1. brandy "Vasa 1628" from Sweden
High spirits from the deep: according to the Swedish makers of the brandy "Vasa 1628", when the Swedish warship "Vasa", which sank in 1628 shortly after its launch, was salvaged, so was a schnapps vat - with contents! A Stockholm start-up used this and went into the laboratory to create a drink with an aniseed flavour and a touch of history. The 0.7-litre bottle costs 42 euros.
- Further information: VASA1628.BEMAKERS.SHOP
2. fairy lights for the cockpit
Whether as a Christmas decoration, on the patio in summer or in the cockpit - a string of lights creates atmosphere. The ten LED lights switch on automatically at dusk and light up for up to six hours. They are weatherproof and splash-proof, making them suitable for outdoor use. The almost two metre long chain costs 20 euros and is also available with solar lanterns.
- Further information: DEHNER.DE
3. art from the coast
Painter Alex Blaschke wants to create a place of inner contentment with his works. People who love the sea should find peace when looking at his paintings and recharge their batteries for the challenges of everyday life. The artist finds motifs right on his doorstep: he lives and paints his seascapes in acrylic on canvas in Carolinensiel on the North Sea coast. Small paintings are available from 25 euros.
- Further information: BIRDINSIDEART.COM
4. parlour game "Call Me Captain"
The board game "Call Me Captain" from Denmark is designed to be fun on land for young and old sailors aged seven and over. The aim is to bring your boat safely into harbour. There is only one correct course, but a hundred challenge cards. Sailing theory is taught in a fun way while observing the rules of evasion and practising MOB manoeuvres. 49 euros.
- Further information: CALLMECAPTAIN.GAMES
5. pocket knife for water sports enthusiasts
The knife manufacturer Boker from Solingen is one of the largest manufacturers of sports and collector's knives in Europe. Together with the DGzRS, the specialists have developed a pocket knife for water sports enthusiasts, including a marlinspike, shackle and bottle opener. "Die Seenotretter" is engraved on the shaft. The stainless steel knife costs 39 euros. Five euros from every sale will be donated to the DGzRS.
- Further information: BOKER.DE
6. nautical miles and logbook
Sailor and designer Nadine Kessler wanted to create a product for the sailing world. The result is a small but high-quality booklet for collecting nautical miles - suitable for owners and charterers. It is bilingual in German and English. There is also a matching logbook with a cover made from recycled ocean plastic. The nautical miles book costs 35 euros, the logbook 59 euros.
- Further information: NADINEKESSLER.COM
7th Opti construction kit from Krick
The Opti is just one model among many wooden sailing boat kits from Krick. The fleet also includes, for example, a Vaurien dinghy, a kite, the Folkeboot as well as yachts and tall ships. The Opti kit contains a laser kit, pre-cut sails, etched brass fittings, a movable rudder and centreboard as well as the boat stand. The scale is 1:10, so the model Opti is a good 40 centimetres high and 27.5 centimetres long. It costs 39 euros.
- Further information: KRICKSHOP.DE
8th clothes hanger from Peppermint Products
The clothes hangers from the Peppermint Products label are reminiscent of sailing in the wardrobe: Made from cordage, the hangers are designed to protect clothing, not rattle and, above all, look chic. The items are made by designer Roman Luyken near Stuttgart. Luyken himself comes from a sailing background and has also designed wardrobes and other accessories made from rope. The hangers are available in seven colours. One costs 22 euros and there is a discount for orders of three or more.
- Further information: PEPPERMINTPRODUCTS.COM
9th wall calendar 2024
Delius Klasing Verlag's new calendar collection for the coming year includes the wall calendars "Sailing 2024" (29.90 euros) and "The Art of Sailing" (39.90 euros). Each month, a new, impressive motif from the water adorns the wall. Further calendars, for example with classic or regatta motifs, are available at SHOP.DELIUS-KLASING.DE
10. gift subscription for YACHT or YACHT classic
YACHT is published 25 times a year with yacht tests, boat and sailor portraits, travel reports and smart equipment tips - you won't miss any of it with a subscription. The gift subscription including a ready-made certificate is ideal for Christmas. It ends automatically after 25 issues and costs 159.90 euros. Owners and fans of beautiful wooden boats will be delighted with YACHT classic.
