Blackbeard's Crew Ship's Log

Beaufort Pyrate Invasion 2010

Susan Lemieux-Cortez — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:55:59 GMT

What an awesome fun time was had by all. Grace, Dutch, Pern & Don Juan joined Captain Sinbad aboard the Meka II as gunners, Dutch had his foot sawed off and his body thrown overboard. The crowd cheered! We had a new pan weilding wench this year! Wilhelmina (Adam) fought off Taz (Shadow Players) and Hatchetmeg captured Captain Sterling with her rake. What a victory for the militia & townspeople! The good Captain did manage to escape but was again apprehended and brought to trial. Of course he was hanged as any good pyrate would have been. Maddog demonstrated to the crowd the proper way to hang a pyrate and advised not to try this at home. Cutter did his usual fantastic job demonstrating his surgical skills, Long Tom accompanied Cap'n Pern on stage to teach the landlubbers to talk like a pyrate, Willoughby put on a stellar performance with her wonderful shanties (accompanied by Arden, Rusty Cutlass & Skip Henderson) and Stan sold out most of his wares. It was a grand time for all and Hatchetmeg even won the Most Buxom Wench Award!! Huzzah! Special thanks to Sondra Reed and her assistant Rachel for all the hard work they did to make this special event a success!

Maritime Festival in Delatville.

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:11:29 GMT

WOW!!! That is what is being said about this event. On Thursaday we set up the BBC encampment and got ready for a great weekend. Hachett Meg was in charge of the camp and she did a great job with everything. Cutter, Snake, Cookie, Don Juan, Grace, Capn Pern, Clive,Dutch,Long Tom,Constible,Madam Christine,Willoughby,Maureen and Mingo were all in attendance.

Friday there was school of the sailor demos, Crew of the Vigilant did cannon drills and education for all there so we could work together with each other on the cannon line....great idea. Then came Dorian from Colonial Navy.org explaining his organization and mission. Shanty school by Willoughby and a new shanty or two. CJ from the Adventure came and explained the living history they do on the boat all year round in Charlestown, SC. Cutter did his surgical medicine and some knot work by Capn Pern. 150 first graders from one of the local schools came to the museum for an all day field trip to make boats and learn about blue crabs. They also got to go through our schallywag school and loved it. Would like to thank Captain Sterling and his crew for the help and Also the crew of the Vigilant.

Saturday came bright and early and it started off with a bang. Blind boat races, BBC crew was Capn Pern as the blind oarsman, Grace as the Naviguesser and Clive as the human fender. We almost won against the crew of the Arch Angel who cheated and well there was only one rule....there is no rules....So we fought like sailors till the end and lost our heat. The races continued all morning long not sure who really won but we had a blast. Watch Willoughby's video it is funny. They next game was the hawser relay and that was a real challenge.

Schallyway school three times that day and Cannon demo's rounded out the day. We then got cleaned up and set up for the concert. The York River Symphony was great and Mingo we thank you for all your hard work. Cookie cooked his magic with the pig on the grate all night and had help with the pig watch from others in the camp. The dinner was excellent and the music was wonderful and we had a great time.

Sunday clean up and goodbyes. Thanks to Dutch for a great event and everyone who helped to make it a success. Hope to attend this event again next year... Maybe in May...lol

Dine with the Pirates!

Tue, 18 May 2010 02:07:59 GMT

The dinner was held on the patio of the Museum and started at 5pm and was over at 8pm. Grace, Black Ross and Headshot were in attendance and over 150 people were there dinning on Chicken, hotdogs, hamburgers, fruit and tater tots. The children and parents got a taste of the living history that was going to be there in the morning in the encampment. I played many rounds of spillikins and gave away prizes to the winners. All seemed to have a good time and then they were shuffled off to the stage to see the group C-shells perform till it was time to go home. Thanks to Lori and Meg for all their help with tables and canvas.

Grace

2009 Riverfront Ramble

Pernell Taylor — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:37:41 GMT

Governor Printz Park on the Delaware River was the site of Blackbeards Crew Invasion on International Talk like a Pirate Day on September 19th, 2009. The Riverfront Ramble occurs in Brandywine Country at 5 separate locations Governor Printz Park, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Ridley Township Marina, Chester's Wharf at Rivertown, and Marcus Hook.

