The Sailing Kiwi kit bag
The books and bits of kit that go with the videos. Short list, no filler: if it's here, it earns its place.
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The rules, explained
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028
If you only buy one rules book, make it this one. The full rules, with plain-English explanations and diagrams. - The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis
Real situations round the course, the same way the videos work through them. - Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing by Dave Perry
Clear, plain English. This is the 2021-2024 edition, so check the newer books for the 2025 changes. - Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028
Small enough for a kit bag. For settling an argument on the way back in. - 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes by Dave Perry
The fastest way to find out what you don't know yet.
Racing smarter
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett
Tactics without the jargon. A good next step once the rules make sense. - The Sail Racing Bible
The whole of dinghy racing in one book.
On the boat
- Ronstan Clear Start race timer
A countdown made for sailing starts, so you're not counting in your head. - Five Oceans masthead wind indicator
Know the wind direction without guessing from the water. - Sail telltales
Cheap, and the quickest way to learn sail trim.
Safety
- BLUESTORM lifejacket
The one piece of kit you should never race without. - Marine first aid kit
For the day contact happens and someone gets hurt. - Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook
Off the racecourse, these are the rules that apply.
Knots and seamanship
- The Book of Sailing Knots by Peter Owen
The knots you actually need, step by step. - The Ashley Book of Knots by Clifford W. Ashley
The big one. For when you want to know every knot there is. - Storm Tactics Handbook by Lin and Larry Pardey
Heavy weather and heaving-to, for when you're sailing further than the club course.
For the sailor
- Sailing sunglasses
Glare off the water is tiring, and it hides the wind on the water. - Sail dry bag
Keeps the dry clothes dry.