The life aquatic needn’t be salty—in fact, it can be downright glamorous. Few figures have embodied that aspiration better than the legendary yachtsmen of the 20th century, from John F. Kennedy at the wheel of his 25-foot wooden sailboat Victura to Gianni Agnelli piloting his 82-foot yawl Agneta to Aristotle Onassis entertaining the great and the good on his 325-foot superyacht Christina O. And more recently, we have the example of Kiwi actor-turned-hotelier-turned-sailor Anouska Hempel and her self-designed Turkish gulet Beluga. Following their respective wakes, we’ve assembled peak-summer ensembles inspired by their inimitable approaches to life at sea.

Cable-Knit Silk-Blend Crewneck Sweater

$990.00

RL Ricky II Sunglasses

$250.00

Shamus Striped Linen Maxiskirt

$2,290.00

Jaiden Linen Vest

$990.00

Dean Linen Pant

$1,090.00

Eldred Cotton Piqué Day Dress

$1,690.00

Holton Throw Pillow

$200.00

JFK, Agnelli, Onassis—what all three men had in common (aside from hosting Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis aboard their vessels at different times) was an embrace of nautical style at its most traditional and pure. Think striped shirts with white shorts or trousers and a navy windbreaker or blazer within reach to ward off a chill or to entertain company. Accessories including tortoiseshell sunglasses, a ball cap, and an accurate-to-the-second watch didn’t just finish the look but helped complete the voyage.

Rigby Denim Trucker Jacket

$1,290.00

Hallie Striped Cotton Jersey Tee

$350.00

Tracy Pleated Linen Short

$790.00 $550.00

Stirrup Pilot Sunglasses

$340.00

Capri Relaxed Fit Striped Cotton Shirt

$790.00

The Ralph Calfskin Top Handle

$3,400.00

Parker Linen Jacket

$1,790.00

Calfskin Buckle Belt

$400.00

RL Square Sunglasses

$290.00

When Anouska Hempel acquired the Beluga in 2001, she transformed the vessel from a traditional Turkish racing yacht into a floating expression of her stripped-back yet opulent style of interior design. It’s an ethos that can be translated into your own wardrobe through neutrals set against rich, earth-tone accessories (and vice versa) and the deployment of select maximal touches like a paisley tie, an animal-print pocket square, or a braided leather tote.

Stirrup Cat-Eye Sunglasses

$340.00

Cable-Knit Halter Polo Sweater

$890.00

42 MM Aged Steel Watch

$3,500.00

Masina Satin Wide-Leg Pant

$1,990.00

RL x Naiomi Glasses Asher Throw Pillow

$595.00

Denise Linen Short

$790.00

Tri-Strap O-Ring Pebbled Calfskin Belt

$650.00

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