Nautical Luxuries Blog

Beautiful, elegantly fashionable supermodels aren't the first images that come to mind when you think of strong, tough foredeck crew. Neither is stylishly designed dinnerware the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sturdy, non-breakable plastic plates.     The new Tuscan Olive and Captain's Wine Cellar melamine dinnerware will certainly change your thinking about nonbreakables!  Smartly styled square dinner and salad/appetizer plates have a rustic wood, or classic Italian marble look to set a dynamic table onboard, poolside, or anywhere you need the carefree usability of nonbreakables. Both patterns are available in 8-piece sets to serve a two-course meal for four, or use the dinner plates as serving plates for a wine and cheese get-together. Pair them with our most popular nonbreakable wine glasses in classic stem shapes and two stemless sizes. DJ

Don't miss your chance to grab your favorite luxuries and save!  Shop the Semi-Annual Sale now through January 31st.DJ

Baby, it's cold outside! The nights are long, and everyone's spending a lot more time snug and warm inside. It's a great time to glam things up a bit in the beach house, with a few beautiful touches of silver and gold.     Here are a few coastal themed inspirations for your seaside hideaway decor:           And a few sparkling Silver & Gold looks for your amazing winter table:                               And whose evening wouldn't light up with any of these fabulous nautical and coastal themed Silver & Gold Jewelry pieces! Here's to brightening up the long winter nights, and to dreaming of the coming Spring and Summer seasons! DJ

Each year, when it's time to put up the Christmas tree, a few of our latest coastal and nautical themed ornaments always find their way there. This year's ornament selection provided beautiful inspiration. The result will be a sophisticated mix of golden garland, glimmering cloisonne sea creatures, classic nautical icons, vintage decoupage balls and elegant cut-out metal starfish.  Here's a quick peek, to provide some holiday decorating inspiration!  DJ

Bring on the cooler weather and longer nights. I've got the warm glow of a compass rose lamp, the cozy feel of a wool nautical blanket, and a beach cottage full of coastal inspiration for fall. Shown here, clockwise from top left: Embroidered Shells Turkish Cotton Towels Hatteras Stripe Denim Quilted Bedding Fringed Wool Nautical Throw Hooked Wool Sand Dollar Pillow Imperial Naval Officer's Cabinet and Credenza Compass Rose Round Accent Rug Compass Rose Lamp Antique Silver Finish Shells Centerpiece Carmel Bay All-Weather Natural Shells Wreath Hooked Wool Sea Conch Shell Pillow These and many more inspirational ideas are available in our Home Decor and Bed & Bath sections. DJ

Like most harbors, Newport Harbor is nearly always bustling; even more so during the summer months. If you're lucky enough to live on the water, you have a front row seat for the club races on summer evenings, the massive, slow-moving charter boats, and the endless parade of electric boats and stand-up paddleboarders. If you're not on the waterfront, well, I've always been a fan of web cams as a great substitute for being there - day or night. Web cams are also a great promotional tool, which is why I was a little surprised to see that Newport Beach doesn't have a harbor web cam. Balboa and Newport Harbor Yacht Clubs have web cams, and so does the Pavillion/Ferry, but there's no way to get a panoramic view, say from Hoag Hospital's amazing hilltop vantage point, or even from the Newport Blvd. Bridge. Just for fun, here are a few other yacht club and harbor web cams I did find online, both in the US and beyond. Enjoy! Newport Harbor Yacht Club Balboa Yacht Club at White's Cove Sandy Bay Yacht Club Minnetonka Yacht Club Grand Bend Yacht Club Wayzata Yacht Club Morro Bay Yacht Club Santa Barbara Yacht Club Brockport Yacht Club Portland (ME) Yacht Club Annapolis Yacht Club Annapolis Yacht Club web cam #2 Whitstable Yacht Club in the UK Royal Brighton Yacht Club in Australia Canberra Yacht Club in Australia Sandringham Yacht Club in Australia Britannia Yacht Club in Canada Chester Yacht Club in Canada Puerto Galera Yacht Club in the Philippines And here's a link to 18 different web cams around San Francisco Bay. DJ

