Whether the sailor in your life is new to sailing, dreaming of their next adventure, or already spending every spare moment on the bay, a well-chosen sailing book makes a thoughtful, lasting Christmas present.

After years of teaching and talking with sailors of all levels, Instructor Dave G has found that the most passionate sailors always want to learn more—about seamanship, navigation, weather, boat handling, and the stories that make the sport so rich. While Dave can’t always answer every question on the dock or in the classroom, he can point people toward the books he most often recommends.

Here are his favorite titles, the ones he suggests most frequently, perfect for gifting, sparking curiosity, and deepening anyone’s love for sailing this holiday season: