Nauticaphile
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Nautical and Maritime Art, Facts, History, Stories and Ships
SS Edmund Fitzgerald
At the time of her launch in 1958, this ship was the largest on the Great Lakes. She is remembered for her sinking in November 1975 during a violent storm on Lake Superior where all 29 crew were lost. She is memorialized in a song by Gordon Lightfoot.
At the time of her launch in 1958, this ship was the largest on the Great Lakes. She is remembered for her sinking in November 1975 during a violent storm on Lake Superior where all 29 crew were lost. She is memorialized in a song by Gordon Lightfoot.
September 22, 2025 at 5:07 PM
SS Edmund Fitzgerald
At the time of her launch in 1958, this ship was the largest on the Great Lakes. She is remembered for her sinking in November 1975 during a violent storm on Lake Superior where all 29 crew were lost. She is memorialized in a song by Gordon Lightfoot.
At the time of her launch in 1958, this ship was the largest on the Great Lakes. She is remembered for her sinking in November 1975 during a violent storm on Lake Superior where all 29 crew were lost. She is memorialized in a song by Gordon Lightfoot.
Suez Canal
Linking the Red and Mediterranean Seas, the canal was completed in 1869 by a French-led multinational force with Egypt. Before the shares would have reverted to Egypt in 1968, the canal was nationalized early in 1956. Since 1975, the canal has been open to any ship during war or peace.
Linking the Red and Mediterranean Seas, the canal was completed in 1869 by a French-led multinational force with Egypt. Before the shares would have reverted to Egypt in 1968, the canal was nationalized early in 1956. Since 1975, the canal has been open to any ship during war or peace.
September 11, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Suez Canal
Linking the Red and Mediterranean Seas, the canal was completed in 1869 by a French-led multinational force with Egypt. Before the shares would have reverted to Egypt in 1968, the canal was nationalized early in 1956. Since 1975, the canal has been open to any ship during war or peace.
Linking the Red and Mediterranean Seas, the canal was completed in 1869 by a French-led multinational force with Egypt. Before the shares would have reverted to Egypt in 1968, the canal was nationalized early in 1956. Since 1975, the canal has been open to any ship during war or peace.
Selkies
These Celtic and Norse mythological shapeshifters are able to switch between their human and seal forms. These creatures shed their seal skin to become humans, and must return to their skin to return to their seal form. They can be trapped in their human form if this seal skin is stolen.
These Celtic and Norse mythological shapeshifters are able to switch between their human and seal forms. These creatures shed their seal skin to become humans, and must return to their skin to return to their seal form. They can be trapped in their human form if this seal skin is stolen.
February 27, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Selkies
These Celtic and Norse mythological shapeshifters are able to switch between their human and seal forms. These creatures shed their seal skin to become humans, and must return to their skin to return to their seal form. They can be trapped in their human form if this seal skin is stolen.
These Celtic and Norse mythological shapeshifters are able to switch between their human and seal forms. These creatures shed their seal skin to become humans, and must return to their skin to return to their seal form. They can be trapped in their human form if this seal skin is stolen.
Huey P. Long - O.K. Allen Bridge
This bridge, opened in 1940, was Baton Rouge's only Mississippi River crossing for decades. According to legend, the populist Louisiana Governor Huey Long built the bridge too low for ocean going vessels, guaranteeing only Louisiana ports could accept these ships.
This bridge, opened in 1940, was Baton Rouge's only Mississippi River crossing for decades. According to legend, the populist Louisiana Governor Huey Long built the bridge too low for ocean going vessels, guaranteeing only Louisiana ports could accept these ships.
February 21, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Huey P. Long - O.K. Allen Bridge
This bridge, opened in 1940, was Baton Rouge's only Mississippi River crossing for decades. According to legend, the populist Louisiana Governor Huey Long built the bridge too low for ocean going vessels, guaranteeing only Louisiana ports could accept these ships.
This bridge, opened in 1940, was Baton Rouge's only Mississippi River crossing for decades. According to legend, the populist Louisiana Governor Huey Long built the bridge too low for ocean going vessels, guaranteeing only Louisiana ports could accept these ships.
