Rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers
Rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers
5 Star Rated by Sailors
Over 58,000+ Orders Shipped
90 Day Risk Free Returns
Price Match Promise
Fast Dispatch and 5 Star Customer Rated
September 10, 2025 5 min read
Sailing has always been more than just a sport. It’s a way of life, a community, and for many young people, a path to building resilience, confidence, and lifelong friendships. At Sailing Chandlery, we’re proud to play a part in the UK sailing scene—not only by supplying high-quality gear but also by investing in the next generation of sailors.
When people think of “supporting youth sailing,” sponsorships often spring to mind. And while sponsoring talented young sailors is an important part of what we do, our involvement goes much further. We believe that supporting the future of sailing in the UK means creating opportunities, providing resources, and helping to build an environment where every sailor—whether competitive or recreational—can thrive.
In this post, we’ll share the many ways we go beyond sponsorships to support UK sailing youth
One of the biggest barriers for young sailors is cost. Dinghies, clothing, ropes, hardware, and equipment add up quickly, and for families trying to support enthusiastic children, this can feel overwhelming.
We work hard to make sailing more accessible by:
Fair pricing on essential gear – Offering competitive prices and regular promotions ensures young sailors can get the kit they need without unnecessary financial strain.
Bundle discounts – Putting together starter kits for ropes, clothing, or fittings helps reduce the cost for those just getting into sailing.
Club and centre savings – Providing savings for members in our club scheme and providing savings to sailing centres
Entry-level advice – Through blogs, guides, and customer support, we advise parents and sailors on what’s essential versus what’s nice-to-have, so they don’t overspend when starting out.
By making sure quality sailing gear is within reach, more young sailors can step into the sport without the financial barriers becoming overwhelming
We believe knowledge should be as available as equipment. Sailing can seem technical and intimidating, especially for those without a family history in the sport. That’s why we dedicate time and effort to producing guides, blog posts, and how-to resources that help demystify everything from:
Rigging dinghies properly.
Choosing the right ropes, cleats, and fittings.
Caring for clothing and equipment to extend its lifespan.
Practical sailing tips for different conditions.
Young sailors (and their parents) often tell us these resources have helped them feel more confident, whether they’re rigging for the first time or working toward their first major race. By providing this free education, we help sailors build independence and resilience on the water—skills that go far beyond buying a piece of kit
While sponsorships are typically linked to individual sailors or teams, our involvement at sailing events extends to the broader community. Attending regattas, open meetings, and national championships gives us the chance to:
Provide support on site – Whether that’s supplying replacement parts, lending ropes, or offering advice, our team is often there to help sailors get back on the water quickly.
Cheer on sailors of all levels – We don’t only focus on the podium finishers; we celebrate every sailor’s progress, from the child completing their first open meeting to the seasoned youth sailor moving into adult fleets.
Engage with parents and coaches – Supporting youth sailing also means supporting the people behind the scenes who make it possible. We’re there to listen, advise, and make sure they feel part of a connected community.
This event presence means we’re not just supplying equipment; we’re contributing to the energy and encouragement that make regattas memorable for young sailors
Not every sailor dreams of being an Olympian. Many just want to enjoy their weekends afloat with friends, while others may aspire to professional sailing careers. Both journeys are equally valid, and our role is to ensure there are pathways to suit different ambitions.
We do this by:
Supporting grassroots clubs – Small sailing clubs are often where sailors take their first steps. By working closely with these clubs, we help ensure they have the resources and equipment to welcome newcomers.
Encouraging long-term participation – Our communication and content emphasise that sailing can be a lifelong passion, not just a youth activity. Highlighting dinghy cruising, keelboat transitions, and adult racing helps young sailors see the broader picture.
Highlighting role models – Beyond sponsored athletes, we share stories of everyday sailors who embody passion and determination, inspiring the next generation to stay involved regardless of their competitive results
Today’s young sailors are growing up with an acute awareness of environmental challenges. Sailing connects people directly with nature, and we have a responsibility to protect the waters that make the sport possible.
We support youth sailors by:
Promoting sustainable choices – Stocking eco-conscious sailing gear and highlighting the importance of durability and repairability.
Encouraging responsible sailing practices – Through blogs and social posts, we share tips on minimising plastic use, recycling old ropes, and looking after equipment so it lasts longer.
Leading by example – Demonstrating as a business that sustainability matters helps shape a culture where young sailors see environmental responsibility as part of sailing, not an optional extra.
This goes beyond sailing itself; it’s about giving young sailors values they can carry into every part of their lives
Perhaps the most meaningful way we support youth sailing is by making young sailors feel seen, supported, and celebrated. For many teenagers, sailing is more than sport—it’s a safe place to grow in confidence, learn teamwork, and feel part of something bigger.
We amplify this by:
Sharing success stories – Highlighting sailors’ achievements (big and small) across our channels gives them recognition and encouragement.
Engaging with youth directly – Through social media and events, we listen to young sailors’ voices, not just the adults around them.
Encouraging inclusivity – Sailing has sometimes struggled with perceptions of exclusivity, but we champion the idea that the water is for everyone, regardless of background or ability.
When young sailors feel supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged in the sport, giving sailing in the UK a healthier, more diverse future
Supporting youth sailing in the UK goes well beyond writing sponsorship confirmations. It’s about breaking down barriers, sharing knowledge, strengthening communities, promoting sustainability, and creating pathways that allow every sailor to flourish.
At Sailing Chandlery, we’re committed to being more than a retailer. We want to be a partner in every sailor’s journey—from their first tack in an Oppie to the day they step onto the start line at a national championship.
By looking beyond sponsorships and focusing on real, meaningful support, we believe we can help ensure that the future of UK sailing is not only competitive but also inclusive, accessible, and sustainable. And that’s something every sailor, young or old, can be proud of.
👉🏼 View our Sponsorship Information
👉🏼 Sign up to our Sponsored Sailors Scheme
👉🏼 Join the Sailors Club
Nice-looking bung, all in one piece. No more looking for the bung when you have let it drain from the last time, and bought this to create a second drain socket in my Solo.
They have good paddings
It fits exactly fine to laser pico. Straps are very usefull. Hole at the back helps you store your upper mast easily under the cover. Looks very durable. Delivery was very fast. Thanks
Product as described and very prompt delivery
Usual harken good stuff
Easy to find, quick dispatch, on the boat now.
Great product, safely packaged, delivered on time, at a competitive price. One more thing - the person on the end of the phone is an actual person, informative, helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant. What more could you ask for.
Fantastic price for first class quality
They work well
Fantastic product. Toasty feel
Really good selection of rope sizes, delivered speedily. Great idea to put the offcuts to good use. Caused a few laughs when people realised what I'd ordered ;-)
The sales team were quick responding to our questions, dispatched to us promptly, and the product is a perfect replacement for our old tiller which ended up at the bottom of a lake!
Love the fact they don’t leak.
You do need to squeeze to get liquid out. Which is so much better. Don’t lose liquid etc.
nice size and robust
Great for when it’s not too cold. But is windy and wet. Needing to stay dry on top.
Very easy to install. May need some additional sealing for complete water-tightness.
Save up to 40%on your next order.