The Skipjack "Underway" Short Sleeve Nautical T's

The Skipjack "Underway" nautical short sleeve T's now available in red, white and blue.

The casual ease of a t-shirt combined with the comfort of soft cotton is the perfect blend for a day on the water and Skipjack's classic fit "Underway" nautical T's is the perfect choice for the boating enthusiast.  Select from our 100% cotton pre-shrunk T-shirt in white featuring the Skipjack "Underway" silkscreen design on the back and the Skipjack Nautical Wares logo in navy blue on the front.

The Skipjack "Underway" nautical short sleeve T in white.

New for 2012!  We've added 100% cotton pre-shrunk garment-dyed T-shirts in two new colors. Choose between sun-bleached red and Olde Towne blue with the Skipjack Nautical Wares logo in white on the front. These great T's will soon become a favorite that you'll enjoy wearing over and over again!

The Skipjack "Underway" nautical short sleeve garment-dyed T's in sun-bleached red and Olde Towne blue.

Garment dyed shirts are cut and sewn first from an optic white fabric and made into a larger spec. The shrinkage occurs during the dye process because of the extreme heat and the shirts shrink to the proper size (hence the term "pre-shrunk"). As a result of garment dyeing the shirts will come out softer and feel more vintage.

Great News for the Schooner Virginia

Schooner Virginia racing the Pride of Baltimore II.  Photo by Fred LeBlanc.

Here's an update on the work accomplished on the Schooner Virginia during the past year as reported by the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation. The ship has literally come back to life thanks to the extraordinary efforts of her many friends, volunteers, and most importantly, donors without whose financial support, the 'Schooner Virginia' would not be here today.


•  Great News #10: Virginia successfully completed the U.S.C.G. inspection for an attraction vessel.

•  Great News #9: Virginia was dry-docked, her hull scraped clean and caulked tight.

•  Great News #8: Virginia received immeasurable support and assistance from members of the maritime
community including Lyon Shipyard, Colonna’s Shipyard, Crofton Diving, Bay Diesel, Metro Marine to name a few.

•  Great News #7: Received tremendous support and assistance from two very important maritime associations, the Virginia Ship Repair Association and the Virginia Maritime Association.

•  Great News #6: Received notice that the grant request for $250,000 for the Transportation Enhance Act has been approved. Though these funds can only be used to reduce construction debt, it allows the Virginia to funnel other donations to the important work of maintenance and repair to get Virginia sailing.

•  Great News #5: Because of your support, the Virginia has new masts, booms, gaffs, and topmasts that are needed to replace the originals.

•  Great News #4: Mast stepping was completed.

•  Great News #3: Because of the extraordinary efforts of the Virginia's faithful volunteers, Virginia’s bright work has been varnished, below decks cleaned and general care, including protecting the ship from Hurricane Irene, accomplished.

•  Great News #2: The Virginia is close to finalizing the details of our relationship with Nauticus that will place Virginia in the center of the very exciting new community sailing center to be located there.

•  Great News #1: Virginia will be ready for Virginia OpSail Virginia 2012, the extraordinary collaborative event among OpSail National, the United States Navy, Norfolk Festevents, and hundreds of other national, state and local organizations in June of 2012. This will be the largest maritime event in our region’s history and Virginia will be prominent vessel among the Commonwealth’s fleet!

Donate now and help get Virginia buck under sail!

In addition to the in-kind donations that have reduced the Virginia's expenses while providing much needed work, they have also continued to receive generous donations from members of the board and the many friends of the schooner Virginia.  Without this support, the Virginia could not have kept up with maintenance and other expenses.

Supporters hope a partnership with an educational sailing center proposed at Nauticus will keep the ship going. Recently, philanthropist Jane Batten pledged $1.5 million for the center, which will serve disadvantaged youths.

The news is great but the work list to prepare for sailing as a participant in OpSail 2012 and beyond is also great and urgently need your support now to keep this momentum afloat. Please consider making a donation today. You can donate to the Schooner Virginia by following this link on the Schooner Virginia website.

You can also support the Schooner Virginia by purchasing Schooner Virginia apparel, gifts and accessories. buy Schooner Virginia apparel and proudly wear your support! Shop the Schooner Virginia Nautical Store online by visiting the link here to the Schooner Virginia Ship's Store!

Hope to see you during Virginia OpSail 2012!

Joe & Alison Elder
Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery

Celebrating OpSail 2012 Virginia at Skipjack Nautical Wares

On the horizon lies a historic American milestone, an extraordinary occasion for the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, planned together with the spectacle of OpSail 2012. OpSail 2012 Virginia is collaboration between Operation Sail Inc. (OpSail) national, the United States Navy, Norfolk Festevents and the 36th Annual AT&T Harborfest events, and hundreds of national, state and local organizations.

From June 1 -12, 2012, the Port of Virginia will once again host an impressive fleet of tall ships, navy and military war ships representing the world. OpSail 2012 Virginia  and Harborfest is planned to illuminate the community with spectacle and festivity, and will place our Commonwealth front and center on the world stage.

Tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL'  will be participating in OpSail 2012 and along  the
Portsmouth, Virginia waterfront.  Photo by Joe Elder.

This will truly be a memorable maritime event, with exciting activities taking place throughout the region.  OpSail 2012 Virginia is a $65 million production, projected to have an attendance of 1.5 million people during the 12 days. In addition, 4000 U.S. and foreign officers, cadets, crew and diplomats will be in town. Though the largest concentration of the ships will be available for boarding along  the Norfolk waterfront,  the City of Portsmouth will host the tall ship 'GAZELA' located next to the High Street Landing and  in front of Skipjack Nautical Wares as well as the tall ships "HMS BOUNTY' and 'KALMAR NYCKEL' just a short walk down the seawall at Ocean Marine. Also, the USCG Cutter, the 'WILLIAM TATE' will docked along the seawall near the High Street Landing.

The tall ship 'GAZELA' will be next to the High Street landing and in front of
Skipjack Nautical Wares during OpSail 2012. Photo by Joe Elder.

Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery will be presenting their annual Marine Folk Art show concurrently with OpSail 2012 Virginia, opening Thursday, May 31st, 2012 and running throughout the month of June. This years show is titled "Don't Give Up the Ship"  in celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Original 19th century folk painting  of "the Battle of Lake Erie" is part of Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Galleries  annual folk art show titled "DON''T GIVE UP THE SHIP" celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012 Virginia. Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is located on Portsmouth, Virginia's waterfront next to the High Street Landing. Photo by Joe Elder.

Folk carvings by Jac & Patricia Johnson  will be on
display during  "Don't Give Up the Ship" folk art show
celebrating the Bicentennial of  the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012.
Photo by Joe Elder.

Some of Skipjack's associate artists will be on hand, Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 to demonstrate different maritime skills, such as scrimshaw carving, knot-tieing, wood carving and other sailor and folk art skills.

OpSail 2012 Virginia is the perfect opportunity to visit Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery where you'll discover one of the finest collections of marine artwork, nautical antiques and decor, Chelsea marine clocks, authentic ship salvage, nautical lamps, lighting and furnishings, marine instruments as well as our own Skipjack Nautical Wears yachting apparel and jewelry. Skipjack is also the best place for nautical gifts too!

The tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL' during the parade of sail. Photo by Joe Elder.

For a listing of OpSail 2012 Virginia events to be held along Portmouth's downtown/Olde Towne seaboard, go to  http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/events-schedule/portsmouth .  For information about OpSail 2012 Virginia, go to http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/.

Skipjack nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is an Official OpSail 2012 Virginia Certified Business.  http://www.skipjacknauticalwares.com. 

Great New Affordable Nautical Decor for Your Yacht & Home at Skipjack

Cotton signal flags are great for both indoor and outdoor nautical decorating.

Dress up your nautical home with a line of three or six colorful cotton nautical signal flags. Each signal flag measures approx. 9" X 17" and the line of three signal flags measures 3 feet in length and six feet for six. The line of signal flags can be hung vertical or horizontal, perfect for decorating the nautical room, dress up your yacht and other coastal home applications. These are even suitable for framing! Set of three retails for $15.95 and a line of six for $29.95.

Line of three or six flags- perfect for your nautical interior.

You can follow this link for a line of three signal flags and the link here for a line of six signal flags.  The line of  signal flags is also available in forty feet for your yacht or larger nautical applications. Follow the link here for forty feet of signal flags.

Add a splash of color indoors or out with these vintage painted wood buoys. Great to use in clusters on a hook in your nautical room, by the pool and deck, or anywhere you can use a little splash of color. Most of our painted wooden buoys are from Nova Scotia.

Painted wood buoys make a great nautical accent, both indoors and out.

Here's the link to the painted wood buoys. You'll want to call to find out what is currently in stock.

Ad a splash of color with these netted glass float balls.

Another way to add color to your home is with these netted glass float balls. These are approximately the size of a softball with hand-tied rope netting and are available in shades of red, blues, greens and sometimes yellow. Great to hang in your window or Florida room-wherever there's a source of light! The small netted float balls retail for $24.95 and are imported from Thailand. We also have these available in larger sizes and jugs too! Here's the link to our netted glass float balls.

Hand-tied monkeys fist knob is a great way to dress up your cabinet doors.

Our small hand-tied rope monkey's fist cabinet or furniture knob is a perfect way to dress up your yacht or nautical home interior. Use them on kitchen cabinets and drawers, bathroom fixtures, as chest of drawer pulls or box knobs. Our monkeys fist rope knobs are also paintable so you can achieve the perfect look for your environment. Measures 1 3/8 inch in diameter. Hand-tied here in Portsmouth, Virginia.  Here's the link to our rope monkey's fist knob.

Add a touch of nautical  with our navigational chart nightlight.

Our Skipjack nautical themed nightlights are made from NOAA navigational charts and trimmed with a muslin colored grosgrain ribbon. Shade height: 4"; width: 4". Geographical area depicted on individual shades will vary. Looks great in any nautical setting...makes a wonderful nautical gift too! Retails for $18.95 and is handmade in our Skipjack studios. Here the link to our nautical navigational chart nightlight.

\Nautical navigational chart lampshades will certainly be a standout in your nautical room.

Since we're on the topic of nautical charts,  you may also want to add some nautical design to your interior with one of our navigational chart lampshades. We stock three standard sizes as well as offer custom sizes. You can also choose to select the navigational chart from you favorite coastal area! Mad with authentic NOAA navigational charts and the shades are handmade here in our Skipjack design studio. Here's the link to Skipjack's nautical lamp and lighting department. Just scroll down until you find the navigational chart lampshades. 

A nautical themed brass lamp finial is the perfect accompaniment to your nautical lamp.

A great nautical accessory to top off your lamps are nautical designed brass lamp finials. Made of high quality brass, our finials are solid cast and polished to a mirror finish. Choose from a variety of nautical designs that will compliment your nautical lamp. Here's the link to Skipjack's nautical lamp and lighting department. Just scroll down until you find the selection of lamp finials.

Cast brass crab door knocker.

Feeling a bit crabby? You can warn your guests at the front door with this cast brass crab door knocker. Designed after the famous Chesapeake Bay blue crab, this brass door knocker will look great hanging from your front door. We have over a dozen nautical/coastal themed door knockers to choose from starting from $24.95. The crab door knocker pictured above retails for $44.95.  Follow the link here to our nautical hardware department and scroll down to the selection of door knockers.

Custom made nautical lamps made from authentic nautical items.

One of our most popular items that we produce is our buoy lamps made from vintage painted wooden buoys. Available in different widths and a multitude of colors, there's sure to be one for you. Our buoy lamps retail starting at $69.95. You'll want to call or write for our updated inventory. Here's the link to our nautical lamps and lighting department where you can preview some of the lamps currently available as well as other nautical lamps to choose from. Give us a call at (757) 399-5012 and we'll be happy to discuss with you your lamp and lighting needs.

Authentic nautical antiques and decor are always available at Skipjack.

Okay. So we've shown you a smidgen of what's available at our store in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia where you csn shop in our waterfront showroom and gallery and on our web store at http://www.skipjacknauticalwares.com.  You'll want to visit regularly to see what's new and JUST ARRIVED section of our web store for the latest arrivals. Items sell fast at Skipjack, because the majority of our inventory are authentic one-of-a-kind items. So if you are shopping for nautical items for your home, yacht or office, Skipjack is the place to be. We're simply everything nautical!

A Memorial Tribute to Captain J.C. Waters

August 18, 1941 - February 14, 2012

Captain J.C. Waters teaching a maritime course aboard his schooner Spirit of Independence.  Photo by Joe Elder.

We first met J.C. Waters in the spring of 2006 when he and his daughter Joy visited our store (then at 629 High Street) while on a voyage up the Atlantic coast aboard the"Spirit of Independence". J.C. had recently completed and launched the schooner in his hometown of Independence, Missouri, and was in search of a new location to relocate the schooner. We talked extensively during his first visit about the "Spirit of Independence" and told J.C. all about our quaint historic seaport, Olde Towne Portsmouth. He invited Alison and me to visit his schooner moored at Tidewater Yacht, so we met him after closing for a tour of the Spirit. What a magnificent vessel it was. 

We stayed in contact via e-mail and J.C. kept us abreast of his travel and search for a new place to call home. A year passed by when we received correspondence from J.C. about his plans to return to Portsmouth. After numerous visits to other ports of call, J.C. had chosen Portsmouth to be his new residence. He, like many of us had a vision and could see the potential of Portsmouth as his chosen destination. We all applauded his decision and certainly welcomed him, Marsha and Joy as new residents!

J.C., Marsha and Joy quickly became involved as part of the Olde Towne community and after careful   planning, started his charter business and the "Spirit of Independence" became a regular fixture at the High Street Landing and sailing along the Elizabeth River. Many of Portsmouth and other Hampton Roads residents have crewed along with J.C. and Joy aboard the "Spirit" on weekend sails on the Elizabeth, a sail to Bermuda and as participants in four of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Races.  We at Skipjack have worked along side J.C. as a booking agent and to assist in marketing his sailing adventures. I personally had the pleasure to be one of the crew on his last Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race- an adventure that I will certainly remember for a lifetime.

Alison and I will forever miss J.C.'s visits to Skipjack, his wonderful Missouri demeanor, his pleasant manner and non-stop smile. Here's to you  J.C.. You will surely be missed by one and all!

Captain J.C. Waters raises the City of Portsmouth flag high above the schooner. Photo by Joe Elder.

Joseph Clinton “J.C.” Waters, was born August 18, 1941, in Independence, MO and graduated from William Chrisman High School where he excelled in track and football.  He earned his Bachelor’s degree from CMSU and his Master’s in Education from UMKC. He taught for many years in the Independence School District, retiring in 1997.

J.C. Waters standing by the hull of the Spirit of Independence. Photo by Joy Waters.

J.C. combined his love of sailing with business as the owner of Porte Des Voyageurs (translated as Door of the Travelers) boat shop in Independence for thirty-five years. He realized his life-long dream by building the seventy-six foot schooner, The Spirit of Independence, which was launched in 2005 from Independence. Following a maiden cruise through rivers and locks to the Atlantic Ocean, the Spirit made her home in Portsmouth, VA where she started charters and tours in 2009.

Captain J.C. Waters at the helm of his schooner "Spirit of Independence." Photo by Allen Graves.

J.C. was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say (Hard-way Warrior Sachem Swift ShootingStar) and a Sea Explorer where he was Skipper of Ship 204 and achieved the Quartermaster Award (similar to Eagle Scout). J.C. was a licensed Merchant Marine Captain granted by the U.S. Coast Guard and a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was also an avid flyer and previously had a pilot’s license. In addition to his sailing and flying skills, J.C. was an accomplished marksman, master carpenter, silversmith and metal fabricator. 

Captain Waters standing on the deck of the Spirit of Independence, Baltimore, Md. , Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Photo by Allen Graves.

J.C. was preceded in death by his brother Michael Waters and parents Alfred and Verla Waters. He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Marsha Waters, of the home; son Jarrod Waters and wife Melinda of Grain Valley, MO; daughter Janet Tracy and husband Carl of Independence, MO; daughter Joy Waters of Chesapeake, VA; brother Paul Waters and wife Nancy of Overland Park,

Schooner Spirit of Independence built by J.C. Waters in Independence, Missouri.

The eighth bell has now been rung,

Your watch is now complete.

But the ship must still be guarded,

and I will not fall asleep.

For tomorrow brings a new adventure

And though the seas be thick,

I will recall my Captain’s words

And hit another lick.

The Battle of Hampton Roads; 150 Years Today

"The Battle of the Ironclds by Bob Holland. Oil on canvas. The Ironclad battle in Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 9, 1862 as described on the brass name plate located at the bottom center of the frame. Measures 30 X 54 inches framed.

The Battle of Hampton Roads that took place 150 years ago today, often referred to as either the Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack (or ex-Merrimac) or the Battle of Ironclads between the USS MONITOR and the CSS VIRGINIA, was the most noted and arguably most important naval battle of the American Civil War from the standpoint of the development of navies. It was fought over two days, March 8–9, 1862, in Hampton Roads, a roadstead in Virginia where the Elizabeth and Nansemond Rivers meet the James River just before it enters the Chesapeake Bay. The battle was a part of the effort of the Confederacy to break the Union blockade, which had cut off Virginia's largest cities, Norfolk and Richmond, from international trade.

The major significance of the battle is that it was the first meeting in combat of ironclad warships. The Confederate fleet consisted of the ironclad ram CSS Virginia (built at the Gosport Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia on the burned out hull of the USS Merrimack) and several supporting vessels. On the first day of battle, they were opposed by several conventional, wooden-hulled ships of the Union Navy. On that day, Virginia was able to destroy two ships of the Federal flotilla and was about to attack a third, USS Minnesota, which had run aground. However, the action was halted by darkness and falling tide, so Virginia retired back to the Gosport Navy yard to take care of her few wounded — which included her captain, Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan — and repair her minimal battle damage.

The CSS Virginia and the USS Monitor by Bob Holland. Oil on canvas. The Ironclad battle in Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 9, 1862 as described on the brass name plate located at the bottom center of the frame. Measures 30 X 54 inches framed.

Determined to complete the destruction of the Minnesota, Catesby ap Roger Jones, acting as captain in Buchanan's absence, returned the ship to the fray the next morning, March 9. During the night, however, the ironclad USS Monitor had arrived and had taken a position to defend Minnesota. When Virginia approached, Monitor intercepted her. The two ironclads fought for about three hours, with neither being able to inflict significant damage on the other. The duel ended indecisively, Virginia returning to her home at the Gosport Navy Yard for repairs and strengthening, and Monitor to her station defending Minnesota. The ships did not fight again, and the blockade remained in place.

The battle received worldwide attention, and it had immediate effects on navies around the world. The preeminent naval powers, Great Britain and France, halted further construction of wooden-hulled ships, and others followed suit. A new type of warship was produced, the monitor, based on the principle of the original. The use of a small number of very heavy guns, mounted so that they could fire in all directions was first demonstrated by Monitor but soon became standard in warships of all types. Shipbuilders also incorporated rams into the designs of warship hulls for the rest of the century.

The two paintings above were created byVirginia artist bob Holland and are currently on exhibit in the Chelsea Room at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery.  Here are links to the pages devoted to these Bob Holland paintings on our web gallery. "The Battle of the Ironclads"  and the The CSS VIRGINIA vs. the USS MONITOR

Nautical Rope Bracelet For Valentines Day Gift Giving

Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope bracelet in new Valentines Day colors

 FREE DOMESTIC USPS SHIPPING FOR ALL SKIPJACK NAUTICAL JEWELRY THROUGH FEBRUARY 10, 2012

Giving your significant other the right gift for Valentine’s Day can certainly be important. And, If you're also planning to give a valentine's Day gift to your best friend, mom or other family members, you may need a little help finding something special that's affordable too! Here’s the perfect gift for your loved ones- the Mariner nautical rope bracelet is now available for a limited time in great Valentine's Day colors including soft pink and valentine’s red nylon line. A great gift for only $24.95 with FREE shipping! Follow the link here to the Mariner nautical rope bracelet in Valentine's Day colors.

Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope bracelet.

 You may also want to consider our traditional nautical colors too. The Mariner bracelet is perfect for boaters, surfers, beach goers or anyone that enjoys being in or around the water- quick drying nylon and stainless steel shackle won't rust! Bracelets are available with small (7/8" long) or large (1-1/8" long) shackles. The width of the knotted bracelet is just under 3/4". The knotted width is the same regardless of shackle size. A great item for men, women and children alike. Here's the link to Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope bracelets  with new jewelry items being added each day!
Here's the link to Skipjack's nautical jewelry online  where you can a great selection of nautical themed and island inspired jewelry.

Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope in our traditional nautical colors.

We proudly offer free USPS shipping and handling in the US  through February 10, 2012 for all Skipjack Nautical jewelry purchases. Free Shipping will be applied automatically to all qualifying orders. No minimum purchase, coupons or promotion codes are not required.