There is always plenty of stuff to buy if you’re a sailor, so buying a gift for Christmas should be a doddle.

The biggest problem is probably, do they already have it? If they own a boat, odds are they have most things and possibly the overdraft to go with it!

Hot Water Bottle

This humble yet magical device can revolutionise a chilly night watch or soothe tired, aching muscles at the end of a sailing day. Surely every yacht should have at least 3! Maybe it should be part of the equipment required on commercial vessels? Why didn’t it occur to us before now?! Available just about everywhere!

Portable Anemometer / Weather Station

If the sailor in your life is often hopping between vessels then a portable anemometer (try saying that quickly after a few egg nogs!) can be really useful. You can compare your readings with that of the yacht and check that it’s calibrated. This one on Amazon caught our eye as it also does surface pressure, temperature, humidity and dew point – very useful!

Link to Amazon - Other Vendors are Available!

A Hammock

Probably not an ideal gift for a UK based sailor but in the Mediterranean or Caribbean at the height of the season a hammock usually offers some relief from the heat. We recommend that you get one with a mosquito net!

The Tilley Hat

They have a huge, almost cult like following amongst sailors for good reason. They are practically indestructible, offer great protection from the sun and almost impossible to lose over the side. The hats have a secret compartment, and many are guaranteed for life.

Some of their hats are famous. According to the creator of the Tilley Hat: “Elephant trainer Michael Hackenberger of the Bowmanville (Ontario) Zoo, had his Tilley Hat snatched from his head and eaten by an elephant. Three times. Michael later would find and pick up his Hat, wash it thoroughly, and wear it. He had declined to accept a new Tilley Hat in order that we may have his well-travelled Tilley for our museum. (We were secretly pleased!)”

Tilley UK

The Cockpit Companion

Compact, waterproof and ring bound for quick access to the different sections this can be really useful aide memoir to keep on deck or nearby. It has sections on IRPCS, lights, sounds, tides, engine troubleshooting, knots, buoys and more!

There are also other editions that focus on VHF, weather, navigation, etc.

Link to Amazon - Other Vendors are Available!

Shackle or Deck Key

A shackle or deck key can be a real timesaver for skipper or crew and are a cost effective gift. Small ones can be attached to a keyring whereas the larger ones fit in your pocket and can also handle nuts, fuel / water tanks, bottles of beer, etc.

Shackle Key

Deck Key

Portable LED Lantern

Something like the LE Camping Lantern is an ideal accessory to have onboard a yacht. You can place it on the deck or hang it from the boom to illuminate a cockpit party and because it’s dimmable you can choose the perfect level of brightness to get the ambiance just right. You could also make it super bright to make it easier to find your yacht and see what you’re doing when you return in the dark via your tender.

Link to Amazon - Other Vendors are Available!

Ocean Signal rescueME PLB3

It’s a bit expensive but it’s really cool bit of life saving kit. This beacon combines the global distress coverage of a traditional PLB (based upon the same technology in EPIRBs) with a local AIS man overboard signal. Add to all that a visible and infrared strobe and people all over the planet are going to know when this beacon is activated! Make sure your loved one registers it correctly with Ofcom.

RescueME PLB3 at Marine Superstore

Jolly Parrot Gift Vouchers

Best of all, (obviously, you know we have to plug our own stuff!) why not buy a week or weekend on the water in sunny Gibraltar! We offer fun weekends or structured RYA sailing courses to suit your experience level. 

The Greatest Gift Vouchers Ever Created!

Reeds Almanac

Of course, if you’re really running short on ideas this Christmas you could always consider buying your boat-owning pal next year’s almanac. It may not be very exciting, but it’s useful and essential - and not cheap either. So it might secure an invite to use it in anger on the water!

We recommend the looseleaf version if you're sticking with paper.