


FAVOURITE GEAR:

Nina relies on high-quality performance gear. Her favourite kit includes the unstoppable Zhik Power Pads for maximum comfort, paired with the reliable grip and support of the Zhik 360 Boots - Grab Nina's favourite Sailing Boots from Sailing Chandlery!


GOALS FOR 2026:

Nina is now channelling her momentum into the double-handed performance pathway. Her clear focus for the new year is to continue and advance her competitive campaign in the dynamic 29er class.

noah sauven: @noahsauven

Noah sauven

BEST MOMENTS:

Noah's year was defined by confidence and progression under Team Sailing Chandlery. A major highlight for him was nailing a daring port hand flyer at Nationals - a high-risk move that paid off perfectly! Off the back of that momentum, he earned his selection for the GBR Cadet Worlds Team and began an exciting transition into sailing 420's.


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT: 

Consistency is key, and Noah proved he has it by securing an impressive 5th place at the Cadet Inland Nationals, cementing his place at the front of the fleet. 


FAVOURITE GEAR:

To perform at a high level, Noah's go-to kit is the Zhik Microfleece Long Johns that give him the warmth he needs without restricting movement during those high-adrenaline manoeuvres.


GOALS FOR 2026:

With the transition to the new boat underway, Noah's focus for the upcoming year with Team Sailing Chandlery is clear: mastering the technicalities of the double-hander and climbing the results table in the 420 class.

Gabriella burlton: @gburlton

Gabriella Burlton | Sailing Chandlery

BEST MOMENTS

Gabriella's year was defined by a triumphant return to the water following knee surgery and a five-month move to Sydney. Getting back into the competitive environment for Cowes Week 2025, sailing a J70, was a huge milestone. Later in the summer, she partnered with her father to compete at the Fireball Worlds in Lake Garda. Despite having never sailed the boat before, they finished an incredible 43rd out of 136 boats in demanding, heavy-wind conditions.


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

While previous years were marked by major 420 results (including being the top female boat), this year's greatest success was intensely personal, as a determined member of Team Sailing Chandlery. After eight months of recovery and minimal sailing, her biggest achievement was the dedication required to successfully return to racing and completely rebuild the strength and muscle in her left leg. 


FAVOURITE GEAR

For staying warm and comfortable during long winter recovery sessions and training, Gabriella relies on her Zhik kit from Sailing Chandlery, particularly her drysuit for those cold-weather outings that demand maximum protection.


GOALS FOR 2026

The plan for the new year is to ramp up racing activity. She is aiming to compete in some of the J70 Winter Series and has set a tough goal of breaking into the top 30 at the upcoming Fireball Worlds, building on the experience gained in Garda. As a keen member of Team Sailing Chandlery, there's nothing our team of sailors can't do.

george smith: @george.smith.92

George Smith - Sponsored Sailor | Sailing Chandlery

Image Credit: Oli King Photography


BEST MOMENTS

George's season was defined by high-adrenaline racing, with the standout being "surviving" the massive swell at Mounts Bay in his RS 600 - The biggest waves he has ever tackled in a boat! 


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

George continued his dominance in the single-handed fleet by returning to winning ways at the RS600 Nationals. This victory was a massive milestone, marking his fourth national title out of the last five championships. 


FAVOURITE GEAR

On the water, George depends on the Rooster 60L Sailing Bag, using the wet/dry compartments to take the stress out of packing. On the water, he gains confidence from Harken Speed Polish for a fast hull and trusts the Allen Tii range for smooth-rolling, high-load control systems. 


GOALS FOR 2026

The mission for 2026 is a double defence. George is aiming to keep hold of his Nationals trophy for another year and will be heading back to Lake Garda to defend his RS600 Eurocup title. Stay tuned to see if he secures another win under Team Sailing Chandlery.

julian bosch: @julian_a_bosch

Julian Bosch | Sailing Chandlery

BEST MOMENTS

Julian's standout moment was claiming line honours during a high-octane race around the Isle of Sheppey. Crewing an F18 Catamaran with Adam Piggott, they secured 2nd place overall while battling some of the heaviest wind conditions Julian has ever experienced. 


