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by Bambi Weavil

Recently, we got to speak with the creator of Nautical but Nice, Captain Sara, for a in-depth interview on her mission of being the premier purveyor of the nautical and aeronautical pin-up and drawing their inspiration from the lovely dames painted on the noses of B-29 airplanes during World War II and the 1950s pin-ups gracing the wooden decks of luxury boats. Classy, erotic, and sassy - we couldn’t resist wanting to find out more about Nautical but Nice which has a unique non-profit goal:

Bambi Weavil: I became intrigued with your site based on your mission statement:  “The mission of Nautical but Nice is to present real women with real bodies in a non-objectifying way, all while cataloging historical aeronautical and nautical vessels” - how did you become interested in starting this project in pin-up style?

Captain Sara:  My idea was to mesh female sexuality and power in a way that didn’t alienate either gender, and I think there’s a pin-up revolution doing just that. Examples of female sexuality tied in with submission or dominance are rife in the “adult entertainment” world, and I wanted there to be some other images of female sexuality that aren’t tied to any role in particular… other than playfulness (if that’s a role). It’s naughty! And nautical! But nice.

BW:  What inspires the ladies of Nautical but Nice?

S:  Heart-shaped sequin and tassel pasties! Vintage suitcases lined in pink satin! Pin curls! The NATO phonetic alphabet! The portside of ships everywhere! HF-24 Marut fighter planes! And, on a more serious note… innovations that diminish time, distance, and socio-cultural barriers everywhere!

BW:  What I enjoy about the photography is how much of a respectful throwback to the 1950s style pinups which was a nice mix of sex appeal, flirting and done in a tasteful matter.  How do you find the models you work with?  What kind of feedback do get from the ladies you work with?

S:  I’ve found most of the models I’ve worked with through various online social networking sites. I’ve had great feedback from the women I’ve worked with. Many models are interested in this project because it’s very different from their usual photo shoots. I’m also a former model, so I understand the icky parts of that industry. I want Nautical but Nice to embody personality and sass, not just surface looks and glamor–and I think that translates visually in my shoots.

BW:  What upcoming projects do you have planned for Nautical but Nice?

S:  I’m planning a “Naughty Nautical Bash” in Seattle with a talented group of burlesque and go-go performers, drag queens and musicians on May 29. There is more information about that on our official site. I’ll also be kicking off a new line of Nautical but Nice gear in May… men’s and women’s t-shirts, coasters, and pin-up calendars. I’m donating pin-up calendars to the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and have more things planned for burlesque shows in New York next year.

BW: One of your goals is to create a non-profit, can you tell us about that?

S:  My eventual goal is to start a research foundation for sustainable sailboats while supporting the advancement of female pilots and sailors. Ultimately, it’s about being part of the solution, and about being mindful. I adore pin-ups, airplanes and sailboats. But I don’t adore how women are represented in the media, and I don’t adore guzzling of non-renewable resources. Further, I’d like to find a way to shatter the glass ceiling in the commercial world for female pilots and sailors. Of course, these are pretty lofty ideals for a pin-up website, but it’s important to start any endeavor with clear intention.

BW:  What non-profits do you support?

S:  I currently support the Human Rights Campaign and Amnesty International, and have supported Greenpeace and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Of course, I hope to expand this list as Nautical but Nice expands.

BW:  What kind of feedback have you gotten on Nautical but Nice so far?

S:  Nautical but Nice is a very unique site, so I’ve had a great deal of enthusiasm for its innovative approach. I think some of the more serious aspects of what I’m trying to do surface in even the most playful of photo shoots, and I’m so grateful I’ve found lots of reception for that.

BW:  What other places do you plan to take Nautical but Nice to?

S:  I’m taking a Nautical but Nice tour of the West Coast from Seattle to Baja, Mexico and South America later this Fall, and would love to hear from anyone who has an interest in bandying about ideas, sharing in outreach efforts, or doing photo shoots!

BW:  Thank you Sara!  We’ve enjoyed speaking with you and we find the photo shoots sexy and innovative, and with a purpose!  For more information on Nautical but Nice, please visit their official site, http://www.nauticalbutnice.tv and be their friend on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/naughticalbutnice!

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