Here is the sailing track and a few images of the action on deck as Northern Lights Productions gets some footage for a production for the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Mayor Kalisz was there when we departed the state pier. He had also sent along a boat from the New Bedford Shellfish Department who gladly took the camera crew out for some shots of
the ship underway. It was a more stable platform than our rescue boat.

Even though the fog machine in the focsle set off our fire alarm, a smoky environment was created that the film crew was looking for.

Pirate Member sail

Sixty members, about forty of them dressed as pirates, came on an evening sail around Buzzards Bay on the freshly converted pirate vessel Ernestina. After setting all four lowers, we started our trip out with a boisterous "ARGH!" as we came through the hurricane barrier into New Bedford channel. The voyage was filled with old pirate ballads and shanties provided by the Ernestina’s own scurvy dog, Tom Goux. The younger buccaneers were inked up at the port side tattoo parlor by our resident artists Polly Zajak and Heidi Johnson. The breeze was quite light, and unfortunately, the pirate schooner was unable to board any of the fishing boats or motor yachts that were cruising around us. Thus, we returned back to New Bedford without any spoils, save a few golden chocolate coins that were stored in the hold.
~Submitted by Patrick Merrill

Once ashore, a plethora of pirates remained on the pier to enjoy a showing of Muppet Treasure Island projected on Ernestina’s fore sail. There was much clashing of swords and buckling of swashes, and of course, muppets galore. It was a well-rounded day for the pirates and their good ship Ernestina.

Captain: Amanda Madeira
Program Coordinator: Inette Rex