Striving for accuracy....

[Fox]

I see, I go to sleep for a few hours and you all have a long chat without me!

First off, this really made me laugh!

"I don't have a problem with people playing Hollywood pirates, I really don't, but I would rather they didn't pretend that they are authentic, and I would really be much happier if they didn't try to tell me that I can't possibly know what is and isn't authentic when I've spent several years of my life dedicated to finding out just that."

...

Too bad the author of that quote would never consider hanging out with those fantasy peasants.

I am the author of that first quote. I am also the organiser of the South West Pirate Festival, which just happens to be the biggest fantasy pirate event in the whole of the UK! Hurricaine, please don't judge me when you know nothing about me.

Josh, get your plane tickets over here, we're doing a cutting out party this year; 2 or 3 boatloads of Royal Navy and Marines trying to capture a pirate schooner...

as far as interaction and pretending modern things don't exist. It just comes across as stupid.

I agree entirely - I'm quite happy to have my photograph taken, but I think there lies an important point relating to this discussion. I strive to be as authentic as I possibly can, but every event I do has to have a certain element of modernity to it, we do after all lilve in the modern world. I therefore don't try to make the public authentic too.

The majority of the general public, in a public contact situation, could care less about education. They want to be entertained, engaged and have their kiddies pose for a photo.

Have you tried it? I mean REALLY tried it? I ask because I never have a problem keeping the public enthralled by doing it authentically, and I can assure you that the authentic re-enactors over here keep the public interested for considerably longer than the "fantasy" over here. I have people regularly spending 40 minutes to an hour talking to me about the (authentic) contents of my sea-chest. When they've finished they go on and talk to the next person in my group. The public are becoming far more educated on history than they were 5 years ago and they CAN tell the difference between people doing it right, and people doing it wrong.

A final reiteration of an earlier post. My gear has cost me considerably less than I know some people have spent on their fantasy gear. It's as authentic as it can be and I am still instantly recognised as a pirate (even though I rarely portray one). If the circumstances warrant it I can stind there in my authentic gear and say "aaarrggghhh" and all that stuff, but the guy next to me in his non-authentic gear can't come and do proper living history with me. So, why go fantasy?

Hurricaine. However long you've been here your personal comments add nothing whatsoever to the discussion. Grow up.

Johnson v. Defoe

Personally I think the idea that Defoe wrote the General History is laughable, ridiculous (see here for why). However Since some people cling on to the idea so fervently I will confine my comments to:

Whoever wrote the General History most of it has been show to be reasonably accurate by subsequent research. Steer clear of the Misson, Tew, Lewis and Cornelius chapters in the second volume if you're striving for historical integrity. The Misson and Tew chapters are almost certainly fabrications, and were almost certainly written by someone else. The Lewis and Cornelius chapters are also believed to be essentially fiction in their content, but it's a harder case to prove. If nothing else though, it's a bloomin good read.

[hurricane]

Grow up?

That sounds rather boring, Foxe. I think I'll avoid that at all costs.

And yes, being here since the beginning does have something to do with it since this is all ground that has been treaded upon countless times... And many of the newer posters obviously don't know that. Hawkyns and I went around about this stuff nearly two years ago. So who's not following threads around here?

I did appreciate your comments about the "argh" thing. I have not and never will do that to anyone in public. It is just too stupid! Speaking of authenticity, who ever came up with the idea that pirates say "argh!"... oh, Hollywood...

And as to why someone goes for the fantasy pirate... because it's fun... it allows you to be outrageous and bigger than life... the center of attention rather than a piece of furnishing in a large ballroom, a bar or an event. You can do both when you're doing a looser interpretation. You can't when you're trying to be historical... unless you're Blackbeard.

-- Hurricane

[blackjohn]

I did appreciate your comments about the "argh" thing. I have not and never will do that to anyone in public. It is just too stupid! Speaking of authenticity, who ever came up with the idea that pirates say "argh!"... oh, Hollywood...

Hahaha... I used to ask that same question... but if you look around here on this board somewhere some clever researcher came up with an account dated as I recall to the 1730s (maybe 50s) in which the author describes being accosted by a fellow who yells "argh" (or something VERY similar).

