English BLoG

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 correspo...

"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 ...

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 enjo...

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...

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 featu...

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 stran...

The Mariner Nautical bracelet hand-tied in navy blue nylon and stainless steel shackle clasp. Add a splash of color to your wardrobe with the new Skipjack Mariner nautical rope braclet for men, women or children... the perfect accoutrement for your coastal lifestyle now available in five great nautical colors!  This affordable nautical bracelet features a reef knot tied with durable 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- 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 in light blue, navy, white, red and black nylon cord. The Skipjack Mariner bracelet is now available in five great nautical colors. Bracelets are sold by their actual length to the half inch. For best fit measure the diameter of your wrist...