Gifts for sailors that earn a place aboard

Gifts for sailors that get used aboard: a floating VHF radio, sailing gloves, a rigging knife, foul-weather gear and a safety course, dinghy to offshore.

12 researched picks
$18 to $295
Updated September 2026
By Considered Gifts editorial desk

Before you shop

Sailing days are wet, bright and busy with lines. Dinghy sailors spend them hiking out and getting splashed; cruising sailors handle docking, anchoring and long hours of sun; racing sailors add starts, crew work and sometimes nights offshore. Space aboard is tight and salt ruins cheap gear, so most sailors own fewer, better things. A gift lands when it makes the boat safer, keeps them drier, or holds up to salt and sun better than what they have now.

The common mistake is nautical decor: anchor mugs, ship’s-wheel clocks and rope art that never leave the house. The better angle is gear they’d use on the water: safety items they keep putting off, like a handheld VHF or a knife they can reach, and upgrades to things that wear out, such as gloves, sunglasses and a dry bag. Foul-weather gear works too, but it has to fit, so check sizes first.

Each pick says whether it suits dinghy, cruising or racing sailors. Prices run from $18 for a sailing classic to about $295 for a coastal sailing jacket, and more than half the list costs under $70. Gear they’d use on most sails comes first, followed by training, books, charts and rope work.

How we chose

Built for salt and spray: picks were designed for marine use, from a floating radio to a corrosion-resistant knife and a welded dry bag.
Safety first: a handheld VHF, a knife they can reach and offshore safety training rank above comfort gear.
Fit flagged: gloves and jackets need sizes, so each sized pick points to the brand’s size information in its tip.
Labeled by sailor: each pick says whether it suits dinghy, cruising or racing sailors.
Checked live: every product was confirmed on a brand or major retailer page in September 2026, and the details below come from those pages.

Quick comparison

All 12 picks at a glance

Jump to any pick for the reasoning, who should skip it, and where to find it.

01Standard Horizon HX891BT floating handheld VHF radio with GPSCruising and racing sailors, and as a backup or dinghy radio on boats with a fixed VHF$280 02Gill Deckhand Short-Finger Sailing GlovesDinghy and inshore sailors who trim sheets and haul halyards by hand$29 03Gill Classic polarized floating sunglassesAny sailor who squints at glare or has lost sunglasses over the side$95 04Spyderco Atlantic Salt folding rigging knife, serratedCruising and offshore sailors, and any crew who wants a line cutter in their pocket$167 05SealLine Discovery Dry BagDinghy sailors and crew who bring a phone, keys and a dry layer aboard$35 06Helly Hansen Pier 4.0 JacketCoastal and inshore sailors who get wet on weeknight races or day sails$295 07US Sailing Safety at Sea course, Offshore OnlineRacing sailors heading offshore and cruisers planning longer passages$165 08The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, Fourth Edition (hardcover)Newer sailors building skills and cruising sailors who want one reference aboard$55 09Samson Rope Splicing Kit with tubular fids and pusherCruising sailors who maintain their own dock lines and running rigging$66 10Waterproof Charts navigation chart of their home watersCruising and day sailors who navigate by phone or chartplotter with no paper backup$33 11Sailing Alone around the World by Joshua Slocum (Penguin Classics)Any sailor, especially cruisers who dream about long passages$18 12SAIL magazine one-year digital subscriptionCruising sailors who want to keep reading about sailing between seasons$27