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

On the competitive front, Julian finished as the 1st Foiler at the A-Class Catamaran National Championships. Beyond his own racing, he has been instrumental in the fleet's growth, providing coaching and training to help less experienced sailors master the art of foiling - another of our Sponsored Sailors here at Sailing Chandlery, who is heading down a coaching route in 2026.


FAVOURITE GEAR

Julian's current essential is the Zhik 470 Sailing Boots. They provide that specific grip and feel required for high-speed Catamaran racing. The Zhik 470 Boots are a fan-favourite here at Sailing Chandlery. 


GOALS FOR 2026

Julian is aiming for a top result at the A-Class Nationals in the Netherlands. Technically, he plans to re-engineer his boat's rudder differential system to enable more aggressive upwind foiling, while continuing his coaching work within the foiling community. 

rebecca knock:

Rebecca Knock

FOLLOW REBECCA'S JOURNEY


BEST MOMENTS

Rebecca's standout moment also served as her biggest achievement this year: Sailing at WPNSA for the Aero Nationals in August. Despite only having sailed the Aero 5 for two weeks (borrowing her Dad's boat for the event!), she achieved an incredible 2nd Youth Female finish. This challenging regatta saw some of the toughest, windiest conditions Rebecca has sailed in yet, but she successfully completed every race and loved every moment of the intense competition.


FAVOURITE GEAR

For the heavy conditions and powerful hiking, Rebecca counts the Zhik 270 Sailing Boots as her essential piece of kit. She particularly loves the high-cut version, which provides fantastic grip and stability, ensuring she never goes out on the water without them. Check out our range of Sailing Boots here at Sailing Chandlery


GOALS FOR 2026

Rebecca is setting her sights high for the upcoming year, prioritising major international events. Her main goal is to compete in both the RS Aero Europeans and the Youth Worlds in Travemünde, Germany, and she is already excited to be part of another RS Games series. 

matthew lee: @matthewleesailing

Matt Lee

BEST MOMENTS
For Matt, 2025 was defined by progress and learning. His biggest achievement was his significant growth as a 505 crew, pushing his personal limits in challenging conditions and seeing consistent improvement in every race. This year wasn't just about personal bets; Matthew also focused on inspiring the next generation of sailors, sharing his philosophy: "Chase the wind, trust the boat, and never wait for courage - it shows up when you push off the shore."


FAVOURITE GEAR

Matthew relies on versatile protection that performs across the seasons. His go-to are the Rooster Hot Socks for keeping the cold at bay, even on 'chilly summer days'. Check out our range of Sailing Socks here at Sailing Chandlery


GOALS FOR 2026

Matthew is focused on continuing his climb within the highly competitive 505 fleet, leveraging the strength and skills he gained this past year to take on the top international crews and further embody his role as an inspiration to younger sailors.

emily & annabel ridout: @emily_annabel_ridout_sailing

emily and annabel ridout

BEST MOMENT

For the Ridout sisters, 2025 was a year of incredible travel and friendship. Their highlights included sailing on the legendary waters of Lake Garda for the first time, but nothing topped the experience of meeting up with all their Feva friends at the Worlds in France - proving that sometimes, the best moments happen off the water.


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

Their hard work and dedication translated directly into major titles. They proudly claimed the RS Feva Female Champions title and followed that up by finishing as the Runner-Up Female World Champions, a truly exceptional performance on the international stage.


FAVOURITE KIT

To stay warm and comfortable during long days of intensive Feva racing, the duo rely on a combination of cosy and trustworthy gear. Their favourites are the ever-reliable Rooster Hot Socks for keeping their feet warm, paired with their trusty Zhik High Cut Sailing Boots for maximum grip and hiking support. Check out our range of Zhik Clothing here at Sailing Chandlery.


GOALS FOR 2026

Emily and Annabel are embracing the transition to bigger boats. Their key goals for the new year include competing at the RS200 Europeans in Germany this summer, while also continuing to successfully race and train in the exciting 29er class.

Mark Ripley: @mark_ripley_sailing

mark ripley

BEST MOMENT

For Mark, 2025 was a "crazy journey" defined by high-performance variety. A standout highlight was officially joining the Sailing Chandlery Sponsored Sailors, which kicked off with competing at the SB20 Nationals. From there, he tackled a diverse range of fleets, delivering top-tier results across the board.


