5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Cruisers

Shopping for the sailors in your life may be a bit different this year due to supply chain issues. A lot of products we all take for granted come from Europe and Asia and may be stuck on container ships. Nonetheless, let’s go shopping. Here are five items that any sailor, long range cruiser or coastal gunkholer would appreciate.
One: A great sailing watch. It doesn’t have to be a Rolex but it should have a stop watch, a start timer, calendar, alarm and if possible a barometer. Digital or analog? I’d go with digital as it is easier to read at night. Check out the Garmin Captain and Ronstan Clear Start.
Two: A high quality PFD harness and tether. Let’s keep our friends and family on board. Look for light weight, crotch straps and an easy way to mount a personal locator beacon. Check out Mustang, Spinlock, Zhik and West Marine. (If you’re feeling generous, you could add a PLB to the package and the AIS version works best if you have AIS onboard.)
Three: A satellite communication device. There are several on the market in a range of costs but I think veterans would go with an IridiumGo or a Delorme InReach. If you decide on the IridiumGo, you might just add a subscription to a weather and routing service like PredictWind or Ocens.
Four: A new suit of foul weather gear. We all keep our foul weather gear a year or two past its prime so why not step up and make yourself, dry, warm and comfortable when you hit some inclement weather. The well-known brands build coastal and offshore models that will fit your sailing style. Check out Gill, Musto, Helly Hanson, Zhik and West Marine. A pair of sea boots would be a perfect add on. (Dubarry, please.)
Five: A week or more of chartering this winter in some place exotic and warm. If you’ve done the BVI, then try the Grenadines or Antigua and Barbuda. Travel protocols due to Covid are straightforward and can be found on the charter companies’ webpages. You know which of the many charter companies you like. They can’t wait to see you back.
Happy holiday season and stay safe.