Gift Ideas, Curated by Experts
Looking for the ultimate Christmas gift for the sailor in your life? From dinghy, to cruising yacht, to optimist, we asked Gill ambassadors across the world for Gill sailing gift recommendations which we’ve curated for a collection of inspiring ideas to ignite their passion for the water. From performance sailing gear to practical accessories, there’s something for everyone, whether they’re a seasoned sailor or just starting their nautical journey.
Matt & Amy, Sailing Yacht Florence
Matt & Amy set off in 2016 to sail around the world on their 37ft monohull, Florence. Thousands of miles and multiple oceans later, the adventure is still ongoing.
- The Fitzroy jacket – This has been our go-to midlayer all season sailing around Britain, windproof and warm when sailing, and packs up small and light for stuffing in a rucksack when exploring ashore.
- Cromarty fleeces – Onboard below, our are our first choice when the evening starts to get cold, comfy and cosy.
- Gill backpacks – Ashore, they keep all our camera gear dry no matter how wet the weather, or the dinghy ride, and they have stood up to constant use hiking, exploring, and carrying the shopping back to Florence.
- Beanie hats – We wore these constantly throughout the Scottish summer! Amy loves her red seafarer beanie, comfy, warm and worth doing a man overboard drill for when it was knocked off her head! Matt prefers the waterproof beanie as the waterproof layer also does a great job of stopping the wind in his ears on night watch and is a snug fit.
- OS thermal zip neck – This is Matt’s everyday top both on and off camera. Perfect worn with UV trousers or our OS1 system.
Aina Bauza
Aina Bauza, a passionate sailor from Mallorca, Spain, competitor in various sailing classes, including Mini 6.5, Figaro 3, Class 40, and Laser Radial. A highlight of her career is setting a new solo transatlantic sailing record in a monohull.
- Waterproof Socks – Waterproof Socks – Essential for keeping your feet dry and comfortable, especially during wet conditions. Sailing without them is unthinkable!
- Offshore Hat – A must-have for nighttime or rainy conditions. It keeps your ears warm and dry while protecting you from the rain.
- Women’s Verso Drysuit – The lightest drysuit on the market compared to other brands, making it ideal for any weather condition. It stands out as the only truly practical option for warm weather. On colder days, simply add layers underneath, and you’ll stay perfectly warm and dry.
- Thermal Neck Gaiter – Excellent for preventing water from seeping into your neck area. It’s especially useful for staying warm when the sun sets and temperatures drop.
Marie Barrue
- Aqua parka – It is my favorite garment. I wear it on the water in between races and during waiting periods, but also when I come back ashore to keep warm while derigging my boat. (Bonus: I feel very stylish wearing it.)
- Women’s Pursuit Neoprene Leggings – In light wind, they allow me to feel my boat and to be comfortable even when sitting on the side of the boat.
- ZenTherm 2.0 Top – For winter, it’s my must-have to keep warm and not lose mobility during sailing.
- ZenZero Top – In light wind and to protect my skin from the sun. They are light and easy to carry anywhere.
Charlie Holland
Optimist sailor, Charlie Holland’s had a fantastic season in the Optimist class across the IOCA & other global events including: 1st Junior & 7th overall at the Optimist Easter Regatta, Netherlands & 1st place at the British National & Open Championships, Plas Heli SC – not to mention being nominated for Young Sailor of the Year Award at the British Yachting Awards 2024!
- Gill beanie – I absolutely love this, it is so warm, perfect for when the wind picks up and for winter sailing!
- Junior Pursuit Shoe – I’m already dreaming of next summer and some warm weather sailing! These are really comfy, cool, and lightweight.
- Junior Zenlite Skiff Suit – This is the main thing I wear nearly every weekend! (Apart from when it gets too chilly, and I wear the ZenTherm 2.0.) I love the skiff suit, comfy and flexible, easy to move in the boat while wearing. It’s also perfect for windsurfing and paddleboarding etc. So very versatile and would make the perfect gift for someone who wants to spend plenty of time on the water, whatever the activity!
Olivia Coady
2024 was a fantastic year of growth and experimentation for Olivia. Highlights included a memorable win at the National Schools Week at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club. As she transitions to the 29er and 47 classes, she plans to continue her training and competition.
- Junior Zentherm 2.0 Long John – My favorite item from Gill. They help me stay warm and never afraid of capsizing the 29er, even in winter. They also provide good freedom of movement so that I can easily maneuver around the boat.
- Junior ZenLite 2.0 Pant – I wore the ZenLite 2.0 pants in France for the French nationals, which dried quickly so I was able to wear them each day in the warm conditions.
- Gloves – Before I tried Gill gloves, I didn’t wear gloves at all due to them not fitting right or being as grippy. However, I now cannot be seen sailing without them as they are super grippy, even more so when wet, fit well, and are perfect for all conditions, providing a surprising amount of warmth within winter sailing too. They are also extremely robust as, after two years of constant use, they are still as good as new.
- Junior Aero Boot – My final recommendation has to be these boots as, before these, I could never find any secure enough. However, the Velcro at the top makes them easily adjustable, and they have survived many tries within the washing machine and still look new to this day.
EJ Aynton
EJ’s 2024 was a year of significant change and exciting new experiences. Transitioning to the Optimist main fleet was a big step, but one that she embraced with enthusiasm. The thrill of sailing in large fleets, like the 101-boat start at the End of Season Championships, has fuelled their passion for the sport.
- Regatta Visor – I wear this all the time, even when it isn’t sunny. It keeps my hair out of my face!
- Aquatec Shoes – I’ve had many different boots, and these are the most comfortable I’ve had and the easiest to get on and off.
- Aqua Parka – When we leave the house really early to go to a sailing event, I love snuggling up in the car in my aqua parka. And then, after I’ve been sailing and I’m cold and wet, I wrap myself up in it. I can’t go sailing without it!
- Thermoshield Top – A must-have piece of kit that I can’t go sailing without. Keeps me so warm and dry.
- Dry Bag – This is so useful! It folds away and fits in my duffel bag. When I’ve finished sailing and I need to keep all my wet stuff separate, I pull it out and load all the wet things into it.
