A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE NEW ADDITIONS

NAUTICAL SHEET SETS

Classic nautical colors and icons. Twin, Full, Queen & King Size Sheet Sets $150-$260

COASTAL ACCENT LAMPS

Coral seems to float on this sleek accent lamp’s lucite base. $218

MELAMINE DINNERWARE

Sailors will appreciate the warm tones, classic shell design and non-skid bottom rings.
16-Pc. Service for 4 $89

BEACH COTTAGE MAILBOX

Wood with gold leaf shell, solid brass lid hinges, wall mount. Available in black or white. $195

ITALIAN CROSS-HATCH YACHTSMAN’S BASKET

Oversized teak cross-hatch handled basket fit for a Prince’s shoes or your favorite
yachting accessories. $895

ROPE BUOY OTTOMANS

Nautical & naturally comfortable rope ottomans add a unique decorative touch. $245 each

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE SALE ITEMS:

 Our Most Popular Beach Cottage Bedding

Starfish and seashells on bright white cotton Matelasse. Coverlets & matching shams: Twin, Full/Queen & King. Save up to 70%

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

You’ll find great deals on holiday decorations, like these Cloisonne Enamel Sailboat Ornaments.

6-Pc. Set Orig. $120 Now $98

CODE FLAG GLASS SET

Colorful nautical glasses in four different code flag designs.

4-Pc. Set Orig. $50 Now $42

ANTIQUE BRASS PENDANT

River Shell base set on a 24k gold plated brass necklace. Save 1/3!

SPRING FASHION TOTES

Natural seashells, silk ribbon and tightly woven sea grass make the season’s must-have totes.
Save up to 46%

24K GOLD-PLATED BATH ACCESSORIES

Towel Bar, Ring, Paper Holder, Bath Shelf or Robe Hook. Save 20%

MID-JANUARY NEWSLETTER:

The Beach Cottage in Winter

My little island beach cottage transforms itself in winter.  The nights are longer, the surf is louder, and the windows are closed against the wind and rain, but inside it’s as warm and cozy as can be; transformed from it’s easy summer persona, when the doors and windows are open wide and the sea breeze and sun embrace every corner.

January is the perfect time to get inspired with new ideas for the coming spring and summer months – when the fireplace will, once again, lie dormant – and the windows will crack in startled protest as I re-open each one to greet the new season.

Need a little mid-winter inspiration yourself? There are about 100 Items On Sale now at Nautical Luxuries, that might just help you get through the gray days of winter, and thinking instead about the warmer, sunnier days to come!

SCROLL DOWN FOR THESE UPDATES :

Year-Round Coastal Home Decor Inspirations

Luxury Winter Escape: Caribbean Superyacht Charter

Best Sailor’s Bar On The Planet

Key West Heats-Up… Hopefully

Bespoke Beach Calligraphy

Fine China’s Wacky Neighbor

SHOP ONLINE:

              Home Decor                     Bar & Tabletop

              Bed & Bath                       Lighting & Office

              Holiday & Bridal               Jewelry & Apparel

        Library & Pets                       Gift Guide

      New Luxuries                         On Sale

Year-Round Coastal Home Decor Inspirations:

If you find yourself inspired to consider the possibilities for your own beach cottage in 2010, here’s a great year-round online resource: Coastal Living Magazine’s website has an endless supply of great decorating ideas… with beautiful images.

I highly recommend you have at least 30 minutes, (preferably more), to spare, and a cup of coffee, or glass of wine, while you browse through some truly inspiring homes.

Luxury Winter Escape: Caribbean Charter     

Picture yourself – and 11 of your ocean-loving friends – lounging in umbrella-cocktail bliss aboard the 177-ft. charter yacht MARAYA this winter in the Caribbean, and saving almost $135,000 off the weekly rate!

It’s a wonderful vision!

MARAYA’s more striking features include a master stateroom balcony terrace which can be lowered while at anchor to provide a completely private external relaxation area for the principle guests.

