RYA launches new partnership with kitround to give sailing kit a second life
by RYA Press Office 31 Jul 16:00 UTC
RYA launches new partnership with kitround to give sailing kit a second life © RYA
Sailors across the UK are being encouraged to pass on their kit through a new partnership between the RYA and kitround, a circular sports marketplace dedicated to reducing waste in the sports industry and supporting more people to get on the water.
kitround, a B Corp-accredited organisation, specialises in reselling, redistributing and donating new and pre-owned sports kit, helping extend the life of equipment and reduce the volume of textiles sent to landfill.
Collection points at RYA events
As part of the collaboration, the RYA will continue to expand its collection of preloved sailing kit including wetsuits, drysuits, spray tops, gloves, boots and other technical clothing at key events throughout the calendar. Collection points will be available at events including the 2026 iQFOiL World Championships, RYA Connected Events and the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show.
Kit can also be donated directly to kitround, simply get in touch by email
All suitable items will be rehomed through kitround's circular marketplace, in a dedicated RYA kitshop on the platform, ensuring they remain in use for longer and supporting more people to get on the water.
Proceeds from donated kit will go directly to the RYA Foundation, helping fund projects that enable more people from all backgrounds to experience the benefits of sailing and watersports.
A shared commitment to sustainability
Kate Fortnam, RYA Sustainability Manager said: "Extending the life of sailing kit is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can reduce our sport's environmental footprint. By partnering with kitround, we're turning unused kit into real impact- keeping equipment in circulation, reducing waste and helping to make participation in sailing more accessible."
"This initiative builds on the RYA's commitment to sustainability, including our involvement in the first-ever Sustainable Sports Apparel Charter, launched by 5Thread to tackle the challenges of overproduction, underuse and disposal of sports apparel in the UK. It is also supported by our long-standing collaboration with Musto, the Official Clothing Partner of the RYA and British Sailing Team, who continue to drive innovation and sustainability in technical performance apparel."
Adam Stevens, Co-founder of kitround, said: "This partnership shows what's possible when sustainability and accessibility work together. By giving sailing kit a second life, we're not just cutting waste - we're lowering the barriers that stop people getting into the sport in the first place."
"As a Certified B Corp, working with organisations like the RYA and their community who are genuinely embedding sustainability into their sport is exactly the kind of partnership kitround was built for. We're proud to support the RYA's wider sustainability journey, and excited to help more sailors find quality kit without the cost or the waste."
Find out more: