It’s a great time of the year to plan adventures for 2021, especially after the stop-start year that was 2020. Every sailor worth their salt will be planning to set sail soon. But what can you get the sailor who probably has ‘everything’? Our gift ideas for sailors will help you select something both practical and unexpected.
By Ryan Scott
Garmin GPSMAP 65s R8999
Often potential adventure locations are filled with GPS challenges. With the 65s you can plot your next move with the built in navigation sensors, and make use of the TopoActive Africa map software for existing coordinate details. What we really find useful is the colour display, even in the sunlight, and the 16 hour battery life in GPS mode.
Ocean Scout Handheld Thermal from R13 000
This hand held camera is your best friend in the dark to avoid other vessels, debris, landmarks and buoys. Operating off thermal also provides the option of helping you identify and rescue people in the water as body heat will quickly show up on the screen.
Gill Tall Yachting Boot R1485
Grippy deck friendly outsoles and a padded tie top will have you heavy weather ready and the reinforced heel, instep and toe, made from 100% natural rubber, equip you for all eventualities on and around your boat. Removable, cushioned inner soles can come in handy too.
Apex Spool Kit 15m R1356
A little diving exploration from your boat is always a good idea. This simple life-line spool with its light, strong anodised aluminium alloy hub is easy to grip on the flared, ribbed sides and uses a strong, high-visibility line. Keep it handy and you’ll find many more uses around the boat.
Tides Map R105
This is our first purchase every year. A gift to ourselves covering tides every day of the year for Durban and Cape Town. The 995mm long chart plots the hourly information on a grid with high tides on the crests and low-tides in the troughs.
Atlantic Yachting Sail & Power Course: Mile Building R10450
Super yacht crew, skipper training, small and large power boaters, windsurfers, and upskilling for those already experienced sailors; these options are all on the menu as the perfect gift for your special sailing person. We recommend the Mile Building course – there is always room to learn new skills.
A sound SOS solution: Spot X R4499
Having a S.O.S solution working beyond cellular connection is always a good idea. The satellite messaging functionality is quite broad, but the core reason behind the Spot is to efficiently be in contact with search and rescue if needed and to communicate once they have received your signal.
NiGlo Self Charge Gear Marker R109
This little 5cm glow stick can make a big difference in your visibility and safety. The beauty of the functionality is that it is always rechargeable from either sunlight (best) or even from other artificial light sources.
Ullman Sails Delta Duffel Bag R1500
It’s amazing to see such quality from upcycled sails. Made from white dacron, outdoor canvas and ripstop, the duffel has a 38litre carrying volume with an extra detachable internal pouch to hold your valuables.
A subscription to Sail + Leisure Magazine
For sailors who want to keep up to date with international racing, and the most desirable cruising waters, a digital subscription to our quarterly magazine is a must!
With your subscription you will be automatically signed up for our weekly newsletter for the latest news, views and reviews.
Read our ultimate Lux Gift Guide for wonderful ideas on the best fragrances, jewellery, travel bags and so much more.