To kick off the summer, USA TODAY recently asked local experts to select one great beach in each state. Their recommendations provide a veritable bucket list of beaches to enjoy across the nation. Here's to checking a few off the list this summer! Alabama: The Gulf State Park (shown at right) near Gulf Shores is a lovely (and low cost) beach getaway. You can build a sandcastle on snow-white beaches, fish or just take it easy on the porch of a lakeside cabin. The restaurants, shops, and family-friendly attractions of Gulf Shores are nearby. Alaska: Homer Spit , a narrow gravel bar more than 4 miles long jutting out into Kachemak Bay, stands out among Alaska's many scenic beaches. People walk on it, camp on it, fly kites, ride bikes, go fishing, picnic, launch boats, catch ferries, shop, eat and drink — all while enjoying a spectacular view of the glaciated Kenai Mountains. Arizona: Lake Havasu has more than 400 miles of shoreline, sun and sand. Boats and other equipment are for rent in Lake Havasu City, home of the relocated London Bridge. Some of the finest beach areas are in Lake Havasu State Park, or cruise the river until you spot a private beach that suits. Arkansas: DeGray Lake Resort State Park's Caddo Bend Day Use Area appeals to all ages. You can lounge in chairs, play in the water or just stretch out in the sand. Beach diversions are among an array of activities available, including horseback riding, cycling, boating, camping and relaxing in the spa. California: Orange County's Crystal Cove State Park isn't just about the beach — gracefully curved coves with reliable waves for surfing and bodysurfing. On the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway, park trails climb foothills for killer views of the ocean you just swam in. If swimming and hiking make you hungry, grab a cheeseburger and a rich milkshake at Ruby's Shake Shack. Colorado: Medano Creek, (shown at right), at the Great Sand Dunes National Park is fed by snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Its flow lasts only from about April to mid-June, offering a cool respite from the sun-soaked, 7,500-ft.-high sand dunes set at 8,000 feet in altitude, the highest in North America. The shallow creek flows swiftly (great for tubing), and it's surrounded by 30 square miles of "beach." Connecticut: Sherwood Island, offers athlete-perfect fields, a shaded grove for picnickers, even paved runways for pilots of radio-controlled model planes. The beach itself stretches about a mile and a half. By the food pavilion, it can be a party, but follow the shoreline west and you will find yourself alone on the dunes. Delaware: Backed by extensive sand dunes, the long swimming and sunbathing beaches of Delaware Seashore State Park are quieter than those in the beach towns. The farther you walk from the entrances, the more peaceful they are. Designated areas for surfing, sailboarding and surf-fishing. District of Columbia:  Yards Park, just a mile and a half from the U.S. Capitol, has a kid-friendly fountain and wading pool, open spaces and an old-fashioned boardwalk. Festivals and Friday night concerts bring crowds out in force. Early mornings are perfect for strolling on the quiet waterfront, watching rowers on the river or relaxing in wooden chaise-lounge chairs. Florida: Siesta Beach, (pictured at right) just 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota, was chosen the nation's best beach in 2011 by Stephen Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach). Follow the gently sloping beach to the calm, warm Gulf waters and dig your toes into the powdery white-quartz sand. Lifeguards and free parking make it safe and easy for everyone to enjoy. Georgia: St. Simons Island glitters with sandy beaches, upscale restaurants and charming boutiques. Preppy though it may be, the island still manages to transport visitors to a simpler time, thanks to its canopy of live oaks and abundance of bicyclists. The hard-packed sand on the island's East Beach makes it easy to jog or cycle along the Atlantic. Hawaii: The 45-minute drive along the Kohala Coast to Hapuna Beach — the largest on the island — is worth it. The beach is spacious enough to spread out, and there's clear water where you can snorkel and swim in calm conditions and body-board in the surf. Idaho: Crystal-clear Lake Coeur d'Alene is more than 24 miles long and includes a waterfront preserve with sandy beaches and hidden coves. You'll be treated to scenic views of the Bitterroot Mountains, the "floating green" on the local golf course, and osprey and bald eagles fishing near the shoreline. You can relax on a lake cruise, parasail or rent watercraft. Illinois: Lake Michigan sparkles to the east, the Chicago skyline rises to the south, and the Lincoln Park Zoo lies to the west. The wide, sandy expanse of Chicago's North Avenue Beach provides great people-watching, sand volleyball games, lifeguards and a beachhouse with bar and bike rentals. Indiana: You'll find just over 3 miles of broad, sand beach, and freshwater swimming, along Lake Michigan's southern shore. Behind it lies Indiana Dunes State Park 's scattered hills of shifting sand. Tough going up Devil's Slide dune, but thrilling to skid down! After visiting the Nature Center, enjoy a hike through forest and around the 1,530-acre Dunes Nature Preserve. Trail 8 climbs up-over-and-down four massive sand hills — with great lakeshore views. Iowa: Clear Lake is an iconic getaway town where a city beach and a state park beach lie near the downtown's cute shops and restaurants. A new bike path winds along both beaches and loops around the lake. The city park, complete with a band shell, hosts lots of summer festivals. Kansas: Scott State Park , north of Scott City, is hidden in a wooded canyon of craggy cliffs. The park's spring-fed lake has a pleasant swimming beach with a playground and concession stand offering food, fishing supplies, canoes and paddleboats. The 1,020-acre state park also has camping, hunting, nature trails and historic sites. Kentucky: Buckhorn Lake in the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky, was created in 1961 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Kentucky River, the lake offers swimming and water skiing plus rental cabins, a park lodge and nearby boat-in campsites. Louisiana: The khaki sand beach at Grand Isle , on the Gulf of Mexico south of New Orleans, stretches flat and shallow for 7 miles. There's plenty of room to swim, wade, kayak or surf-fish, and the close-knit community's family vibe and string of mom-and-pop motels, cabins, campgrounds and a state park, is welcoming. Maine: Ogunquit Beach 's 3.5-mile stretch of sand has long made this small southern Maine town a summer mecca for beachgoers. The wide, scenic beach also sports a magnificent mile-long cliff walk. Stroll along Marginal Way for a grand view of beach and rock-strewn sea, all in one sweeping glance. Maryland: Assateague Island National Seashore, (shown at right) a 37-mile-long barrier island, offers sandy shores for kayaking and canoeing and lifeguard-protected beaches. Some beach areas are open to over-sand vehicles. For an unforgettable photo op, scan the shore for wild horses in their natural environment. Massachusetts: Crane Beach , part of the 2,100-acre Crane Estate in Ipswich, is a gorgeous property. Miles of white-sand shoreline and pristine water beckon swimmers and sunbathers, while 5 miles of trails through dunes, a wildlife refuge and the showpiece Great House are a delight to explore. Even in summer, the beach is never overcrowded because parking is strictly controlled. Michigan: Ludington's Stearns Park Beach is just one of a string of lovely Ludington beaches that stretch for miles along Lake Michigan. The broad, white-sand swath is family-friendly, with a new skate park, easy access to town and a walkable pier out to North Breakwater Light. Minnesota: Minnesota's best beach lies on 6-mile-long Park Point. Though the water is rarely warm enough for swimming without a wetsuit, the beach is a great spot to watch incoming waves, giant saltwater freighters and Great Lakes ore carriers passing under Duluth's signature Aerial Lift Bridge, and to spot birds that rest on the point during spring and fall migrations. The Park Point Nature Trail follows the beach and occasionally passes old-growth pine and tamarack. Mississippi: You can get to Ship Island , off the Mississippi coast, only by boat. Undeveloped except for the century-old Fort Massachusetts, this remote beach destination is perfect for a languid day spent shelling and swimming in tranquil waters. Keep an eye out for bottle-nosed dolphins on your sunset cruise back to Gulfport. Missouri: Table Rock Lake, in southwest Missouri, features more than 745 miles of shoreline. Private development is kept clear of the shoreline to ensure a natural look, with a buffer of open land for trees, wildflowers and wildlife. Marinas, campgrounds and resorts offer access to the lake, which is one of the largest and cleanest in the USA. Montana: Whitefish Lake is a sparkling jewel in an eponymous town of 6,300. The 6-by-1-mile lake sports three public access areas, including City Beach, a sandy expanse with picnic shelters, barbecue grills, playground, dock and concession stand. Plus, you get spectacular views of the Whitefish Mountain Range. Nebraska: Calamus Reservoir gets its sandy beaches courtesy of the Sand Hills, a unique ecosystem of prairie grass and rolling sand dunes. Calamus has very little development along its shoreline. Among the activities available: sailboating, windsurfing, water skiing and bird-watching for such varied species as prairie chickens, pelicans and cormorants. Nevada: The pine-cone-flecked golden sand, towering evergreen forests and deep cobalt waters of Zephyr Cove make this beach a standout, but the frosty Rum Runner cocktails and abundance of beautiful young beachgoers make this landlocked beach the best in Nevada. The adjacent Zephyr Cove Resort features beachside relaxation in historic cabins and aboard the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler, which offers scenic tours and sunset dinner cruises across the breathtakingly beautiful mountain lake. New Hampshire: Newly renovated Hampton Beach State Park offers swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and RV camping (with full hookups) along 2 miles of Atlantic beachfront. There's a sand sculpture competition in June and a seafood festival in September. New Jersey: New Jersey's southernmost resort town, Cape May , boasts clean and wide ocean beaches and cozy, secluded bay beaches. Cape May also is renowned for perfectly preserved Victorian B&Bs and has gussied-up waterfront hotels and motels. New Mexico: The Blue Hole, aka "Nature's Jewel," in Santa Rosa, is a spring-fed pool with an inflow of 3,000 gallons per minute of crystal-clear 64-degree water. About 80 feet in diameter and 130 feet deep, it's a popular swimming and diving spot that dates to prehistoric times. The '30s brought Route 66, and the spot gained fame as one of the most refreshing stops along the Mother Road. It still is. New York: At just over 30 miles long and under a mile wide, car-free Fire Island (shown at right) near New York City consists of national seashore, private property and vast expanses of golden-sand beaches. Visitors spend the summer swimming, taking lazy hikes, or getting around by rented bikes and little red wagons. Rent a cottage or head to Ocean Beach for a hotel, restaurants and nightlife. North Carolina: Oak Island, south of Wilmington, has a nice blend of basic amenities and miles of open, mellow beach. There's great kayaking on the sound side, a transportation system friendly to bikes, and small-town atmosphere. North Dakota: North Dakota has beautiful beaches, such as the hidden gem in Icelandic State Park. The beach along the shore of Lake Renwick is simply known as "the swimming area," and its wide swath of soft sand invites digging in toes, building sandcastles and relaxing after a dip. Ohio: Cedar Point Beach was acclaimed by a local newspaper in 1867 for its white sand and prime location along the north-central shore of Lake Erie. The beach boasts a mile stretch of pristine sand, a world-famous amusement park, parasailing, volleyball tournaments, and a unique list of famous guests and events throughout its history. Oklahoma: Nestled in eastern Oklahoma, McGee Creek State Park includes the small but serene Buster Hight Beach Area. The 3,350-acre McGee Creek reservoir draws a mix of swimmers, anglers and boat enthusiasts, and is rarely crowded. The beach is a perfect vantage point to watch each evening's blazing sunset before heading to a cabin or campsite. Oregon: Come summer, uncrowded Bandon Beach on the southern Oregon coast, is a favorite for strolling, splashing and horseback riding. Nearby oceanfront Bandon Dunes Golf Course, a classic Scottish-style links course, has been compared to Pebble Beach and St. Andrews. Pennsylvania: Pymatuning Reservoir is an all-ages escape, offering sheltered beaches along 70 miles of wooded shoreline, family cabins and campgrounds, and a low-horsepower rule that keeps pontoon boats purring. Instead of using a boardwalk, families stroll the Linesville Spillway. So many ducks cluster at this fish hatchery that they literally walk on the fish. Rhode Island: East Matunuck State Beach has waves perfect for boogie-boarding, a huge curve of fine sand to stroll, and a busy breachway at one end where you can watch everything from the Block Island ferry to working fishing boats come and go. A new pavilion and concession stand will open this summer, but if you'd like a casual sit-down lunch or dinner, walk a block or two to Jim's Dock in the adjacent village of Jerusalem. South Carolina: Backed by undulating dunes, Kiawah Island 's (shown at right) swath of sparkling sand stretches uninterrupted for 10 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. The spectacular beach on this private island is a serene spot to soak in the sun and surf. Just outside the Kiawah Resort gates, Beachwalker County Park offers the only public access to the island's beach. South Dakota: Crowds will enjoy Lewis and Clark Lake this summer, but there will still be secluded spots on the shoreline. Sunbathers and swimmers take in views of sailboats and eagles on a big blue body of water bordered by yellow chalkstone bluffs. Hiking trails, a marina, bars, music and more make Lewis and Clark a popular prairie respite. Tennessee: Nashville Shores water park on Percy Priest Lake has a new Kowabunga Beach, complete with four-story treehouse and "sprayground." Customers also can brave the waves in Breaker Bay wave pool, ride the Big Scream water slide and float down Castaway Creek, Tennessee's widest lazy river. Texas: Only a 15-minute drive from Corpus Christi's tourist-packed beach is Padre Island National Seashore , a 70-mile stretch of clean white sand and clear blue water. This relatively uncrowded and serene area is a great place for families and nature lovers. You can swim, fish, camp, boat and barbecue. And it's OK to park right on the sand. Just watch for nesting turtles and that pesky high tide. Utah: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, folks pack the expansive beach and nearby campground at Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach in northern Utah, to enjoy boating, sandcastle building, volleyball and picnics. The water temperatures may be on the cool side, but the area provides a respite from the heat in the valley. Campers can enjoy shade provided by cottonwood, willow and birch trees. Boat and cabin rentals also are available. Vermont: Carved by glaciers and hugged by Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah, 5-mile-long Lake Willoughby in Westmore boasts crystal-clear, usually chilly waters that reach more than 300 feet deep. The North Beach is frequented by families and lots of Canadian vacationers; the South Beach is accessed by a short trail and is clothing-optional. Cabins and camps line the east coast. Virginia: Sandwiched between the high-rises of Virginia Beach and the vacation towns of the Outer Banks is a 10-mile-long expanse of beach unknown even to most Virginians. False Cape State Park and adjacent Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge occupy a narrow barrier spit — the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Back Bay to the west. Both offer a wild beach experience that is rare on the East Coast. Washington: Reaching Olympic National Park's Second Beach, requires less than a mile walk along a worn cedar path before emerging onto driftwood-strewn sands facing dramatic sea stacks. First Beach can get crowded, Third Beach requires a more arduous 1.2-mile hike, but Second Beach is just right, especially when the sun's "golden locks" descend below the Pacific. West Virginia: Located in central West Virginia, Summersville Lake — with five dozen miles of shoreline — is known for natural beauty, Civil War history and outdoor adventures. You can fish, swim, boat, scuba-dive and sunbathe. Wisconsin: At Racine's North Beach, (shown at right) everyone from beach bums to pro volleyball players share a 50-acre stretch of well-groomed sand along Lake Michigan. The beach also is home to the fort-like Kids Cove, a large outdoor playground.  Other bonuses: weekend music concerts, lifeguards, free parking. Wyoming: Horseshoe Bend in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area has a large swimming area. There are grass and trees above the beach for picnicking, and a marina offers rentals and refreshments. Guided boat trips weave under canyon cliffs past Native American cliff-dwelling ruins. DJ

You may have heard their names, but you may not be familiar with the faces of each of our 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Team members. In just under 55 days, they will compete in the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Weymouth, England.   Olympic racing takes place from July 29 - August 11. Here is a link to the full schedule of races. Paralympic racing is scheduled for Aug. 31-Sept. 5. Here is a preview of team USA, with links to the complete bio of each member from the USSailing.org website. USA Olympic Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider 2012   Finn                                                        Finn Zach Railey                                             Caleb Paine Clearwater, FL                                        San Diego, CA St Francis Yacht Club                              Southwestern Yacht Club   Laser                                                       Laser Radial Rob Crane                                               Paige Railey   Darien, CT                                               Clearwater, FL Noroton Yacht Club                                 St. Francis Yacht Club   RS:X (Windsurfing)                                       RS:X (Windsurfing) Robert Willis                                                 Farrah Hall   Chicago, IL                                                   Annapolis, MD Columbia Yacht Club 49er Erik Storck Huntington, NY New York Yacht Club, Storm Trysail YC Trevor Moore North Pomfret, VT New York Yacht Club       470 Stu McNay Boston, MA Beverly Yacht Club Graham Biehl San Diego, CA San Diego Yacht Club       470 Amanda Clark Shelter Island, NY Shelter Island YC, New York YC, Seawanhaka Corinthian YC Sarah Lihan Ft. Lauderdale, FL Lauderdale Yacht Club       470 Isabelle Kinsolving Farrar New York, NY/Fisher's Island, NY Fishers Island YC, Stonington Harbor YC, New York YC                      Star                                                                                   Elliott 6m (Match Racing) Mark Mendelblatt                                                               Sally Barkow Miami, FL                                                                           Alana O'Reilly Brian Fatih                                                                         Elizabeth Kratzig Burnham Miami, FL   Elliott 6m (Match Racing)                                                   Elliott 6m (Match Racing) Jenny Tulloch                                                                      Anna Tunnicliffe Alice Marnard Leonard                                                        Debbie Capozzi Jenn Chamberlin                                                                 Molly Vandemoer 2012 Paralympic Sailing Team          2.4mR                                                            SKUD-18 Mark LeBlanc                                                   Jen French   New Orleans, LA                                              St. Petersburg, FL Southern Yacht Club                                        St. Petersburg Sailing Center JP Creignou St. Petersburg, FL St. Petersburg Yacht Club Sonar Paul Callahan Cape Coral, FL/Newport, RI Brad Johnson Pompano Beach, FL Tom Brown  Castine, ME     We wish every team member the best of luck and success, as they go for gold this summer. Go USA! DJ