"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio..."

I'll try to find the post if you are interested. It may have been from Slopmaker Cripps.

[the Royaliste]

I had another thought regarding the quest for accuracy as a "pirate". We have one MAJOR strike against us, which is that none of us, no matter how accurate, will ever get to actually reenact a pirate boarding/prize taking, AT sea, with TWO period correct ships. Nope.

It's the bane of our quest, eh?

So in a sense, all the proper stitchery and correct clothing in the world will only serve to make us accurate early 18th century citizens, or sailors in between jobs. Which is fine, I mean we're all bound by this limitation, but it just means we always need that premise of "well this is our camp where we're hanging around while our ship is careened." Or, "well this is our impromptu market where we're selling our stolen goods to locals".

Generally speaking, the overall purpose of reenacting is so the public can come witness as close to historical events as possible. Rev war, Civil War, Jamestown, Sturbridge, etc, can do this with impressive accuracy to the original event, often reenacting battles or daily life in great detail on the soil where it actually happened. We can't do that. We can only sit on our barrel and tell little Johnny about the ship we just seized last week off Virginia.

Even French & Indian War groups or fur traders can faithfully do what the originals ACTUALLY did. We can't.

It's kind of sad in a way. Even IF a hardcore pirate reenactment group could get access to some ships in the West Indies, and set up a battle, it could only be witnessed by the public on land half a mile away.

So as I continue to delve further into this world of reenacting (reaching for accuracy, not fantasy), I'm considering adding a subtitle to the phrase "Pirate Reenactor" :

"Early 18th Century Seaman What's just returned home from two years at sea and all I have to show for it are the clothes on me back"

The 'West Indies' would be great, but that also is an area for discussion. Thanks to Hollywood, evryone thinks all piracy happened in the Carribean....Jeesh!....We've done a bit of 'hardcore pirate reenacting',all on the backdrop 'o the Pacific Ocean, so.......be sure and 'piece tie' your piracy.........

[hurricane]

I did appreciate your comments about the "argh" thing. I have not and never will do that to anyone in public. It is just too stupid! Speaking of authenticity, who ever came up with the idea that pirates say "argh!"... oh, Hollywood...

Hahaha... I used to ask that same question... but if you look around here on this board somewhere some clever researcher came up with an account dated as I recall to the 1730s (maybe 50s) in which the author describes being accosted by a fellow who yells "argh" (or something VERY similar).

"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio..."

I'll try to find the post if you are interested. It may have been from Slopmaker Cripps.

Thanks blackjohn,

Always wondered about that - glad there are people who are figuring these things out. I'll have to reintroduce it to my vocabulary...

And Royaliste... I agree. Being from the west coast we know about piracy in the Pacific waters. But Hollywood has made everyone a little West Indies and Caribbean centric. At least Against All Flags had the decency to be out of Madagascar, pillaging the Grand Moguls' ships.

Here's to the Pirates of the Pacific (hoists his mug - which still have coffee in it this morning).

Captain

[the Royaliste]

Here's to the Pirates of the Pacific (hoists his mug - which still have coffee in it this morning).

Captain

Aye!..I'll be drinkin' to that, mate!....And, as for modern 'piracy', ..the state just allotted me 17 pounds 'o powder for this year's Civil War reenactment to cover that which I blew off last year...Hmmm, post- 9/11, and the government's givin' pirates black powder.... Quite the coup, methinks!

ROYALISTE Scourge 'o Mare Pacifica

[hurricane]

Now there's a switch... the government giving pirates powder... Love our modern times.

Here's to a mighty good blow California way!

- Hurricane

[Gentleman of Fortune]

Oh no you don’t Hurricane! You are not going to bait me into some sort of “Flame War” thing. And if you are as much of an old hand at these forums as you say you are, you should know that is exactly what you are doing.

I won’t take the bait…

However, if you want to continue that line of discussion, you can PM me.

Anyway.

Back to the topic… Striving for Authenticity.

I know we all “understand” that folks come in to pirate re-enacting (which I am not sure is the word I am looking for) for different reasons. And maybe I am getting into a phase were the psychology of the “why” is intriguing me more and more.

