Treat your seaside guests like royalty with Embroidered Bath Towels (bath, hand, face and tip towel sets):
Set an amazing coastal table with Swarovski Crystal bling napkin rings:
Create your own nautical identity with custom code flag jewelry:
Ease back into a cozy feather down pillow, or wrap up in a warm, wool nautical blanket:
Keep the holiday spirit alive all year long:
Enjoy the exceptional prices and, if you miss this sale, never fear. We'll have another big sale in about six months!
DJ
world's best yachting bar is one of our favorite events! This year, while The Dog Watch in Stonington, CT, the Clubhouse Yacht Club in Breskens, Holland, Nippers of Great Guana Cay in the Abacos, the Bitter End Yacht Club in the BVI, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, Salty Mike's in Charleston, S.C., the King & Queen in Hamble, England, and the Pier View in Cowes on the Isle of Wight were all top vote-getters, it was the International Yacht and Athletic Club (IYAC) in Newport, RI, that took top honors by readers of Scuttlebutt Europe.
Scuttlebut readers were asked to vote and to comment about their favorite bar, which elicited some pretty interesting replies:
• This place is known as the drinking bar with a yachting problem.
• The bar supports the club…and vice versa!
• You never know if you’re going to see someone in a wedding dress or a swimsuit.
• The commitment of the owners and patrons to several major charity events, including being founders of ‘Sail for Pride.’
• The only pub where you find the rock stars, pro sailors and keen weekenders mixing it up together.
• Major respect to the great Jan! Pubs like this are definitely what Sundays are made of.
• $2.00 Bourbon Nights…Ooooh to be young again!!
• It’s a short walk for drinks after sailing.
• It’s walking distance back home!
Previous winners include Peter Cafe Sport in the Azores - 2009, and Soggy Dollar in the BVI - 2010. This year's winner, IYAC, will receive a trophy and a bottle of Wight vodka to celebrate. So if you're in Newport for the upcoming America's Cup World Series, put IYAC on your must-see list!
DJ
Sterling Silver Sailboat Cufflinks with Code Flag Two-Tone Sports Watch $90
Lapis Lazuli, Mother of Pearl, and Onyx $120
SHOP THE MENS ACCESSORIES SECTION
FOR THE BUSINESS BARON
Solid Brass Siren Of The Seas Bookend Set $129 Brass Finish Desk Ship's Anchor $30
Deck Cleat Bookend Set $60 Brass Gimbaled Desk Compass $120
Aluminum 3-Link Anchor Chain Sculpture$165 Compass & Clock Chartweights $56-$64
Marine Rope Wine Caddy from Italy $88 Marine 4-Pc. Rope Coaster Set from Italy $155
Knot Accent Stainless Wine Chiller from Italy $185 Marine Rope Bar Trays from Italy $245-$415
Etched Sailboat 4-Pc. Rocks Glasses Set $59 Fish Stemless White or Red Wine Tumbler 4-Pc.Set $51
Nautical Code Flags 4-Pc. Rocks Glasses Set $38 Cleat Handle Compass Rose Wood Tray $125
SHOP NAUTICAL BAR
Women, on the other hand, might be a little more difficult to shop for but... that's the next post, and besides, what man is buying gifts THIS early?
DJ
Each year, we look forward to the start of our fresh wreath shipping season, and the opportunity to help protect our oceans. While most of our coastal-themed wreaths ship year-round, our fresh Noble Fir wreaths ship Nov. 8 - Dec. 20 only. What a beautiful coastal accent, and wonderful fragrance these wreaths add to your home, and what a great way to support ocean restoration!
[caption id="attachment_870" align="alignnone" width="295" caption="SeaKeepers Fresh Coastal Wreath"]
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Your purchase of any Nautical Luxuries wreath from October through December, helps support ocean monitoring and research through our donation to the International SeaKeepers Society. Each wreath ships with a note to the recipient that the purchase of their wreath has contributed to the SeaKeepers' efforts to protect and restore the oceans.
[caption id="attachment_871" align="alignnone" width="293" caption="Nantucket Island Fresh Coastal Wreath"]
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The International SeaKeepers Society is a non-profit organization comprised of entrepreneurs, yachtsmen, corporations, divers, scientists and concerned citizens, all dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the world's ocean. The SeaKeepers' mission is to gather and distribute the most useful oceanographic and atmospheric data from which to draw rational conclusions concerning the health of the world's ocean's and climate. These data are provided to governments, scientists, educational institutions and private citizens worldwide. To learn more about the International SeaKeepers Society, visit their website at www.SeaKeepers.org.