Did you know that the pictograms for the individual Olympic sports change with each Olympics?   A quick look at the 2012 Olympic pictograms makes one thing painfully obvious: sailing is the only sport where the sports "equipment" actually overshadows the athlete! Can you identify the sport for each icon?  Which icons give you the best physical sense of the sport? Which make the sport look like something interesting to watch?  The diver, with toes pointed, spinning in a tight tuck?  The basketball player in mid-air about to dunk the ball?  The Beach Volleyball player fully outstreatched going for a dig? In every other Olympic sport's pictogram, the physical effort involved is visible, if not compelling. As an Olympics spectator, it is mesmerizing to watch the athletes move with strength, agility and trained precision, (especially in slow-motion replays, where their lightnening fast moves are slowed to reveal their true mastery). And then there's sailing, with the athletes little more than tiny specks, dwarfed by their boat and sail. If the icon conveys any sense of physical effort, it seems more involved with the sail than the athlete. As spectators, do we see arm, leg and stomach muscles tensing with effort? Can we see the athletes' masterful agility during tacks and gybes? Can we relate to their hiking or trimming or helming like we can when the soccer player kicks the ball; the bicyclist pedals up a hill; or the swimmer takes a stroke? The 2012 Olympic sailing pictogram is an accurate illustration of the currently raging debate in our sport - how to better appeal to, and engage, the general spectator audience.  It's a difficult challenge. To me, though, it sure seems that the closer we can get, the better. DJ

