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  Learn how to navigate with a sextant using today's advanced technology with Captain J. C. Waters aboard the Schooner   SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE. October 26, 2010   Schooner SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE sailing on the Elizabeth River. The very technology that seemed to question  the viability of the practical use of the Sextant is now the tool that makes the Sextant once again an important navigation tool for the small boat cruiser as well as the professional navigator.   Traditional companion tools for the Sextant were the chronometer, almanac, sight reduction tables, worksheets, and plotting board.  All of these tools were required and were tedious and time consuming to work with and maintain.  Now enter the i-phone app “Star Pilot”, hand held computer with dedicated sight reduction program and the inexpensive digital watch.   Now the procedure to get a fix becomes:  Take the shot with the sextant, observe the time with the digital...

Schooner Days 2010,  Portsmouth, Virginia October 15-16, 2010   Schooner Days is a celebration of the world’s largest gathering of schooners along the waterfront of Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. It's held this year in conjunction with the 21st Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race from Baltimore to Portsmouth- racing to save the bay !   Schooners LADY MARYLAND  and LIBERTY CLIPPER at Portsmouth, Virginia's Schooner Days. This two-day celebration offers numerous maritime-related activities along the seawall and at the High Street Landing; many are free to the general public. Schooners line the seawall at Portsmouth, Virginia's High Street Landing The Portsmouth waterfront from North Landing to beyond the High Street Landing will showcase over 40 schooners from local and distant ports and is considered the largest gathering of schooners in the world. A gathering of  great vintage wooden schooners are clustered together in Olde Towne Portsmouth for Sc...

"Summerwind" by Sandy Nelson, oil on canvas measuring 24 X 36 inches. "In mid-summer, the winds beckon sailors to sail the marshes and intracoastal waters. A lazy afternoon is all that's needed to beckon participants out onto the water of the intracoastals. My influences are as diverse as the great Spanish, Russian and French impressionists to a childhood amid the dark hills of eastern Kentucky. In the latter I found a sincere appreciation for the beauty of the world around me, in the former, inspiration to express it. My work is not edgy nor avant-garde; it doesn’t follow fads or trends – it is simply truth, as I perceive it. That is what I hope the viewer takes away with them. "Evening Sail" by Sandy nelson, oil on canvas measuring 24 X30 inches " A long day sailing invites the sailors to come home late, taking to port just at dusk. A good meal, a glass of wine are all that's needed at the end of the day of working the sails. Tomorrow is another...

Nautical inspired folk art with a country flair. Throughout the years, we have had the great fortune at Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery to meet some really fine people who have become customers and also good friends. Some share our passion in collecting and are "ready at the helm" when great new objects are found. These collectors share the same compassion for great nautical-themed folk art as I do and we are equally as pleased to see these exceptional items find a place in such a wanting home. Our friends are kind enough to now share some of  their favorite discoveries with you. Enjoy! (Top Picture)  A carved and painted contemporary "sailors Valentine"  was created by Jac & Patricia Johnson, two of my favorite folk artists working today. Their work is simply wonderful. The double heart-shaped valentine with carved lace edge features a hollowed out center with angels and painted verse with country and marine designs. As the poem reads "I hold yo...

The Bounty, Greenport, New York.  Limited edition Giclee reproduction From original watercolor . Image size 20"x 27"      I met Bob Holland for the first time in 2009 at his studio in  d’ART CENTER in Norfolk, Virginia. We were about to open an exhibit titled "Celebrating our Maritime Heritage" as part of the 20th Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race and our first annual "Schooner Days" events held in conjunction with the Schooner Race here in Olde Towne Portsmouth. As a Hampton Roads native, I've grown accustom to seeing the art work of this well known artist and I really wanted to have Bob Holland's marine artwork in our gallery and as part of this exhibit. "The Eagle" USCG United States Coast Guard New London, Connecticut. Limited edition Giclee reproduction from original watercolor. Image size 20"x27"      Bobby Burnell, another exceptional marine artist that we represent had just delivered to us a few  new pain...

Our dog Chance models his favorite signal flag collar Now you can have the best dressed pets on the water. Skipjack Nautical Wares now brings to you our NEW collection of nautical/coastal style pet collars and leashes perfect for the beach and boating enthusiasts. The perfect choice for your salty cat or dog! Durable nylon webbing with your selection of ribbon design All our pet products are made with durable nylon webbing. Collars feature Delrin Acetal side release buckles for ease of fastening and separating and solid nickel plated “D” rings for strength and resistance to salt water. Select from our colorful selection of nautical designed ribbons Select from these nylon webbing colors for your pet collar and leash. The collars are easily adjusted for length and are available in various widths and lengths ranging from cat sizes to Extra-large ( adjusts from 18" to 28"). Produced in Massachusetts, USA. Select a matching leash to dress up your nautical pet! You can order you...

"The Captain's House" by J. Robert Burnell Portsmouth artist J. Robert Burnell (Bobby) grew up around the water in a family of watermen, and sailing his own boat since he was ten years old. He has sailed on nearly every type of workboat on the Chesapeake Bay.  It's no wonder that Burnell's love of the water reflects so naturally in his marine paintings.  Bobby Burnell is recognized for his vivid depictions of life on the Chesapeake Bay.  The subject is his favorite - each piece open and honest, providing a unique understanding of its mood and people. 'The Captain's House' by Burnell is shown above. One of the largest collections of Burnell's marine art is on exhibit at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery   and his works are on display in their showroom year-round. "Scott's Creek- Circa 1915 by J. Robert Burnell One of the keys to Burnell's success on the canvas is the work he does outside the studio.  Burnell believe...