Inspired by this year’s top picks from leading yachting magazines
Shopping for a sailor? Every year, yachting magazines publish their Christmas gift guides packed with clever gadgets, kit upgrades, and stylish gear designed for life at sea. We’ve rounded up the best ideas — the ones real boat owners rave about — to help you find the perfect present for the skipper or crew member in your life.
1. Editor’s Choice: High-Performance Sailing Jackets
Yachting magazines consistently highlight premium foul-weather gear as the ultimate winter gift.
Think breathable, waterproof jackets ideal for early-season passages or chilly marina days.
Look for:
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Offshore-grade waterproofing
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Fleece-lined collars
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Reflective safety patches
A serious upgrade for any sailor’s wardrobe.
2. “Most Wanted”: Personal AIS Man Overboard Beacons
Regularly topping magazine safety roundups, AIS MOB beacons are a smart, lifesaving gift.
Sailors appreciate:
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Automatic activation when hitting the water
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GPS pinpointing for quick recovery
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Compact, lifejacket-friendly size
It’s the gift you hope they’ll never need — but one they’ll be thankful to own.
3. Tech Favourites: Marine Smartwatches & Sailing Instruments
Featured heavily across yachting tech reviews this year, sailing smartwatches offer:
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Wind, tide, and race timer features
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GPS charting
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Heart-rate and fitness tracking
A sleek choice for both cruising sailors and racers.
4. Marina Essentials: Premium Mooring Lines & Fender Sets
Boat owners always appreciate practical upgrades, and magazines frequently spotlight the difference good lines make.
Ideal gifts include:
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Braided, low-stretch mooring lines
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Colour-coordinated fender sets
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Chafe guards for winter protection
Perfect for anyone berthed here at Sutton Harbour.
5. On-Board Comfort: Cabin Heaters, Dry Bags & Deck Shoes
Lifestyle sections in boating magazines often highlight comfort tech for colder months.
Top picks include:
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Portable cabin heaters (great for winter maintenance days)
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High-quality dry bags for dinghy trips
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Non-slip deck shoes with quick-drying mesh
Practical, stylish, and always appreciated.
6. Navigation Must-Haves: Updated Almanacs & Chartbooks
Every December, magazines remind sailors that new-year editions of pilot books and charts are essential.
Gift ideas:
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The latest cruising almanac
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Updated local chart packs
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Practical seamanship guides
Perfect for anyone planning an active 2026 season.
7. Luxury Gifts: Handmade Knot Boards & Nautical Décor
A favourite in the “gifts under £50/£100” features, classic maritime décor is timeless.
Consider:
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Framed knot displays
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Brass compasses
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Antique-style tide clocks
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Driftwood-style boat sculptures
Ideal for home offices, saloons, and marina lodges.
8. Stocking Fillers Featured in Every Yachting Gear Roundup
Small, clever items that boat owners use constantly:
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Floating sunglasses
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Waterproof phone cases
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Rechargeable LED head torches
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Compact multitools
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Marine-grade hand cream for winter sailing
Perfect add-ons or last-minute gifts.
Set Sail Into the Festive Season
Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned skipper or a weekend cruiser, these magazine-approved favourites are guaranteed to make waves on Christmas morning.
From all of us at Sutton Harbour — wishing you a Merry Christmas, calm seas, and a joyful start to the New Year.