Blackbeard's Crew invaded Governor Printz Park for the 3rd year setting up camp along the beautiful, serene Delaware River. Living history displays were set up for Seamanship and Navigation played by Garrat Gibbens, Jesse the Cutter provided education on the Medical Care of Pirates, Madam Grace crafted an incredible ham chowder for 18th Century cooking, Constable Heartless demonstrated the use of pirate weapons with a very comprehensive arrangement of small arms and long guns, Dutch and Hatchet Meg showed off the Luna Project to a very interested Audience, the crowds got lots of opportunities for photo ops with Don Juan Cortez, Jack Tarr, and Cookie incarcerating countless scallywags in the pillary or enlisting them as helmsmen on the ship's wheel, or heaving a treasure chest up with the block and tackle.

A boarding party consisting of Garrett Gibbens, Jack Tarrr, and a pressed seaman from the Vigilant Crew, Lou, raided John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Much to the surprise of the visitors of the park. There were snakes and turtles (Jack Tarrr got very hungry) and Parrots were every where. Lots of photo ops with the locals and telling stories to the kids. We passed out treasure all around and let everyone know about the other events that were happening.

Next the crew conducted a school for Scallywags with a port and starboard watch. We taught 24 young scallywags the ways of the pirates by teaching them to talk like a pirate (the best thing was it was on International Talk like a Pirate Day). How to load and fire a musket and swing a cutlass, and finally how to haul on a line and sing a shanty like a true skallywag. They all graduated with certificates!!

Finally Blackbeards Crew and The Vigilant Crew provided fireworks entertainment with cannon fire during the fireworks at Commodore Barry Park.

Well Belayed all!!!

Kid's Explorer Day Deltaville Virginia

Pernell Taylor — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:55:25 GMT

Kid's Explorer Day in Deltaville was a wonderful success!!! Although not quite historically accurate it was fun and the children had a blast and still learned some history about Stingray Point and John Smith, who was played by Kaptain Krunch of the Deltaville Maritime Museum.

Blackbeards Crew successfully captured John Smith and commandeered the Shallop Explorer only to be chased off by none other the than the infamous Popey and Sweet Pea. Apparently they had just eaten their giant can of spinach and ran off Blackbeards Crew leaving John Smith behind with his treasure map, but the crew was able to collect his treasure chest full of candy and run off into the Treacherous Woods. John Smith gave all the kids their own copy of the Holly Point Treasure Map and the children set out to find what Blackbeards Crew did with the Treasure.

After the kids found the treasure, the School for Skallywags insued. The kids got a chance to learn about talking like a pirate, swinging a cutlass, firing a musket and singing a sea chanty. Instead of the usual tug of war between pirates and kids, the kids got to haul the cannon "Angel" during their short haul shanty.

Lunch was at Billz Bistro with great hot dogs and hamburgers. Then another round of capturing John Smith, School for Skallywags and stool ball and dancing to end the day.

Bill Powell, the proprietor of Billz Bistro restaurant had this to say:

What a wonderful day!!

The most kids and parents we ever have had for the first show and my count was 150-175 all day, maybe more.

Heck there were 50 for the afternoon show and I think that's as many as than had all day last year.

My read is the two show concept, with lunch, is the way to go. Looks like ya'll had less pressure and more time to set your own pace. The lunch and ice cream worked well & lets you folks chow down.

Give me your feedback, but otherwise I'll report to the Board that this will be our matrix for next year.

Thanks again.

Bill

Raid on the Town of York

Thu, 14 May 2009 11:36:04 GMT

For the second time, the Town of York was raided by Blackbeard's Crew. On Saturday May 2nd a very favorable impression was made upon all the citizens and shop owners along the Riverwalk area of Yorktown.

The "Crew" established their base camp near the Old Post Office and provided many a visiting scalawag with education on various topics including Weapons and Tactics, Apothecary, Surgery, Shanties, Navigation, Seamanship, Sewing, and for the first time Dance.

Many an image was created by visiting folk with their loved ones incarcerated in the pillory.

The ever popular Scalawag School of Aspiring Pirates ran twice and we were loaded to the gunwales with new recruits both times.

Several of the "Crew's" popular skits from the Hampton Blackbeard Festival were performed . Israel Hands made a lasting impression of his face upon a small tree during his encounter with Barnaby Wilde. And English Sailor Jake was abused by the good decent hard working town women during the course of his recruiting efforts.