Man Proposes, God Disposes, Edwin Landseer, 1864
Inspired by Franklin's lost expedition, Landseer, known well for his animal paintings, created this arctic scene of two polar bears further destroying a shipwreck. It nows hangs in Royal Halloway, University of London, where it is said to be cursed.
Inspired by Franklin's lost expedition, Landseer, known well for his animal paintings, created this arctic scene of two polar bears further destroying a shipwreck. It nows hangs in Royal Halloway, University of London, where it is said to be cursed.
February 19, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Man Proposes, God Disposes, Edwin Landseer, 1864
Inspired by Franklin's lost expedition, Landseer, known well for his animal paintings, created this arctic scene of two polar bears further destroying a shipwreck. It nows hangs in Royal Halloway, University of London, where it is said to be cursed.
Inspired by Franklin's lost expedition, Landseer, known well for his animal paintings, created this arctic scene of two polar bears further destroying a shipwreck. It nows hangs in Royal Halloway, University of London, where it is said to be cursed.
Bulk Carriers
These ships are designed to transport bulk cargo, unpackaged commodities like iron ore, grain, or coal, in its large cargo holds. Because the cargo is not in containers, loading and unloading can take much longer and come with extra dangers, including capsizing if cargo is uneven.
These ships are designed to transport bulk cargo, unpackaged commodities like iron ore, grain, or coal, in its large cargo holds. Because the cargo is not in containers, loading and unloading can take much longer and come with extra dangers, including capsizing if cargo is uneven.
February 14, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Bulk Carriers
These ships are designed to transport bulk cargo, unpackaged commodities like iron ore, grain, or coal, in its large cargo holds. Because the cargo is not in containers, loading and unloading can take much longer and come with extra dangers, including capsizing if cargo is uneven.
These ships are designed to transport bulk cargo, unpackaged commodities like iron ore, grain, or coal, in its large cargo holds. Because the cargo is not in containers, loading and unloading can take much longer and come with extra dangers, including capsizing if cargo is uneven.
Battle of Boston Harbor
In a battle during the War of 1812, HMS Shannon captured USS Chesapeake. As the Chesapeake's captain, James Lawrence, lay dying, he ordered his crew "Don't Give Up the Ship!" While the order wasn't filled, its legacy lives on as CDRE Perry flew a flag with the saying on it.
In a battle during the War of 1812, HMS Shannon captured USS Chesapeake. As the Chesapeake's captain, James Lawrence, lay dying, he ordered his crew "Don't Give Up the Ship!" While the order wasn't filled, its legacy lives on as CDRE Perry flew a flag with the saying on it.
February 14, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Battle of Boston Harbor
In a battle during the War of 1812, HMS Shannon captured USS Chesapeake. As the Chesapeake's captain, James Lawrence, lay dying, he ordered his crew "Don't Give Up the Ship!" While the order wasn't filled, its legacy lives on as CDRE Perry flew a flag with the saying on it.
In a battle during the War of 1812, HMS Shannon captured USS Chesapeake. As the Chesapeake's captain, James Lawrence, lay dying, he ordered his crew "Don't Give Up the Ship!" While the order wasn't filled, its legacy lives on as CDRE Perry flew a flag with the saying on it.
English Warship Firing a Salute, Willem van de Velde the Younger, 1690
This painting, like many of the commissioned pieces by Van de Velde, display Royal Navy strength. This piece prominently shows the size and power of a warship at this time.
This painting, like many of the commissioned pieces by Van de Velde, display Royal Navy strength. This piece prominently shows the size and power of a warship at this time.
February 13, 2025 at 5:27 AM
English Warship Firing a Salute, Willem van de Velde the Younger, 1690
This painting, like many of the commissioned pieces by Van de Velde, display Royal Navy strength. This piece prominently shows the size and power of a warship at this time.
This painting, like many of the commissioned pieces by Van de Velde, display Royal Navy strength. This piece prominently shows the size and power of a warship at this time.
Natchez
This icon of New Orleans is the ninth steamboat to have that name. Natchez IX was built in 1975, though her engines were built in 1925 for another steamboat. Outside the Mississippi River cruises she is known for, the ship has participated in several steamboat races and has never lost.
This icon of New Orleans is the ninth steamboat to have that name. Natchez IX was built in 1975, though her engines were built in 1925 for another steamboat. Outside the Mississippi River cruises she is known for, the ship has participated in several steamboat races and has never lost.
February 12, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Natchez
This icon of New Orleans is the ninth steamboat to have that name. Natchez IX was built in 1975, though her engines were built in 1925 for another steamboat. Outside the Mississippi River cruises she is known for, the ship has participated in several steamboat races and has never lost.
This icon of New Orleans is the ninth steamboat to have that name. Natchez IX was built in 1975, though her engines were built in 1925 for another steamboat. Outside the Mississippi River cruises she is known for, the ship has participated in several steamboat races and has never lost.
Montreux Convention
This international agreement sets Türkiye's ability to block warships in its straits. The treaty limits military vessels during peace, but grants Türkiye more powers during war. This was used to restrict Russian ships from entering the Black Sea after the invasion of Ukraine.
This international agreement sets Türkiye's ability to block warships in its straits. The treaty limits military vessels during peace, but grants Türkiye more powers during war. This was used to restrict Russian ships from entering the Black Sea after the invasion of Ukraine.
February 7, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Montreux Convention
This international agreement sets Türkiye's ability to block warships in its straits. The treaty limits military vessels during peace, but grants Türkiye more powers during war. This was used to restrict Russian ships from entering the Black Sea after the invasion of Ukraine.
This international agreement sets Türkiye's ability to block warships in its straits. The treaty limits military vessels during peace, but grants Türkiye more powers during war. This was used to restrict Russian ships from entering the Black Sea after the invasion of Ukraine.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Created for the "better protection of life and property from natural hazards," NOAA conducts important oceanic, weather, fisheries, and drought research and management. NOAA provides life-saving information that supports our economy and communities.
Created for the "better protection of life and property from natural hazards," NOAA conducts important oceanic, weather, fisheries, and drought research and management. NOAA provides life-saving information that supports our economy and communities.
February 6, 2025 at 6:09 PM
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Created for the "better protection of life and property from natural hazards," NOAA conducts important oceanic, weather, fisheries, and drought research and management. NOAA provides life-saving information that supports our economy and communities.
Created for the "better protection of life and property from natural hazards," NOAA conducts important oceanic, weather, fisheries, and drought research and management. NOAA provides life-saving information that supports our economy and communities.
HMS Resolute
This arctic fitted ship was sent to aid in the Franklin Expedition search. She was abandoned during this mission, but found by an American whaler, and restored and returned by the US government. As a thank you, her timbers were used to create the Resolute Desk for the US president.
This arctic fitted ship was sent to aid in the Franklin Expedition search. She was abandoned during this mission, but found by an American whaler, and restored and returned by the US government. As a thank you, her timbers were used to create the Resolute Desk for the US president.
February 6, 2025 at 6:57 AM
HMS Resolute
This arctic fitted ship was sent to aid in the Franklin Expedition search. She was abandoned during this mission, but found by an American whaler, and restored and returned by the US government. As a thank you, her timbers were used to create the Resolute Desk for the US president.
This arctic fitted ship was sent to aid in the Franklin Expedition search. She was abandoned during this mission, but found by an American whaler, and restored and returned by the US government. As a thank you, her timbers were used to create the Resolute Desk for the US president.
Pamir
This ship, built by a German firm in 1905, holds the distinction of being the last commercial tall ship to round Cape Horn. Before sinking in a hurricane in 1957, her ownership and trade routes brought her all over the world, from Chile to Germany, and San Francisco to New Zealand.
This ship, built by a German firm in 1905, holds the distinction of being the last commercial tall ship to round Cape Horn. Before sinking in a hurricane in 1957, her ownership and trade routes brought her all over the world, from Chile to Germany, and San Francisco to New Zealand.
