Stuck for gift ideas for the sailor who has it all? Yachting World is here to help with some great ideas as we list our best Christmas gifts for sailors Sailors can be notoriously difficult to buy for and sailing as a hobby (much like golf and other niche pastimes) tends to involve kit that is either bafflingly complex or comes with a list of specifications that are gobbledygook to the unfamiliar gift buyer. Fear not, here\u2019s our selection of the best Christmas gifts for sailors \u2013 as selected by our team of sailors!
\nLAST MINUTE GIFT ORDERS
\nMake sure you order on time<\/p>\n
Wednesday, December 18:\u00a0Last day for second class and second class signed for\u00a0
\nFriday, December 20:\u00a0Last day for first class, first class signed for, and Royal Mail Tracked 48\u00a0
\nSaturday, December 21:\u00a0Last day for Royal Mail Tracked 24\u00a0
\nMonday, December 23:\u00a0Last day for Special Delivery Guaranteed<\/p>\n
We appreciate everyone is on a different budget, so we\u2019ve tried to pick an array of Christmas gifts at different price-points in order to ensure you can get something for the special sailor in your life \u2013 no matter your budget.<\/p>\n
Our pick of the Best Christmas gifts for Sailors<\/p>\n
1 Victorinox Skipper Swiss Army Pocket Knife
\nThis Victorinox has been by my side for years and got me out of some scrapes as well as helped me to fix a few things on the go. It was a gift from my dad about 15 years ago and I whisper a little thankyou to him each time it has saved my bacon.
\nThe built in additional tools make this more than just a knife. So yes, it\u2019s a bit heavier and fatter than a knife that\u2019s solely a knife. The marlin spike is used for every line I mouse in and out of my boats and the bottle opener\u2026 well, I always feel smug when I pull that out of the bag.
\nProbably the best knife I ever used on a boat and a gift that keeps on giving. Thanks dad.
\nFor more sailing knives have a look at my guide to the best sailing knives<\/p>\n
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2 Fenix HM65R Shadowmaster headtorch
\nWOW, WOW, WOW, this head torch recently came to me for testing and I am blown away by it. In a water sealed metal body, this USB C rechargeable headlamp has enough power to seemingly light up the moon! (ok, 168m, but for a multifunction head torch, that\u2019s excellent) It has plenty of less powerful options too so as not to burn your retina off in a small enclosed space. Now it also has a dedicated red light and separate switches for both red and white, so no toggling around looking for the correct light mode. The red is adjustable in brightness too, from a gentle dim red to a whoa there goes Santa ! bright red beam that would illuminate the top of even the tallest of masts. It has a replaceable headstrap with a removable centre support strap, which I\u2019ve removed due to vanity,\u00a0 because it was interfering with my hair style.
\nThis headtorch was Bruce Jacobs (Skipper\/owner or Rubicon adventure yachts) headtorch of choice and now, I suspect it has become mine. Does anyone want to buy me this for a present?<\/p>\n
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3 Standard Horizon HX890E VHF handheld marine radio
\nBest handheld VHF on test
\nWith features like a large screen, built-in GPS receiver and DSC capability and great battery life, it\u2019s easy to see why it comes in amongst our top editors choices. The handheld radio floats with a highly visible strobe light activated when in the water and is fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating.
\nIt comes with an additional battery tray, which can use 5 x AAA standard disposable or rechargeable batteries, in addition to the set\u2019s main rechargeable battery.
\nLooking for more options? Check out our guide to the\u00a0best handheld VHFs.
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4 Garmin InReach Messenger Plus
\nThe gift that keeps giving. A satellite messenger and tracker. Send voice notes or a picture to the app, track your route, get weather forecasts, all via the iridum satellite network.
\nIf you have an intrepid explorer amongst your close family or friends and you want to help them stay in touch on a budget, whilst travelling as light\u00a0 as possible, then I\u2019m not sure you can get better than this right now.
\nIf this is your first foray into satellite messengers, then you wouldn\u2019t regret this little powerhouse.
\nA typical subscription cost for an average frequent user would be:
\n\u201cFlex Advanced\u201d
\nActivation Fee: \u00a339.99
\nMonthly Fee:\u00a0 \u00a334.99*
\nMinimum Term 30 Days
\nSuitable For \u00a0Frequent users sending regular messages\/track points\/weather checks
\nInclusive Allowance \u00a0Unlimited SOS, Up to 150 Text\/Weather Messages, 25 photo or voice messages,\u00a0 Unlimited Tracking Points
\nOverage Charges : Text Message: \u00a30.50 , photo\/voice messages \u00a31
\nSuspend Account monthly fee \u00a34.99
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5 Sealskinz Bacton waterproof Beanie
\nThis waterproof Sealskinz beanie is warm dry woolie hug for your head. It is water and stain repellent, with a three layer construction for warmth, durability and waterproofing. The waterproofing will keep your head dry. The breathability will help to let the steam out even if you\u2019re working hard.