This one day event drew a large crowd to the Riverwalk area over the course of the day and the "Crew" has been invited back for another raid next year.

Not that we need an invite. Ha! Ha! HA! Hello! Pirate!!!!!

Chantey Crew Raids the American Rover to Benefit CSF

Thu, 21 May 2009 13:20:28 GMT

Willoughby, Barnabee, Malyson, and Clive boarded the American Rover for a well-belayed afternoon of music, singing, and nautical fun, entertaining military families on two pirate-themed cruises. Inspite of occasional squalls (of rain, not of the children) it was an enjoyable day at sea for all, and compensation for our performance was donated to the Colonial Seaport Foundation to benefit our refit of the Luna.

Baltimore Privateer Day

Pernell Taylor — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:04:47 GMT

Back to the Days of the Privateers in Baltimore. You couldn't ask for a better venue one block from the old Fells Point district with cobblestone streets, a view of the Baltimore Harbor, watching sugar being stowed in the hold below. The Pride of Baltimore sailing majestically in the background.

Members of Blackbeards Crew joined forces with the Crew of the Vigilant and the Crew of the Archangel to put on a show in Baltimore. The Bos'n and South did some presentations on Seamanship, Navigation, Ginger played Colonial Games with the visitors, and Cookie helped demonstrate food preparation, Crewman South lead the training of three groups of powder monkeys in the arts of the skallywag and issued them certificates of training.

Kittyhawk Heffwit shared some tent space with Nicodemus to show off the Colonial Seaport Foundation material and added a new member to the CSF at the Constellation level!!!

The Bos'n, Cookie, and South joined forces with Duncan McGuyver, Captain Sterling and Crews to capture the tallship "Lioness" that was being guarded by a regiment of Lobsterbacks. Using KittyHawk Heffwit as bait she distracted the guards while we boarded the ship. A battle insued during which one of the Bosun's pistols misfired. While trying to clear the weapon the other crew members escaped leaving the Bos'n to be captured. Ash
returned to rescue the Bos'n and was also captured. This upset the Bos'n as now crewman Ash was captured. When the Bos'n yelled at Ash for returning, Ash explained that he was coming back to rescue him. The Bos'n realized that Ash selflessly put himself in harms way to rescue the Bos'n which pulled on his heart strings so much that he grabbed Ash and hugged him before the Lobsterbacks were able to put shackles on them. The Lobsterbacks were so taken aback by the scene that the Bos'n and Seaman Ash seized the opportunity to escape.

As the "Lioness" attempted to escape the Schooner "Farewell" manned by Gun Crews from Blackbeards Crew with "One Eyed Jack" and the Crew of the Vigilant with "Baby" gave chase. The Bos'n and Cookie were on the foredeck with "One Eyed Jack" between the two of them they fired off about 20 rounds of shot at the Lioness. The "Pride of Baltimore" Blockaded the Harbour to prevent the Lioness from being able to escape. After a severe pounding on the "Lioness" by the "Farewell" and the "Pride". The crew aboard the "Farewell" was able to capture the "Lioness" and bring her back to port.

This successful battle led to the Tavern Walk through old towne Baltimore for a celebration.

Cookie did the Puddin Dance

Raid on Fort Eustis Club

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:45:45 GMT

We were a big success with the military members and their spouses as we invaded the Fort Eustis Club Saturday night. The crew busted in on the commanding officer's speech, took him hostage (we gave him back really!), and livened up the place. We entertained the crowd with songs and music led by Mingo, Clive, South, and Constable. Cap'n Pern's witty humor and Pete's piratical personality were enjoyed by all. Constable escorted a few people to the brig, received a few marriage proposals, and had his beard tugged on "Is that real?" Jesse, South and Pern helped show off items for the auction. Their "persuasive" manners helped increase the funds raised for the benefit which made our host very happy. The pirates even managed to coercive a few buxom ladies and one gentleman to join us in a dance. Ok, don't get the wrong idea, I was the one to "coerce" the gentleman. The dance made for some memorable moments, especially since some of our pirates had on their "sea legs" rather than their "dancing legs".

Several people said they were looking forward to visiting us at the Blackbeard Festival and that we made their night! It's good to be a pirate!

