RS21 and SLAM, on the same course: the sustainability

With the oceans and respect for the environment in mind

In the RS21 world, sustainability is part of the class’s vision, not a secondary issue. RS21 Italian Class sees it as a core value and has built a concrete path around it, including ISO 20121 certification for the sustainable management of events. It is an approach that naturally aligns with SLAM’s own, as the brand has long been committed to developing technical garments using more responsible materials.

Recycled Materials and Research

For SLAM, sustainability begins first and foremost with material choices. The brand states that 68% of its technical collection is made primarily from recycled polyester, with the goal of reducing the consumption of raw materials, energy, water and emissions. Alongside this, research is expanding into innovative yarns and paddings designed to combine performance, comfort and durability.

Recycled Polyester

One of the clearest examples of this direction is the OD Tech Hooded T-Shirt, one of the strongest assets in the SLAM collection. Made from lightweight, breathable recycled stretch fabric, it is designed for sailors who spend long hours on the water, dealing with sun, wind, spray and constant manoeuvres. It offers UV 50+ protection, dries quickly and allows full freedom of movement, an essential quality in a dynamic class like the RS21.

Its most distinctive feature is the convertible hood, which can be worn down, used as a neck gaiter, or pulled over a cap for more complete protection from sun and wind. Micro-perforations in key areas improve ventilation, while flatlock seams help reduce chafing and irritation. The OD Tech T-Shirt LS follows the same direction, developed in recycled polyester with elastane to provide stretch, durability and UV 50+ protection. These are concrete examples of how material research can be turned into garments that are genuinely useful on the water.

Seawool, Innovative Yarns

SLAM is also pursuing this research through Seawool, a technology that broadens the sustainability conversation beyond garments designed purely for racing. The collection includes pieces such as:

All reflecting an approach focused on comfort, protection and fabrics innovation even ashore, before and after sailing.

A person wearing a SLAM's SEAWOOL HALF-ZIP in blue and brown pants stands against a plain gray backdrop. With one hand in their pocket, they gaze off to the side, highlighting the sustainable fashion of recycled Seawool Merino-blend yarn.

A person with long hair and a beard smiles while wearing a gray SLAM SEAWOOL CREWNECK and a matching beanie, crafted from Merino-blend yarn. Their right hand adjusts the beanie, and their left hand rests in the pocket of their regular-fit dark pants. The background is a plain light gray.

Thermoplume: Lightweight Warmth

Another example is Primaloft Thermoplume, used by SLAM in garments from the Altura Puffer line, including the Altura Puffer Hybrid, Altura WS Puffer Hybrid, Altura Puffer Jacket and Altura WS Puffer Jacket. It is a solution designed to deliver lightness, packability and thermal insulation, offering an advanced option for those looking for protection without giving up practicality.

A Shared Direction

Ultimately, this is where the meeting point between RS21 and SLAM finds its most authentic meaning. On one side, there is a class that has chosen to give sustainability a concrete form, linking it to event management and to the culture it builds around racing. On the other, there is a brand that brings the same attention into its products, working with recycled materials, textile research and garments designed to last over time. It is a natural convergence, because those who live the sea know that performance, responsibility and vision must all move on the same course. And perhaps that is one of the most interesting messages coming from RS21 today: sailing can remain technical, competitive and contemporary, while continuing at the same time to question its own impact and the way it wants to shape the future.