Our Top 10 Gift Ideas for Sailors and Power Boaters 

1. All Weather Gear: Gloves, moisture wicking fabrics, and non-skid footware are a must on power and sail boats throughout the year. Traditional favorites include Helly Hansen and Xtratuf and the stylish performance brand Zhik for their durability, style, and innovation.
2. Stand Up Paddleboards & Kayaks: Inflatable, easy to store toys like SUP’s and Kayaks are favorites amoung our charter clients. Our recommended local source for Paddleboards and more is Pacifica Paddle Boards in Brentwood Bay (easy to reach from Sidney if you want to buy a board for your upcoming charter). One of our very own Instructor’s Mike Nayakas also has a line of boards at MyOwnSailboat.com that are easy to carry and feature original design.
3. Monoculars & Binoculars: You can spend a little or a lot on these tools. Barksa’s Deep Sea Monocular is a favorite among some of our instructors. Yachting World has a great guide to buying binoculars for the new and experienced skipper in your life.
4. Charting Tools: Protractors, parallel rulers, magnifying glasses, dividers, and hand-bearing compasses are essential tools for all mariners that make great gifts. We prefer using a Portland Plotter to make conversions from True to Magnetic easy. Several fun tools are featured in this useful, quick video.
5. Coastal Navigation Courses: Coastal Navigation is an essential skill for all boaters, especially when cruising our wild and wonderful West Coast. We offer opportunities to study Online and can add Coastal Navigation to any charter booking at a discounted price.
6. Guides for Your Next Trip: An essential PNW guide to services and marinas, with tips for the favorite places in the area – if you’re planning a visit on the water this year, the Waggoner’s Guide is a must. And for more comprehensive information about safe anchorages and routes, we recommend Salish Sea Pilot, an extensive, expertly scouted and affordable online guides for the entire region – Puget Sound to the Broughtons and the West Coast of Vancouver Island. These reliable, up-to-date guides are perfect for your planning, easy to download and print, and will make your next trip a safe and relaxing time in our beautiful and complex area.
7. Headlamp with Red Light: Whether you’re on a night passage or just want to find your way around the boat without waking your crew, a comfortable, light headlamp is a must-have for everyone’s kit bag.
8. Dry Bags & Soft Sided Duffle Bags: Rolling bags and suitcases don’t mix well with the soles of boats and tight spaces – dry bags and soft sided duffle bags
9. Items to Make Marina Showers Spa-like: An easy to carry men or women’s dopp kit (ideally with a hook), microfiber towels, hair towels and wraps, , shower sandals – make an extra thoughtful gift. Make walking up to the marina showers after a fun few days on the boat will feel extra special when everything you need!
10. Boating Lessons!: Take a course, become more comfortable and competent on the water, and have a lot more fun with your friends and family. Our Sailing School and Power Boating Training Program – from beginner advanced – is the best way to get started, reduce your marine insurance rates, and plan a fabulous learning vacation with your friends. Our Spring Training Schedule has many ideas and gift opportunities or contact us for ideas.