A carefully chosen technical garment can outlast the season for which it was bought. The Royal Yachting Association’s July partnership with Kitround offers a structured route for owners to pass on wetsuits, drysuits, spray tops and other sailing clothing that still has useful life.
A different approach to the kit cupboard
Kitround is a circular sports marketplace focused on the resale, redistribution and donation of pre-owned equipment. The RYA says suitable sailing clothing will be rehomed through a dedicated kitshop rather than left unused or immediately discarded.
For a cruising household, this offers a way to assess what has remained unworn in storage and what might serve another sailor. Items should be clean, accurately described and suitable for continued use; worn-out protective equipment needs different handling.
Collection points and donations
The association plans collection opportunities at designated events, including its Connected programme, the Dinghy & Watersports Show and relevant championships. Kit can also be donated directly through the partner’s published arrangements.
The range includes wetsuits, drysuits, gloves, boots and spray tops, but eligibility will depend on their condition. An owner should not assume damaged safety equipment is appropriate for resale simply because it carries a respected brand name.
Supporting participation
The RYA says proceeds from donated kit will go to the RYA Foundation to support projects that improve access to sailing and watersports. The partnership aims to connect waste reduction with the practical cost of getting started.
This is a statement about the foundation's programme, not a claim that the resale value of any particular garment is fixed. A premium sailing wardrobe can still make responsible use of repairs, careful storage and appropriate second-hand channels.
Choosing the next garment
Before buying another technical layer, owners and guests can check whether an existing piece needs only repair or whether a pre-owned replacement fits the intended activity. Outerwear, deck shoes and protective clothing each have different wear and inspection requirements.
Details and the matching image come from the RYA’s official 30 July announcement. This original LYG feature concerns quality marine clothing and does not substitute for personal flotation or other certified safety equipment.
Primary source: RYA partnership announcement. Original Luxury Yacht Guide coverage.