[caption id="attachment_872" align="alignnone" width="289" caption="Winter Harbor Preserved Coastal Wreath"]
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We can't think of a more appropriate corporate or personal gift for nautical enthusiasts to give or receive this holiday season, than a welcoming wreath adorned with the sea's bounty; a beautiful statement of your passion and commitment to the sea!
DJ
Etched Fish Collection
Etched Compass Rose Collection
Etched Sailboat Collection
Etched Starfish Collection
Cheers!
DJ
The fall season is even more special when it's enjoyed by the water! Coastal communities around the country, add their unique seaside touch and ocean-themed fun to seasonal decor - and Halloween is no exception! With Halloween just around the corner, we found a few great examples of coastal inspiration! 
Featured in the October issue of Coastal Living Magazine, a couple of fabulously carved sea creatures.
The Quiksilver Blog and the Completely Coastal Blog recently featured two rather chic un-carved pumpkin ideas:
Tres Chic Pumpkin Under Glass
A line of Halloween pumpkins watching the tide come in on a Maryland dock.
You may have missed the Underwater Pumpkin Carving, co-hosted this past weekend by the Shark Bait Dive Club and the Underwater Phantaseas Dive Club, (no photos posted yet), but here's a truly spectacular Hermit Crab Pumpkin, created by a hotel's staff at a corporate pumpkin carving event.
A few nautical/coastal inspired carved pumpkins from Quaint Living.
How about a lighthouse pumpkin? You can download the template and carve your own, at Midwest Living.
If you're now sufficiently inspired, you may want to grab a carving knife and head to www.pumpkinlady.com to get some more great pumpkin carving ideas and purchase your own coastal-themed carving template.
Happy Coastal Halloween!
DJ
The Urban Coastal Bar:
Bohemian Crystal Martini Glass
The Urban Coastal Hostess: Imported
French Cleat-Handled Deck Tray
Urban Coastal Lighting:
Tortoise Shell Lamp
Urban Coastal Accents:
Hand Blown Glass Rope Knots
Urban Coastal Wall Decor:
Painted Metal Surf Break Wall Sculpture
The Urban Coastal Coffee Table;
Giant Clam Centerpiece
Urban Coastal Sculpture:
Copper Sheen Nautilus Sculpture
Summer may be coming to a close, but it seems Pirates & Wenches know how to have a swashbuckling good time all year long! Southern Boating's August issue had a short article about Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend, held in Rock Hall, Maryland, August 12-14. By the looks of things, ( see: rockhallpirates.com), it was just as Southern Boating predicted - a colorful mix of mayhem, music and good family fun! With boat decorating contests, races, beach parties, giveaways, grog and grub, island music, rum tasting, sea shanty sing-a-longs, and contests (for a date with Captain Black, arrr!), it sounds like a great weekend for any sea-going scallywag.
A quick search online revealed that there are a veritable gaggle of Pirate Faires and Events, held coast-to-coast, and year-round. Here's a link to find an event near you: http://piratefestivals.com/
And a partial list of pirate events coming up in September:
Marcus Hook Pirate Festival - Marcus Hook, PA 
BrethrenCon 2010: A Pirate's Life For Me - Denver, CO
Lake Chelan Pirate Fest - Lake Chelan, WA
Pirates of the St. Juans - Sanford, FL
Pirate's Day - Barnegat, NJ
Long Island Pirate Festival- Long Island, NY
Happy Harbor Pirate Fest, Sun Harbor Marina - Orange Beach, AL
Portland Pirate Festival - Portland, OR
Eastport Pirate Festival - Eastport, ME
Pyrate Fest - Memphis, TN
Treasure Coast Pirate Fest - Stuart, FL
Surfside Beach Pirate Fest - Surfside Beach, TX
St. Louis Pirate Festival - Wentzville, MO-West of St. Louis
Pirates Weekend at the Ohio Renaissance Festival - Harveysburg, OH
Toshiba Tall Ships Festival - Dana Point Harbor, CA
Gold Coast Pirate Faire - Ventura, CA area
There's even a Pirates Magazine, with their own list of Festivals and Events!
Last but, aaaaarrrrr-guably not least, mark your calendar for Talk Like A Pirate Day, September 19th.
Summer may be nearing an end, and the warm weather cruising and racing season may be winding down, but we've still got Pirates! ... and football ...and hockey ...and a bottle of rum, yo ho.
DJ
Code Flags, with their bold colors and sharp angles, are a terrific nautical accent any time of the year. Summer, though, seems like the best time of year to indulge in a little code flag fun!