I wonder if its because our society has so a low appreciation of history in general. I am assuming that most people that care about dressing up as a pirate also care about pirate history. But that does not seem to be the case.

Do people get hooked because a friend says, “hey there is a killer party next weekend, all you have to do is dress up like a pirate”. And they get their “pirate” outfit and that are suddenly pirate “participants”?

Or are they refugees from other re-enacting periods that are tired of marching in formation in their wool in the hot sun and figure, “I’ll do a period where I don’t have to worry about structure and accuracy”?

I think I am suffering from the delusion that historical piracy, with authentic clothes and gear, is far cooler than anything crafted out of polyester and plastic.

And why does it seem that you can’t entertain with authentic kit? You can’t be larger than life in a historically correct costume? Are you required to be “in period” with all the crazy dialogue stuff (that Hurricane and I seem to loathe so much) if you have a historically correct kit?

I am going to go gaze at my navel for awhile….

[hurricane]

Now that's an interesting question...

As for me, I stumbled into it as part of the Seafair Pirates, a group in Seattle that does community service and parades as pirates. It was a fraternal organization. It is almost cartoonish in the presentation of pirates, with oversized swords of sheet metal and garish clothing.

But being a pirate is far different than being, say a clown or a cowboy. It has a mystique about it... for young and old, male and female. Very rarely do you run into someone who hates pirates -- clowns yes, pirates no. And if allows one to delve much deeper into different aspects of the character, the profession and the history.

So I came from the entertainment aspect originally and only in the last five years or so pursued the historical aspects. But I don't think people just put on a costume and are hooked. Far from it. I've seen many in the three crewes I've been in that have come and gone. Then there are the others who were already pirates... they just didn't have the costume yet. And then there are others perfectly authentic period attire that couldn't project the "air of piracy" to the public. That indefinable something that separates a pirate from the rest of the public. They're just not pirate material... at least as far as working with the public in an educational or entertainment fashion. And that's OK, because if everybody could be a pirate then it wouldn't exactly be special.

I've always told my new crewe that this is a gift from the gods. If you're able to "be" a pirate, then you can get away with all the things the public can only dream of. Who else gets to walk down the street with a sword, get a police escort through the streets of Boston, fire off a round with a black powder pistol when entering a bar, kiss women or guys (for the wenches) and not gett slapped, hang around with heads of state or celebrities and take their booze right out of their hand and swig it down... it's an amazing gift and privilege. But it's not for everybody.

I'm not sure why others are called to it, but for me it is the rush I get from pulling off a perfect performance as a pirate, whether it's educational, entertainment or a party... It's like a drug for many of us. Too long between voyages and you go through withdrawals.

-- Hurricane

[the Royaliste]

Hmm, I don't hang out 'ere much anymore, but to diversify the slant on this, I'll put me neck on the choppin' block and cover a base or two IMHO...First, as to 'why', at least in our groups, it has become an issue of comraderie, regardless of flash or the lack of it...A great reason to share wonderful moments in time, even dressed as pirates..As far as costuming, well...I've watched quite an evolution in respect to 'on deck fashion'....A year or two ago, many or all of my crew looked like Port Royal on a hot Saturday night, fluffy, gaudy, eccentric....Then, like someone else here suggested, they started sailing...Pretty soon, costuming evolved to more of what worked for sailors, period or not, since the fluff can't take the rigors of the sea....That's with participating, functioning 'pirates'...Someone has mentioned a time or two to take a sail, if possible, weapons tied, basically a 'charter tourist'.....('Tis what you will be, as I've already mentioned how the ren faire fluff won't cut it on deck, in 2005)..Why do it???...If the vessel you are on doesnt want you attired properly, or doesn't allow weaponry, then you might as well stay on the ferry, eh?.....Bottom line...I've tens of thousands invested in actual, period gear from cannonballs to blades, to artifacts and reales,but......I enjoy the smile of the little kids on deck spoofing on Poison Quill's flamboyant attire as much as his dad's eyes ooogling my 1771 French Officer's saber....it's all about removal from your present doldrums, and entering the realm of fantasy, whether your fantasy is 'accurate' or not!

