Have an avid sailor on your holiday gift list? From a super versatile tote bag to a coffee maker made for traveling and weather gear for the younger set, here are Cruising World’s editors’ gift picks for 2019.
Young crew members want to stay warm and dry too! Keep cruising kids protected from the elements in Gill’s OS3 gear. The Jacket is breathable, waterproof and windproof and features a high-cut thermal collar, high-visibility hood deep pockets and adjustable cuffs.
The Trousers are durable and lightweight and feature adjustable straps and cuffs for the perfect fit.
Know a traveling coffee lover? This GSI Gourmet Pour-Over Coffee set, which fits neatly into a small carry bag, includes a personal-sized burr coffee grinder and a collapsible pour-over coffee maker with a reusable filter. Perfect for bringing on the boat for a weekend cruise or on a charter vacation.
If someone you love is heading off on an adventure, the ACR ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacon would be appreciated. This PLB has been designed with input from survivors. It’s compact, lightweight and easy to carry, and it features ACR’s Optical Display Technology for even more reassurance and peace of mind when waiting for rescue. The ResQLink View’s screen displays all the beacon’s operational activities, including GPS coordinates, operating instructions, usage tips, transmission bursts, as well as battery power.
A stand-up paddleboard is a great way to explore an anchorage once the hook is down, not to mention going for a paddle is great exercise. The problem? Storing a full-size hard SUP is challenging on most cruising boats. The Easy Eddy solves this. The three-piece board is made from 10-percent recycled plastic and can assemble in less than a minute. It weighs just 37 pounds, is virtually indestructible and can stow easily in a locker or the trunk of a car.
Don’t let this blanket’s extreme softness fool you: it also has a tough side. The Pretty Rugged line of blankets are made for life outdoors and feature a luxurious faux fur on one side, and a waterproof, windproof fabric on the back — perfect for cool evenings in the cockpit or sitting by a campfire. Have it embroidered with the boat’s name for a personal touch!
A fun nautical tidbit—the company was launched by Joshua Slocum’s great-great-granddaughter, Tracy Slocum.
If you have a sailor on your list who also has a coffee table… Sailing America is the perfect addition to that coffee table. This gorgeous volume of work by noted marine photographer Onne van der Wal is a “celebration of American sailing.” The hefty book features nearly 200 gorgeous images spanning the sailing world from dinghy racing in New England to quiet anchorages in the Pacific Northwest.
These days, we seem to use our delicate (expensive) electronics for everything. Protect them with Ugo cases for tablets and phones. More than just a case though, the Ugo can also hold all your important documents, cards, IDs, etc., making it the perfect “go ashore” bag. Ugo is watertight and floats, and you can even use your device while it’s safe in the case.
One of the perhaps less glamorous parts of the cruising life is the schlepping. Groceries, boat parts, laundry… you name it, cruisers will likely have to schlep it from shop to dinghy to boat. Anything to make this task easier is better. The Patagonia Black Hole Ultralight 27L tote bag is sturdy and versatile. It has both shoulder and backpack straps, features a durable water-repellent finish and can even stuff into its own pocket when not needed. Another cool feature? It’s made out of 100 percent recycled nylon and polyester.
Perfect for someone who would like a mental break all year long, the Cruising World 2020 calendar features images of the sailing life from around the world.
Looking for a truly unique gift? Check out this line of items from Cape Horn Sails including wallets, journals, keychains, coasters and more all with a piece of a sail from the bottom of the world. Cape Horn was founded by Chilean sailor and designer Antonia Undurraga, and each product has been handmade by local Chilean artisans with genuine leather and sailcloth from racing yachts that have undertaken arduous journeys in the Chilean south.
To quote Captain Ron, “Diesels love their oil like a sailor loves rum.” Or something like that. Either way, most sailors would be happy to find a bottle under their tree, and Mount Gay XO is definitely gift-worthy. XO is aged for 8 to 15 years in whiskey and bourbon casks to produce a smooth rum that tastes lovely in a cocktail, but truly shines when served neat or on the rocks.
