How we recommend
We recommend gear by category and use, not by brand, and do not quote prices. We may earn a commission on purchases at no cost to you.
Get trained
This page explains the principles. It is not a substitute for hands-on instruction from a recognized program such as US Sailing, the RYA or ASA, and it does not replace the safety rules that apply where you sail.
Better chosen together than as a surprise
Some sailing gear depends so much on the person, the boat and the rules that it is better bought with the sailor than for them.
- Life jackets. The Coast Guard sizes them by the wearer's weight, says inflatables come in adult sizes only and do not suit weak swimmers, and advises trying a life jacket in the water to check the wearer's airway stays clear. That is hard to do with a wrapped box. See life jackets.
- Beacons. In the US, the Coast Guard says every 406 MHz beacon must be registered and that whoever buys a US-coded beacon must register it with NOAA. NOAA says registration must be renewed every two years, and the Coast Guard says that when a beacon changes hands without the records being updated, rescuers may contact the previous owner. If you give one, make sure the recipient registers it in their own name. See safety beacons.
- Drysuits. All At Sea says a drysuit should be sized to fit over winter thermal layers, and the choice of seals and zip is personal. Ask first, or give a gift card toward one.
- Foul weather gear. Coastal and offshore gear are built for different sailing, so find out where they sail before buying. See foul weather gear.
Gifts that are hard to get wrong
Base and mid layers
The RYA's advice is to dress in layers under a waterproof shell, and Gill describes the base layer's job as wicking moisture away from the skin.
Best for: Every sailor
Sailing sunglasses
The RYA lists sunglasses, worn on a retainer, and a hat in its advice on what to wear for yacht sailing.
Best for: Keelboat and yacht sailors
Sailing gloves
PBO says sailing gloves prevent blisters, and Better Boat, a retailer, says reinforced palms help against rope burn. Ask whether they prefer fingerless or full-finger, and check their size.
Best for: Anyone who handles lines
Deck shoes
NauticEd says to replace boat shoes once the sole goes hard or slippery, because cleaning will not restore the grip, and suggests keeping a pair just for the boat. You will need their size.
Best for: Sailors whose current soles have gone hard
Handheld VHF radio with DSC and GPS
Boating Magazine recommends IPX7 waterproofing, a radio that floats or comes with a flotation case, and DSC with GPS. The Coast Guard says a DSC radio must be programmed with an MMSI to identify the caller; in the US, BoatUS issues them for recreational boats under 65 ft that stay in US waters, so the recipient will need to set that up.
Best for: Sailors without a radio of their own
Marine first aid kit
A first aid kit is on US Sailing's nearshore racing equipment list.
Best for: Boat owners
For dinghy sailors
PBO recommends a UV50 rash vest as a summer base layer for dinghy sailing, and mentions neoprene gloves for cold weather. Hiking pants and wetsuits have to fit, so treat them like the sized items above. See dinghy gear.
Sources
- RYA, what to wear sailing
- Gill, layering guide
- PBO, what to wear dinghy sailing
- Better Boat, sailing gloves guide
- NauticEd, the complete guide to boat footwear
- US Coast Guard, Digital Selective Calling article (2024, PDF)
- BoatUS, MMSI frequently asked questions
- Boating Magazine, handheld VHF buying advice
- US Sailing, Safety Equipment Requirements 2025.2, nearshore monohull (PDF)
- US Coast Guard Boating Safety, wearing your life jacket
- US Coast Guard Navigation Center, 406 MHz beacons
- NOAA SARSAT, beacon registration
- All At Sea, drysuit guide