The luxury yacht provides 5 separate deck areas, each with its own on-demand entertainment centers. MARAYA also offers an array of water sports equipment on board and a great selection of toys.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, visit CharterWorld.com for more details.

Best Sailor’s Bar On The Planet                               

Scuttlebutt Europe and Wight Vodka recently conducted a global contest for the best sailor’s bar. The winner? Peter Café Sport, located at 38° 35N 28° 42W on the mythical ‘Blue Island’ of Faial in the Azores.

According to Scuttlebutt: ‘The Peter’ won due to the faithful voting of the thousands of yachters who have experienced the warm hospitality, great food and excellent cocktails there. Yachtsman Bill Stone wrote a rather passionate description of Café Sport when he cast his vote:

“To a sailor, the ‘best sailor’s bar’ is quite obvious – she has no peer in the Atlantic, or, it can be argued, any place else on earth. It has history and tradition, it is not easy to get to, and once within its walls there is a rare camaraderie that permeates this hallowed berth. The memory of a seat is a sirens song to passaging itself, imbuing memories impossible to forget. This is Peter *Café Sport*. Those fortunate enough to have laughed with their mates at Pete’s carry with them their own Shangri-La.”

Here’s the complete list of the top ten voted Sailor’s Bars:

1. The Peter Café Sport
2. The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
3. IYAC in Newport, RI
4. Maddie’s Sail Loft in Marblehead, MA
5. The Candy Store in Newport, RI
6. Le Select in St. Barts
7. The Bitter End in British Virgin Islands
8. The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club
9. Foxy’s in the British Virgin Islands
10. The Willy T in the British Virgin Islands

                        The Candy Store, Newport, RI

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Key West Heats-Up…Hopefully                              

We sailors always look forward to the fabulous green-water pictures from Key West Race Week each January. They brighten up the gray winter months like nothing else!

This year, with temps so low the oranges were shivering on their branches, it wasn’t looking like the bliss-fully warm sailing weather I’d dreamed about. Today, though, the iphone is reporting 79-degrees in Miami under mostly-sunny skies, and more sun and mid-70’s temperatures during the week!      Photo: Tim Wilkes    

Stay tuned, January 18-22 for plenty of enviable warm-weather sailing shots, and the full report from Key West as 134 yachts and crew from around the globe hit the starting line.     

Bespoke Beach Calligraphy

Talented South African calligraphy artist, Andrew van der Merwe creates custom photographic images of names hand-carved in sand.

For $75, Andrew will carve the name of your choice and provide you with a signed hi-res image suitable for making large format prints – or truly unique invitations for your next beach party.

Add a second name, and I think they’d make extraordinary beach wedding invitations!

Fine China’s Wacky Neighbor

We love working with great artisans like the folks at Rolf Glass. Their “Schooling Fish” barware is not only beautifully engraved and dishwasher-safe, it’s downright fun to use, or set a table with! 

Look closely, and you’ll find a single fish among the school swimming in the opposite direction. Is he lost? Or, as the folks at Rolf like to joke, maybe he just knows something the others don’t.

Cheers!

 A few of this year’s Boat Parade stand-outs.

What a great year – balmy tempatures and tons of spectators watching a great parade. 

On the bad news front, it appears that Harvest Gold and Avocado Green are attempting a come-back.  (It was bad enough in the late 60’s – early 70’s… I could have lived without a renaissance!) Thankfully, shabby chic neutrals and sun-bleached coastal whites will go with anything! But – on to the good news.

I’m happy to report that next year is looking decidedly nautical!  Several manufacturers are featuring nautical collections for the first time in many seasons, in bold new shapes and fabrications. Traditional colors are accented with new silhouettes and intriguing materials.

Based on how popular our Rope Knot Doorstops have been, we know these new, super versatile woven Rope Ottomans and the Rope Trim Wall Mirror will also be a big hit. 

The Ottomans are sturdy – can be used as extra seating, or to hold a small tray. They’ve also got a handy loop so you can move them around the house, porch, or boat! 

The Rope Trim Mirror would look great above a dresser, on a nautically-papered wall, or over a bathroom sink.

