April 20, 2012
Pirates of New England: Tall Ship Cruises off Cape Ann
Mark Thompson READ TIME: 1 MIN.
ROCKPORT, MA - Imagine walking down a wharf stepping onto a tall ship, sailing away and becoming a pirate. Join the "Pirates of Fun" for an exciting yet relaxing sail with Pirate Ship Charters aboard the pirate ship Formidable as it journeys off historic Cape Ann and Rockport Harbor.
Guest sail aboard the Northeast's only traditional square-rigged tall ship sailing the waters off historic Cape Ann (about 1 1/2 hrs.). History becomes fun and alive as the captain commands the crew aloft, hoist the square sails and brace the yardarms.
Your sailing experience is enhanced by the pirate crew's entertaining and informative manner, which engages guests in an interactive way while, setting sails, telling sea stories and singing sea shanties. The crew portray what maritime life was like in colonial New England for patriots, privateers and pirates.
Pirate Ship Charters will be joining Tall Ship Boston (June 30th - July 5th, 2012) along with Old Ironsides and other tall ships celebrating the Bicentennial War of 1812 (daily sails and private charters available).
The company offers daily sails and private charters May through October. Rate start at $37.50 adult, $32 senior (62+)/student, $25 child 16 or younger (under 2 yr free).
Details about the Formidable:
Builder: Consolidated Yachts, City Island, NY, 2000
Sparred Length: 72'
Length on Deck: 50.4
Beam: 17'
Draft: 6.3'
Mast Height: 58'
Displacement weight: 50 Tons
Engine: 160 Hp Yanmar
Number of crew: 3-4
Certified: United States Coast Guard
Total Passengers: 49
Web: www.pirateshipcharters.com
Phone: 978-729-2929
A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.