Out on the back patio in Newport Beach, these canvas code flag pillows represent the initials of the owner's four children. Each pillow is made to order, so you can spell out the name of your boat, or your own private message. They're available in standard canvas and Sunbrella canvas for your outside patio or aft deck. You'll find them on the last page of the Pillows & Throws section.
These hand-hooked, 100% wool code flags pillows add a bright, cozy touch to any seaside home or yacht. Also available in hand-hooked 100% rugs and runners of various sizes to fit any room or hallway. You'll find these in the Curtains & Rugs section.
Your guests will enjoy this fun set of code flag glasses; available in either acrylic or glass. Each of four glasses features a different code flag with the mariner's meaning, including U: "You are running into danger" and K: "I want to communicate with you."
Set a casual, nautical table this summer with our versatile and virtually indestructible Waving Flags melamine dinnerware. They come in a complete service for four, which includes 16 pieces.
Add a nautical touch to your year-round wardrobe with our silk Code Flag Scarf. Scarves are available in a variety of designs, and each is completely custom made, with your choice of up to 20 code flag letters. Get creative with a great fashion accessory and be a stand-out at the next yacht club event.
For him, a beatiful, bespoke set of gold Code Flag
Cufflinks with up to three enameled initials. A true
Nautical luxury! Find them in the Trophies &
Jewelry section, under Men's Accessories
Here's a treat for you both! His and hers Code Flag Watches, in elegant gold and in a stainless steel sport design. You'll find them in the Trophies & Jewelry section, under Bracelets. 
There are plenty of other great ways to accessorize your home, your boat, or yourself, with colorful, nautical code flags! See more great ideas by searching "code flags" on the home page.
DJ
There's no shortage of smiles and laughter around here, each time we get a new Bobblehead order in from the sculptors. It's hard not to laugh at those little heads bobbling about! Too bad we can't capture that in a still photo.
Just received a thank you note from another happy helms-couple:
"Caryn LOVED the Bobbleheads of us. We look at them and laugh often. Enclosed is a photo of our bobbleheads. Thanks again. Best regards, Bill"
What yachtsman or yachtswoman wouldn't get a kick out of a miniature caricature of themselves at the helm! From their deck shoes to their sailing jackets, our bobblehead figures are truly a one-of-a-kind gift idea for any sailor. All we need to create your very own bobblehead figure is a front and side close-up photograph of the face and head.
Can you imagine an entire AC team of Bobblehead Sailors? Larry Ellison? Russell Coutts? Spithill? Cayard? How about Dennis Connor? Lowell North? ... bobbling away on YouTube? The mind bobbles - boggles!
DJ
The Qatar Marine Festival (QMF) takes place at Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), with a wide range of family-oriented attractions on offer to visitors including ‘Sands Kingdom,’ which features 10 internationally-renowned artists crafting sand sculptures from the ground up. 10 artists work in five pairs creating sculptures on the theme of Qatar’s marine heritage. This week, the sand sculptors go head-to-head fashioning individual sculptures on endangered marine species and marine life.
Visitors will be given the opportunity to judge the works of the artists in high-tech ‘video booths’.
Additionally, every evening from 7-9pm, the sculptors will be taking time out from their own labour of love to conduct family sand sculpture workshops where visitors can create their own works of art under the supervision of the professionals. 4:00pm until late through 3/27.
April 15-17, 2011 Port Aransas, TX
TEXAS SAND FEST
SandFest has 24 Master Sculptors competing in 2011. It has become the largest Master Sand Sculpting Competition in the US!!!! SandFest is spread over three days, with a solo and a duo master's contest and one day with over 200 amateur sculptors.
April 15 - June 15 Algarve, Portugal
9TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SAND SCULPTURE FESTIVAL
The festival is unique in the Iberian Peninsula and is considered the largest festival of sand sculpture in the world, by the size of his sculptures and the area occupied by them. Every year, a group of talented sculptors, from various parts of the world and experts in the art of sculpting sand, joins to form thirty-five thousand tons of sand, an area of fifteen thousand square meters.
June 4, 2011 Galveston, TX A1A SANDCASTLE COMPETITION The American Institute of Architects is celebrating its 25th annual SandCastle Competition on Galveston's East Beach. Watch as teams of architects, designers, and engineers vie for what is considered one of the world’s largest sandcastle competitions, organized by the Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This year over 60 teams have their eyes and shovels set on winning the prestigious Gold Bucket Award.
On the day of the event the teams, stretched along the beach front, meticulously sculpt their piles of sand and work non-stop for five hours. The judging of all sculptures is rated on originality of concept, artistic execution of the concept, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site. In addition to the Gold Bucket, best team t-shirt design, best team signage, best costume, and public favorite.