February 5, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Pamir
This ship, built by a German firm in 1905, holds the distinction of being the last commercial tall ship to round Cape Horn. Before sinking in a hurricane in 1957, her ownership and trade routes brought her all over the world, from Chile to Germany, and San Francisco to New Zealand.
This ship, built by a German firm in 1905, holds the distinction of being the last commercial tall ship to round Cape Horn. Before sinking in a hurricane in 1957, her ownership and trade routes brought her all over the world, from Chile to Germany, and San Francisco to New Zealand.
Roald Amundsen
This Norwegian explorer, with officer Oscar Wisting, was the first to visit both poles. After being the first to sail the Northwest Passage in 1906, he led a group that became the first to reach the South Pole in 1911. He, on an airship, was the first to reach the North Pole in 1926.
This Norwegian explorer, with officer Oscar Wisting, was the first to visit both poles. After being the first to sail the Northwest Passage in 1906, he led a group that became the first to reach the South Pole in 1911. He, on an airship, was the first to reach the North Pole in 1926.
February 4, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Roald Amundsen
This Norwegian explorer, with officer Oscar Wisting, was the first to visit both poles. After being the first to sail the Northwest Passage in 1906, he led a group that became the first to reach the South Pole in 1911. He, on an airship, was the first to reach the North Pole in 1926.
This Norwegian explorer, with officer Oscar Wisting, was the first to visit both poles. After being the first to sail the Northwest Passage in 1906, he led a group that became the first to reach the South Pole in 1911. He, on an airship, was the first to reach the North Pole in 1926.
England Expects That Every Man Will Do His Duty
This message was flown on the ship of HMS Victory before the Battle of Trafalgar. The phrase, ordered by Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, is often referenced today, especially in Britain. The saying can be seen in Turner's battle commemorating the battle.
This message was flown on the ship of HMS Victory before the Battle of Trafalgar. The phrase, ordered by Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, is often referenced today, especially in Britain. The saying can be seen in Turner's battle commemorating the battle.
February 3, 2025 at 4:23 AM
England Expects That Every Man Will Do His Duty
This message was flown on the ship of HMS Victory before the Battle of Trafalgar. The phrase, ordered by Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, is often referenced today, especially in Britain. The saying can be seen in Turner's battle commemorating the battle.
This message was flown on the ship of HMS Victory before the Battle of Trafalgar. The phrase, ordered by Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, is often referenced today, especially in Britain. The saying can be seen in Turner's battle commemorating the battle.
Gondolas
A staple of Venice, these traditional flat bottom boats have been in Venice for close to a millennia. As Venice is spread over 127 islands, waterways have always served as a vital transportation link in the city. The roughly 400 gondolas in the city are now primarily used for tourism.
A staple of Venice, these traditional flat bottom boats have been in Venice for close to a millennia. As Venice is spread over 127 islands, waterways have always served as a vital transportation link in the city. The roughly 400 gondolas in the city are now primarily used for tourism.
February 1, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Gondolas
A staple of Venice, these traditional flat bottom boats have been in Venice for close to a millennia. As Venice is spread over 127 islands, waterways have always served as a vital transportation link in the city. The roughly 400 gondolas in the city are now primarily used for tourism.
A staple of Venice, these traditional flat bottom boats have been in Venice for close to a millennia. As Venice is spread over 127 islands, waterways have always served as a vital transportation link in the city. The roughly 400 gondolas in the city are now primarily used for tourism.
Fishing Boats Leaving the Harbor, Le Havre, Claude Monet, 1874
Characteristic of the impressionism, this painting depicts an ordinary day in Le Havre. Le Havre, the city where Monet was raised, is the subject of many of his works.
Characteristic of the impressionism, this painting depicts an ordinary day in Le Havre. Le Havre, the city where Monet was raised, is the subject of many of his works.
