Sail Ho! ... To the maritime art sale at Christie's in NYC, Yazzy's at www.williamverdult.com

Model boats, captains' sextants and romantic paintings of ships at sea _ what more could a maritime lover want in an art sale?

Christie's is planning to offer seven-seas worth of such collectibles at its annual maritime art sale on Wednesday.

Also up for grabs: examples of seamen's handicrafts, such scrimshaws and mosaics of shells often referred to as "sailors' valentines."

But the highlights of the show are typically the models, photographs and paintings of steam, sail and diesel ships.

Some of the models would make a nice addition to any treasure chest, including the SS Belasco: It has gold-plated fittings and is estimated at between $40,000 and $50,000.