The picks

Each gift, and who it suits

Handheld VHF radioAbout $280
Standard Horizon HX891BT floating handheld VHF radio with GPS
Best for Cruising and racing sailors, and as a backup or dinghy radio on boats with a fixed VHF
It gives them a radio that floats and can send their position with a distress call. The HX891BT has built-in GPS and Class H DSC, transmits at up to 6 watts, is rated IPX8 submersible, and has a water-activated strobe, a man-overboard function and NOAA weather alerts. It runs on its own rechargeable battery, with an alkaline tray in the box as backup, and Bluetooth allows hands-free use with a headset. SAIL’s editors suggest keeping more than one handheld aboard for weather, the dinghy and backup.
Skip it if
They already carry a recent handheld with GPS and DSC, or they sail only small dinghies close to a staffed club.
Before you buy
DSC needs an MMSI number. BoatUS issues one for U.S. recreational boats under 65 feet that don’t visit foreign ports; the $25 fee is waived for members.
See it at Standard HorizonOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
Sailing glovesAbout $29
Gill Deckhand Short-Finger Sailing Gloves
Best for Dinghy and inshore sailors who trim sheets and haul halyards by hand
They protect their palms when they trim sheets or haul halyards, while leaving fingertips free for knots and shackles. The palm has a double layer of Amara that Gill says won’t absorb or hold water and dries quickly, plus wraparound palm protection and offset finger seams to cut pressure points. The back is four-way stretch fabric with UV 50+ protection, and a rear volume adjustment keeps the wrist flexible. Gloves wear out with use, so a fresh pair is rarely wasted.
Skip it if
They sail in cold water and need full-finger or neoprene gloves, or they already have a pair they like.
Before you buy
Sizes run XS to XXL, and Gill’s fit guide is on the product page. The long-finger Deckhand is $29.95.
See it at GillOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
Polarized sunglassesAbout $95
Gill Classic polarized floating sunglasses
Best for Any sailor who squints at glare or has lost sunglasses over the side
They cut glare off the water, and if they go overboard, they float. The frames use Gill’s Floating Frame Technology, and the seven-layer polarized lenses carry 100% UV400 protection. A hydrophobic outer coating sheds water and reduces salt residue, and side shields cut glare from the edges. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says polarized lenses reduce eyestrain on the water and make it easier to see below the surface, which helps at the helm.
Skip it if
They wear prescription glasses on the boat, or they already own polarized sunglasses they like on a floating retainer.
Before you buy
Gill also sells Mirage Bi-Focal sunglasses for $99.95, a better fit for sailors who wear reading glasses.
See it at GillOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
Rigging knifeAbout $167
Spyderco Atlantic Salt folding rigging knife, serrated
Best for Cruising and offshore sailors, and any crew who wants a line cutter in their pocket
It gives them a knife that can cut a jammed or fouled line fast, and it’s built not to rust. The blunt sheepsfoot tip guards against accidental punctures on a moving deck, and the fully serrated edge is made for rope and webbing. The blade is H-2 steel, which Spyderco calls its most corrosion-resistant alloy. A round hole opens it with either hand, the textured handle grips when wet, and a shackle key is built in. Sailing Magazine’s point holds: a knife they can reach beats a better one in a drawer.
Skip it if
They already carry a sailing knife on their belt or life jacket, or local knife laws make a folding knife awkward to carry.
Before you buy
Spyderco requires buyers to be 18. It comes in black or high-visibility yellow; the blade is 3.68 inches and the knife weighs 2.6 ounces.
See it at SpydercoOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
Dry bagAbout $35
SealLine Discovery Dry Bag
Best for Dinghy sailors and crew who bring a phone, keys and a dry layer aboard
It keeps a spare layer, phone and wallet dry in a wet cockpit or a dinghy. The seams are welded rather than sewn and taped, and the updated DrySeal roll-top makes a tight seal easier to get. A light-colored interior makes things easier to find, and the oval bottom keeps it from rolling around. It’s made in the USA of U.S. and imported materials, from PVC-free polyurethane-coated polyester, in 5-, 10-, 20- and 30-liter sizes.
Skip it if
They already have a dry bag that seals well, or they want a backpack-style dry bag for carrying gear to the dock.
Before you buy
The 5-liter size is $34.95 and larger sizes cost more. The 10-liter bag measures 5 by 8.5 by 14.5 inches and weighs 9.7 ounces.
See it at SealLine (Cascade Designs)Or compare prices on
Google Shopping
Foul-weather jacketAbout $295
Helly Hansen Pier 4.0 Jacket
Best for Coastal and inshore sailors who get wet on weeknight races or day sails
It keeps them dry and visible when spray comes over the bow. The shell uses Helly Hansen’s waterproof, breathable Helly Tech Performance fabric, with a double storm flap and a neon hood that packs into the collar. The sleeves are articulated for less restriction over a life jacket, the pockets have drainage holes so water doesn’t pool, and there are chest hand-warmer pockets and a D-ring for a kill cord. Helly Hansen lists it for coastal and inshore sailing; its Skagen jacket is the offshore option.
Skip it if
They sail offshore or overnight in heavy weather, or you don’t know their size and how they layer.
Before you buy
