Art in a Bottle- How Did They Get That Ship in There!

The Schooner Virginia Races the Pride of Baltimore II past Thimble Shoals Lighthouse.
Created by marine artist Heather Gabrielle Rogers.

The first known ship inside a bottle was created during the early years of the 19th century. Like other sailor-made art forms, these were created aboard old sailing ships in an era when sea voyages lasted months and sometimes years. Whalemen, during their idle hours, produced scrimshaw for family members, sweethearts, and friends. Decorative and utilitarian objects were carved from bone, ivory teeth, and baleen, and designs were engraved on the same materials. But other materials such as wood, rope and yarn were also used, and many interesting and decorative objects were created from these.

Two tall ships pass each other in this early 20th century ship in a bottle diorama.

It is not surprising then that an empty spirit or a medicine bottle lying around aboard ship might have spurred the imagination of a 19th century seaman into devising a way to display a model ship in it. Whatever the origin, the technique for placing ships into bottles was passed along and over time became a favored art form for sailors. Some sailors produced a facsimile of the ship that they sailed aboard; others may have created multiple ships passing by under full sail on rough painted clay seas or a diorama of a ship in harbor with the seaport in a background, a lighthouse at the harbor’s edge, possibly with tugboats in tow. These works can now be found in maritime museums around the world for there are few sailor-made decorations as nautical as a bottled ship.

Tom Applegate prepares the US Coast Guard tall ship "Eagle" for launching in the bottle.

Today, ship-in-bottle artists have taken the old sailor art form and produce exceptional works of art with microscopic detailing that will rival anyone’s imagination of “how did they get that in the bottle.” A selection of new works by Heather Gabrielle Rogers and Tom Applegate will also be a focus of this nautical show.

The US Coast Guard tall ship "Eagle" under sail on blue clay seas.

Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is hosting “Art in a Bottle,” a collection of exceptional ship-in-bottles and dioramas from the 19th century through the present and featuring recent creations by maritime
artists Heather Gabrielle Rogers and Tom Applegate.

Heather Gabrielle Rogers- As a passionate crafter of ships in bottles, Heather has developed a huge appreciation for the challenge of constructing these tiny ships with my main focus directed towards detail. Her overall goal is to always produce what appears to be a miniature version of a ship or vessel captured in a moment in time.

Thomas Applegate- From as far back as he could remember he has had a love for the sea. In the early 1970's he made his first ship in a bottle, a brigantine. Being self taught, he found it very challenging and rewarding. Over the years, he has researched each vessel he has created in order to make them a work of art while being true to life.

LOCATION

Skipjack nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is located on the riverfront, 1 High Street next to the High Street Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. Parking is available in the municiple parking lot next to the gallery and the Water Street garage located across the street of the building and along High Street.


IF YOU GO

 "Art in a Bottle" will be an ongoing show through September 28, 2014. The gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm.  Special showings can be arranged for groups by calling the gallery.



INFORMATION

You can visit the gallery or peruse the collection online on their website at: www.skipjacknauticalwares.com. You can call the gallery at (757) 399-5012 or email at  skipjacknauticalwares@gmail.com. The gallery showing is free to the public. The artwork is available for purchase but cannot be removed until the show is concluded.

The Arthur A. Rebman Maritime Collection at Skipjack Nautical Wares

For sale in the showroom and online

 starting Friday, May 10th, Skipjack is pleased to present the 

Rebman Maritime Collection.

Some of the many nautical items available for sale from the Rebman Maritime Collection.

The Arthur A. Rebman Maritime Collection represents three decades of collecting authentic nautical related items during Mr. Rebman's years working in Hampton Roads shipyards. The collection comprises of a number of ship nameboards, a rare rope driven ship's wheel circa 1840, US Navy and US Coast Guard items, life rings and preservers, wood blocks of varying types and sizes, cleats and bollards, navigational ship lights, a group of Fresnel lantern lenses, wood and metal fids and marlinspikes, country flags, signal flags and pennants including a complete cased signal flag collection, oak lifeboat water keg, anchors, a WWII era boxed compass, Lionel taffrail log in original box, ship's bell, half hulls, vintage lobster trap and wood net floats, boxed fog horn (working order), collection of ship in bottles, vintage working pond boat, coffee mugs and other maritime related porcelain collectibles, old prints and photographs, brass plaques from ships, lots of ship parts and pieces and other nautical collectibles. This is a great opportunity to collect some authentic nautical items, most including the ship provenance!  

