2026 Sailing Prep Checklist: RORC Races & Boat Checks

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If you’ve already had enough of winter, you’ll be thinking about the sailing season ahead. January is the perfect time to start planning your pre-season checks, so when conditions finally come around, you’re ready to get out there. Whether you’re a seasoned RORC racer, or 2026 is your first season on the water, thorough preparation now prevents heartache later. In this post, we're looking at the steps you’re going to want to complete to get you ready for the 2026 season. 

Pre-Season Boat Inspection

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Without your boat in good nick, you’re going nowhere, whether you're planning grinding through one of the RORC races or simply easing into a sunset cruise. You don’t want to have to learn the hard way: skimped prep means sidelined sessions. Start these checks now, in the drier days of January, before conditions get nice enough to head out.

 

There’ll be things to check that differ from vessel to vessel, so this isn't a definitive list - check online forums, owner groups, and if there’s any doubt, consult an expert. Focus on the essentials that catch 80% of issues – hull, rig, engine, and systems. Grab a torch, a rag, and a notepad while you’re checking these: 

 

Area

 

Hull and Deck

 

 

 

 

Rigging

 

 

 

 

Sails

 

 

 

 

Engine and Systems

 

 

 

 

Electronics

 

 

 

Key Checks

 

Is antifouling intact? 

Are there scratches or gelcoat cracks? 

Are through-hulls free of barnacles? 

Are deck fittings secure (stanchions, cleats)?

 

Is standing rigging free of wire strands or fraying? 

Is running rigging showing UV damage? 

Is the mast step corroded? 

Do furlers spin freely?

 

Is stitching and UV strips intact? 

Are battens straight? 

Are reef points chafe-free? 

Were sails stored dry?

 

Are oil and coolant levels good? 

Is the impeller and belts in shape? 

Does the battery pass a load test? 

Does the bilge pump auto-activate?

 

Does VHF/DSC test properly? 

Is plotter/GPS calibrated? 

Is AIS transponder operational?

Hull and Deck

Is antifouling intact? 

Are there scratches or gelcoat cracks? 

Are through-hulls free of barnacles? 

Are deck fittings secure (stanchions, cleats)?

 

Rigging 

Is standing rigging free of wire strands or fraying? 

Is running rigging showing UV damage? 

Is the mast step corroded? 

Do furlers spin freely?


Sails

Is stitching and UV strips intact? 

Are battens straight? 

Are reef points chafe-free? 

Were sails stored dry?

 

Engine and Systems

Are oil and coolant levels good? 

Is the impeller and belts in shape? 

Does the battery pass a load test? 

Does the bilge pump auto-activate?

 

Electronics 

Does VHF/DSC test properly? 

Is plotter/GPS calibrated? 

Is AIS transponder operational?

These are the bare minimum when it comes to what to check for – ideally, you’re going to want to spend a full weekend, and document everything with photos for insurance. And speaking of insurance, check your policy is paid up and valid for the trips you have planned. 

 

Spot any issues? Take action now and get a pro involved if you need to as soon as possible – better now than when it is in the water. 

 

Lifejacket Service & Inspection

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Alongside checking that your boat is seaworthy, checking your safety gear should be high on your agenda. This is one of those tasks that can – and arguably should – be done in advance of the weather picking up. 

 

If your lifejacket has been stowed throughout the winter – even if you put it away dry and in perfect conditions – you need to check it thoroughly. And don’t leave this to the last minute. Rushing to do thorough checks five minutes before you’re heading out on that first glorious day will inevitably lead to frustration, or a potential issue being missed. Take a moment to remind yourself of how to repack and rearm your lifejacket – our repacking guides and rearming information are on our User Manuals page.

 

Ideally, plan for proper servicing of your lifejacket. For TeamO lifejackets, our in-house lifejacket servicing ensure that it is to standard. We’ll complete a 24-hour inflation test and pressure check, firing head, and capsule checks, CO2 cylinder inspection, checks of your light (if applicable), and a wear and tear assessment. 

 

If it is time for a new lifejacket, then don’t leave replacing it to the last minute. Getting the same make and model might not be possible – and making sure you’re buying the best one for you can take time, even if you’re just popping along to your local chandlery. Time to replace all the lifejackets on your boat? Look out for our bundles, launching soon!