Sizes run S to 4XL, and Helly Hansen says customers find it true to size; still confirm their size. A women’s Pier 4.0 exists, and returns are taken within 30 days.
See it at Helly HansenOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
Safety courseAbout $165
US Sailing Safety at Sea course, Offshore Online
Best for Racing sailors heading offshore and cruisers planning longer passages
It teaches them what to do when things go wrong at sea, which no piece of gear can. The Offshore Online course runs 15 units over 12 to 13 hours, covering crew-overboard rescue, emergency communication, heavy weather, storm sails and life rafts. Certificates last five years, and US Sailing says it’s the only U.S. organization sanctioned by World Sailing to issue them. The coastal version meets race requirements under U.S. rules, and a hands-on international course is required for long-distance and international offshore races.
Skip it if
They sail only small boats close to shore, or they already hold a current Safety at Sea certificate.
Before you buy
US Sailing lists the Offshore Online course at $165, or $140 for members. The shorter Coastal Online course, about four to five hours, is $60.
See it at US SailingOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
Reference bookAbout $55
The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, Fourth Edition (hardcover)
Best for Newer sailors building skills and cruising sailors who want one reference aboard
It gives them one reference that runs from basic boat handling to heavy weather. First published in 1983, John Rousmaniere’s book, illustrated by Mark Smith, is used as a textbook in sailing schools and Power Squadrons, according to its description. It covers sail trim, weather, seasickness, onboard safety, piloting, navigation, electronics including DSC, anchoring, emergencies and maintenance. Three dozen Hands On sections each work through a specific seamanship problem, which makes it useful to reread aboard, not just once at home.
Skip it if
They already own an edition, or they learn better from courses and videos than from a thick reference book.
Before you buy
Simon & Schuster lists the hardcover at $55 and notes that prices vary by retailer.
See it at Simon & SchusterOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
Splicing kitAbout $66
Samson Rope Splicing Kit with tubular fids and pusher
Best for Cruising sailors who maintain their own dock lines and running rigging
It lets them make their own eye splices in double-braid line for dock lines and sheets, instead of taking every job to a rigger. The kit holds five tubular fids for 1/4-, 5/16-, 3/8-, 7/16- and 1/2-inch line, a small pusher, and Samson’s instructions for a Class I double braid eye splice, all in a plastic storage tube. It suits sailors who like working on their own boat and want a rope skill beyond knots.
Skip it if
They never work on their own lines, or they already own a set of fids.
Before you buy
Samson sells through retailers; Fisheries Supply listed it in stock at $65.96. Compare the fid sizes with the diameter of the lines they use most.
See it at fisheriessupply.comOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
Nautical chartAbout $33
Waterproof Charts navigation chart of their home waters
Best for Cruising and day sailors who navigate by phone or chartplotter with no paper backup
It gives them a paper backup for the waters they sail most, printed to survive the cockpit. The company has made waterproof, tear-resistant charts in the USA since 1978, printed on both sides for more coverage, with more than 200 locations across the U.S. and Caribbean, from Maine to the Pacific Northwest. A navigation chart such as the Northern Chesapeake Bay sheet costs $32.95. Choosing the title for their home waters shows attention to where they actually sail.
Skip it if
They sail a small inland lake with no title, or they already keep paper charts for their area.
Before you buy
Find their area under Charts by Region. Some areas also have fishing charts, so pick the navigation chart.
See it at Waterproof ChartsOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
BookAbout $18
Sailing Alone around the World by Joshua Slocum (Penguin Classics)
Best for Any sailor, especially cruisers who dream about long passages
It’s the classic account of the first solo voyage around the world, and a good read on a mooring or a winter night. Joshua Slocum left Boston in April 1895 aboard the Spray, a 36-foot wooden sloop, and spent three years covering more than 46,000 miles alone. His account includes pirates off Gibraltar, raging storms, coral reefs and a visit with explorer Henry Stanley in South Africa. This Penguin paperback has an introduction by Thomas Philbrick.
Skip it if
They’ve read it already, or they prefer technical books to travel writing.
See it at bookshop.orgOr compare prices on
Google Shopping
Magazine subscriptionAbout $27
SAIL magazine one-year digital subscription
Best for Cruising sailors who want to keep reading about sailing between seasons
It keeps sailing in their week when they can’t get on the water, with eight issues a year. SAIL’s editors included a subscription in their own last-minute gift guide, and it takes up no space aboard, which suits sailors who already own the gear they need. Digital-only is the cheapest option; print plus digital adds the paper magazine. It pairs well with one of the books on this list for a small, clutter-free gift.
Skip it if
They already subscribe, or they get their sailing news from forums and videos instead.
Before you buy
Print plus digital is $35 a year, and SAIL says to allow 8 to 12 weeks for the first print issue. The order form has a Give A Gift option.
See it at SAILOr compare prices on
Google Shopping