Authentic ship's name boards, life rings and vintage ship salvage is part of the Rebman Maritime Collection.

The Portsmouth showroom is now open EVERY DAY*

through the end of year!

Monday-Saturday - 10am - 5pm

Sunday - 1pm - 4pm

Additional times by chance or appointment

Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery 

One High Street, Suite 3

(facing the riverfront)

Portsmouth, Virginia 23704

(757) 399-5012

www.SkipjackNauticalWares.com

Nautical Collars & Leashes For Your Salty Dog

Nautical themed dog collars at Skipjack Nautical Wares

Dress up your salty dog with Skipjack's nautical pet products featuring a great selection of colorful nautical themed ribbon collars & leashes on durable nylon webbing for comfort and easy care. Collars feature Delrin Acetal side release buckles for ease of fastening and separating and solid nickel plated “D” rings for strength, are available in three widths and are all easily adjusted for length. Our matching leashes feature strong nickel-plated swivel snaps. Produced in Massachusetts, USA. Want one? Follow the link here to our NAUTICAL PET section on our web store. or stop by our Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia riverfront showroom.

Our dog Chance models a nautical code flag ribbon collar.

Select your favorite ribbon design and webbing color for the perfect nautical dog collar. Easy to clean, just soak in dish detergent and warm water, rinse clean and air dry for years of like-new look and to eliminate odor.

Make it just right with 11 webbing colors to choose from!

Great nautical ribbon designs to dress up your salty dog!

SKIPJACK'S ONCE-A-DECADE SALE!

ONCE-A-DECADE SALE! Skipjack Nautical Wares turns 10 this year! We have packed a lot into the last decade including three showroom locations, miscellaneous hurricanes, lightning strikes, earthquakes and floods, not to mention one famous fire. To celebrate our first decade we are having a STORE-WIDE once-in-a-decade sale starting this Saturday and running through the end of February. If you are new to Skipjack, take note, sales here are very rare (we can't remember the last one)! EVERYTHING* in the store is at least 20% off ! Check out our Anniversary Sale category online (top of the category column on the left) or stop by the showroom for additional items on special markdowns up to 50%! Items will be added to this sale over the next week, so stop by the showroom or webstore often! Check out some of our impressive deals: Stainless or brass marlinspikes 30% off ! Skipjack long-sleeve T's, hoodies and crew sweatshirts 30% off ! Mariner Rope Bracelets 35% off ! 4-inch or 2-inch brass cleats 40% off ! Here are just a few of the special PORTSMOUTH SHOWROOM ONLY savings: Lifeboat oars, reg. $125, SALE $75, a savings of 40% Country flags, reg. $15, SALE $9.95, a savings of 33% All nautical books 30% off ! *Okay, ALMOST everything. Jack the shop dog is not for sale at any price. Sale does not apply to purchases prior to February 16 or custom orders. Sale prices limited to in stock items only. Orders must be paid in full by February 28 to qualify. Online the 20% discount will show up at checkout. Online items for sale at greater than 20% off will show the discount in the product description (not again at check out). New! Just in! Aluminum Passage Lights (new) Brass Cargo Table Lamp Schooner Bluenose Ship in Bottle by Thomas Applegate Check out our other New! Just in! items SHOWROOM ALERT ! The Portsmouth showroom will be CLOSED on Thursday, February 21, 2013. The webstore will remain open 24/7 with most shipping as usual. Remember, the Postsmouth showroom is operating on winter hours from January through April: Tuesday-Saturday - 10am - 5pm Additional times by chance or appointment Joe & Alison Elder Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery One High Street, Suite 3 Portsmouth, Virginia 23704 (757) 399-5012 www.SkipjackNauticalWares.com January-April HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday - 10am - 5pm Closed Feb. 21 Additional times by chance or appointment

A Commemorative Look at Schooners- the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

America 2.0 at the beginning of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, 2011.
Photo by Joe Elder aboard the Schooner Spirit of Independence.