Beyond Lifejackets: Full Safety Gear Audit

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Safety on the water goes way beyond lifejackets, so don’t just glance, test where possible. If you can, it’s worth having two sets of eyes on everything – always better to be safe than sorry.

 

Gear Item

 

Harness and Tether

 

 

 

 

PLB/EPIRB

 

 

 

 

Flares and Signals

 

 

 

First Aid and Survival

 

 

 

Foul Weather Gear 

 

 

Key Checks

 

Is the webbing free of UV fading or cuts? 

Do clips snap shut firmly? 

Are there any other points of wear?

Does it fit over foulies?

 

Is battery expiry date current? 

Does it register GPS fix? 

Has it been serviced per manufacturer? 

Is it registered with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency?

 

Are expiry dates valid (replace 10% early)? 

Are there any signs of rust or deterioration?

Is the waterproof case sealed?

 

Is kit stocked for cuts, seasickness, hypothermia? 

Are blister plasters/meds in date? 

Does thermal blanket pack small?

 

Do seams seal watertight? 

Are zips/tapes intact? 

Does it allow hiking mobility?

Harness and Tether

Is the webbing free of UV fading or cuts? 

Do clips snap shut firmly? 

Are there any other points of wear?

Does it fit over foulies?

 

PLB/EPIRB
Is battery expiry date current? 

Does it register GPS fix? 

Has it been serviced per manufacturer? 

Is it registered with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency?
 

Flares and Signals

Are expiry dates valid (replace 10% early)? 

Are there any signs of rust or deterioration?

Is the waterproof case sealed?

 

First Aid and Survival

Is kit stocked for cuts, seasickness, hypothermia? 

Are blister plasters/meds in date? 

Does thermal blanket pack small?

 

Foul Weather Gear

Do seams seal watertight? 

Are zips/tapes intact? 

Does it allow hiking mobility?

Race Planning and Prep Timeline

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If you’ve been involved in racing for more than five minutes, you’ll almost certainly be aware of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s race programme. There’s a lot of exciting races on the calendar, even if you’re only planning to take part in a few of the UK events. Getting commitment from your crew and getting entries in early – as well as booking time off work, or someone to take care of the dog – only adds to the excitement and means everything runs smoother when you’re getting ready for the trip. 

 

Not quite ready for a full-on race? Get in the spirit of things by planning your trips in sync with the RORC calendar. Can’t do 700 miles Round Ireland in June? Maybe plan for a 70 mile weekend trip instead. Are the races at Cowes Week a bit outside your comfort zone? Sail down there at leisure and soak up the atmosphere, watching the action with a glass or two of champagne instead. 

 

Even for the most inexperienced sailors, it should go without saying to plan for everything the weather might throw at you – there’s plenty of information available. Don’t head out without checking the weather apps, and having gear ready for if the weather turns.  

Flying Safely with Your Lifejacket

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Are you going to be heading to the airport for an adventure on water somewhere else in the world? You’ll probably want to pack your own lifejacket. After all, you know it fits, how it works, and most importantly, you trust it – especially when you’re somewhere new or on a boat you don’t know.  

 

But airlines can be funny about certain items – and rightfully so in many cases. In theory, you shouldn’t encounter any issues when flying with a TeamO BackTow lifejacket. The official line from the International Air Transport Association (Dangerous Goods Regulations; 62th Addition, published 2021) states:

 

"Small cartridges fitted into a self-inflating lifejacket must be for inflation purposes. No more than two small cylinders of carbon dioxide or another suitable non-flammable non-toxic gas fitted in the lifejacket per person and a maximum of two spare cartridges." 

 

Note that you’re only allowed to carry one personal safety device per person, and you need to pack it so there’s no chance it can be accidentally activated.  

 

While you shouldn’t run into any issues flying with your lifejacket, we recommend checking with your airline before travelling. You might also want to bookmark, download, or print the documents on our flying guide ahead of your trip – just in case. 

Wishing You Fair Winds and Following Seas in 2026

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With your boat inspected, safety gear serviced, races planned, and travel sorted, you're primed for a stellar 2026 season, wherever you’re sailing. 

 

Get your TeamO lifejacket service booked today, grab any extras, and bookmark the RORC race programme for last-minute inspiration. 

 

Fair winds and safe passages to all sailors; may you have the best of adventures this year!