Ultimate Gift Guide for Sailors
I wanted to put together a comprehensive list of “must-haves” that can be tailored to fit anyone’s individual needs. We all have different wants and desires, so it’s important to find items that match the person you’re buying for. With this list, you can find the perfect item for anyone!
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A Marine-Grade Flashlight/Nav. Light
It’s important to have a high-quality flashlight on board for your sailor, whether they’re navigating dark waters or in need of signaling for help. We have a range of flashlights from hand-held to head lamps and navigational lights for our dingy. Rechargeable flashlights are great, as buying batteries can be a pain, and they’re more sustainable. Plus, you won’t need to remove the batteries from a rechargeable flashlight if it’s in your ditch bag.
Dive Light- This is the dive light I use. It’s older, but has lasted me many years. I’m sure there are more efficient ones nowadays.
Petzl Head Lamp – Super small and lightweight, as well as rechargeable. I bought this specifically for racing because of its size and I mainly just wear it around my neck. I think it may only be water-resistant, but I’ve had it for years. In reality, anything Petzl is super solid.
No Cry – This came with the boat and it’s been a solid light. I can’t seem to find them on Amazon, or on their website. But this is the closest thing.
Nav Save Nav. Light – We use this for our dinghy. It can be used as a forward navigation light or a 360 stern light. It’s great, and super bright!
Waterproof Bags
Whether your sailor is heading out to sea or just needs to keep their belongings dry on deck, a waterproof bag is an essential piece of equipment. We have a variety of brands and sizes. We usually use ours for going to and from the dinghy. We keep an extra one in the dinghy just in case, as you never know when you’ll end up getting stuck in the rain and have to head back in the elements.
They make some lightweight ones that are more intended for camping. We gravitate towards the thicker, rubber ones as they will take a beating on sharp coral, and what have you.
Frelaxy Dry – These are more lightweight, with a rip-stop type material. They can’t take as much of a beating, but are still great.
Seal Line – Baja Bag 20L.
FreeGrace – 5L bag. We probably use this one the most as it’s not too stiff and just the right size to fit our bag we carry.
Sail Repair Kit
Even the most experienced sailors can run into unexpected issues out on the water. A sail repair kit is a great way to be prepared for any situation. There is UV-rated thread for your Dacron-type sails, as well as sticky-back. Remember, when installing the sticky-back, to round off the corners and apply it to both sides.
Tape Option 1 – We don’t even know what brand we have, but something along these lines should work great.
Tape Option 2 – Both options should work great.
Wax Thread – You want to make sure it is UV resistant thread; you can even use it for whipping when splicing.
Sailing Palm – To help push the needle through, again we don’t know what brand we use, but keep in mind there are right-handed and left-handed versions.
Speedy Stitcher – Like the Sail Palm but helps with the stitching more.
Line Splicing Kit
This is one of those nice-to-have items. I have been splicing lines for years, just using a metal coat hanger and a few other tools. However, when we bought our boat, it came with a set, and it’s been really nice to finally have one!
FIDs Set – We’re not sure of the brand we have, but a set like this would work quite nicely.
Wax Thread (Whipping) – This is UV thread that is used for whipping the end of the line. As mentioned in the sail repair kit, they are universal.
Foul Weather Gear (Foulies)
Definitely more on the expensive side, but let’s face it, when you need it you need it. We all usually have some sort of foul weather gear, but it’s usually pretty terrible. It’s usually 20 years old, peeling apart, and was probably a hand-me-down that doesn’t fit. But, we still wear it pretending it still works. If you’re looking for a more expensive gift, these are always appreciated.
Gill Race Fusion Salopettes – Waterproof pants, but you want to make sure you get Salopettes or bibs. You want them to come up as high as they can. Don’t go cheap and just get the pants that only go to your waist, water gets everywhere. If you know, you know.
Foul Weather Jacket – More than just a “waterproof jacket” You can go down a rabbit hole with the variety of options.
Waterproof Clothing (Sealskinz)
They are more for the racers in your life and are also great for camping. But there is basically a plastic layer between the fabric which makes it “waterproof”. I have the socks and the beanie. If you end up getting socks, get the taller ones as it helps prevent water running down your legs. One of the issues is that if/when water gets in there, it tends to pool and doesn’t really dry out well.
Mid length Socks – These are longer than the ones I have, but I would recommend the longest ones you can get.
Beanie – This is the one I have, and it’s great. It keeps you warm and dry. One of the biggest heat losses on the body is from the top of the head; keep it protected!
Knives, Marlin Spikes, Rigging-Multi tools
Knives are difficult with different legalities, but knowing the different types and purposes can be helpful. Straight blade/rigid knives are typically used near the helm/cockpit for fast action if you need to cut a line. Marlin spikes can be used to open shackles, help work out a bad knot, or, if you’re more of a racer, to spike shackles in the event of a spinnaker take-down. I keep a dedicated one near the bow when doing foredeck work. Multi-tools are just that; they have a knife, some basic pliers, and a spike. Whatever you end up finding, just make sure it’s either aluminum or stainless steel; rust is a real thing on boats.
Multi-tool – I don’t like multi-tools to have too many things; nothing Inspector Gadget would use. That’s why I love this one; it’s got the three essential things, not silly toothpicks and tweezers. When I’m racing, this stays on me 24/7; otherwise, it’s near the helm when cruising or on my PFD in heavy weather.
Marlin Spike Fid – I use a custom-made one, but really should upgrade.
Marlin Spike Fid – Just another option than the one above, remember to look for aluminum or stainless steel.
Safety Gear
Safety gear can be tricky to buy for someone as well as it can be pretty expensive. It’s also one of those things that expire, but have a hard time justifying buying a new one when you feel like this one should still work just fine. That being said, as annoying as it is, safety should NOT be compromised. Below are some of many items we have.
ACR C-Strobe II – This is a strobe light that is attached to my PFD (Life Jacket) and is water activated. Need I say more?
Rescue Me MOB1 AIS – This is a unit that is attached to your PFD. When the PFD inflates it adds an MOB waypoint on the vessel’s chart plotter. It also broadcasts an AIS signal for nearby vessels. Make sure to register it to the vessel you are on.
No matter what you choose, these gifts are sure to be appreciated by any sailor on your list. Is there anything we are forgetting? Let us know down in the comments below! Happy holidays!