\nLooking for a different style? Check out our guide to the best sailing hats on the market.<\/p>\n
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6 Red 40lt Kit Bag
\nThis waterproof bag is stylish and lightweight, with smooth zips designed not to snag, and the best part is that it\u2019s made out of recycled plastic bottles (TPU). And the zips and seals really work too. We tested a selection of waterproof bags and this was our favourite blend of style and practicality.<\/p>\n
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7 Dryrobe Changing Mat
\nWhen it comes to post-swimming training, dryrobe knows its business. And this handy little changing mat feels like a luxury for your cold feet.
\nChanging mats are all about protecting your feet \u2013 from rough surfaces and from the cold and wet. This is why I love dryrobe\u2019s changing mat. It\u2019s a simple design, but the water-repellent ground-side layer with the soft, warm fleece to stand on is an absolute winner.
\nI would like it to be about twice the size. But, the advantage of it being small is that it doesn\u2019t take up much space in your kit bag.<\/p>\n
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8 Sugru Mouldable Glue
\nSugru is a new material that feels like play dough but acts like superglue and sticks to most objects and surfaces. It\u2019s very user-friendly, highly malleable and waterproof and comes in 10 bright colours. It\u2019s ideal for both fixing things and giving items a new lease of life as it sets like silicone rubber (flexible and insulated) \u2013 it\u2019s also surprisingly fun to apply.<\/p>\n
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9 Spinlock Essentials chest pack
\nSpinlock\u2019s Essential Packs are snug fitting solutions for keeping accessories like a mobile phone, VHF, or personal EPIRB to hand on the water. They are available as belt, side or chest packs that attach with Velcro tie-downs, and neatly compliment Spinlock\u2019s Deckvest 5D lifejacket.<\/p>\n
10 C-monsta wetsuit hangar
\nThis odd looking hanger is designed especially for your wetsuit and its accoutrements like the gloves and boots. It\u2019s lightweight, so easy to bring with you and strong enough to take the extra weight of soaking wet neoprene. The design also helps your wetsuit dry quicker and reduces wear and tear.<\/p>\n
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11 Gill Deckhand Sailing Gloves \u2013 Long Finger
\nThe Gill Deckhand gloves have been my go to glove for years now. For a while there was a women\u2019s option available which was a much better fit than the unisex version.
\nThe way the glove is tailored to the curve of the hand makes them easy to wear and easy to grip lines and other control surfaces. They do get a bit soggy to wear when wet and I keep a few pairs to be able to swap out while the others dry off. They usually last me a season and need replacing but I keep buying the same gloves because they are so comfortable to wear.<\/p>\n
12 Gill Tarp Barrel Bag<\/p>\n
All sailors need a decent kit bag. This 60L no-nonsense barrel bag is made from durable waterproof tarpaulin and features a two-way zip and padded shoulder strap.<\/p>\n
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13 Gill Stealth Timer
\nStealth Timer If you\u2019re late to the start wearing this watch, there\u2019s no excuse! As well as the large, super clear display, modes include a digital compass and course shift as well as the \u2018stealth\u2019 feature of a silent countdown so you can outsmart the opposition on the line.<\/p>\n
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Best Christmas gifts for sailors \u00a3100 \u2013 \u00a3200<\/p>\n
14 Yeti Rambler 36oz
\nWhen two fishermen brothers couldn\u2019t find a robust icebox\/cooler, they started Yeti, which produces coolers you can stand on, throw around a boat and that will keep ice cold for days.
\nThe drinkware range looks just as practical, whether water bottles, the ramblers to keep your coffee hot, or the wine tumbler to keep your C\u00f4tes de Provence ice cold.
