Pens at the ready, it’s time to start writing those letters to Santa! Here’s our pick of the 21 best sailing presents you’ll find online for the sailor in your life. From stocking fillers to exotic fishing drones, there’s something that will appeal to every sailor and every budget.
Whether it’s a modest “Secret Santa” pressie you’re after or something really special for your loved one, we’ve got all the bases covered.
TackingMaster
Made in Denmark, the TackingMaster helps making decisions based on wind direction and trends an absolute breeze. This tactical navigation device works with any compass and aims to make it easier to understand and visualise changes and trends of the wind. The wristwatch style and ease of use makes this an ideal aid for any regatta sailor. Simply set the wind direction and the course to mark and then track any shifts by using the user-friendly interface.
Gill Crew Jacket
Available in a range of colours and made from a waterproof and fully breathable fabric, Gill Marines’ range of crew jackets combine style and functionality to perfection. The designs feature anti-pill fleece lining, multiple zipped pockets and drawcords that adjust at bosh the hem and cuffs. They’re highly practical when on board and yet stylish when in the clubhouse. The range includes men’s and women’s crew jackets, gillets, lite jackets and even juniors crew jackets.
Lifedge Ultimate Cable
You’ve probably already bought a waterproof case for your smartphone or tablet, but have you thought about your charging cable? Officially approved by Apple, this 2.0m (6.5ft) long waterproof charging cable is perfect for sailing. It’s fray proof, corrosion proof and fully weatherproof and is supplied with a tangle-free, buoyant cable storage carrier with integrated connector housing.
Force 4 Feather Vane Wind Indicator
Be the envy of the dinghy park with this super sexy carbon-fibre, ultra-sensitive wind indicator. It responds reliably to the lightest of airs and allow you to pick up any shifts long before your competition. The 0.3mm vane has a low-friction bearing and is built to stand the rigours of high-performance racing. It fixes to any standard burgee clip.
Wichard Knife
Made in France and designed for sailing, the Offshore Knife has a range of functions making it an ideal tool for the sailor. Weighing 85g and featuring outstanding corrosion resistance, the Offshore has a serrated blade that can cut through even the strongest fibres such as Dyneema with ease. It utilises single handed opening and has a shackle key, spike and even a bottle opener. The handle has soft grip and glows in the dark for ease of use in low light situations. The blade features a safety lock so no more mishaps and soggy Elastoplasts!
Antique Pond Yacht
If it’s class you’re after, you won’t go far wrong with an antique pond yacht. The Model Yacht Company specialise in buying, selling and restoring vintage model pond yachts. They have a range of original model yachts and steam boats both restored and unrestored. Don’t be taken in by the modern tacky models you’ll find on the High street, these are the real McCoy and ooze class from every angle. Price start at around £375.
Lume-On Lights
Safety is always a high priority when sailing and these simple compact LED lights are a superb safety feature. Simply attach Lume-On to your approved lifejacket and the 2 flashing LEDs illuminate the inflated lifejacket to increase visibility and aid location. They’re water-activated and waterproof. They stick directly to the underside of lifejackets with separate bladder and cover construction and provide up to two hours of intense flashing light. They add very little weight and won’t chafe with their smooth profile and can be retro-fitted to many lifejackets.
Musto Essential Fast Dry Crew Cap
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Available in six colours and a one size fits all, the Musto Fast Dry Crew hat is an ideal stocking filler. It offers exceptional fast-drying and breathable qualities for all weather protection. The polyester fabric has been UV treated whilst the peak protects your eyes from the sun. It features rear adjustment and to prevent loss in high winds, has a retainer clip.
Dubarry Ultima Sailing Boot
Dubarry boots are a design classic and for justifiable reasons too. The classic Ultima boot is available in both men’s and women’s sizes and are waterproof and fully breathable. They have non-slip and non-marking soles and feature Gore-Tex lining to ensure your feet stay toasty and dry even in the heaviest of weathers. Branded with the classic Dubarry brass, rust-proof emblem, the boot is a hybrid between pull up and nubuck leather. They have an expandable section of Lycra incorporated into the boot to ensure comfort for both the average and above average calf measurements. Timeless, practical and fashionable, the Dubarry has it all.
Olaf Urban Scooter
The Olaf Urban Scooter has got to be one of the coolest solutions to both getting around and luggage carrying on the market. The scooter is actually four products rolled into one: a kick-scooter, a trolley, a backpack and a skateboard. The skateboard is based on a wooden platform with a cleverly designed steering system with a special high carbon front axis that absorbs road bumps. The backpack is fully incorporated within the chassis and can be removed in an instant. Hidden wheel cover pockets are added to keep your back clean when worn as a backpack. It’s durable and waterproof and features reflective patches for night visibility. The folding mechanism allows you to easily switch between trolley to kick scooter with just your foot. It also features an additional lever for better support when in either a vertical position or as a trolley.
