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Nautical Luxuries Blog

It's Real Simple

July 17, 2010

Our nautical Rope Knot Doorstop, that is. Real Simple Magazine just featured this classic nautical item in their August issue as one of their recommended "Everyday Indulgence Take-Notice Doorstops." 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

Just One More Thing To Dust?

July 16, 2010

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

There Are No Ropes In Sailing!

June 11, 2010 1 Comment

My first time sailing, I was stumped by the foreign language spoken onboard; that everyone seemed to know except me. "No ropes?" I scoffed naively, "Well then, what are all those things tied to the sails and wrapped around the winches?" After much clucking and rolling of eyes among the rest of the crew, my language class began with a lesson on the difference between ropes and lines.

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

The Cup Is Back!

March 10, 2010

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.

Best Bets: What's New & On Sale

January 17, 2010

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

January 15, 2010

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!

Boat Parade Time In Newport Harbor

December 22, 2009

boat parade family trees 2

A few of this year's Boat Parade stand-outs. What a great year - balmy tempatures and tons of spectators watching a great parade. boat parade penguins

2010 Is Trending Nautical

October 20, 2009

As baseball winds its way to the World Series, football season hits full-stride, and daylight savings time gives way to long wintry nights, thoughts here at Nautical Luxuries are already focused on the new year! New designs and new style trends are emerging for next year, with both good and bad news for your 2010 coastal/nautical decorating plans. 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.

Rope Ottomans

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! Rope Mirror

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, Rope Ring Natural

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

Plastic Cup Holder Blue

If your decor is more coastal-themed, you'll love some of the new items heading this way. Aluminum Shell Bowl Set

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!

Shell Mailbox White

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!

Add One To The Bucket List

October 13, 2009

Had I gone totally mad? Standing in chest-high surf, with no wetsuit, my teeth chattering uncontrollably and struggling to stand against the constant pull of a strong current, I considered the possibility. At 8:15 AM on a chilly, overcast October morning, I reminded myself that I could be sitting by a fire, with a nice hot cup of coffee! 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 Jones Ripping2

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.)

Making The Most of The Last Weeks of Summer

August 15, 2009

The superyachts are gathering this weekend in Edgartown, (possibly for the anticipated presidential visit next week?), and across the country, sailors and boaters are enjoying the last weeks of summer. Reluctant to turn our thoughts back to the indoors yet, here in Newport Beach we've found a few new items that might help you take advantage of the remaining warm, sunny days and late sunsets by the water. 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.

For everyone with a beach house full of guests this summer, we're expanding our popular Anali Towel collection, adding a color that simply belongs by the sea, aqua blue. Our Coral Branches, Coral & Shells, and Seahorse embroidery designs will be available in this delightfully tranquil color.

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

A Rare Opportunity Aboard Alfa Romeo

June 29, 2009

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.

Daunting as the small boats' six day head-start may be, Alfa Romeo's goal is to break the course record. Naturally. The time to beat? 6 days 16 hours and 4 minutes 11 seconds. If any yacht can break it, I'd have to say this one could! Stan Honey, Alfa Romeo's navigator for the race, and sole American crew, will have his work cut out for him.

The Transpac website will be tracking all of the boats.

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

A New Season Of Boating In Heels

June 23, 2009

As the crew headed downwind during last Thursday's Balboa Yacht Club Beercan Race, the wind simply shut off, stranding us a tantalizing hundred yards or so from the finish line. Springing into action, the finely tuned crew immediately... turned on the stereo. Then Dan pulled out a chilled magnum of champagne and launched the cork straight into the mainsail. A protestable case of ooching? An arguable example of pumping? 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

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