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

Mark dominated the international stage, becoming the Aero 7 Youth World Champion and securing podium finishes at both the Europeans and Worlds. Back in the UK, he maintained his form with a 2nd place at the Blaze Fire Nationals and 3rd at the RS Aero Nationals. 


FAVOURITE KIT

Mark credits his success to the expert kit and the support of Sailing Chandlery. His absolute must-have is his "lucky" Rooster Aquafleece, which has remained in great condition despite years of heavy use, providing the reliability he needs for international competition. Check out our Rooster Aquafleece range here at Sailing Chandlery.


GOALS FOR 2026

With training season now underway, Mark is looking ahead to a packed 2026 calendar. He is particularly excited to compete in several major events at his home waters in Torbay, aiming for even more podium finishes across multiple classes.

Joe Blaker: @joeblaker_sailing

Joe Blaker - Sponsored Sailor | Sailing Chandlery

(Photo Credit: A. Champy-Mclean)


BEST MOMENT

Despite a year with limited time on the water, Joe stepped up to the challenge at the RS Aero World Championships in the summer. Navigating a highly competitive fleet in tricky conditions, he secured a fantastic 18th place out of 62 boats, proving he still has the pace to compete with the world's best.


FAVOURITE KIT

Joe relies on Sailing Chandlery to keep his RS Aero in peak racing condition. From high-performance rope and shackles to blocks and wind indicators, he trusts the team for the quality parts and speedy delivery that make bimbling and boat maintenance easy and efficient. Shop our range of Sailing Accessories and Chandlery items here at Sailing Chandlery. 


GOALS FOR 2026

After his solid performance at the Worlds, Joe is motivated to get back into a consistent routine. His focus for 2026 is a dedicated winter training block to sharpen his skills and climb even further up the competitive RS Aero Leaderboard.

Amelie ballantyne: @sailorgirlsw

amelie ballantyne

BEST MOMENT

Amelie's highlights ranged from meeting Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to gaining VIP access at SailGP. As a Sponsored Sailor for Team SC, she combined her passion for the environment with success on the water, transitioning from the Topper into the ILCA 4 and joining the RYA Talent Academy.


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

While she secured 2nd Girl at the Eric Twiname Championships and made Topper Nationals Gold Fleet, her proudest moment was being named Most Improved Sailor and winning the George Eaton Trophy at her home club, Starcross YC.


FAVOURITE KIT

Amelie relies on her must-have accessories, including Rooster SuperTherm 4mm Wet Socks, Pro Race 2 Sailing Gloves, and the Rooster 90L Carry All Sailing Bag to keep all her gear organised between events. Check our Amelia's favourite items from our Rooster Collection here at Sailing Chandlery.


GOALS FOR 2026

Amelie is aiming for the RYA Youth Nationals and a final send-off in the Topper class at the World Championships in France, all while balancing her climb up the ILCA Leaderboard with her GCSE's. Good luck!

Freddie Sunderland: @freddie_sunderland_sailing_

Freddie Sunderland - Sponsored Sailors | Sailing Chandlery

Photo Credit: Tom @EURILCA


BEST MOMENT

Freddie's 2025 was a global tour of high-performance racing, competing in seven international events, including World and European Championships in the USA, Ireland, Portugal and Croatia, while representing Sailing Chandlery. Off the water, a major highlight was moving to Southampton University to join their prestigious team racing squad. 


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

The defining moment of Freddie's year was his resilience following a crisis. Less than 24 hours before flying to the ILCA 7 U21 Europeans in Croatia, his van and all his kit were stolen. Thanks to a heroic effort from Andrew at Sailing Chandlery - who prepped an entire boat's worth of kit and met Freddie at an M25 service station en route to the airport - he was able to make the start line. 


FAVOURITE KIT

While Freddie relies on newly spliced downhauls and precision-prepared control lines, his favourite part of his kit this year was the expert support behind it. The speed and quality of the replacement gear provided by Sailing Chandlery turned a potential season-ending disaster into a successful international campaign. Check out our range of Ropes and Splicing Tools here at Sailing Chandlery.


GOALS FOR 2026

Freddie's outlook for 2026 is simple: more and more sailing. He plans to build on his international experience while continuing to develop his skills within the University team racing circuit to represent Sailing Chandlery for another year.

