Steve Cockerill - the Boat Whisperer

by Sail-World/G New on 10 Jan 2006 Steve Cockerill of Rooster Sailing certainly knows how to get the attention of the media. The provision of drinks and snacks has always been a sure fire winner to get the gypsy caravan of photographers and journalists to pay at least a fleeting visit on their journey around the competing events, launches and presentations at the London Boat Show.

Typically, 'Boat Whisperer' Steve added the extra edge to wet the jaded appetite of the hard pressed journalists. Calling in some favours from his Navy time - it was standing room only in a packed Wardroom of the Type 23 Frigate, HMS Grafton, for his presentation of what is needed to get and keep youngsters and those losing their enthusiasm in sailing and more particularly dinghy racing, and what Rooster Sailing was doing to supply that need.

Now, Steve is an entertaining speaker and his 'Boat Whisperer' talks are very popular on the sailing club talk circuit, but some of the attendees seemed a bit mystified by his emphasise on the unlocking of the secret techniques of the top guys to allow the ordinary sailor to recharge his enthusiasm. Perhaps they haven’t tried to master the reverse helm, running by the lee, downwind technique in a single hander?

But no worry, having braved the search procedures and the armed sentries to get on board, Steve had their attention and a lot of good will when, with spot-on timing, he finished his presentation and removed the screen to reveal a splendid hot buffet lunch.

Steve has built the Rooster Sailing Chandlery on the back of his success as a dinghy helm, particularly with the single handed classes and has a string of championship wins to his credit. Not such an unusual route, you might think, many top sailors work in the sail and marine related industries. But Steve projects an individual style and has worked to develop and market fittings and clothing that improve on or fill a gap in the existing ranges available.

Rooster Sailing has a typically quirky internet website and compared with some of the 'all-things-to-everyone' on-line chandlery, Rooster can look a bit sparse. But the obvious thought that has gone into the careful selection and presentation of the stock makes up for that. As in his presentation at the Show, the website combines hard sale with plenty of sweeteners. Clips from the various DVD illustrate techniques and equipment making the site a place to re-visit and browse.

In a fiercely competitive market Rooster Sailing has also developed a range of DVD demonstrating sailing techniques that he has gathered during his racing and coaching time. This has resulted in the 'Boat Whisperer' lectures and the DVD based on them. All spreading the Cockerill manta that sailing should be fun and you can improve your sailing with the application of these techniques.

Picks from Rooster Sailing’s range:

Steve has developed several ground-breaking items, an early winner was the Polilite non kinking rope. Recently he has developed his own range of layered sailing clothing to allow dinghy sailors to stay comfortable and be able to function properly in the fast, wet environment of a dinghy. Steve also keeps an eye out for other equipment that will help the dinghy sailor and maintain his company at the cutting edge.

The famous Poliite mainsheet:

An early Design by Steve to solve the problem of rope tangles at the block. He figured that it was the properties of the inner core that made the rope more likely to tangle and had the idea to put a low tech high stretch rope as the inner core of the rope.

This made the core lighter and leaves the outer core to be the load bearer. The outer core would therefore also grip the inner core under load - which would help maintain rope stability.

Rooster developed a 6mm extra light mainsheet that won Gold and Silver at the Olympics in the Laser Class - and a 9mm that is used on OK's up to J24's as a non tangle Mainsheet. Now available in 6, 7 and 9mm sizes in various colours from £1.20 a metre.




Big Fish sailing, rescue and multi-purpose safety cutter:

The blade is housed in a patented 9mm channel which virtually eliminates the possibility of slash or stab injuries whilst allowing the toughest of ropes to be cut along the full length of the blade, prolonging blade life and reducing the effort required to cut the rope.

The channel allows ropes up to 12mm to be cut with ease. The handle is robust and features a shackle key which can also be used for a lanyard.

Blades are easily replaced by undoing the brass securing screws in the handle. Priced at £19.95






The latest version of the Rooster Boot:

Combines the lightness and feel of a surfing slipper with the comfort and support of a stiff rubber hiking boot. The front and back straps lock the heel into the boot, the front strap is well above the hiking strap area, and the back strap is locked into the cup of the heel, avoiding soft tissue damage. The pull from the forward arch position reduces twist and offers secondary support to the over worked ankle joint.

Heel stability and ankle support together make this boot a must for those who are pushing the envelope whether they are straight toe hiking or trapezing.

Shaped wet socks are also available for added boat park, hiking and winter comfort.

Boot price £24.95 and Junior sizes £19.95


And finally, the Rooster Aquafleece Top:

Manufactured from a new material that has a Polyurethane coating on the outside for water resistance, durability and flexibility combined with a fleece inner layer to keep you snug and warm - a combination that works well when wet or dry.

It can either be worn under your hikers as a base layer, mid layer or as a top layer over them. Manufactured in the UK this really has got to be one of the most exciting products that we have ever developed!

Price £63.00 with XS size and below priced at £45. Also available in a female cut.

Rooster Sailing website:http://www.roostersailing.com