Continuing the nautical rope theme, we’ll be expanding our offerings of Giovanna Locatelli’s dramatic line of rope tabletop accessories, including napkin rings, wine decanters, 

even the most elegant holders for the lowly, but ever-so-practical, plastic cup!

 If your decor is more coastal-themed, you’ll love some of the new items heading this way.

This trio of Aluminum Shell-Shaped Serving Bowls will be a welcome staple for any busy seaside hostesses – and will also make a great wedding gift. Classic styling means theyll go with any tabletop style, from casual to formal and, made of aluminum, they won’t require polishing. Living on an island, let me tell you, aluminum is a blessing!

Or, how about these handmade wooden mailboxes – available in either black or white, with the most elegant shell design!

And, in a retro-mood of our own, we’re even bringing back another old favorite, our Carribean Sea Turtle ceramics, including the Lidded Turtle Tureen, with matching ruffle-edged soup bowls, and the charming Sea Turtle Dip Server with matching Appetizer Plates.

They may not go with Harvest Gold or Avocado Green, but they’ll certainly be welcome additions to any home by the water – no matter the season!

As another breath-stealing wave snuck up from behind, I grabbed for the board and said to my two intrepid young helpers – with as much confidence as I could muster – “This one!” And in a three-way effort, we propelled a terrified Jack Russell Terrier on his way to surfing legend.

Sunday was Mr Jones’ inauguration to surfing, and the inaugural Surf City Surf Dog competition in Surf City USA, Huntington Beach.  A huge success, the event was… well, just plain hilarious. Costume and dog/owner look-alike-contests notwithstanding, the surfing was outrageously fun.  I simply do not think it’s possible to watch dogs surfing, without breaking into a huge grin! Cheers and applause greeted each dog, large or small, who managed to catch a wave – standing, sitting, forwards or backwards.  The agony of defeat was there too, with loud,  ”OHH’s!” from the crowd for each dog who wiped out; some, like Mr Jones, quite spectacularly.

At the end of the day, every dog was a winner – even my own Mr Jones managed to win for “Best Wipeout!” And, as for the madness of this weekend’s early morning ocean adventure – I’d do it again in a heartbeat. For anyone who loves dogs and the sea, I’d go so far as to add this one to your bucket list!  Cowabunga, Moondoggie, that was a hoot!

DJ

(Many thanks to Diane Edmonds, for capturing the moment through her lens.)

While I’m not generally a fan of coasters, I’m giving up neither my summer G&Ts nor my perennial appreciation for beautiful wood surfaces. Thankfully, I don’t have to give up either with these handsome Maple & Mahogany Coasters. They’re made in the USA of entirely recycled materials. Four to a set, in a sloted wood holder.

To complement our newly well-heeled G&T’s, our thoughts turn to an outdoor late-summer barbeque, and the new collection of nautical-themed cleat-handle carvery boards. Each is handcrafted out of the finest Eastern Hard Maple and Santos Mahogany, hand-sealed with 100% Natural Tung oil, and then finished a second time with Mineral Oil and Bees Wax. The combination of these two finishes provides a safe and natural sealer.

Speaking of waterside entertaining, as soon as the Italians return from holiday, we should be seeing more of their unparalleled nautical serving pieces with layers of silky rope lines, knot accents, and inlaid teak bases. The trays can be used with or without the removable acrylic inserts, with multiple bottle and/or glass cut-outs. The inserts are a godsend when heeled over, or bringing a tray-full of cocktails up the companionway.

And of course, when summer’s finally over, you’ll need a stunning new coastal-themed frame to showcase a few of your favorite moments by, or on the water. From opulent Amythest-hued seashells, to airy, open-weave rattan, to sleek pewter waterscapes, we’re gathering a collection of frames to suit just about any waterside decor.

Reluctantly, we’ll soon be bidding summer goodbye. Until then, enjoy the sunny days at sea and the amazing joys of living and entertaining by the water.