Ginger

Raid on Marker 20

Pernell Taylor — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:18:51 GMT

On Wednesday February 25th, 2009 Blackbeards Crew invaded the Hampton Tavern known as "Marker 20" The Crew is in need of Doubloons and supplies to make repairs to their ship the "Luna" Currently being renovated by the Colonial Seaport Foundation.

Word got out that there would be many patrons with padded pockets interested in sharing their wealth to speed repairs to the "Luna" So a boarding party lead by the "Bos'n" Garrett Gibbens descended upon "Marker 20" about 1800. What ensued over the next two hours could only be described as "Great Fun!!!" The patrons of Marker 20 were harassed by pirates and wenches. They gave up their doubloons, some willingly, some not. But everyone knew it was for a good cause. Our very own Pyrate Pete and Annie Mannel-Deux, stood guard behind the bar to serve the thirsty patrons. While The Dread Pirate Willoughby Caught lead Shanties for everyone to join in. Rusty O'Toole used the puppy dog eyes technique to coax the patrons out of their doubloons. As a fundraiser Blackbreards Crew will be able to contribute $557.80 to the Colonial Seaport Foundation to help fund the "Luna" Project. See www.colonialseaport.org.

John Glass, the founder and past Quartermaster of Blackbeards Crew was there to educate the visitors on the "Luna Project" currently underway at the Colonial Seaport Foundation. On display were Models of Rigging as it will be on the Ship, A complete colonial Sloop model and photographs of the project as well as some living history tools that are used for presentations.

Well Belayed to Blackbeards Crew.

19th Annual 2008 Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

Pernell Taylor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:50:26 GMT

Editor blank content page

Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race 2008

http://www.schoonerrace.org

Even in the cold, miserable, damp, windy weather present at the 19^th Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Shooner Race the appearance of Blackbeards Crew was a huge success!!!!

Blackbeards Crew was a hit. On the Education front Cap’n Pern demonstrated Seamanship and Navigation, Black Ross and Jesse talked to visitors about the history of pirates. Miss Morgan showed students how to spin Yarn, Pyrate Pete, Myla and Hatchet Meg escorted Students to the some of the ships for tours. There were over 50 kids from eight local schools that attended.

Joe and Allison Elder of Skipjack Nauticals has opened at their new location on the water front. The new store is full of new antiques and is now the official retail outlet for the Schooner Virginia merchandise. Joe and Allison want to carry Blackbeards Crew and the Colonial Seaport Foundations merchandise as well. Black Ross and Lady Olive held down the quarterdeck at Skipjack Nauticals.

All of you that have been to the Hampton Blackbeard Festival may remember a ship known as the Bonnie Rover. She has been a character vessel every year and participated in the sea battles for most of the years. I spent a lot of time talking to the Captains Mark and Ray, The Bonnie Rover has been registered in every Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race except for one. For the past five years they have not been able to race because they haven’t had crew. Next year is the 20^th Anniversary of GCBSR and Mark and Ray want to bring the Bonnie Rover down the bay in the Race again. She won the first year of the race and can do it again with the right crew. That’s where we come in. I was able to secure 12 positions aboard the Bonnie Rover for next years Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.

In the first Quarter of 2009 we will be having our monthly meeting down in Norfolk where we will be able to go on visits to the Bonnie Rover during the meeting. In the spring we will be conducting sail training aboard the Bonnie Rover. Blackbeards Crew members will be able to learn to sail the Bonnie Rover under controlled sailing conditions in Hampton Roads. During the Blackbeard Festival we will then not only be aboard for the sea battle but everyone will have had an opportunity to learn the ropes and can become better sailors on a rig that is similar to the rig aboard the Luna. If you participate in the sail training you must sign up for the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.

I got to know Captain Rob of the Schooner Windfall from Ocracoke. One of his crew members Phillip Howard, the Great Great Great Great Grandson of William Howard; (everyone know who that is?) was intrigued by our display and appearance and are looking forward to working with us during the upcoming Battle of Ocracoke.

So get your Pyrate On for 2009 cause it’s gonna be a good year.

Deltaville Pyrate Invasion Holly Point Art and Seafood Festival

Pernell Taylor — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:55:30 GMT

Blackbeards Crew Invaded the Third annual Holly Point Art and Seafood Festival on October 11th, 2008 in Deltaville, VA. This is the site of the Deltaville Mariners Museum.

