Yes, I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but Christmas is coming in only six more weeks, which raises the question – what do give your favorite cruising boat captain or mate? There are always many opportunities here, no matter how large the boat is, or how experienced the owner is, or how much stuff (all totally necessary, of course) is already on the boat.
In the next few weeks, we’ll have more great gift ideas, but here, for a start, is a list of 41, yes 41, Christmas presents from Yachting World, the British magazine. It has a few that apply only to sailboat owners, but the vast majority work for the rest of us too. And for the prices, some are in dollars, but when in pounds, remember that the British pound sterling is equal to $1.29.
Just to get you thinking, I made my own very short list of favorites here. If you don’t already have it, think about the Garmin inReach device so the captain can keep in touch with everyone back home on his or her next cruise. I’ve tried it several times; it’s easy to use, and it provides everyone with an extra sense of safety and security.
The Raymarine (FLIR) Ocean Scout thermal camera would be a great addition to any cruise, helping with navigation at night or during periods of low visibility. Then there are the Touchscreen gloves so you can swipe a screen on your phone or chartplotter without having to take your gloves off; handy for cold-weather cruising.
The Go-Cycle portable electric bike folds to fit in the lazarette of most cruising boats, and it certainly would help you move around on shore during your next cruise. And then my favorite of all, although it probably should wait until New Year’s Eve: Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum, so you can drink like Ernest Hemingway. Read more:
