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.

Chelsea Clock History: The Original Chelsea Yacht Wheel Clock from 1905 to the latest Chelsea Mariner Clock of 2011

Chelsea Clock Company Yacht Wheel Ship's Bell Clock, 1905.

By Jim Dyson, Chelsea Clock Museum

Clock Specialist for Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery

106 years and counting!  In the year 1905 Chelsea Clock Company produced the first of the most iconic marine clock designs, The Yacht Wheel Ship's Bell Clock. The oldest known Chelsea clock of this design was retailed by Theodore B. Starr and Company with a shop at 206 Fifth Avenue in New York City, on July 15, 1905 and recorded in the Chelsea Clock Company factory record book as serial number 15273.

Theodore B. Starr and Company, 206 Fifth Avenue in New York City

Yacht wheel clock was published in the first catalog of the Chelsea Clock Company.

The first catalog of the Chelsea Clock Company was published on September 1, 1906. The Yacht Wheel Clock was featured on page 18 and it was noted in the upper right hand corner that "Patent applied for the Design of Case and Base".  Pictured above is page 18 of the Chelsea Clock Company 1906 catalog.

1905 Chelsea ship's wheel clock showing cocobola wooden spoke handles and Theodore B. Starr and Company name on clock face.

Remarkably Chelsea has produced this clock for 106 continuous years but no record of this patent ever being issued can be found with the U. S. Patent Office. This omission has not hampered Chelsea in its sole production of this stunning design. In spite of a model name change in the mid 1920's to the "Mariner", this famous design has remained unchanged with the exception of improvements in their famous Ship's Bell movement. One interesting and unique feature of clock number 15273 is mentioned in the first catalog. It is noted on page 18 that the Yacht Wheel Clock can be had "to order" with the wheel spoke handles furnished in wood, cocobolo or mahogany.

The original 1905 Chelsea Yacht Wheel Ship's Bell Clock shown next to the new Chelsea Mariner ship's bell clock.

    

To date clock number 15273 is the only known example with these optional cocobolo wooden spoke handles, all other clocks of this design have full metal spoke handles. Other interesting Chelsea Clocks and their unmatched history can be found at the web site of the Chelsea Clock Museum .  To begin your own legend, contact Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery, Portsmouth, Virginia, your authorized Chelsea dealer. A fine selection of new and vintage clocks are available for your examination. Follow the link here to preview the latest Chelsea Mariner Ship's Bell Clock now available at Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery.

Skipjack's 2011 Top 10 Nautical Gifts For All Occasions

Brass sloop sailboat bookends is a great nautical gift, perfect for all gift giving needs.

The number one question that we are asked here at Skipjack is I'm looking for a gift... something for a birthday, house warming, retirement, Christmas and of course as a token for other numerous occasions. And of course when they're visiting our gallery we know that they are looking for something nautical. So here's our 2011 top ten nautical gift giving ideas for all occasions.

Number One:  Our new brass sloop sailboat bookends is a great nautical gift for all occasions- perfect as a house warming gift to help dress up their bookshelf. Featured in November 2011 Coastal Living Magazine! (pictured above). Here's a link to the brass sloop sailboat bookends.

Number Two: The Mariner nautical rope bracelet with stainless steel shackle is a great gift for both men and women. Hand-made here in Portsmouth, Virginia, this attractive nautical bracelet features a reef knot tied with nylon cord and uses a stainless steel shackle, making it easy to get on and off. The Mariner bracelet is perfect for boaters, surfers, beach goers or anyone that enjoys being in or around the water. Available in five great nautical colors and it's only $24.95. Here's the link to the Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope bracelet.

Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope bracelet for men and women.

Number Three: Skipjack's bay rum and lime soap.  It's spicy and manly!....but women love it as well. Great for salt of the earth types or for an old salt, it conjures memories of vintage sailing ships, the smell of teak and salt air and long naps in a hammock stretched between the main and the mizzen - with a twist of boat drinks, of course! You’re guaranteed to fall in love with this refreshing reminder of the sea. From our collection of island inspired soaps and bath products. Great thank you gift and stocking stuffer. Four ounce bar in decorative box for only $5.95! Here's the link to Skipjack's bay rum and lime soap.

Skipjack's bay rum and lime soap from our collection of island inspired soaps.

Number Four: 6 Inch Brass Ship's Bell Mounted on Mahogany Plaque. Our best selling retirement gift- 6" solid brass ship's bell mounted on 9" x 12" (229 x 305 mm) high gloss mahogany plaque. Comes with an engraveable brass plate. The perfect presentation piece for retired military as well as a nautical gift for numerous occasions. (Hand-tied bell lanyard not included) Brass plate engraving available at an additional cost. Here's the link to 6 Inch Brass Ship's Bell Mounted on Mahogany Plaque.

A best selling retirement gift 6 Inch Brass Ship's Bell Mounted on Mahogany Plaque.

