On the water essentials for Summer

by Sarah Heron 19 Jun 2024 10:00 BST

Summer's finally here in the UK and the season is in full swing. Here's some of the latest kit for racing, cruising and enjoying the water, rain or shine.

Famous for his circumnavigation with only a chicken for company, French Adventurer Guirec Soudée's (above) next adventure is the Vendée Globe 2024 where he'll sail single-handed for 45,000km with no stops or assistance. Top of his kit list are Le Chameau's Neptune and Marinord boots handmade with saltwater resistant Chamolux rubber. 100% waterproof, super grippy with non marking soles and lined with neoprene for warmth, they are ideal for offshore sailing, cold Spring mornings and the great British summer! Neptune Boot £300, Marinord Boot £160.

Some quick drying, non-slip trainers are just the thing for a summer of racing. New from Chatham is the Tribe G3 Aqua-Go technical boat shoe (see above), available in Navy/Red or Grey/Yellow from £125

For keeping your kit dry, or wet kit away from everything else, it's hard to beat Typhoon's duffel bags. This Osea Dry duffel comes in 40L and a roomy 60L, has a backpack shoulder system for safer carrying and a clever compression valve so you can maximise space.

Musto's Solent Jacket is ideal for coastal sailing and promises to keep you dry in an English summer downpour. Men's and Women's styles available.

Rooster's revamped Thermaflex® 1.5mm Top and Longjohns are tailored specifically for women. The new super-comfy design has an enhanced fit and customisable arm lengths, and the seagrass pattern is a nod to their commitment to preserving marine ecosystems. From £110 for the Thermalflex 1.5mm Top.

Crewsaver have designed this exclusive pink lifejacket to raise money for their Crewsaver Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with donations over £100 receiving the limited edition Pink Crewsaver lifejacket featuring the iconic pink ribbon.

Zhik's new 'x' range, made from sustainably produced, plant-based Yulex® Foam Natural Rubber, has been designed in collaboration with athletes from the Olympic classes and Sail GP. Superwarm X is ideal for spring's colder conditions and is completely lined with a new ultra-fast dry fleece, while the Microfleece X is perfect for warmer climes.

In collaboration with 15 x World Laser Masters Champion Brett Beyer, Vaikobi's new Hiker Force Suit designed to be the world's most supportive and durable sailing hiker. £210.

Vaikobi's VIZE+ polarized hydrophobic sunglasses have been tested in the harsh Australian sun, and promise greater clarity, reduced glare and come in a range of designs including the Molokai