Before you buy

Where this gift can go wrong

Nautical decor like anchor mugs, ship’s-wheel clocks and rope art. Space aboard is tight, and sailors tend to prefer gear that works on the water over things for a shelf.
Foul-weather gear or deck shoes as a surprise. Both depend on size and fit, and jackets are cut to layer over other clothes, so check their size or shop together.
Cheap knives with pointed tips and plain steel. Sailing Magazine notes blunt tips are safer on a wet, moving deck, and high-quality stainless resists salt water better than standard steel.
A VHF radio without the paperwork. DSC distress calls need an MMSI, and the Coast Guard notes that international voyages require an FCC ship station license and an operator permit.
Polarized sunglasses without a word about screens. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes polarized lenses can make LCD screens hard to read, so a chartplotter may look different through them.

Useful answers

Questions people ask

What is a good gift for someone who sails?

Start with gear used on most sails: sailing gloves, floating polarized sunglasses and a welded dry bag. Next come safety upgrades, like a floating handheld VHF with GPS and DSC or a corrosion-resistant rigging knife. For sailors who have plenty of gear, a Safety at Sea course, a seamanship book or a waterproof chart of their home waters works well. Skip nautical decor and anything sized unless you know their fit.

Do you need a license to use a handheld VHF radio on a boat?

Not for most recreational boating in U.S. waters. The Coast Guard notes the Telecommunications Act of 1996 lets recreational boaters use a VHF radio without an FCC ship station license. Boaters on international voyages need a station license and a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit. DSC distress calling also needs an MMSI number; BoatUS issues them for U.S. recreational boats under 65 feet that don’t visit foreign ports.

Are polarized sunglasses good for sailing?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says polarized lenses cut glare from water, reduce eyestrain on the water and make it easier to see below the surface. It notes two caveats: polarized lenses can make LCD screens hard to read, and blocking UV is a separate feature from polarization, so check the label for both. Floating frames or a floating retainer keep a dropped pair from being lost.

What is the US Sailing Safety at Sea course?

It’s US Sailing’s safety training for sailors who race or cruise offshore. The online versions cover topics such as crew-overboard rescue, emergency communication, heavy weather and life rafts; the Offshore Online course takes about 12 to 13 hours and costs $165 for non-members. An international version adds hands-on training, such as boarding a life raft in a pool, and is required for long-distance and international offshore races. Certificates are valid for five years.

Research record

What we read

The sources that shaped this list, beyond the product pages linked with each pick. Last reviewed September 2026.

01USCG Navigation Center: FCC Radio Licensesnavcen.uscg.gov 02BoatUS: MMSI FAQboatus.com 03American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Are Polarized Lenses?aao.org 04Sailing Magazine: Sailing knivessailingmagazine.net 05US Sailing: Safety at Sea Coursesussailing.org 06SAIL: The SAIL Last-Minute Gift Guidesailmagazine.com

Standard Horizon HX891BT floating handheld VHF radio with GPS

Gill Deckhand Short-Finger Sailing Gloves

Gill Classic polarized floating sunglasses

Spyderco Atlantic Salt folding rigging knife, serrated

SealLine Discovery Dry Bag

Helly Hansen Pier 4.0 Jacket

US Sailing Safety at Sea course, Offshore Online

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, Fourth Edition (hardcover)

Samson Rope Splicing Kit with tubular fids and pusher

Waterproof Charts navigation chart of their home waters

Sailing Alone around the World by Joshua Slocum (Penguin Classics)

SAIL magazine one-year digital subscription

Where this gift can go wrong

Questions people ask

New guides and seasonal deadlines, occasionally.