Number Five: Skipjack's NEW long sleeve T-shirt with racing Skipjack embroidered on the left chest. Our comfortable super soft 100% cotton T's are simply perfect for everyday casual wear. Available in all standard sizes and four great nautical colors including navy, white red and gray. Well priced at $29.00. Available in short sleeve too! Here's the link to Skipjack's long sleeve T-shirt with racing Skipjack.  

Skipjack's NEW long sleeve T-shirt with racing Skipjack.

Number 6:  Our custom made nautical chart lampshades. Give a lampshade where X marks the spot. Our custom lampshades gives you the opportunity to select your own NOAA navigational chart of your favorite body of water and coastal area. Makes a unique gift that is truly personalized and perfect for the new coastal homeowner. Here's the link to our custom nautical chart lampshades. Our nautical chart lampshades are also available in three standard sizes using the NOAA chart of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay!  We also produce a navigational chart nightlight (see pictured) that is also fabricated like our lampshades here in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA. and available for $18.95.

Custom made nautical chart lampshade is the perfect gift for the coastal homeowner.

 
Number 7:  Our "Sloop" sterling silver pendant is a great gift for any occasion and for any maiden sailing the seven seas. From the Barbara Vincent sterling silver sailboat collection.  Complete the ensemble with Barbara's matching "Sloop" earrings. Here's the link to sterling silver "Sloop" pendant.

Sterling silver "Sloop" pendant from the Barbara Vincent Sailboat collection.

Number 8: Chelsea three function cable wall clock is both attractive and a functional with thermometer and hygrometer. A great gift for the mariner and equally as usable in the nautical home or on board your yacht. Here's the link to Chelsea's  three function cable wall clock.

Chelsea's three function cable wall clock.

Number 9: Skipjack's best selling nautical signal flags belt...the perfect accoutrement for khakis, jeans, or corduroys and of course to wear with your favorite worn cargo shorts too! This cotton web ribbon belt for all seasons has full grain drum-dyed leather billet and buckle ends accentuated by the solid brass buckle. This belt is available with your choice of white, red or navy webbing as a background to the signal flag ribbon. A great gift for numerous occasions. MADE IN THE USA! Here's the link to nautical signal flags belt. You may also want to preview our total collection of nautical themed belts.

Skipjack's best selling nautical signal flag belts.

Number 10:  Our brass nautical sea chest becket door knocker, cast and reproduced after an authentic 19th century sea chest rope handle or becket will certainly adorn the front of any nautical home. Featured in the November 2011 issue of "Classic Boat Magazine, The World's Most Beautiful Boats" published in London, England as one of their choice "Objects of desire"!  Follow the link here to nautical sea chest becket door knocker or see our complete collection of nautical/coastal inspired brass door knockers by following the link here to Nautical door knockers and hardware.

Solid cast brass nautical sea chest becket door knocker

OK, so the person that you are shopping for is hard to buy for. You've racked your brain and are simply out of ideas. The person you are shopping for already owns everything under the sun but you still want to buy them that perfect gift. Here's a solution that will satisfy even the most impossible person on your shopping list. A gift certificate from Skipjack!  A white embossed note card personalized with your message will be sent to the gift recipient. Each certificate may be redeemed either by shopping online or in our Olde Towne Portsmouth showroom. Available in amounts starting at $25.00.  Here's the link to a good night sleep and another one crossed off the list! The Skipjack Nautical Wares gift certificate.

Here's a link to our 2010 list Nautical Gifts For Men & Women From Skipjack. 

A gift certificate from Skipjack Nautical Wares is always the perfect gift!

Skipjack's NEW Mariners Fid

Skipjack's new Mariner's fid available in brass and stainless steel.

New to Skipjack- Our high quality metal fids.  Designed having a flattened side to a tapering point, our fids can be used for loosening wire cable but can also equally be used for loosening larger rope knots. Available in solid brass or stainless steel, each comes with a generous width hole to attach a lanyard. The round top is decorated with embossed crossed anchors. Measures 8 1/4" long and 3/4" in diameter at widest (not including top) and weighs 11 ounces (brass and 12 ounces (stainless steel). A great size to handle with tough projects and for working with most line width's used aboard today's yachts.  Makes a great gift for your special mariner!

Close-up view showing flattened point and hole for attaching lanyard.

NOTE: Fids are usually referred to as being made of wood or bone and sometimes whale ivory. Fids for working fibre rope are usually wooden and have a wider taper to open strands sufficiently to permit passing strands through when splicing. Metal fids for wire cable are less widely tapered, as the strands of metal cable are thinner and need less space to tuck when splicing. Marling-spike or marline-spike (as we refer to today as a marlinspike), is always made of metal. Marling-spikes are used for working small stuff, like marline. They can also double as fids for freeing tight knots, opening ring pinned shackles, and for splicing wire cable. When used in this manner they are typically referred to as FIDS and not marling spikes.

Embossed cross anchors on top of fid.

 These exceptional quality fids are now available at Skipjack Nautical Wares. Follow the link here for our brass Mariners fid and the link here for the stainless steel Mariners fid.