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5 best presents to buy a dinghy sailor for Christmas

Written by Christian Brewer

A penguin holds a gift beside a stack of presents and stockings near a boat, with snowflakes falling.

Essential gift ideas every dinghy sailor
will love

It’s coming up to that time of year when we all start wracking our brains for the perfect Christmas present. If you’ve got a dinghy sailor in your life, or you’re one yourself and want to drop a few hints, here are my top five gift ideas that are guaranteed to be hit. I’m hoping my wife reads this article!

1. Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028

RYA – £13.49

The essential guide to the latest racing rules, and perfect reading for those long winter evenings. A better understanding of the rules will give you more confidence on the race course and can come in handy when it’s time to lodge a protest! It will also give you the confidence to remind other competitors of their error(s) and suggest penalty turns!

You can buy the book direct from the RYA, or from your local chandlery.

A man in a red sailing suit is sitting in a small sailboat on a lake, surrounded by other sailboats on a clear day.

2. Rooster Pro Aquafleece top

Rooster Sailing – RRP £85 (junior) to £110 (senior)

I love my Pro Aquafleece, I use it all the time once the temperature starts to drop. I especially like the snug, adjustable neck seal which protects me from spray going down my neck. These are durable garments that will give many seasons of use if washed down with fresh water regularly and dry stored.

You can buy the Pro Aquafleece in both a men’s and women’s cut, as well as a junior version. They also have gloves, beanies and balaclava in the range. Shop the range on the Rooster website here.

3. Gill Stealth Timer Watch

Multiple outlets from £79.95

I would love for someone to buy me one of these…please. The design features an easy to read watch face with multiple countdown functions including a vibrate mode for silent countdown in close proximity to other boats. Available from all good chandleries and online.

Round digital wristwatch with an orange bezel, black strap, and large display showing the date and time.

A blue Spinlock Wing life jacket with front zipper pocket, viewed from the front on a white background.

4. Spinlock Wing buoyancy
aid PFD

Multiple outlets – RRP £71.86

This is a fantastic piece of kit. It has a very comfortable, snug design with side zip, and it doesn’t catch under the boom when I’m tacking. It comes in lots of different sizes and colours. Highly recommended. Find out more here.

5. Barton babySPLICE

Multiple outlets – RRP £53.42

The easiest to use splicing tool on the market, perfect for dyneema dinghy control lines up to 4mm. The ergonomic handle comes with a wrist strap and three splicing needles. Brush up on your technique by watching this splicing demonstration video, featuring yours truly!

Find out more on the Barton website.

Available to purchase from all good chandleries or online.

Prices correct at time of publishing

Christian Brewer is a member of Whitstable Yacht Club and a former Olympic Squad and British Sailing Team member in the Tornado class. He has won fifteen National and one European Championship in catamarans and One Design keel boats. A former sailmaker and charter yacht sales manager, Christian has sailed extensively in Europe, the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

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