Help for Struggling Shoppers
Like it or not, a huge part of celebrating Christmas — as well as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa — revolves around gift giving. And for many shoppers the biggest challenge is to give something meaningful.
In addition to the seemingly endless debate about the over-commercialization of the holiday season, many have strong opinions about whether or not gift cards are too impersonal. We don’t think so. Especially when compared to a re-gifted crock pot or electric back scratcher. If a gift card or gift certificate is for something the recipient will actually use — like credit toward purchases at a marine store, sailing school or yacht charter outfit — we say, what the heck it wrong with that? And if a certificate in an envelope looks too wimpy under your tree, then just pack it in a big box and wrap it.
We’d also suggest you consider buying your sailing friends or family members a nautical book to keep them engaged in the sport — at least mentally — during the winter months. Here’s a partial list of brand new titles that have crossed our desks recently.
For the Techie
- Safer Offshor by Ed Mapes — Crisis management and emergency repairs at sea.
- Little Blue Book of Sailing Secrets by Peter Isler — Tips from the two-time America’s Cup winner.
- Celestial Navigation in the GPS Age by John Karl — For those who want to try kickin’ it old skool.
For the Dreamer
- Gone to the Sea: An Anthology by Herb McCormick — A collection of some of the best sailing stories written by one of the best sailing writers working today.
- Cruising Conversations with a Daring Duo! by Charles & Corinne Kanter — This long-time cruising couple share their experiences and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
- The Boy Behind the Gate by Larry Jacobson — Larry traded the security of home, career and relationship to realize his lifelong dream of sailing around the world.
- Bull Canyon by Lin Pardey — A departure for the famous sailor, this book details her and Larry’s time in the desert building Taleisin.
For the First Mate
- Harmony on the High Seas: When Your Mate Becomes Your Matey by Virginia Gleser — Virginia explores the leap of faith that’s required to cast off the dock lines, and shares her views on the sailing experience.
- SEAsoned: A Chef’s Journey with Her Captain by Victoria Allman — Sprinkled with over 30 mouthwatering recipes and spiced with tales of adventure.
For the Swabbie
- Our Big Blue Schoolhouse by Matthew Herron — A 13-year-old boy describes his adventures sailing down the coast of West Africa.
- The Anti-Pirate Potato Cannon & 101 Other Things for Young Mariners to Build, Try & Do on the Water by David Seidman & Jeff Hemmel — Just what the title says it is. It was a huge hit during this summer’s Delta Doo Dah.