Holiday Gifts for the Nautical and Nice

Bag lady.  Ready to travel, but need a chic way to stow it all away? How about fun totes in crisp nautical white and blue?  Check out Benni’s selection in downtown Mill Valley. The bonus? They are water-resistant, so easy to drop in the bottom of the bilge without the worry of worse-for-wear whites. And while you are there, pick up a cute Sailor’s Knot bracelet for stuffing in the stocking. The 80’s staple has been updated, now available in a rainbow of colors at just $12.

 

Eat. Drink. Sail. Entertaining at sea doesn’t mean just plastic tumblers with code flags. Update the closets in your cabin to include machine-washable melamine.  Pretty enough for your most luxurious seaside lunch, but a sudden tack won’t mean you are awash in broken glass. For a vintage look, try this whale of a platter from Nautical Luxuries. And when it’s time for a cold one, this bottle opener from Mark and Graham will have you well anchored.

Super Shady. Proper eye protection is imperative for anyone hitting the high seas, so sunglasses are always at the top of any sailor’s list to Santa. Look for a polarized lens that reduces glare to save from strain plus brighten to see distant breeze. The top of my list this year? Kaenon’s Polarized Wishbone, a great transitional set of sunnies that go from racing to relaxation. Available at many Kaenon-authorized dealers in Marin, including Any Mountain in Corte Madera.

All Aboard. Added a new first mate to your seafaring brood? You can get the little one ready for future adventures afloat with the Ride-On Boat, available at the Village for Corte Madera’s Giggle for ages 18 months and up). Doesn’t quite have sea legs yet? Try a nautical baby bib. Made from slippery spinnaker cloth, they clean up like a dream!

Licensed to Crew. With the Super Bowl of sailing coming to San Francisco Bay next summer, the sailing teams have already set up shop – and shoppe – in the Bay Area. Official America’s Cup gear is now available online or at the Cup shop on Pier 27 in San Francisco. From flags and foulies to hats and hoodies, there’s a little something to make everyone feel like part of the crew.