Songs of the sea and shanties

For a performer that specializes in sea shanties try Tom Lewis. I've seen him live and he's the real deal. Plays ukelele or concertina and sings traditional and original songs of the sea. Can't say which of his albums are good, but his web site is

www.thedance.net/~tomlewis/

I have a fantastic suggestion:

The Coral. Ther debut album (eponymous) is about 50 percent sea shanties, and is rather enjoyable.

But don't take my word for it...
http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/c/coral/coral.shtml

"fisherman's blues" by the waterboys...

not sure if this is the exact genre you're looking for, but an excellent tune and the album also has a great version of van morrison's "sweet thing"

"Beyond the Shore." Deby Benton Grosjean on fiddle.
Anair Records, San Francisco. Taste test at anair.com

Charlie

Stan Rodgers- late Canadian songwriter with many original songs about the sea. Wonderful baritone voice. Pbb- I thought you were form the "Great White North", you probably know him well.