Essential Sailing Gear Guide

Sailor from the North West Expedition holding a 10-inch SailProof tablet while sailing, with glaciers in the background.
Published on : 13 August 2025

Discover the top sailing gear essentials in our comprehensive guide. From safety equipment to maintenance and repair kits, we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for your next nautical adventure. In this article, we’ll focus on must-have sailing gear, while highlighting why technology such as our SailProof tablet is especially on board.

Safety Equipment

Safety is paramount when sailing. Essential safety gear includes life jackets, safety harnesses, flares, and first aid kits. Before any sailing journey, you must ensure your life jackets are in good condition and fit well. A safety harness is also crucial for rough weather, keeping you attached securely to the boat. Lastly, flares and a well-stocked first aid kit are vital for emergencies. It’s important to learn how to use these items and to be knowledgeable about basic first-aid care.

Navigation Tools

Navigating the open waters requires reliable and precise tools. Therefore, it is necessary to have them on board if the technology fails. Traditional gear like compasses and nautical charts provide fundamental navigation aids. A compass is your primary tool for direction, while charts offer detailed information about waterways, hazards, and coastal features. These tools have been the backbone of maritime navigation for centuries.

Life jackets are essential safety gear on a boat, ensuring protection in case of emergencies.
Safety first! Two life vests aboard, ensuring that safety is always a priority on the water. Never compromise on security.
(c) Envato Elements

Our SailProof Tablet

The SailProof tablet revolutionizes navigation and is considered a modern essential on your must-sailing gear. Our rugged, waterproof tablet is designed specifically for sailors. Its durability and IP67 certification guarantee it withstands harsh marine conditions, making it a reliable companion on any voyage. With the right apps, the SailProof tablet can replace traditional chart plotters, offering advanced navigation capabilities.

Client Review

A trustworthy brand, products selected for their quality and excellent nautical application. We particularly recommend the SP08 tablet, which never leaves us!

Laurent Perez, 27/09/2022 – 5* FRANCE

Communication Devices

Effective communication is crucial at sea. VHF radios and satellite phones ensure you can call for help if needed. VHF radios are essential for short-range communication, especially in coastal areas. As for satellite phones, they have provided a reliable communication line for years when you’re far from shore, despite being more expensive. Nowadays, with Starlink offering high-speed internet even in remote areas, the need for satellite phones may soon diminish.

Weather Monitoring Tools

Monitoring the weather is crucial for safe sailing. Barometers and weather radios are traditional tools for keeping track of weather conditions. However, the SailProof tablet can also serve this purpose with weather forecasting apps, providing real-time updates and alerts.

Client Review

As an offshore racing sailor, I use the SailProof tablet on board in the worst sea and wind conditions! Top quality and easy to use!

Djemila Tassin, 16/09/2022 – 5* BELGIUM

SailProof tablet mounted on a sailboat during the Race to Alaska, displaying clear navigation under calm conditions.
Stay on course with the SailProof tablet — waterproof, sunlight-readable, and engineered for uninterrupted performance in offshore conditions. Trusted across diverse environments, as seen here in the Race to Alaska. (c) Brianna Randall

Maintenance and Repair Kits

There is always something to repair on a boat, so a well-stocked maintenance and repair kit is essential. This should include spare parts, tools, and repair materials for emergency fixes. Regular maintenance ensures your boat remains in top condition, preventing minor issues from becoming major problems.

Being well-prepared with the right sailing gear is primordial for a safe and enjoyable voyage. From traditional tools to modern innovations like the SailProof tablet, each piece of equipment plays a crucial role. The SailProof tablet in particular stands out as an indispensable tool, combining durability with advanced navigation and weather monitoring capabilities.

However, all of this can be useless without intentional learning from the skipper and sailor. You can have all the necessary gadgets, but if you don’t know how to use them, read them, or keep them safe, it would be a waste of time and money.

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SailProof SP-10 rugged waterproof tablet
Rugged Tablets

8 and 10-inch sunlight-readable rugged tablets dedicated to marine navigation.

Marine Touchscreens

Sunlight-readable, wet touch compatible, waterproof touchscreens to duplicate your computer display in the cockpit.

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