Nautical Luxuries doesn't carry designer women's apparel, but we certainly do appreciate great coastal/nautical design - wherever it comes from. Quite often, the new design trends introduced in the fashion world, will later be echoed in the home decor and accessories arena. So, we were very intrigued to see that at this spring's Milan Fashion Week, Donatella Versace presented Versace's Spring 2012 Collection, beautifully inspired, ... by the sea! It might just inspire you to attend the America's Cup World Series events this June in Newport Rhode Island, covered in sparkling starfish and beaded seahorses, or pastel seashells and mermaids.             Don't forget the matching shoes and bag!  Now THAT's boating in heels!   I was hoping that long time America's Cup sponsors Prada and Louis Vuitton would also offer something wonderfully coastal or nautically inspired. Alas, Prada's spring line features retro flaming hotrods, and Louis Vuitton's collection, in ultra-feminine sheer pastels, was like diving into a big fluffy bowl of wedding cake frosting.  While neither appeared to be inspired by anything on or near the sea, both are stunning collections and will likely be spotted at the evening balls held at the fabulous waterside mansions in Newport. Here's to the glamour and style of America's Cup and to life inspired by the sea! DJ

The actual America's Cup regatta, to be sailed in 72-foot catamarans in San Francisco bay, may still be over a year away, but an estimated crowd of 250,000 were at the waterfront in Naples, Italy on Easter Monday, getting a glimpse of what lies ahead.                This Wednesday is the start of the 2012 America's Cup World Series regatta in Naples. The event will feature nine 45-foot wing-sail catamarans from seven countries, including: Luna Rossa Challenge (Italy), with two boats, helmsmen Paul Campbell-James and Chris Draper; Artemis Racing (Sweden), skipper Terry Hutchinson; China Team (China), skipper Fred Le Peutrec; Emirates Team New Zealand (New Zealand), skipper Dean Barker; Energy Team (France), helmsmen Yann Guichard; ORACLE Racing (USA) with two boats, skippers James Spithill and Darren Bundock; and Team Korea (Korea) with skipper Nathan Outteridge. Racing is expected to be extremely close, with fierce battle lines already drawn between Emirates Team New Zealand and ORACLE Racing Spithill, who are separated by just one point on the season championship table after the first three AC World Series events. Spectators can get more information, including live-feed access at www.Americascup.com   There are also three live webcams in Naples. Here's one, on YouTube.     Live broadcast will be provided Wednesday - Saturday by CANAL+SPORT . Live feed also available on the America's Cup website / YouTube.  Enjoy! Next stop is Venice Italy, after which, the teams head for the United States, where the World Series continues in the waters off Newport, RI late June. DJ