There was a fabulous turnout to see the Crew as they demonstrated Living history. Starting off with a waterfront invasion with the Shallop Explorer Built by the Deltaville Mariners Museum. Blackbeards Crew rowed the boat ashore with canons blazing against the Dread Pyrate Hunters the Crew of the Arch Angel. After the battle a wounded seaman was brought to Cutter with a badly wounded leg. Cutter proceeded to remove the afflicted part during his Medical Care of Pyrates presentation, Constable Heartless tirelessly manned the Weapons and Tactics display explaining the tools used by Blackbeards Crew to coerce their victims, Cap'n Pern led a full fledged weapons and tactics presentation with the crew mannng the weapons,

Cap'n Pern, Mr. South and Barnabee demonstrated the skills necessary to travel across the oceans at the Navigation Table, Willoughby Caught and her merry band of shanty singers entertained the crowds so the weary pirate invaders could take a break.

Two new sets of Skallywags were trained during the Skallywag School for Aspiring Pirates.
Black Ross led the young scallywags in a redition of "Haul Aaway Joe"
Cookie did a Great Job preparing some split pea porridge, I hear it was delicious but the asthetics were not so appetizing.

Snake and Lynnhaven ran the booth to provision the young skallywags with the necessary accessories!
Pyrate Pete set up a Display of some of his finest Artwork.

The Crew of the Arch Angel did a great job demonstrating the clothing of the 18th Century.

The day finished off with the most fabulous feast provided by and at the Ship Wrights home on the Piannkatank River.

The Colonial Seaport Foundation gained one new member which got to tour the Luna Project while being worked on by our very own Jack Tarrr.

Well Belayed Invasion!!! Huzzah!!!

Kitty Hawk Kites OBX Invasion

Martina Finley — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:59:48 GMT

On Thursday, Quartermaster, Black Ross and myself (Lady Olive) arrived in the OBX for our first night of pirating. We were escorted to the Jolly Roger Restaurant by our host Cydney along with Jack Sparrow, Nicholas and Steve. We harrassed diners, entertained children and even sang Happy Birthday to one thrilled young scallywag. Dinner was awesome! It was a special concoction of seafood made just for us. Willoughby arrived a little later and we sang sea chanteys for the clientele. The folks at Jolly Rogers treated Willoughby to dinner on the house! On Friday, our group was joined by Cookie at Big Al's Diner. Many photos were taken and Cookie helped serve the tables. We had a wonderful lunch. Then it was on to Roanoke Festival Park where we sang chanteys, harassed more townspeople and took over the Elizabeth II. On Saturday, we were joined by the rest of the crew (Clive, Felicity, Lady Morgan, Billy Flynt, Pirate Pete, Lady Myla and Snake) and set-up the encampment in front of Kitty Hawk kites. We had eight Schools for Aspiring Pirates and graduated 80 Scallywags! Cydney joined us that evening with a bribe of rum. A wonderful time was had by all and I'm sure we will be back again to raid the OBX.

American Rover Cruise, August 17, 2008

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:59:38 GMT

Chanty Master Willoughby Caught, together with Malyson Haight, Barnabee Wilde, and Billy Flynt, raided the American Rover for an afternoon of pirate merriment. Captained by our very own Quartermaster, the Rover set sail with a large party of local military families. Many young scallywags were aboard, some dressed in their finest buccaneer gear, and all clutching their goodie bags of plunder. We roved about the ship, singing chanties, leading the little brigands though line hauling and “talk like a pirate” lessons, dispensing beads and coins, and engaging in random acts of piracy. Billy and Barnabee ably assisted in raising the sails. With fair winds and following seas it was a grand day for a piratical pleasure cruise..

Beaufort Pyrate Invasion

Pernell Taylor — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:38:51 GMT

A Hearty Yarrrr!!! and Well Belayed to All!!!!

Even enduring the grueling heat and the billions of sugar ants on the Beaufort Historic Grounds could not keep the 1747 attack by spanish pyrates against the town of Beaufort from being a successful engagement. Several Crews participated in the event, Blackbeards Crew, The Shadow Players, The Devilmen of Cape Fear, The Crew of the Arch Angel, and the Carolina Black Flaggers.