[hurricane]

My crewe would keel-haul me for not mentioning that very fact, Royaliste. The main reason I suddenly ended up with a crewe ot 20+ down here in Florida from a crewe of 2 is the comraderie. We can't wait to get together to do something. And it's the memories - the good and bad - that really make it fun. In fact, I think I have at least five crewe members moving to Florida from other states, purely because they miss that cohesiveness. Pirating simply allows us to get together, enjoy a good time, and in the process, let the people we come across have a good time.

Well said... and I think you're right on as far as why many of us do it.

-- Hurricane

[JoshuaRed]

Thanks to Hollywood, evryone thinks all piracy happened in the Carribean....Jeesh!....

Chroist, whaddya think I'm retarded? I was trying to make a hypothetical, broad based point. Me, I primarily study piracy in the New England/Mid Atlantic waters more so than the West Indies.

Here's the thing I was trying to get at: for MOST pirate reenactors, at MOST events, the key factor missing is the ship. It's kind of like reenacting a division of firefighters without a fire truck.

[hurricane]

Ship to ship duels have happened. I was aboard the Lady Washington as she battled the Chieftain in San Franscisco's harbor some years back. Full charges between the two for two and half hours. Some 70 rounds on the Washington alone. And while we didn't get to grapple hook the other ship and board, it was pretty fierce fighting in very close quarters and downright deafening. Pirates were on both ships, doing what they do - instigating, cursing and waving weapons while the cannons pounded one another.

While no blood was spilled and the charges were just powder, it was pretty darned fun. And while I do pretend that it is full reenactment, there are other events like this around the country that I've had the pleasure of attending. And the ship's captains really get into it as well... there were several times when we cut across the Chieftain with only 15 or so feet between the two ships.

Otherwise, yes, it's the ship is in the harbor schtick or careened. That is one of the drawbacks of pirating ashore - you can't take a brig into the nearest bar.

As for me, I'd sign up in an instant if I could be a firefighter who could bring real fire into a bar. That would be some fun, he says, arsonistically. And authentic.

Hurricane

[the Royaliste]

We've done the boarding events, did one for 'Make a Wish' off Angel Island. The real problem trying to get other vessels involved is the yardarm proximity; most will not risk damage in the upper spars. On the other hand, we've had the grapples in our gunn'ls in Canada, and I've offered any other ship willing to 'toss away'...few takers Now we are hunting a nice longboat to do boardings and shore raids, then it'll be part of our routine.

..On the mock sea battles..We regularly go toe toe toe with already mentioned ships as well as others not mentioned, and combined with shore battles involving the Fort here, the only real difference betwixt 'the days' and now is exactly no blood, heavy damage, or cannonball; the rest is still the same; the manouvers, the adrenalin, the preparation( nothing worse than not enuff powder horns, and plenty 'o cannon rounds left!)..You feel very much like you've been at sea all day doing battle...'cuz you have!..This summer will yield a few really grand ones with a few more ships around at the same time with cannon aboard...maybe 5 or 6 ships or more.....Now, any of you 'shipless' pirates, start savin' your dubloons, and get a signal, as we are lining up the targets as I type....And, yep, if you DONT dress as a pirate, you aren't coming aboard!........And, it's lookin' like we're Carribean bound sooner or later, so Florida is also in RR gunsights..........

[Hawkyns]

I came at this from the other direction. I was doing Elizabethan living history and was at a couple of sites with ships. Since I was a gunner, they asked me to help out with the ships' guns. That was it and I was hooked. Got into the pyracy later as another venue to work ships' guns.

Quite honestly, I don't care which flag I serve under, Tudor, Royalist, Black, Yankee, RN, or whatever, as long as I get to serve the guns. Pyracy is fun, and gives rein to a lot of options, but that is why I see this as living history, rather than some great pirate fantasy.

It's a dance, running the guns, serving the piece, doing it on a pitching deck without losing tools overside and while staying out of the way of the sailing crew. Add firing small arms and getting to fight with swords, and it's a great weekend. Sure, I do landbased stuff, but I'm normally next to the weapons racks, explaining how they all work.

