I know that cameras have been a hot topic in the past, and I've been happy using a Kodak PlaySport ZX3 camera for a while... (until an unfortunate Tubing incident where the waterproof door opened and the camera was ruined)
Anyways, I just picked up a GoPro camera for some of the real work that I do, and it has an option to have a WiFi remote control. It works flawlessly!
What you end up getting is a waterproof to 10 feet, remote control with 2 buttons. With those two buttons you can literally control the entire camera. But for ease of use when sailing, one button turns the camera on and off, and the second button turns the record function on and off. You even have the option of setting up the camera to instantly record as soon as it is turned on.
This means that you can sail for a long time, and hit record just when the gusts pick up. Less editing out of the boring parts, and more great footage. It will also prolong the life of the battery as you can turn the camera off and on at any time.
The remote has a velcro strap that can attach to your arm, so you wear it like a watch.
Unfortunately I won't be able to test in on the water in the next little while. We've got a baby due any day now. But if you're looking for something to put on your Christmas list. A GoPro camera with the Wifi backpack and remote might be the answer. (It's not a backpack for you, but the piece mounts on the back of the camera, which is why GoPro calls it a backpack)
More info here:
GoPro HERO2 camera:
http://gopro.com/hd-hero2-cameras/WiFi Backpack and remote:
http://gopro.com/hd-hero-accessories/wi-fi-bacpac-remote-combo/The WiFi system will also interact with an iPhone, iPad, or Android device soon. They're launching an app this fall.
Oh, and if you're not technical, and this all sounds too complicated, it's not. The Wifi piece plugs into the back of the camera, and the Remote will automatically sync with it after you plug the USB cords into your computer and let the computer update the software.
After that. Turn the camera on, the wifi on, the remote on, and you're done.