1. Sail on an America's Cup Yacht

If you live near San Francisco, and you have a need for speed, adrenalin, and the latest America’s Cup technology, sign up for a ride on USA 76, the 84-foot, all carbon racing yacht from the 2000′s. You won’t want to miss a chance at the helm of this sleek, black, winning machine. Public and private charters are available. Visit ACSailingSF Next Level Sailing, in San Diego, has one of our old IACC boats, Abracadabra, USA 50. Here she is, under sail in Hawaii in 1999...     and a decade or more later, she's now available for charter in San Diego... Other locations for AC Yacht Charters: Newport, RI: America's Cup Charters  SeaScope Yacht Charters  12 Meter Charters  InSight NYC Maui: Hawaii Active   Sydney, AU: Sailing Sydney  Red Balloon  Auckland, NZ: Sail NZ  Charter NZ UK: Sceptre, British America's Cup Challenger  Adventure Connections  

2. Enjoy a Sunset Gondola Ride

You don't have to fly to Venice, Italy to enjoy the beauty and romance of a sunset Gondola ride.  Whatever harbor you're in, grab your sweetheart, a couple of fleece jackets and a warm blanket, and relax as the Gondolier takes you on a leisurely ride. Newport Beach   Long Beach, CA  Sunset Beach, CA Redondo Beach, CA  Marina del Rey, CA   San Diego Oakland, CA  Ft. Lauderdale   Providence, RI   Central Park, NYC  

3. Watch a Spectacular Sunset - Shaken, Not Stirred 

During the winter months, the sun sets before Happy Hour. With an extra hour of sunlight, you can now enjoy Happy Hour as you watch the sun set from your favorite waterside establishment, even if that happens to be your own patio, (lucky you!). If you're not quite that lucky, but lucky enough to live in Newport Beach, you might try the unparalelled sunset ocean view from the bar at 21 Oceanfront. Tell Tony you'd like yours shaken, not stirred!  

4. Take Your Friends Out on an Electric Boat

If you haven't taken a cruise on an electric boat yet, you're in for a real treat. It's hard to beat a leisurely cruise with friends, gliding along silently with a little wine & cheese, and your favorite CD playing, as you enjoy the sun, water and sights. Newport Harbor may be the most popular harbor in the world for electric boats, but many other harbors also offer electric boats for rent by the hour or day. With an extra hour of sunlight, you have even more reason to go for a cruise! You can rent a Duffy Boat at: Newport Beach  Palm Desert   Ft. Lauderdale  Seattle    Fawn Harbor, CA   Marina del Rey, CA  Long Beach, CA    Baltimore/Annapolis    Oxnard, CA    Chattanooga, TN   Ocean Shores, WA Frankenmuth, MI    Tokyo    Gold Coast, AU   Northbridge NSW, AU  Singapore    Taiwan    Cancun   

 5. Take the Dog for a Beach Walk

If the beach near you is like ours, it has limited hours when dogs are allowed - usually early morning and late afternoon/evening. With the shorter days of winter, beach walks with the dog are nearly impossible. So, grab the dog and take advantage of the extra hour of sunlight - it'll do you both a world of good! Enjoy the daylight... by the water! DJ