TOM SINFIELD & BEN GREENHALGH: @ben_greenhalgh

Tom & Ben - Sponsored Sailors | Sailing Chandlery

Photo Credit: Kidzink


BEST MOMENT

As members of the Welsh and British Youth Sailing Teams, Tom and Ben had a busy year on the international circuit. A major highlight was representing the RS Feva Class at the prestigious Endeavour Trophy for the third consecutive year, testing their skills against the best in the country, while representing Sailing Chandlery.


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

The duo dominated the 29er Grand Prix Series, taking home the Junior Trophy and finishing 2nd overall. Internationally, their standout performance came at the 29er European Championships, where they finished a brilliant 26th overall and 1st GBR Boat - An amazing list of achievements in itself!


FAVOURITE KIT

Without a doubt, the top kit Tom and Ben never sail without is the Zhik Superwarm V Skiff Suit from Sailing Chandlery. Precision is also key to their performance; they always ensure their rig tension is dialled in perfectly using the Seasure Rig Gauge Pro before every launch. View our Sailing Wetsuits and Rigging Tools here at Sailing Chandlery.


GOALS FOR 2026

The pair are fully committed to their 29er campaign for the coming year. Their focus is on continued development, building high-profile skills and climbing up the international 29er leaderboard. 

Dylan & Daniel Cullen: @thecullenbros

Daniel & Dylan Cullen - Sponsored Sailors | Sailing Chandlery

BEST MOMENT:

The Cullen Brothers spent their summer living on the water, sailing every single day, supported by Sailing Chandlery and so many other big names in the Sailing Community. For them, the highlight was the community - meeting new people and pushing their limits alongside friends. It's all about the "shred" and the lifestyle that comes with non-stop time on the water. 


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT:

This year marked a major shift into the world of foiling as the duo began their journey on the Waszp and Wing. While they didn't focus on trophies, their biggest win has been their rapid progression and the motivation in mastering these new disciplines, alongside securing support from Sailing Chandlery.


FAVOURITE KIT:

For summer flexibility, they rely on the Gill Zenlite Long Johns and Tops from Sailing Chandlery for their sun protection and fast-drying fabric. They never hit the water without their polarised sunglasses! View our Sunglasses range at Sailing Chandlery.


GOALS FOR 2026:

The goal is simple: getting out at every opportunity and spreading the shred. They have their sights set on an international tour, including the Youth Worlds in Switzerland, Foiling Week at Lake Garda, and Defi Wing in France, all while continuing to push their progression across the UK, whilst representing Sailing Chandlery.

George Coles: @georgecolessailing

George Coles - Sponsored Sailors | Sailing Chandlery

Photo Credit: Tim Olin


BEST MOMENT:

2025 was a pivotal "transition year" for George. After spending much of the season fixing and selling his Finn, his highlight was his first competitive outing in the RS300 at the Draycote Dash. This event was his first real opportunity to line up against the fleet and connect with the community, gaining invaluable technical tips for mastering his unique hiking single-hander under Team Sailing Chandlery. 


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT:

George's biggest success this year was the behind-the-scenes work: successfully navigating the transition between classes and getting his new setup fully sorted and race-ready for a busy travel schedule. 


FAVOURITE KIT:

George is currently preparing his RS300 for the new season with Marlow Excel Control Line rope for ultimate reliability. His on-the-water essentials include the Little Hawk Race Indicator for precision racing and Hot Socks - the bits of kit he considers so vital that he never sails without them. View Sailing Chandlery's range of Wind Indicators and Ropes.


GOALS FOR 2026:

With the boat and travel logistics now fully dialled in, 2026 is all about the race circuit. George's main goal is to put his new learning points into practice and travel to RS300 events across the country, turning his transition phase into competitive results. 

soloman day: @the.solo.man.d

Soloman Day - Sponsored Sailors | Sailing Chandlery

BEST MOMENT:

Soloman had an adrenaline-filled year on the water, highlighted by a gruelling 4-hour race where he finished 2nd - missing out on the top spot to a Flying Fifteen by a mere 15 seconds! Beyond the racing, Soloman stepped into a leadership role this year by joining his sailing committee as the Laser representative.


