OUR TOP 10 RACE ESSENTIALS FOR COWES WEEK
Getting ready to race at Cowes Week?
Staging up to 40 daily races for around 1,000 boats, it is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world.
Whether you're lining up for your first ever start gun or returning for another year of competitive Solent sailing, having the right kit on board can make a huge difference.
From performance clothing and tactical tools to clever time-saving gear, here’s our list of 10 must-have race essentials. They've been carefully selected to help you stay sharp, dry, fast, and race-ready.
1) Spray for Speed
McLube Sailkote makes everything move smoother, faster, and with less friction.
From mast tracks to genoa cars, this dry lubricant keeps your boat running slick and snappy, especially when seconds count. It dries quickly, won’t attract dirt, and helps eliminate sticking and snags in all the key areas.
👉 McLube Sailkote 300ml – See it here ›
2. Waterproofs Built for Racing
Stay dry, move freely, and stay focused with Musto’s BR1 Channel Suit.
Designed for inshore and coastal racing, these suits offer breathable waterproof protection without the bulk. The articulated design ensures unrestricted movement for active crew. Available in men’s and women’s fits for all-day comfort and performance.
3. Compact, Floatable Comms
The Icom IC-M25 EVO gives you clear, dependable VHF without the bulk.
It’s slim, lightweight, and waterproof—and floats with a flashing red LED so you can recover it easily if dropped overboard. USB charging makes it a great grab-and-go handheld for the cockpit or RIB.
4. High-Performance Rigging Hack
Allen High Load Thimbles offer ultra-strong, super-lightweight rigging solutions.
Perfect for replacing metal shackles or reducing friction. These anodised aluminium thimbles are ideal for racers looking to trim weight and maximise performance.
5. Grip That Won’t Quit
Musto’s Performance Gloves 2.0 give you durable, race-day grip—rain or shine.
Designed for all-day comfort, these gloves feature GripFlex palms and abrasion-resistant construction. Available in both short and long finger options depending on your sailing style and tasks.
6. Knife You’ll Always Want Handy
The Wichard Offshore Knife is a reliable crew essential—with a smart twist.
Its glow-in-the-dark handle, one-handed opening and powerful serrated blade make it easy to use in tough conditions. Bonus: it includes a built-in shackle key, combining two must-haves in one rugged tool.
🔪 Wichard Offshore Knife – See it here ›
• In accordance with UK Law (Offensive Weapons Act 1996), we are unable to sell knives to anyone under 18 years of age.
7. Know Your Marks
The Buoy Racer and Mini Buoy Racer tools help you quickly identify Solent marks.
Developed by local racing experts, these A3 laminated charts feature full-colour buoy icons and space to note your course, tidal streams and tactics.
An essential navigation aid when it’s fast and furious on the line.
8. Patch, Stick, Sail On
The Kevlar Sail Repair Patch can be a race-saver.
A sudden tear doesn’t have to end your day. These ultra-tough self-adhesive patches are designed for laminate sails.
They are perfect for quick fixes on the go, helping you finish strong even after a knock.
9. Learn Fast, Race Smarter
Fernhurst Racing Companions are the perfect pocket-sized reference.
Whether you’re learning the ropes or brushing up on the latest rule changes, these laminated guides are invaluable.
Perfecton the dock pre-race, on the water or during post-race debriefs.
Light, waterproof and packed with insight.
10. Timing is Everything
A race-ready sailing watch helps you nail the countdown and stay in control.
With features like countdown timers, sync buttons, large digital displays and waterproof construction, these watches are built to keep you in sync with the start gun.
🌊 Highlights:
– Gill Stealth Racer Watch ›
⚓ Ready for Cowes Week?
Whatever your race experience, Cowes Week is a chance to push your limits, learn fast and enjoy the best of UK sailing.
Make sure you’ve got the gear to back you up—from gloves and knives to charts and comms, every item here earns its place on board.