DJ

]]> http://www.nauticalluxuries.com/lbw/2009/08/making-the-most-of-the-last-weeks-of-summer/feed/ 0 http://www.nauticalluxuries.com/lbw/2009/06/a-rare-opportunity-aboard-alfa-romeo/ http://www.nauticalluxuries.com/lbw/2009/06/a-rare-opportunity-aboard-alfa-romeo/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:38:30 +0000 DJC http://www.nauticalluxuries.com/lbw/?p=308 Rare indeed, was the sight yesterday of the 100-ft maxi racing yacht Alfa Romeo at the dock by Gladstone’s in Long Beach, preparing for the TransPac yacht race to Hawaii.

Aside from the crews provisioning and readying boats for the race, most everyone else at Rainbow Harbor was enjoying the sunny Sunday afternoon and clicking away with their cameras at the impressive collection of vintage Alfa Romeo cars lined-up along the waterfront.

I don’t think the Alfa Romeo yacht has ever raced on the West Coast – maybe not even in the US? So, it was a truly special pleasure for Connie Crowley and me to be invited aboard by the yacht’s owner Neville Crichton.

A gracious host, Neville was kind- and patient enough, to endure my gawking at the sheer size of the winches and lines, the massive canting keel, the state-of-the-art electronics, and to answer all of my silly questions. I don’t think I’ve been surrounded by that much carbon fiber, ever! What an amazing yacht! Down below, it felt a bit like Reichel-Pugh meets Star Trek and Philippe Starck!

With the smallest/slowest TransPac boats already having started at about 1pm today, Neville and crew aboard Alfa Romeo have nearly a week longer to wait before their start on July 5th. That’s a lot of time/distance to make up on the water and, as Neville noted, not an easy task if the winds don’t cooperate.

After TransPac, Neville said he’s off to Europe, to race his 73-foot Alfa Romeo August-September, then back aboard the 100-foot Alfa Romeo for the Sydney-Hobart race on Boxing Day. An enviable schedule, to say the least!

Best of luck to Neville and his crew, and many thanks from Connie and me for the opportunity to be onboard such a magnificent yacht.

DJ

Whatever it was, it certainly reminded me of just how fun Thursday night racing in Newport Harbor can be!

Leave the papers on the desk – turn off the computer – it’s time to put on some gloves and go sailing! Or, in the case of this breeze-challenged Thursday, put on some sunnies, grab a light-air Regatta Gear jacket, break out the acrylic champagne glasses and pass the magnum!

Aaahh, another season of fun aboard Larry’s Cha Cha Cha, and (when not trimming), boating in heels!

Life is good. Spare no champagne!

DJ

While wind shifts are fickle and largely unpredictable, careful research on historic wind patterns, and a close eye on your instruments, and on the water’s surface, will provide important clues to what the wind wil likely do next – but there is never any sure bet on wind shifts.

Wind shifts can help or hurt you, depending upon where you are at any given time, relative to your destination. A helpful wind shift will set you on a shorter course to your goal. An unfavorable shift will send you on a longer course – if not force you to tack to even reach your destination.

Wind shifts are usually temporary. Eventually, things will revert to their historic norms.

Favorable or unfavorable, wind shifts are inevitable, and we cannot maximize their benefit or minimize their damage unless we first, recognize them and then adjust to them.

As I look out the window, the reality of the current economic downturn is at once imperceptible and profound. The morning’s bright sunshine and blue skies belie the winter storm that I know will be here by evening. There are still the same number of boats moored or docked in the harbor. There is still the same amount of construction and hustle and bustle attending to the homes here. People are still going about their lives and still appreciating living by the water. Yet the gorgeous waterfront home across the street now has a “BEST BUY” sign out front. The condominiums down the street have been empty for months. And wherever I go, I notice there are fewer, if any, lines.

Like many other retail and marine industry businesses, the present economic shift has put Nautical Luxuries off-course, requiring more than a tack; a complete re-evaluation of our destination. While charting the new course ahead, I look forward to sharing my thoughts, ideas, and experiences, through this Blog. I invite everyone who has enjoyed the Nautical Luxuries collection and shared my own passion for the sea, to join me, wherever this shift may lead.