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT:

It was a successful season of consistency for Solomon, who secured 2nd place overall in the Northamptonshire Youth Series during his final year of eligibility. He also delivered a strong performance at Poole Week, finishing 4th in the slow fleet.


FAVOURITE KIT:

Soloman's kit bag is built for versatility. He relies on Zhik Rash Vests from Sailing Chandlery, which he uses as a standalone piece in the summer and a base layer in the winter. To keep his sessions going during the colder months, he swears by Rooster Thermal Socks to stay warm and toasty on the water. Buy your Rash Vest from Sailing Chandlery today!


GOALS FOR 2026:

Soloman is looking to level up his racing and his career. His goals include progressing into the middle of the ILCA 6 (Radial) fleet, completing his Dinghy Instructor qualification, and taking his sailing international by competing at an event abroad. Soloman is among many of our other Sponsored Sailors who compete abroad representing Sailing Chandlery. We love staying in touch with our sailors to share their successes at some of the world's most prestigious sailing races over the sailing season.

Ollie & Esther: @ knot.your.average.couple

Ollie & Esther - Sponsored Sailors | Sailing Chandlery

BEST MOMENT:

The definitive highlight of the year was winning the RS400 National Championships - a victory that meant a huge amount after coming so close for the previous two years. Ollie also showcased his versatility by finishing 3rd at the record-breaking Streaker Nationals, competing in a massive 102-boat fleet.


FAVOURITE KIT

The duo relies on high-performance layers to stay competitive across different classes. Ollie's go-to is the Zhik Microfleece, while Esther is rarely seen without her Rooster Aquafleece, trusting it to keep her comfortable on the water most of the year. Shop Rooster Aquafleece at Sailing Chandlery.


GOALS FOR 2026:

Ollie and Esther are aiming to add another National Championship title to their names, whether in the RS400 or a new class. Having secured a victory this year, they are also eager to return to the Endeavour Trophy to try and reclaim the overall title they last won in 2024. The two are just one of many duos under Team Sailing Chandlery, stay tuned to see what they get up to next year.

Harry Mills: @harrymills_sailing

Harry Mills - Sponsored Sailors | Sailing Chandlery

BEST MOMENT:

Balancing a busy GCSE year with elite racing, Harry's highlights included qualifying as a Dinghy Instructor and competing in his first overseas keelboat event at the J/24 Europeans in the Netherlands. He also tackled high winds at the J/24 Worlds and gained valuable big-boat racing experience in an X362 Sport at the Dartmouth Royal Regatta.


BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT:

Harry successfully balanced academics and athletics, achieving straight A*'s in his GCSEs. His sailing prowess was equally rewarded; he was selected for the RYA Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE), joined the ILCA 6 Talent Academy, and became a Rooster Brand Ambassador, alongside being a dedicated member of Sailing Chandlery's Sponsored Sailors.


FAVOURITE KIT

Harry has upgraded to a high-performance kicker system using the Allen XHL 20mm blocks, providing the smooth control needed for top-level racing. And he never sets off without a pair of Polarised Sunglasses to protect his eyes from the sun, and to give him the edge on the water. Shop Blocks and Pulleys, and Sailing Sunglasses at Sailing Chandlery.


GOALS FOR 2026:

Harry aims to become a well-rounded sailor across multiple classes. His 2026 plans include competing at the J/24 Europeans in Sweden, pursuing a ride on a Cape 31, and climbing the ILCA 6 rankings to secure a spot in the British Youth Sailing Squad. This is exactly the motivation and drive you need as a member of Sailing Chandlery's Sponsored Sailors!

buckle up for 2026 at sailing chandlery!

We've had a great year with our Sponsored Sailors from Team Sailing Chandlery, from podium photos to battling the weather, there's nothing our sailors can't do! 


Stay tuned to see what else they get up to as we head into 2026 with Team Sailing Chandlery. A new Sailing Season awaits!


👉🏼 Sailing Chandlery Sponsored Sailors

👉🏼 Sailing Chandlery Instagram

👉🏼 Join Team SC - Sailing Chandlery Sponsored Sailors Application

a big thanks to our sponsored sailors

You've all had an incredible year despite challenges and issues you've overcome individually. We're incredibly proud of all of you, and we're ready and raring to go for another fantastic year with you and the team here at Sailing Chandlery.



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