February 1, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Fishing Boats Leaving the Harbor, Le Havre, Claude Monet, 1874
Characteristic of the impressionism, this painting depicts an ordinary day in Le Havre. Le Havre, the city where Monet was raised, is the subject of many of his works.
Characteristic of the impressionism, this painting depicts an ordinary day in Le Havre. Le Havre, the city where Monet was raised, is the subject of many of his works.
American Shipping off the Rock of Gibraltar, Ivan Aivazovsky, 1873
Aivazovsky was a Russian Romantic painter famous for his maritime art. While much of his work shows Russian and military ships, this painting of American ships shows the lighter colors characteristic of his art later in life.
Aivazovsky was a Russian Romantic painter famous for his maritime art. While much of his work shows Russian and military ships, this painting of American ships shows the lighter colors characteristic of his art later in life.
January 31, 2025 at 12:46 AM
American Shipping off the Rock of Gibraltar, Ivan Aivazovsky, 1873
Aivazovsky was a Russian Romantic painter famous for his maritime art. While much of his work shows Russian and military ships, this painting of American ships shows the lighter colors characteristic of his art later in life.
Aivazovsky was a Russian Romantic painter famous for his maritime art. While much of his work shows Russian and military ships, this painting of American ships shows the lighter colors characteristic of his art later in life.
Icon of the Seas
Currently the largest cruise ship in the world, this ship, operated by Royal Caribbean, made her maiden voyage in 2024. She cost $2 billion to build and has over 2,800 staterooms. The Icon of the Seas features a park, skating rink, water park, theater, and seven swimming pools.
Currently the largest cruise ship in the world, this ship, operated by Royal Caribbean, made her maiden voyage in 2024. She cost $2 billion to build and has over 2,800 staterooms. The Icon of the Seas features a park, skating rink, water park, theater, and seven swimming pools.
January 29, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Icon of the Seas
Currently the largest cruise ship in the world, this ship, operated by Royal Caribbean, made her maiden voyage in 2024. She cost $2 billion to build and has over 2,800 staterooms. The Icon of the Seas features a park, skating rink, water park, theater, and seven swimming pools.
Currently the largest cruise ship in the world, this ship, operated by Royal Caribbean, made her maiden voyage in 2024. She cost $2 billion to build and has over 2,800 staterooms. The Icon of the Seas features a park, skating rink, water park, theater, and seven swimming pools.
Loch Ness Monster
This mythological beast came to international attention in the 1930s, with several reported sightings and the famous "surgeon's photograph." While the famous photo is now known to be a hoax, most believe the other sightings are exaggerations or confusions with an otter or seal.
This mythological beast came to international attention in the 1930s, with several reported sightings and the famous "surgeon's photograph." While the famous photo is now known to be a hoax, most believe the other sightings are exaggerations or confusions with an otter or seal.
January 27, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Loch Ness Monster
This mythological beast came to international attention in the 1930s, with several reported sightings and the famous "surgeon's photograph." While the famous photo is now known to be a hoax, most believe the other sightings are exaggerations or confusions with an otter or seal.
This mythological beast came to international attention in the 1930s, with several reported sightings and the famous "surgeon's photograph." While the famous photo is now known to be a hoax, most believe the other sightings are exaggerations or confusions with an otter or seal.
Panama Canal
After a failed French attempt to build a sea level canal in Colombian controlled Panama, the US supported Panamanian independence and struck a deal with the new government. The US completed the canal in 1914 with a lock system. Per a 1974 agreement, control was given to Panama in 1999.
After a failed French attempt to build a sea level canal in Colombian controlled Panama, the US supported Panamanian independence and struck a deal with the new government. The US completed the canal in 1914 with a lock system. Per a 1974 agreement, control was given to Panama in 1999.
January 26, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Panama Canal
After a failed French attempt to build a sea level canal in Colombian controlled Panama, the US supported Panamanian independence and struck a deal with the new government. The US completed the canal in 1914 with a lock system. Per a 1974 agreement, control was given to Panama in 1999.
