Blackbeard's Crew - Ship's Log

2009 Riverfront Ramble

21-Sep-09 21:53 | Pernell Taylor (administrator)

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

19-Jul-09 11:34 | Pernell Taylor (administrator)

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

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Raid on the Town of York

14-May-09 07:36 | anonymous

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!!!!!

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Chantey Crew Raids the American Rover to Benefit CSF

03-May-09 09:14 | deleted user

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.

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Baltimore Privateer Day

20-Apr-09 23:50 | Pernell Taylor (administrator)

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

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Raid on Fort Eustis Club

09-Mar-09 17:27 | anonymous

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

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Raid on Marker 20

01-Mar-09 18:23 | Pernell Taylor (administrator)

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.

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19th Annual 2008 Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

27-Oct-08 12:45 | Pernell Taylor (administrator)

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.

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Deltaville Pyrate Invasion Holly Point Art and Seafood Festival

11-Oct-08 13:28 | Pernell Taylor (administrator)

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!!!

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Kitty Hawk Kites OBX Invasion

28-Sep-08 19:53 | Martina Finley

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.

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