In short: The best gifts for sailors are small, robust things they will use every time they go out. A handheld anemometer suits almost every sailor, kitesurfer and coach, and a race timer suits anyone who races. Safety gear they will actually wear, such as an inflatable life jacket or a handheld VHF, is always welcome, and so are experiences like a coaching day or a race entry.
Sailors are hard to buy for: they already have opinions about every piece of kit. These ideas work because they are useful on every outing, from club racing to a weekend cruise.
Tools they will use every time
A handheld anemometer
Every sailor talks about the wind. A pocket wind meter turns the talk into a number: is it 12 knots or 18? It helps choose sails and rig settings, decide whether to go out or reef, and settle the debate on the dock. The Windie 360 reads from any direction with one hand and has a two year warranty. Good for racers, cruisers, coaches and kite or wing riders.
A sailing race timer
For anyone who races, a start timer that counts down 5-4-1-0 and syncs with one press is a daily tool. The Windie sailing timer is water resistant to 50 m and comes in several colours, so you can pick one that suits the person.
Safety gear they will actually wear
- An inflatable life jacket. Comfortable enough that people keep it on.
- A handheld VHF radio for anyone who sails beyond the harbour.
- A rigging knife with a blunt tip and a marlinspike.
Kit that makes days on the water better
- A good dry bag for phone, keys and wallet.
- Sailing gloves that fit the type of sailing they do.
- Polarised sunglasses with a retainer strap.
- A warm, quick drying layer for cold mornings on the water.
Gifts for learning and experiences
- A classic seamanship book or a book on sail trim and racing tactics.
- A magazine subscription, or a gift card for their local chandlery.
- A coaching day at their club, or a race entry for an event they have wanted to sail.
Quick picks by type of sailor
| They are a | Practical gift |
|---|---|
| Racing sailor | Race timer, anemometer, race entry |
| Coach or race officer | Anemometer with monopod stick, a timer for the committee boat |
| Cruiser | Anemometer, inflatable life jacket, handheld VHF, dry bag |
| New sailor | Seamanship book, gloves, a course or coaching day |
| Kitesurfer or wing foiler | Anemometer, a lesson or clinic |
| Young sailor | A bright coloured race timer, gloves |
Tips for choosing
- Ask what is on their wish list before buying boat gear. Sailors have strong opinions about kit.
- Pick something they will carry on the boat, not something for a shelf.
- Small and robust beats big and clever: everything on a boat gets wet and dropped.
- If you are unsure about sizes or colours, choose something with a long warranty and easy returns.
