Yes, this is Deltaville! Although her shop is painted in the melon and turquoise of Key West, Nauti Nell’s Mall de Mer has become a Deltaville tradition. 

     Located across the street from First Virginia Bank and J & W Seafood, the exterior of the shop with its deadrise transom and outdoor items on display, promises delights on the inside.

     Originally a used boat supply consignment business, Nauti Nell’s now offers fine nautical gifts, household items with a nautical flare, jewelry, crafts and cards as well as used boat supplies. Nell said, “Consignment is still a significant part of the business and I enjoy the recycling.”

     Steve and Raynell Smith sailed into Deltaville in 1973 on a 60-foot skipjack hull called the Jolly Roger. Hailing from New Jersey, they found Deltaville offered the expertise, facility and climate to work on their boat from November to April.

     Steve, known as Captain Krunch, is a mechanical engineer with an M.A. in design. In California. He had worked for Douglas Aircraft and Raynell had taught High School English. In 1972, after Steve had worked on the restoration of Puritan, a 120-foot Alden design gaff topsail schooner, they decided to adventure with the boat as crew, and participated in the first Mystic Schooner race. While on Puritan, Raynell learned much about cooking and the restaurant business from the gourmet chef on board. 

     In the early 1980’s, Deltaville had little opportunity for work so the Smiths used their talents and ingenuity and Steve designed and painted signs and boat lettering and Raynell varnished and refinished bright work. Raynell also cooked and managed the Chick Cove Restaurant in Hardyville. Winters found them sailing in the Bahamas.

     With Raynell’s experience in the food business another opportunity presented itself. The Kelsey’s, owners of a resort in Marathon, Florida, asked her to take over their restaurant. She was up to the challenge, so Raynell worked winters in Marathon for three years.

     In 1986, the Smith’s sold the Jolly Roger and their first child, Lily, was born. They sold the restaurant in Marathon in 1987 and bought Sequoia, a 53-foot Sparkman and Stevens motor-sailer, in Maine. That August was perfect for cruising Maine, and they sailed south from there and spent the winter in the Bahamas.
In 1988, the Smiths returned to Deltaville, where they had gotten to know and appreciate the warmth of the people and their outgoing and unsuspicious nature. They enjoyed the “laid back” lifestyle and the thriving waterfront community. At that time, there were 12 boat builders in Deltaville.

     Calhoun, their second child, was born in 1990 and that event precipitated a move ashore to a home they built on Broad Creek. That also enlivened Raynell’s strong feelings about community. She has been a member of the Middlesex Library Board, the Friends of Deltaville Library and Deltaville Community Association Board. She also serves on the Board of the Middlesex Art Guild.

     Whether you have something specific in mind, need some information about boats or about the area, or just want to browse, visit Nauti-Nell’s. It’s surely a Deltaville treasure. 

© 2001 Blanche Herring Scharf. All Rights Reserved. 

Readers may contact Blanche Scharf via email blanche@oonl.com