After a failed French attempt to build a sea level canal in Colombian controlled Panama, the US supported Panamanian independence and struck a deal with the new government. The US completed the canal in 1914 with a lock system. Per a 1974 agreement, control was given to Panama in 1999.
"Invest in the Victory Liberty Loan"
To raise funds during WWI, the US government issued Liberty Bonds, often promoted through commissioned posters. This naval-themed poster was created by Leon Alaric Shafer and depicts a US Navy warship defeating a German U-boat to defend a passenger liner.
To raise funds during WWI, the US government issued Liberty Bonds, often promoted through commissioned posters. This naval-themed poster was created by Leon Alaric Shafer and depicts a US Navy warship defeating a German U-boat to defend a passenger liner.
January 25, 2025 at 9:42 PM
"Invest in the Victory Liberty Loan"
To raise funds during WWI, the US government issued Liberty Bonds, often promoted through commissioned posters. This naval-themed poster was created by Leon Alaric Shafer and depicts a US Navy warship defeating a German U-boat to defend a passenger liner.
To raise funds during WWI, the US government issued Liberty Bonds, often promoted through commissioned posters. This naval-themed poster was created by Leon Alaric Shafer and depicts a US Navy warship defeating a German U-boat to defend a passenger liner.
Great Lake Freighters
Due to lock limitations and different wave conditions, these ships are typically thinner with wider bows. They have historically been recognizable by a separate forward pilothouse, but this design is no longer used. The largest active ship is named "The Queen of the Lakes."
Due to lock limitations and different wave conditions, these ships are typically thinner with wider bows. They have historically been recognizable by a separate forward pilothouse, but this design is no longer used. The largest active ship is named "The Queen of the Lakes."
January 24, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Great Lake Freighters
Due to lock limitations and different wave conditions, these ships are typically thinner with wider bows. They have historically been recognizable by a separate forward pilothouse, but this design is no longer used. The largest active ship is named "The Queen of the Lakes."
Due to lock limitations and different wave conditions, these ships are typically thinner with wider bows. They have historically been recognizable by a separate forward pilothouse, but this design is no longer used. The largest active ship is named "The Queen of the Lakes."
Nantucket: The celebrated whaling port in 1835, John Stobart, 1972
The British painter, John Stobart, shows Nantucket during its whaling age. These whalers in port are shown drying their sails after rainfall. Stobart specialized in historic maritime art, showing ports and ships around the world.
The British painter, John Stobart, shows Nantucket during its whaling age. These whalers in port are shown drying their sails after rainfall. Stobart specialized in historic maritime art, showing ports and ships around the world.
January 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Nantucket: The celebrated whaling port in 1835, John Stobart, 1972
The British painter, John Stobart, shows Nantucket during its whaling age. These whalers in port are shown drying their sails after rainfall. Stobart specialized in historic maritime art, showing ports and ships around the world.
The British painter, John Stobart, shows Nantucket during its whaling age. These whalers in port are shown drying their sails after rainfall. Stobart specialized in historic maritime art, showing ports and ships around the world.
H. L. Hunley
The Confederate vessel was the first submarine to successfully sink a ship. Powered by a seven man hand crank, it managed to sink the USS Housatonic, a warship participating in the blockade of Charleston. The Hunley did not survive the blast and was recovered from the harbor in 2000.
The Confederate vessel was the first submarine to successfully sink a ship. Powered by a seven man hand crank, it managed to sink the USS Housatonic, a warship participating in the blockade of Charleston. The Hunley did not survive the blast and was recovered from the harbor in 2000.
January 22, 2025 at 12:07 PM
H. L. Hunley
The Confederate vessel was the first submarine to successfully sink a ship. Powered by a seven man hand crank, it managed to sink the USS Housatonic, a warship participating in the blockade of Charleston. The Hunley did not survive the blast and was recovered from the harbor in 2000.
The Confederate vessel was the first submarine to successfully sink a ship. Powered by a seven man hand crank, it managed to sink the USS Housatonic, a warship participating in the blockade of Charleston. The Hunley did not survive the blast and was recovered from the harbor in 2000.