Harken Performa Racing Winches
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Why not treat your boat to something very special this Christmas? Harken Performa winches are designed to combine the high efficiency of their Radial line with the sandblasted grip of carbon-fibre racing winches. They’re optimised to handle the high-strength line used on performance craft and are a great solution for those who don’t want to invest in carbon winches or for those who need racing winches in smaller sizes. They come in sizes ranging from 20 to 80 and with self-tailing, plain-top or Quattro styles.
Seago E-Power Folding Electric Bike
If the Olaf Urban Scooter sound a bit too much like hard work to get from A to B on, then how about a Seago E-Power Folding Electric Bike? Fitted with a Samsung Li-ion battery and capable of delivering up to 60km in range, the Seago is an easy to fold fun way of getting about once you’ve docked at the marina. It has a built-in luggage rack and a maximum speed of 25kph. The lightweight frame is made from aluminium and has a built-in, well balanced carrying handle. The bike has seven speed gearing and 20inch aluminium wheels along with front fork suspension and disc brakes. If you feel like a little light work-out, then the pedal assist will help keep you trim. It weighs in at 19.9kg including the battery.
Gill Racing Sunglasses
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Protect your eyes and look uber-cool in a pair of Gill Racing sunglasses. The design features polarised, anti-glare, anti-scratch lenses with full UV protection. The innovative design floats in the water and utilises an integrated retainer and vents to stop the lenses steaming up when the pressure is on. To top it all off, they come in a hard case.
Ocean Bound “If You Can Read This I Have Capsized” T-Shirt
Raise a smile on the marina with this humorous 100% cotton T-Shirt. Made from premium-quality 165gsm ring-spun cotton and available in a range of sizes for both men and women. Ocean Bound feature a range of sailing themed T-Shirts, all professionally screen-printed with woven Damask label at the hem. A great little stocking filler.
The Nub
The Nub is an innovative twist on the ubiquitous rope-pulley. The spherical friction block design is capable of holding more than four tonnes of static weight with ease. To put this into perspective, a 16g Nub can hold over four tonnes of static weight! It can be fixed to a preloaded rope and is inherently secure.
Exposure XS and XS-R Torch
Exposure Marine originally developed torches for the professional mountain bike market but soon realised their powerful, superlight and corrosion resistant products were ideal for sea conditions. Exposure torches are used on many trans-ocean racing yachts including the Vendee Globe and the Volvo Ocean Race. The XS is a head torch of compact design and manufactured from marine anodised aluminium. It incorporates a white beam which is essential for full colour definition. The output is a respectable 75 lumens and it weighs 44gms with a battery. The XS-R version features a red LED rather than the white, which is ideal for preserving night adapted vision. Tested to ASTM B117 and found to be corrosion free for at least 1,500 hours of exposure.
Spinlock Chest Pack
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Spinlock’s range of Essential Packs are the perfect solution for keeping your accessories such as mobile phones and VHF close to hand but secure. They are designed to complement the Deckvest 5D lifejacket as belt, side or chest packs. All feature Velcro tie-downs. The Chest Pack is lightly padded with a structured two-way zip and is self-draining. It has a lanyard attachment and key clip for added security. It fits to any belt with secure double fold “hook and loop” attachment and is the perfect way to carry your essentials on board.
Nauticalia Skipper Socks
What to buy the sailor who’s got everything? How about a pair of these jaunty “Skipper” socks? They might not be the least word in sartorial elegance, but they’ll raise a smile over the G&Ts at the end of a long day's sailing. Manufactured in black cotton and available in all men’s sizes from 6-13. Ideal for a “Secret Santa” present.
Pusser's "Yachting" Decanter
Sailing can be thirsty work and what better way of quenching that thirst than with a traditional dram of Navy Rum. This beautiful decanter contains 1 litre of Pusser’s Navy Rum and is decorated with a selection of different yachts and yacht races. Designed to stay upright in the heaviest of weathers, this decanter will take pride of place in any Captain’s cabin.
Mujjo Double Layered Touchscreen Gloves
Ideal for keeping your fingers warm in colder climes whilst still being able to use a touchscreen, these Mujjo Double Layered gloves are a must-have. Developed with an extra layer, made from wool, which acts as an insulator and doubles as lining, providing superb insulation. They feature a leather strap with a magnetic snap button to provide closure. They utilise anti-slip dots to help provide maximum grip. A must-have for those who use touchscreen navigation aids or apps at sea.
Splash Drone 3 Fisherman
The ultimate boy’s toy for the fisherman in your life. The Splash Drone 3 is the most advanced fishing drone on the market. Swellpro developed the drone to create a substantial, fully secure, payload release mechanism for precision fishing bait casting. It has a waterproof frame and features a waterproof FPV camera integrated into the release mechanism which can be tilted within a 90-degree range which greatly increases your scope of vision. The lens captures high-quality video with superb light sensitivity which greatly aids your fishing experience. With a maximum payload of 1kg and the ability to carry more than 10 hook baits, or traces at the same time, it’s even possible to lift a small bass straight out of the water without pulling your rod. With a 1km flying range and 20 minutes flying time, the Splash Drone 3 might not be the cheapest of Christmas present, but it’ll certainly be the best.