DJ

Even on a small boat, the prospect of decorating can be daunting. We recommend breaking the process down into individual steps. The first step, is to get a clear idea of exactly what spaces on the boat you want to decorate.

Your list of available spaces will vary, depending on your boat, and you may decide not to decorate all of the available spaces, but here’s a good starting outline for reviewing all available onboard spaces. While you might come up with many more decorating options, or decide not to include as many, the following list will provide you with a good starting point.

SPACES AVAILABLE	DÉCOR OPTIONS
COCKPIT/AFT DECK
- Settees & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws, Towels
- Table	Mats, Linens, Centerpiece, Dinnerware, Drinkware, Flatware
- Open Areas	Ice Chest, Seating, Shoe/Towel Baskets, Cushions
FLYBRIDGE/UPPER DECK
- Settees & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws, Towels
- Open Areas	Ice Chest, Seating, Cushions, Sunbathing Gear Baskets
- Table	Mats, Linens, Centerpiece, Dinnerware, Drinkware, Flatware
- Bar	Drinkware, Serveware, Linens
GALLEY/DINING AREA
- Countertops	Cooking/Serving/Storage Accessories, Florals
- Cabinets & Drawers	Cookware, Serveware
- Dining Table	Mats, Linens, Centerpiece
	Dinnerware, Drinkware, Flatware
- Settees/Benches & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws
MAIN SALON
- Settees/Benches & Chairs	Cushions, Pillows, Throws
- Windows/Portholes	Curtains
- Coffee/Accent Tables	Centerpieces, Coasters, Florals, Decorative Accessories
- Bulkheads	Wall Art, Instrumentation
- Open Areas	Ottomans, Baskets, Florals, Decorative Accessories
HEADS, BUNKS & CABINS
- Heads	Towels, Mats, Holders, Decorative Accessories
- Bunks/Beds	Sheets, Blankets/Spreads, Pillows, Throws
- Settees/Benches	Cushions, Pillows, Throws
- Cabins	Mats/Rugs, Wall Art, Curtains, Decorative Accessories

A thorough review of your boat will give you a detailed list of the spaces you have available to decorate as well as identify the usable items already onboard and the items that need to be added or replaced.

Here’s a sample inventory of Decorating Space Options and Needs.

From this thorough inventory, you can develop your decorating shopping list:

Boat Decor Shopping List:
Pillows & Throws
– 6 Outdoor pillows for aft deck settees & flybridge settee
– 2 matching throws for 2 aft deck & flybridge settees
– 4 Indoor pillows for dining table settee
– 4 Indoor pillows for main salon settee & 2 for chairs
– 10 Decorative pillows & 2 throws for 2 beds & 4 bunks – coordinate with bedding
– 2-3 Indoor pillows for master stateroom settee – coordinate with bedding
Bedding
– sheets, spreads, pillows for 2 beds, 4 bunks
Tabletop & Bar
– Non-skid placemats/matching napkins & rings for 8
– Special occasion placemats/matching napkins & rings for 8
– Non-breakable dinnerware for 8 (Corelle or melamine)
– Non-breakable all-purpose tall & short tumblers, red/white wine glasses & flutes for 8
– Stainless flatware for 8 (Serving Spoons/Forks)
Galley
– Airtight plastic containers for galley
– Non-breakable serving bowls, pitcher & platters – coordinate with dinnerware & linens
Florals
– Table centerpieces (main salon coffee table, dining table, aft deck, flybridge)
– Main salon floor & side tables, galley countertop
Decorative Accessories
– Main salon coffee table
– Main salon side & behind settee decor – sculpture? books? lamps?
– Wall art for main salon & 4 cabins
Heads
– Coordinating TP holder, towel holder, hooks (4 heads)
– Waste bin & tissue holder (4 heads)
– Coordinating towels (bath, hand, face) & mats for 4 heads
Misc.
– 8 beach towels – monogrammed?
– basket for beach towels & sun gear
– 2 teak lounge chairs?

Now that you have your shopping list, the next step to Feathering Your Nest is deciding on your decorating style and researching what’s available.

DJ