     Olde Towne Portsmouth once again hosted the finale of the 23rd Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race  from Baltimore Mayland with 37 participating schooners. Here is a photographic study of these exceptional sailing vessels docked along Olde Towne's waterside. Enjoy!

An 18th century cannon stands sentinal  in front of the schooner "Mystic Whaler"
docked along side the High Street basin. Photo by Joe Elder.

HISTORY

Schooner "Adventurer" figurehead.
Photo by Joe Elder.

Schooner racing on the Chesapeake Bay is rooted in the trade rivalry between Baltimore, Maryland, at the northern end of the Bay, and Portsmouth/Norfolk, Virginia, at the southern end. The fastest sailing vessels delivered goods and people to their destinations and often garnered the best price for their cargo by beating slower schooners into port. Over the years, commercial schooner designs evolved for the bay's routes — taking into consideration shallow waters, local crops and regional needs, with speed being a primary concern to beat competitively loaded vessels into port. These schooners also played a critical role in our nation's early wars. While there are no cargo-hauling schooners now working the Bay, there are a considerable number of schooners still in use as cruising vessels and privately owned boats.

Wheel  from the schooner
"Liberty Clipper".
Photo by Joe Elder

In 1988, when the City of Baltimore launched her flagship modeled on those earlier vessels, Captain Lane Briggs of the TugantineNorfolk Rebel — the world's only sail-powered schooner-rigged tugboat — challenged the Pride of Baltimore II to a race from Baltimore to Norfolk, reviving an historic rivalry between schooners, captains and cities on the Bay. With the challenge accepted, the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race (GCBSR) was born.

In 1990, a weekend in October was set aside for what had become an annual event, and yacht clubs at the northern and southern ends of the race volunteered to support the schooners and crews in their efforts.

Schooners  at the High Street basin, Olde Towne Portsmouth. Photo by Joe Elder.

Bowsprit of the "Liberty Clipper".
Photo by Joe Elder.

Over the 21 years of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, there have been some incredible races with schooners going to the wire to win. Harsh weather conditions in some of the races have tested the mettle of the vessels, crews and captains. As many as 56 schooners have signed up for a single race, and more than 150 — with vessels from as far away as California - have enjoyed the fall race on the Bay. The 2007 race was the fastest race in this long series. With strong following winds, several schooners set new records for both elapsed and corrected time. The schooner Virginia set a new time to beat of 11 hours, 18 minutes and 53 seconds, beating the previous record of 12 hours, 57 minutes and 51 seconds set by Imagine...! in the 2005 GCBSR.

Skylight binnacle and wheel  from the schooner "Adventurer".  Photo by Joe Elder.

Belaying pins. Photo by Joe Elder.

With the growth of the event and the resulting focus on these vintage sailing craft, the organizers and sponsors elected soon after the start of the event to maximize the value of the race in very special ways. The race brings focus to the maritime traditions of schooners on the Chesapeake and brings attention to the environmental issues facing the Chesapeake. All net proceeds of the race are donated to support youth education efforts aimed at saving the bay. This is why the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race is proud to say that we are "Racing to Save the Bay!"  History taken from the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race website.

Carved and gilded figurehead  of the schooner "Lady Maryland". Photo by Joe Elder.

Port light. Photo by Joe Elder.

Line wrapped around a belaying pin. Photo by Joe Elder.

Hawse pipe and  line. Photo by Joe Elder.

Schooner "Virginia" flies the  American flag from her stern. Photo by Joe Elder..

Deck view of the "Pride of Baltimore II". Photo by Joe Elder.

Ships bell of the schooner "Lady Maryland". Photo by Joe Elder.

Wheel of the tugantine "Norfolk Rebel".  Photo by Joe Elder.

Bow of the "Pride of Baltimore II". Photo by Joe Elder.

Skipjack Nautical Wares storefront is fronted by the bowsprit of the "Mystic Whaler."
Photo by Joe Elder.

Thank you to all of the participants and volunteers that make this such a memorable event. We hope to see you all again next year and until then, calm seas and following winds. From the staff at Skipjack Nautical Wares and all of us from Olde Towne  Portsmouth. Cheers!

