Gifts for Sailors
First establish whether sailing means racing a small dinghy, crewing on someone else’s yacht or spending weekends cruising. The space available and the equipment they own will be very different. Choose a personal item or a contribution to a requested experience before buying fittings for a boat you have not seen; even familiar-looking hardware can be the wrong size.
Ideas prepared by WantThis
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How we chose these gifts
These are editorial ideas, not tested products. “Plan up to” is a suggested spending allowance, not a retailer price or a promise that every version costs that amount. Check the exact fit, current price and delivery before buying.
What makes a good pick
- Separate dinghy sailing from yacht cruising when choosing storage and clothing.
- Ask for a specific glove model and size if you want to replace a favourite pair.
- Avoid mounting hardware or electronics without the boat owner’s agreement.
The ideas
- 1
A compact personal dry bag
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Crew carrying spare clothing aboard
A clearly identifiable bag gives their own spare layers and small belongings a single home. Choose a size that fits the storage they are allowed aboard and a colour that is easy to distinguish from crew bags.
Before you buy: Check the closure and water-protection rating; do not assume it can be submerged.
- 2
A sailing logbook
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Someone recording trips and experience
A logbook creates a lasting record of places, boats and crewmates without adding equipment to the vessel. Look inside for a layout that suits their purpose, with enough space for notes rather than only formal tick boxes.
Before you buy: Check whether they need a particular training organisation’s logbook.
- 3
A glasses retainer matched to their frames
Plan up to £15A good fit for: A sailor who already wears glasses on the water
A compatible retainer is a small practical replacement for a worn strap. Check the arm ends and adjustment style so it works with their own frames rather than buying a novelty accessory that slips off.
Before you buy: A retainer is not a guarantee against loss; ask whether it fits beneath their usual headwear.
- 4
A chartwork practice set
Plan up to £40A good fit for: A learner taking a navigation course
The exact plotting tools requested by their tutor can turn a generic present into useful course support. A neat case keeps rulers, pencils and dividers together for homework and classroom sessions.
Before you buy: Use the course kit list; chart editions and training materials can be specific.
- 5
A soft personal wash bag
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Cruising sailors using marina facilities
A hanging wash bag makes trips between boat and shore facilities less awkward. A soft design packs into limited space and keeps the practical items together without claiming precious room for another hard case.
Before you buy: Check packed dimensions and choose materials that dry readily.
- 6
A sailing-course contribution
Plan up to £100A good fit for: Someone who has named their next sailing skill
Contributing to a chosen course supports the part of sailing they actually want to develop. Let the recipient select the level, venue and dates, and present the contribution with a note about their goal.
Before you buy: Confirm voucher expiry and whether accommodation, equipment or assessment costs are extra.
Save your favourites
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Create your free listFAQs
Should I buy sailing gloves?
Buy their requested model and size. Grip, finger coverage and fit are personal, and a cruising sailor may prefer something different from a dinghy racer.
What suits someone who crews but does not own a boat?
Personal storage, a logbook or help with a course is more appropriate than permanent boat equipment.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.