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“Sailor arts” are a genre recognized by avid collectors of nautical antiques and fine art. This type of artistic expression includes decorative knotwork, scrimshaw, woolwork, embroidery, and ship modeling. The classic examples of these works were often produced during the course of long voyages, utilizing the skills, materials and knowledge common among seamen. While somewhat rustic in their execution, they express a vibrancy borne of an intimate knowledge and love of life at sea. One of the distinguishing characteristics of sailor-made models is that they are commonly waterline rather than full hull. Sailors were keenly aware of the shape of the hull above the waterline, the ship’s rigging and deck fittings, and frequently placed their creations under full sail on a lively carved sea.