OpSail 2012 Virginia Brings Tall Ships & Special Events

Hampton Roads is featuring an extraordinary event for the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, planned together with the spectacle of OpSail 2012. OpSail 2012 Virginia is collaboration between Operation Sail Inc. (OpSail) national, the United States Navy, Norfolk Festevents, Portsmouth PortsEvents, and the 36th Annual AT&T Harborfest events, and hundreds of national, state and local organizations

June 8-10, 2012, the Port of Virginia will once again host an impressive fleet of tall ships, navy and military war ships representing the world. OpSail 2012 Virginia and Harborfest is planned to illuminate the community with spectacle and festivity, and will place our Commonwealth front and center on the world stage.

Tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL' will be participating in OpSail 2012 and along the
Portsmouth, Virginia waterfront. Photo by Joe Elder.

This will truly be a memorable maritime event, with exciting activities taking place throughout the region. OpSail 2012 Virginia is a $65 million production, projected to have an attendance of 1.5 million people during the 12 days. In addition, 4000 U.S. and foreign officers, cadets, crew and diplomats will be in town. Though the largest concentration of the ships will be available for boarding along the Norfolk waterfront, the City of Portsmouth will host the tall ship 'GAZELA' located next to the High Street Landing and in front of Skipjack Nautical Wares as well as the tall ships "HMS BOUNTY' and 'KALMAR NYCKEL' just a short walk down the seawall at Ocean Marine. Also, the USCG Cutter, the 'WILLIAM TATE' will docked along the seawall near the High Street Landing.

The tall ship 'GAZELA' will be next to the High Street landing and in front of
Skipjack Nautical Wares during OpSail 2012. Photo by Joe Elder.

Some of Skipjack's marine artists will be on hand, Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 to demonstrate different maritime skills, such as scrimshaw carving, knot-tieing, wood carving and other sailor and folk art skills. Selected work of art celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 will also be on display during this spectacular event.

Original 19th century folk painting of "the Battle of Lake Erie" is part of Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Galleries annual folk art show titled "DON''T GIVE UP THE SHIP" celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012 Virginia. Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is located on Portsmouth, Virginia's waterfront next to the High Street Landing. Photo by Joe Elder.

OpSail 2012 Virginia is the perfect opportunity to visit Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery where you'll discover one of the finest collections of marine artwork, nautical antiques and decor, Chelsea marine clocks, authentic ship salvage, nautical lamps, lighting and furnishings, marine instruments as well as our own Skipjack Nautical Wears yachting apparel and jewelry. Skipjack is also the best place for nautical gifts too!

Skipjack's "Underway" Garment-Dyed Short Sleeve T-shirt in Red or Blue.

New for OpSail Virginia and in celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Skipjack's new "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP'  cotton T-shirts in Red, Navy and ash grey. All standard sizes available. Great for father's Day too!

For a listing of OpSail 2012 Virginia events to be held along Portmouth's downtown/Olde Towne seaboard, go to http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/events-schedule/portsmouth . For information about OpSail 2012 Virginia, go to http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/.

The tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL' during the parade of sail. Photo by Joe Elder.

We hope that you will come and be a part of this historical maritime event. While you are in the area, please stop by and peruse through our exceptional new art and diverse nautical inventory. We wish you fair winds and following seas. From the staff at Skipjack.

Skipjack nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is an Official OpSail 2012 Virginia Certified Business. http://www.skipjacknauticalwares.com.

Skipjack's 2011 Top 10 Nautical Gifts For All Occasions

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 features a reef knot tied with 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. Available in five great nautical colors and it's only $24.95. Here's the link to the Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope bracelet.

Skipjack's Mariner nautical rope bracelet for men and women.

Number Three: Skipjack's bay rum and lime soap.  It's spicy and manly!....but women love it as well. Great for salt of the earth types or for an old salt, it conjures memories of vintage sailing ships, the smell of teak and salt air and long naps in a hammock stretched between the main and the mizzen - with a twist of boat drinks, of course! You’re guaranteed to fall in love with this refreshing reminder of the sea. From our collection of island inspired soaps and bath products. Great thank you gift and stocking stuffer. Four ounce bar in decorative box for only $5.95! Here's the link to Skipjack's bay rum and lime soap.

Skipjack's bay rum and lime soap from our collection of island inspired soaps.