\nThe Rambler gallon\/half gallon jugs make a lot of sense for day sailing racing, either for warming soups hot or keeping your Dark\u2019n\u2019Stormy fresh!\u00a0 See Stones\/Yeti for options<\/p>\n
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15 Lego Emirates Team New Zealand AC75 Americas Cup
\nIs there anything more fun than building something out of lego? Well, yes actually there is but on a cold wintery day when you\u2019d rather be indoors than out, then this lego model of the Americas Cup boat from 2024 will keep your hands occupied for a while. It doesn\u2019t look too bad either for a display piece. This is one for the fans, but if you\u2019re not into the America\u2019s Cup, there\u2019s a lot of other specialist models to choose from, Including my own favourite, a scene from the 1975 Spielberg movie, Jaws.<\/p>\n
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16 Helly Hansen HP Foil V2 Sailing Shoes
\nI\u2019ve had these deck trainers for the past 2 and a bit. years and they have been utterly brilliant. I bought them as a gift to myself, but I wouldn\u2019t hesitate to buy a pair for someone else. They\u2019ve been so grippy and so easy to wear. They dry fast and they\u2019ve travelled thousands of miles with me. They slip into my kit bag easily and I\u2019ve found myself reaching for them time and time again for every boaty job, foredeck, mast climbing, rail monkey and they slip off easily when I need to get my head down quick when going off watch.
\nFor more options, from deck trainers to leather moccasins, check out YBW\u2019s guide to the best boat shoes available right now.<\/p>\n
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17 Exposure Lights Raw Pro Head Torch
\nAn exceptional headtorch with 3 stages of white brightness and uniquely 3 stages of red brightness. Its aluminium body and rechargeable internal battery make this a small but might sailors tool.
\nit\u2019s loved by pro sailors and has been seen on the heads of some sailing superstars as they circumnavigate the globe.
\nFor other headtorches we\u2019ve tested and rate highly, have a look at the buyers guide to head torches for more options<\/p>\n
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\nBest Christmas gifts for sailors \u00a3200 \u2013 \u00a3500<\/p>\n
18 EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Portable Power Station 512Wh
\nThis little powerpack is a blooming marvel and what a brilliant gift it could be for the boater or camper vanner in your life. Powerful enough to power-up an electric blanket and various other items, such as laptops and phones and light enough to carry without popping a vein or pulling a muscle. It can be charged from a solar panel too so if you know someone adventurous who you want to treat with a gift that will keep giving, then this is it.
\nCheck my tested guide to the best powerbanks.<\/p>\n
19 Garmin InReach Mini 2
\nFor the adventurer in your life, give them the gift of track and traceability. From hiking the Appalachian trail to sailing offshore out of sight of land. There\u2019s a whole array of ways this little device can help you and the ones you love to communicate and feel a little bit safer with it\u2019s SOS capability. I used this one during an Atlantic crossing and despite having starlink, I had more fun with this and plotting text comments along the tracking line.
\nIt does require a subscription after purchase but you only need to activate that when the device is going to be used. It really is a tiny device with a mighty capability.
\nFor more beacons, have a look at my guide to Best personal locator beacons and AIS units: 16 top options for boating<\/p>\n
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20 Garmin Quatix 7 smart watch
\nBest smart sailing watch
\nThe Quatix 7 is a smart watch that keeps giving all year long. From a quick glance you can see tides, barometer, charts, autopilot and so many fitness features as well as smart watch features. You can use it for contactless payments at the bar too. An awsome bit of kit and one of our editors top choices from our buyers guide to sailing watches.
\nIf this watch doesn\u2019t tick your boxes, then read our guide to the best sailing watches available right now.<\/p>\n
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21 Ocean Signal MOB2
\nNothing says \u201cI love you\u201d quite the same as a personal locator beacon.
\nLots of couples I know gift them to each other ahead of a big adventure or plans to go sailing.
\nThe MOB1 was the most popular AIS locator beacon on the market and this new M-class compliant MOB 2 is almost, but not quite identical in form factor. Under the hood though it has some fab new features, including near field communication with a smart phone for battery checking.
\nIt fits easily within almost every lifejacket and is designed to be set to auto trigger when the lifejacket is inflated.\u00a0 I wear an AIS man overboard beacon just dinghying around in Southampton water at night. (for other beacons have a look at my buyers guide \u2013 Best personal locator beacons and AIS units, 16 top options
\nBuy it Now from GTC<\/p>\n
Best Christmas gift ideas for sailors
\nIf you didn\u2019t find anything in this list that\u2019s perfect for the sailor in your life, you might want to browse some of the options below for a whole range of sailors\u2019 favourites. And if you\u2019re still stuck, there\u2019s always the good old gift card\u2026
\nBest watches for sailors
\nBest handheld VHF radio
\nBest gloves for sailors
\nBest binoculars for sailors
\nBest stand up paddle board
\nBuy Gael Force Marine gift vouchers
\nBuy Bass Pro Shops gift cards
\nThe post Christmas gifts for sailors: 2 days left for online orders! appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Stuck for gift ideas for the sailor who has it all? Yachting World is here to help with some great ideas as we list our best Christmas gifts for sailors Sailors can be notoriously difficult to buy for and sailing … <\/p>\n