- Further information: SHOP.DELIUS-KLASING.DE
11th book "The Library of the Seven Seas"
In "The Library of the Seven Seas", author Alexander Pechmann provides an overview of known and unknown works, illuminates connections and influences and takes the reader on an exciting journey through maritime literature. 34 euros.
- Further information: MARE.DE
12th novel "Home is a big word"
In her novel "Home is a big word", Nina Polak raises the question that occupies many seafarers, globetrotters and sailors: What - and where - is home? It tells the story of Skip, a Dutch woman who returns home after years at sea. 23 euros.
- Further information: MARE.DE
13. re-shuttering unit "ABC sails"
Basic maritime know-how in a handy format and at an affordable price - that's the "Sailing ABC": it's a reference book for beginners, but also for the bookshelves of old saltbuckets. The basics of sailing are explained concisely. It costs five euros.
Further information: SHOP.DELIUS-KLASING.DE
14th book "Fish 'n' Chips"
Five months travelling, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends: Christian Irrgang describes a North Sea adventure in his latest book "Fish 'n' Chips". It takes the passionate Baltic sailor to the challenging British sailing waters. 29.90 euros.
Further information: SHOP.DELIUS-KLASING.DE
15. mosquito burner "Heat it"
The next sailing summer is coming and with it the next mosquito attack and nasty bites. However, the resulting itching can be soothed with heat. There are battery or hand-operated heat sticks for this purpose - or the patented little travelling companion "Heat it". Particularly clever: it can be charged via the smartphone using a USB-C or Lightning connection. 29.95 euros.
- Further information: GLOBETROTTER.COM
16. coffee capsules from Nero coffee
For those who don't want to do without: the coffee capsules from Nero-Kaffee are made from renewable raw materials. The coffee roasting company from Koblenz uses softwood from the forests in southern Germany for production; sawdust and wood shavings as well as the residual products of furniture that has already been manufactured. Ten capsules cost 5.90 euros.
- Further information: NEROKAFFEE.DE
17th LED light - modern alternative to the paraffin lamp
The Feuerhand storm lantern is also available as an LED light - manufactured in Germany. The modern alternative to the paraffin lamp impresses with its high brightness, infinitely variable dimming and a long burn time of up to 18 days. The warm white LED with 2,700 Kelvin ensures a cosy atmosphere. The light can also be continuously dimmed using the rotating filler cap. The lantern costs 59 euros.
- Further information: TOPLICHT.DE
Further recommendations for Christmas gifts from YACHT
New things bring joy, no question about it. But as with sailing, sometimes less is more when it comes to giving gifts - and it's also good for the environment. So why not give something used a second life, conjure up something yourself from the craft box in the cellar or relieve the recipient of an unloved chore? The following ideas provide a little inspiration on how to give more sustainable yet heartfelt gifts at Christmas.
- Voucher for a maritime film evening - or several! A large selection can be found in YACHT 23/2021 or on yacht.com under the search term "film".
- DIY enthusiasts can find instructions for all kinds of do-it-yourself products for boats in the book " 333 new tips for sailors " (Delius Klasing Verlag).
- Voucher for a YACHT webinar: The entertaining online seminars on topics relating to cruising sailing will run until March 2024 (to the topic overview and registration ).
- Search for suitable bargains on second-hand platforms such as Momox or Rebuy - or browse through the "Boats & boat accessories" category on Ebay classifieds.
- If the recipient of the gift is a boat owner themselves: a voucher to do some really unloved winter work - or at least help with it.
- Have a canvas bag embroidered with the ship's name - and go shopping with it on a cruise.