So much was stuffed into such a short weekend of Friday night and Saturday that it is almost impossible to write it down.

Friday started out with the setup of the camp, Living history displays for Seamanship, Navigation, Medical Care of Pyrates, woodworking, cooking, and a feasting table. The Big Fabulous Tent of Blackbeards crew was setup to be the Soused Wench Tavern.

Saturday started out with safety meetings and rehearsals for the upcoming invasion. Having four pyrate crews, 3 long boats and a brigantine involved in an invasion that had only one day to prepare was a daunting task. But all the crews worked together to make it a success.

In the Camp were living history demonstrations of Cooking by Annie Mannel Dieux who created a most delicious Oyster Stew on the fire barrel, Mr. South, Barnabee Wilde, Dutch and the Bos'n gave presentations on Seamanship, Navigation, and Weapons and Tactics.

Don Juan stood by the Pillary to punish all the little scallawags who had been bad and wanted their photo taken with a sign showing the crime they committed.

Our Bos'n Garrett Gibbens was recruited to man the port side cannons aboard the Meka II.
Dutch our Pressgang Master and acting Master at Arms led the invasion by being delivered to the dock by longboat along with Barnabee Wilde and Mister South, only to be greeted by wenches full of fury wielding Pots, pans, and spoons, fortunately Gingerly Dancefoth's arse made it onto the front page. During an intense heated battle between the pyrates and the townfolk it appeared that the pyrates just might take over the town by overpowering the townfolk. That's when the Militia arrived!!! With Black Ross who was masquerading as Blackbeard himself about 50 years out of the time frame, Rusty O'Toole, and Don Juan Cortez wielding his shovel captured the pyrates to bring them back to the camp to hold a trial. As Captain Horation Sinbad presided over the proceedings our very own Dutch was chosen to receive a flogging just before Captain Sterling of the Crew of Arch Angel was hanged.

After the battle our Ship's Surgeon Jessee the Cutter patched up two wounded townfolk by amputating a leg and patching up a gut wound, the audience that got too close to the operation was not spared from the splatter of blood from the amputation of a wounded leg.

Jack Tarrr ever present in the camp and during the invasion put forth the effort of three men even with a wounded arm to help with camp setup and breakdown.

The weekend was topped off with a Marvelous Buccaneers Ball at the Beaufort Maritime Museum. to show off the Art work of Don Maitz and Stray Dog. Dancing to Zydeco Music performed by a great band that later came out and joined us in the camp for an evening of Chantey Singing.

All reports indicate so far that the event will be occuring next year.
Well Belayed to All!!!!

Bald Head Island Pirate Invasion

Pernell Taylor — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:36:52 GMT

On August 1st and 2nd Blackbeards Crew invaded Bald Head Island, NC.

This was a tremendous event in a very historical location. The island formally known as Smith Island where Stede Bonnet was captured by Colonel William Rhett in August of 1718. Bald Head Island Light House, lovingly known as Old Baldy Light was built in 1817 it was the second lighthouse by the same name. The first had been built in 1795 and disassembled due to erosion.

Blackbeards Crew setup camp at the base of the light complete with four living history stations. Seamanship, Navigation, Medical Care of Pirates, and Weapons and Tactics. The crowds were plentiful both on Friday and Saturday. The crew trained 60 plus new skallawags in the art of being a pirate, Constable Heartless led them in the musket training, Madam Grace showed her skills with a cutlass to the new skallawags, and Black Ross sang Haul away Joe for the new skallawags to haul on a line. All of the young skallawags proudly displayed their new certificate. Our sound system was a big help in doing the School.

The crew tried to defend the island from the notorious Sinbad the Pirate aboard the MekaII with Lt. Brown manning ther ferocious bow gun and Mr. Steele the Master Gunner was running the midship's cannons. The Bos'n and Madam Grace were enlisted as crew aboard one of the local sailing craft to harass the MekaII during it's attack and lost wind entering the marina just before a storm and had to be towed back in. The Celebration that evening on the edge of the wetlands showed Hatchet Meg the population of Alligators on the island when she counted 14 of them drifting by the pavilion.

Our Crafty Bos'n led a Weapons and Tactics demonstration to educate the crowd in the skills required to capture a prize. Madam Grace challenged many a would be pyrate in Scuttle Hatch. Our Chantey Master Willoughby Caught spent countless hours in concert with the Rusty Cutlass who were also there to entertain the crowds. Braze and Cascabel were their usual charismatic selves.