Awards are given in 8 different themed categories:
1. That’s Entertainment
2. Let the Games Begin
3. Stars and Stripes
4. Most Complex
5. Best Traditional
6. Best Architectural
7. Most Hilarious
8. Most Lifelike / Realistic
June 18, 2011 Cannon Beach, OR
CANNON BEACH SANDCASTLE CONTEST
Image by George Vetter
It's hard to tell whether the participants or the spectators enjoy this event more. It all begins just after the early morning high tide, and ends as the next high tide reclaims the beach. Anyone can participate. The emphasis is on fun. Contestants pre-register online, as individuals or as teams by age group, and are judged not only on the finished product, but also on enthusiasm and teamwork.
The rules are simple. Contestants must stay within their designated plot (20'x 20' for adults). No sand may be added or removed from the plot. Only materials natural to the beach may be used in the finished sculpture. Plots and judging are organized into divisions by age, individual or team, and building instruments, such as forms, used.
July 11, 2011 Belmar, NJ
25th Annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest
New Jersey's largest sand sculpting event! Building runs form 8:00am - 2:00pm at Belmar's 18th Avenue beach. The competition is free and open to participants of all ages. Three prize places are awarded in six individual categories:
Visitors stroll up and down Seacoast Drive, closed to traffic for the event, taking in the entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and other experiences the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition has to offer. The musical entertainment, selected from a wide variety of family friendly local acts, draws a huge crowd every year. The Kids-N-Kastles Competition is held on Saturday afternoon.
On Sunday, the official U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition will be held. Professional and amateur sand carving teams throughout the U.S. will compete in the sandcastle building competition with more than $21,000 in cash prizes. Sandcastle building begins at 9:00am and concludes at 2:00pm. Sculptures are only available for viewing until 4:00pm due to the tides.
August 6, 2011 Amagansett, NY
20TH ANNUAL EAST HAMPTON SANDCASTLE CONTEST
East Hampton’s Clamshell Foundation presents the 20th annual East Hampton SandCastle Contest FROM 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Talented, creative and fun loving people of all ages will compete on the beach in five categories for who can build the best sandcastle. Trophies and prizes are awarded in each of the 5 categories.
October 19-23, 2011 South Padre Island, TX
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND SAND CASTLE DAYS
Amateur and professional sand sculptors from all over the world descend on South Padre Island every year to create beautiful works of art using natural elements of the beach. The not-for-profit event showcases the artwork and an appreciation for the coastal environment, and donates to organizations helping to preserve it.
Masters of Sand - Twenty four of the best sand sculptors in the world will work their magic in Isla Blanca Park for three days on the shores of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. This South Padre Island family festival has become one of the biggest and best international sand sculpture competitions in the United States!
Mid-November, Dates TBD Fort Myers, FL
THE 25TH ANNUAL AMERICAN SAND SCULPTING CHAMPIONSHIP FESTIVAL
Mid-November, Dates TBD Fort Myers, FL
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF SAND SCULPTING
For the second time in history, The World Championship of Sand Sculpting, the largest gathering of sand sculptors in the world, will be in the United States! You'll see master sand sculptors from across the globe competing to create glorious works of art out of nothing more than sand and water. You'll see a competition where the contestants must have the physical ability of an athlete and the precision of a surgeon. Each, whether team or solo, must move their sand by the shovel full into forms, compact it, and carve to completion within a set time frame.
To travelers from all around the globe, Fort Myers Beach has world class sand. "The beaches of England are quite rubbish and they don't have many shells. So I was expecting it to be a little like England, but its not. It's much better," said Caitlin Devereaux, who is visiting Fort Myers Beach from England. In fact it's so much better that a stretch of Fort Myers Beach will be the home of the 2011 World Championship of Sand Sculpting. Works of art will be on display right behind the Holiday Inn, bringing in at least 60 international artists to the fierce competition. The 10-day event is expected to bring out hundreds of thousands of people to Fort Myers Beach, pumping millions of dollars into the economy.
October 1, 2011 (TBD) Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA
28th Annual Leap Sandcastle Contest
The Leap Sandcastle Contest is Northern California's largest sandcastle building event. Leap hosts this spirited competition between teams of architects, engineers, contractors, designers and local elementary school students each October at Ocean Beach. With proceeds from sponsors and team fundraising, Leap serves over 6,500 students in over 25 schools across the Bay Area with hands-on learning experiences in art and architecture. This event is a fundraiser, but admission is free. Be there, from 10:00am - 4:00pm, for another exciting competition showcasing the Bay Area's most enthusiastic young minds!
