I'm a level 59 and mickey dugan won't give me the quest to do the nautical gauntlet.

I believe you have to at least level 45 nautical level or above to get the quest. In addition, I suggest leveling up completely to 65.

In terms of the Nautical XP, try to be focused and organized while ship battling. Stick to one set of ships you know you can defeat. Ask around for help with ships that you have trouble with or you just want to go faster. If you're in Aquila, farming Ophidian ships is very good as they drop around 290-370 nautical xp. When I was leveling up my Nautical XP, I went to Avery Realm and found farming parties there. If you don't have access to Aquila, go to Marleybone or Mooshu. Farming any ships in Marleybone is decent and in Mooshu, Amber Hoard ships in Subata Skyway are very acceptable as well.

Fair Sailing! Good Luck!

~Clever Finnigan Voss~