159 years ago, Verdi’s opera Rigoletto was first performed in Venice; the New York Times was founded, and the yacht America won the now infamous race around the Isle of Wight, taking home the silver cup that would become known as the America’s Cup. That original race was re-enacted this week in a spectacular match-up between the current holder of the America’s Cup, BMW Oracle Racing, and Sir Keith Mills’ British TeamOrigin.  It was reported to have been quite the event, with a large spectator fleet on land and on the water.  

Alongside the race coverage posted in ScuttlebuttEurope.com was a fun ad for sponsor Wight Vodka, promoting their “Perfect Cocktail For August”, the August Wight martini. According to Wight Vodka’s owner, Ritu Manocha, you strain the juice of a small handful of fresh blackberries into a shaker with ice. Add a half teaspoon of clear honey and two shots of Wight Vodka. Shake for about a minute to really chill the cocktail, then pour into a martini glass and serve.

Well, we’d like to suggest the perfect glasses for that Perfect August Cocktail…  Like a traditionally style Etched Shell Martini Glass, part of an entire line of Etched Shell Glassware.

 And… did we mention the perfect cocktail shakers – chrome plated ships’ lanterns!!

Or, traditionally styled and modern stemless Etched Fish Martini Glasses.

Or, you might even throw a few ice cubes in one of our Code Flags Double Old-Fashioned Glasses and enjoy your martini ‘on the rocks’.

BMW/Oracle Racing’s successful defense of America’s Honor, with a decisive victory over the British yacht, certainly sounds like an excellent opportunity to celebrate with an August Wight Martini!

Cheers,

DJ

As the Real Simple editors note, it’s much heavier than it looks. It has another real simple feature the editors didn’t mention- the sturdy top loop makes it real simple to move around the beach house!

   It’s available online:
                                                                  Rope Knot Doorstop

Sure, over the years a few sailing trophies may have managed to find their way to my home. Tucked into the bookcases, or half-hidden on shelves “artfully” filled with pictures and model boats, my collection includes the standard etched brass platters and sailboats mounted on wood, a few glass vases, and even a brass candlestick holder.

I think my favorite, though, is a tiny, 4-inch tall plastic trophy each of us crew received from the owner after winning the annual Women’s Ocean Racing Series. Possibly because it’s never needed Brasso, but mostly because it continues to remind me of a great regatta, a great boat, and a great season.

In mid-July now, the summer racing season is full-on, (in the northern hemisphere at least), and trophy presentations are occurring almost daily. All jokes about dust-gathering trophies aside,  I don’t envy the yacht club’s Trophy Chair. It’s not easy finding trophies that recipients might actually find unique and/or more interesting or useful than the standard cups, bowls, platters and mugs.  Inspired by that challenge, I went on my own hunt for new trophy ideas.

Voila! The new Nautical Luxuries Regatta Trophy Collection has just launched online! 

Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find – all completely customizable:

              
       Cheese Boards                            Footed Bar Blocks

   
     Multi-Stripe Double Cleat Carvery Boards               Single Mahogany Stripe Cleat Carvery Boards                   

     
       Single Stripe Double Cleat Carvery Boards      Multi-Stripe Double Cleat Carvery Boards               
                                                            

                  Chopping Blocks              French Bread Boards & Double Cleat Cheese Serving Boards

And of course the usual and the not-so-usual  engravable crystal pieces (Love the sailboat vases):

        
            Crystal Sailboat Trophy Vases                               Scroll Handle Ice Buckets                
          Classic Triumph Trophy Vases                             Engravable Crystal Paperweights

And a few more unique trophy options, though not engravable, still enviable trophies to receive!

        
                    Cleat Bookends                                                Etched Sailboat Barware
    
           Etched Compass Rose Barware                     Code Flag Glass Sets in Glass or Acrylic

Plenty of great reasons to sail smart and fast!

Cheers,

DJ

Boats, I learned, use lines, not rope. Rope, I was corrected, is relegated to land-based uses… like trimming some of our hottest new nautical pieces!  So here’s to lines and learning a new language, and to ropes, and the beautiful accents they create for our getaways by the sea!

Part of our line of handmade Italian Rope Serving Trays, this extra large one has a lift-out acrylic insert to securly hold two bottles and twelve glasses. Teak bottom has an inlaid compass rose design.

 A classic Knotty Nautical Accent Pillow in deep navy,  features a  traditional square knot motif – using actual … err… rope – adds a great touch of color and nautical style to a chair or sofa.

Part of our handmade Italian Rope Bath Accessories line, these rope towel rings and towel bars are available with chrome or gold plated fittings.

One of our most extraordinary nautical serving pieces has rope edging, wood deck planking and chrome trimmed cleat handles. Beautiful!

The height of nautical craftsmanship is seen in our Yachtsman’s Basket. Where else would you leave your favorite Prada pumps while you’re onboard your superyacht?  The hatch-work wooden bottom promotes air circulation and lets water or sand slide through. Handles allow the crew to hoist precious cargo onto the stern deck for a quick cruise to an outlying island. I would definitely like to tag along where these baskets go!

And, one of the greatest little nautical gifts is our studly little Rope Knot Doorstop. With its loop handle, it’s actually easier than standard jambs to move, and ever so much more stylish!

If you’re remodeling or decorating a bath or adding a few nautical accents to a family room, here are two great ideas: The Rope Trim Wall Mirror, and Rope Handled Ottomans - sturdy enough to use as extra seating anywhere in the house.

So… I know that those are rope ottomans, but is that a rope lying on the deck, or a line! Whatever it’s called, I love the nautical look!

DJ

After a 15 year absence, the America’s Cup is back in the United States, thanks to the efforts, talent, and brilliance of Larry Ellison and the entire BMW/Oracle Racing team!  A hearty congratulations to everyone on the team and a resounding Welcome Back! to the oldest trophy in sport!

All the America’s Cup action made me flash back to Auckland, 2000…

… when our Abracadabra 2000 Challenge built both boats and trained in Hawaii.

 Sailing off Diamond Head – beautiful and warm!

Marine artist – and Hawaii resident – Wyland, painted both of our hulls and – during a lunch break – he painted his own brand new VW Bug. Yes, in about an hour or so, he completely painted a just-delivered Bug. Amazing talent.

Watching him paint an 80-foot whale on the hull was extraordinary. He even made sure Hawaii’s state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, was represented.

P&O Nedlloyd sponsored us and carried all of our boats and gear to Auckland – shown here offloading in Auckland.

 And mugging it up with one of our build crew at our base in Auckland.

One of my favorite shots (although probably not one of theirs), above left, towing the boys back in after a long day of racing. It was spring in Auckland, cold and rainy a lot of the time. 

And then about ten years later, my own AC Reunion of sorts…

Both of our old boats are in San Diego now. One is part of Next Level Sailing’s charter fleet. I had a chance to sail on her again a couple of years ago – and had the first opportunity to actually take the helm for a while. No, we couldn’t put up a chute, and they’d made a lot of modifications to her, but it was still quite a thrill to take her out for a sail.

These 11-year-old monohulls are a far cry from the multi’s that just raced AC 33. It will be exciting to see what technological innovations trickle down to the various levels of pro and amateur racing. 

It will also be very interesting to see what the participants jointly determine to be the rule for AC 34.  A new RC 70-footer maybe?

Very exciting, indeed!  Welcome back, Auld Mug.

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.)