Number Four: 6 Inch Brass Ship's Bell Mounted on Mahogany Plaque. Our best selling retirement gift- 6" solid brass ship's bell mounted on 9" x 12" (229 x 305 mm) high gloss mahogany plaque. Comes with an engraveable brass plate. The perfect presentation piece for retired military as well as a nautical gift for numerous occasions. (Hand-tied bell lanyard not included) Brass plate engraving available at an additional cost. Here's the link to 6 Inch Brass Ship's Bell Mounted on Mahogany Plaque.

A best selling retirement gift 6 Inch Brass Ship's Bell Mounted on Mahogany Plaque.

Number Five: Skipjack's NEW long sleeve T-shirt with racing Skipjack embroidered on the left chest. Our comfortable super soft 100% cotton T's are simply perfect for everyday casual wear. Available in all standard sizes and four great nautical colors including navy, white red and gray. Well priced at $29.00. Available in short sleeve too! Here's the link to Skipjack's long sleeve T-shirt with racing Skipjack.  

Skipjack's NEW long sleeve T-shirt with racing Skipjack.

Number 6:  Our custom made nautical chart lampshades. Give a lampshade where X marks the spot. Our custom lampshades gives you the opportunity to select your own NOAA navigational chart of your favorite body of water and coastal area. Makes a unique gift that is truly personalized and perfect for the new coastal homeowner. Here's the link to our custom nautical chart lampshades. Our nautical chart lampshades are also available in three standard sizes using the NOAA chart of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay!  We also produce a navigational chart nightlight (see pictured) that is also fabricated like our lampshades here in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA. and available for $18.95.

Custom made nautical chart lampshade is the perfect gift for the coastal homeowner.

 
Number 7:  Our "Sloop" sterling silver pendant is a great gift for any occasion and for any maiden sailing the seven seas. From the Barbara Vincent sterling silver sailboat collection.  Complete the ensemble with Barbara's matching "Sloop" earrings. Here's the link to sterling silver "Sloop" pendant.

Sterling silver "Sloop" pendant from the Barbara Vincent Sailboat collection.

Number 8: Chelsea three function cable wall clock is both attractive and a functional with thermometer and hygrometer. A great gift for the mariner and equally as usable in the nautical home or on board your yacht. Here's the link to Chelsea's  three function cable wall clock.

Chelsea's three function cable wall clock.

Number 9: Skipjack's best selling nautical signal flags belt...the perfect accoutrement for khakis, jeans, or corduroys and of course to wear with your favorite worn cargo shorts too! This cotton web ribbon belt for all seasons has full grain drum-dyed leather billet and buckle ends accentuated by the solid brass buckle. This belt is available with your choice of white, red or navy webbing as a background to the signal flag ribbon. A great gift for numerous occasions. MADE IN THE USA! Here's the link to nautical signal flags belt. You may also want to preview our total collection of nautical themed belts.

Skipjack's best selling nautical signal flag belts.

Number 10:  Our brass nautical sea chest becket door knocker, cast and reproduced after an authentic 19th century sea chest rope handle or becket will certainly adorn the front of any nautical home. Featured in the November 2011 issue of "Classic Boat Magazine, The World's Most Beautiful Boats" published in London, England as one of their choice "Objects of desire"!  Follow the link here to nautical sea chest becket door knocker or see our complete collection of nautical/coastal inspired brass door knockers by following the link here to Nautical door knockers and hardware.

Solid cast brass nautical sea chest becket door knocker

OK, so the person that you are shopping for is hard to buy for. You've racked your brain and are simply out of ideas. The person you are shopping for already owns everything under the sun but you still want to buy them that perfect gift. Here's a solution that will satisfy even the most impossible person on your shopping list. A gift certificate from Skipjack!  A white embossed note card personalized with your message will be sent to the gift recipient. Each certificate may be redeemed either by shopping online or in our Olde Towne Portsmouth showroom. Available in amounts starting at $25.00.  Here's the link to a good night sleep and another one crossed off the list! The Skipjack Nautical Wares gift certificate.

Here's a link to our 2010 list Nautical Gifts For Men & Women From Skipjack. 

A gift certificate from Skipjack Nautical Wares is always the perfect gift!