What to give a 10yo dinghy racer for Xmas?

[MissFitz]

To my delight & surprise, my godson is turning into a very competitive sailor. I'd like to get him something racing-related for Xmas, preferably a book or DVD (he already has all the kit). I was going to go with the RYA Tactics book, but having taken another look at my copy I think it might be a bit advanced for a (not very literate) 10yo. Any suggestions?

 

[Bobc]

Does he have a good starting watch? If not an Optimum timer is a good call. This one http://www.seamarknunn.com/acatalog/optimum-time-series-3-sailing-watch-yellow-5707.html?gclid=CLKpx7DNiMkCFecSwwod0-4AcA#.VkNTyeIkROI

Alternatively get him something "cool" like some Team BAR stuff https://www.henrilloyd.com/journal/second-wave-land-rover-bar-merchandise-launched/

 

[flaming]

Can't think of anything specific, but the most important thing is to keep it fun! I'd think a dry tactics book might be a little early in his sailing career.

 

[michael_w]

Dave Perry's Winning in One-Designs, best racing book ever written IMHO.

 

[tokoloshe]

How about a Racing Rules dvd?

http://www.speedandsmarts.com/RulesDVD/LearnTheRacingRules

 

[Foolish Muse]

Does he have a cool looking life jacket? I'm sure he wants one.

 

[dunedin]

What type of boat is he racing - an Oppie ? Loads of add on gadgets for them

 

[nickd]

A good start watch is invaluable
The best book on dinghy sailing I have ever read is Start to Win by Eric Twinname - although he might not be able to appreciate it for a couple of years - its just come back into print.
The Rules Book by Twinname and Willis is the best Racing Rules Book I have ever found, going through the rules with worked examples of each

 

[adwuk]

From recent experience buying presents for my son...

The big yellow watch - he will probably need several over the next few years
Anything with Zhik written on it (their lace up boots especially)
If you are feeling flush, you cant get better than a new sail
Forget about books!

What class does he sail?

 

[MissFitz]

Many thanks for the suggestions. On reflection, think Flaming & adwuk are right about the books, particularly as the kid in question is not much of a reader. Unfortunately he already has all the basic kit - however, any ideas for snazzy extras to go on a Topper would be great. Preferably not too pricey..........

 

[dunedin]

any ideas for snazzy extras to go on a Topper would be great. Preferably not too pricey..........

Depends what he already has but perhaps wind indicator, compass or foil bags if not got them (all special Topper fit versions)

Of course the coolest and most sought after thing - and the most expensive thing ever but not able to be bought - is a Junior Squad jacket

 

[Hadenough]

What's wrong with an orange and a bar of chocolate?

 

[adwuk]

What's wrong with an orange and a bar of chocolate?

your generosity knows no bounds!

 

[eimear]

I can only think of navigator compass.

 

[doug748]

Maybe a tee shirt embroidered with the Topper logo and the name of his boat.

Can be done locally for not too much. Useful item even if he is not too keen on it and he might just love it.

 

[MissFitz]

Maybe a tee shirt embroidered with the Topper logo and the name of his boat.

That's a great idea, thanks, will look into it.

 

[Greenheart]

When I was that age, there wasn't much that my boat ever needed.

That's not to say that I didn't love to spend hours in chandleries, but I was a born cruiser, never a racer.

Pinnell & Bax do gift vouchers, if you want to encourage him towards arms-race sailing competitiveness:

https://www.pinbax.com/index.asp?Details=18773&mc=CLOTHING&sc=Vouchers&ssc=

 

[Hadenough]

your generosity knows no bounds!

Actually, if it were me he'd just get the orange!

 

[sailorman]

your generosity knows no bounds!

It reminds him of Christmas`s of yore

 

[Hadenough]

It reminds him of Christmas`s of yore

You,ve got it. Trouble is how did that generation turn into the doting, spoiling grandparents of today?