During the evening hours we experienced the spiritualness of the lighthouse during a thunderstorm on the first evening which provided a welcom shower to some of the overheated crew. The second evening we were visited by the everpresent wildlife on the island. The local racoons tried to ransack Madam Graces Tent and were chased off by the Bos'n. Constable Heartless then broke out his night vision goggles for an evening of coon huntin'.

Everyone worked hard in the dog days of August in North Carolina to make this a great event. Huzzah!!!

Summer Street Fest, Hampton, Va

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:25:32 GMT

Huzzah for the Tippers!!

Deltaville Maritime museums Explorer Day #2

john — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:40:59 GMT

The weekend has come and gone with many smiles on the kids faces. After kidnapping John Smith, the crew was chased off by Popeye and Sweetpea only to return after a kids scavenger hunt finding the crew in much better spirits with singing, storytelling, dancing, scallywag school for aspiring pyrates, and an afternoon of games. If anyone missed this event, fear not we shall return in october for more!!!

18th Annual African-American Festval

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:50:29 GMT

From Constable Heartless: I am very happy to report that the 18th annual African-American Festival to support the Peninsula Sickle Cell Anemia Association was an outstanding success. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the crew for the support and encouragement. This event each year as many of you know is very near and dear to my heart and is one of the few ways I have to give something back to the community that has supported me for many years.

I would especially like to thank Barnaby Wilde, Malyson Haight, Black Ross, Lady Olive, Miss Kittyhawk Heffwit and Mr. Cutter for being able to adjust their busy schedules to attend the festival. Your efforts were above and beyond the call of duty especially since Saturday was probably the hottest day that we have experienced so far this year.

The efforts put forth to support the Peninsula Sickle Cell Anemia Association by a small number of very dedicated people such as the members of the Blackbeard's Crew this year will ultimately benefit many others by giving them hope and a higher quality of life.

I have received numerous favorable comments about the Pirates attending the festival. I have also learned that there was several staff members from the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters present at the Festival. They were excited to see the Pirates and help spread the word throughout the festival that the Pirates have appeared on a number of occasions at King's Daughters Hospital.

In addition, we provided that little spark of light in the eyes of so many young people and started them down the road to an interest in history. We have definitely acquired a number of new pirate fans after Saturday.

Attendance at the Festival was down somewhat from previous years but understandable with the current cost of fuel but we were definitely noticed.

One of the Executive Festival Committee members told me that even though we are Pirates, God has reserved a very special place in heaven for the members of the Blackbeard's Crew for their efforts to support such a worthy cause such as the fight against sickle cell anemia.

The attached photograph is of my security staff during the event and with the executive director for the Peninsula Sickle Cell Anemia Association. These are phenomenal young people that belong to a local motorcycle club. They are mostly active duty military personnel and some of the sharpest troops I have ever met.

Constable Heartless

ND_Crew_Afrikan_American_Festival_(web).jpg
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2008 Raid on Pohick Bay Park

Martina Finley — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:48:14 GMT

On June 13th, Black Ross (as Blackbeard) and Lady Olive assisted the Vigilant Crew (V.C.) on a successful raid on Pohick Bay Park. After acquiring practice cutlasses that Blackbeards Crew generously loaned to the V.C. for Scalawag School, we headed up to Lorton, VA.

On Saturday, we raided Pirate's Cove water park and harassed patrons, posed for pictures, and created mayhem. We were invloved in the ribbon cutting ceremony and then it was off to battle Blackbeard and his crew. A large crowd had gathered to see the battle. Cannons and guns blazed away at Blackbeard and his crew aboard their vessel, The Spirit of America, but they were determined to make it ashore. The militia suffered several casualties at the hand of the pirates and the rest were hauled away by the press gang. Next, the V.C. opened up the encampment to visitors and put on fine demonstrations of pirate life including weapons, seamanship, navigation, candle making, etc. Later on that afternoon, the V.C. conducted their first Scalawag School assisted by Blackbeard and Lady Olive. We had about 24 kids in the class. The crew did a great job and the kids were just thrilled!

It's always a pleasure to attend events with our friends, the V.C. The raid was a great success. Huzzah!