Hawkyns

"cannon slut"

[dasNdanger]

Someone has mentioned a time or two to take a sail, if possible, weapons tied, basically a 'charter tourist'.....('Tis what you will be, as I've already mentioned how the ren faire fluff won't cut it on deck, in 2005)..Why do it???...If the vessel you are on doesnt want you attired properly, or doesn't allow weaponry, then you might as well stay on the ferry, eh?.....

That be me, and if I may, I would like to explain why I suggested this (and yet another 'angle' 'cause it's not only about battles).

Pirates, as we have all figured out, were sailors before switching to a more dubious career. As such, they did what most sailors did - they worked the ship, and probably did THAT more than they ever actually pillaged and plundered. So, if we're talking ratios when it comes to pirate clothing, the same should apply to their activities if you really want an authentic experience. To spend an afternoon sailing aboard a typical 'pirate' vessel (often they were smaller vessels like schooners) - perhaps sharing period food and drink with your mates (some vessels allow alcoholic beverages, some don't), challenging your skill with navigational instruments or knots, telling stories and singing songs and doing just about anything else you can think of - is about as good as experiencing what the average pirate did on the average day (with the exception gun drills, if they even did that on a regular basis). And since - as I understand it - most pistols and swords were under lock and key unless action was imminent (to prevent violence from breaking out aboard ship), checking one's 'weapons at the door' would be a rather authentic touch, I would think.

I have a little story I'd like to share that happened to me last spring while working as a deckhand (volunteer) on the Meerwald. We were out on the Delaware Bay, heading in for the evening when someone shouted, 'A ship - and she's hull up!'. We all turned and looked and sure enough, there on the horizon was another schooner, her canvas a flash of white above the green-gray water. Speculation arose and the deck was abuzz about who she could be. She closed in fast, and soon the best eye on deck spied an ominous sign - the Jolly Roger was flying boldly overhead. In that instant I was transported back in time, and it didn't matter that I wore shorts and a t-shirt - and didn't have a pistol or pike. It was a thrilling 'ride' as she gave chase and everyone on board - crew and passenger alike - spoke excitedly about the smugglers and pirates who once roamed the very same waters so many years ago. With a bit o' luck we made berth before she could catch us, but as she passed she fired her single gun across our bow, a warning that we may not be so lucky the next time....

Yes - it did happen, JUST as I have detailed here. If ever I have had an 'authentic' re-enactment experience with a pirate, this was it...and had I been so fortunate to be in costume - even without a weapon in hand - it would have made the whole thing complete. In fact, this was not a re-enactment, but a chance meeting with another schooner (it just happened to be an old captain of ours and his mate, sailing his schooner up after wintering in the Caribbean). So who knows what might happen if you gather your mates together and go for a sail - you are only limited by your own imagination...

das

[hurricane]

That's a great tale, mate. Thanks for sharing it.

I had one of those "other world" moments at Pirates in Paradise last year when we were under lantern in Fort Taylor singing sea chanteys and sharing a period meal. Seeing seamen, wenches and pirates enjoying the evening, hoisting tankards and telling tall tales, most of us could have sworn it was another time. Very exciting when that happens.

Hurricane

[JoshuaRed]

That is VERY cool Das, thanks! I'm hoping to get some sailing time on the Delaware bay this summer.

[Gentleman of Fortune]

Now I am not trying to open old wounds or anything but Hurricane just posted what I get out of the "hobby" most...

I had one of those "other world" moments at Pirates in Paradise last year when we were under lantern in Fort Taylor singing sea chanteys and sharing a period meal. Seeing seamen, wenches and pirates enjoying the evening, hoisting tankards and telling tall tales, most of us could have sworn it was another time. Very exciting when that happens.

That is why to me costume authenticity is really important. For those moments away from the crowd when it just you and other re-enactors in a setting that for a moment, transforms you back in time.

Now I know that 8 hours later, I will be back in a car heading home to try and make house payments so I'm not saying that I am trying to make 2005 be 1705.

But those little moments could be moments that have been shared by friends and shipmates long ago and that is what appeals to me.

As you can tell by the long laid to rest threads that I have pinged for later reading that I have been digging around into the old arguments but there is one question that I have that I am just burning up to know...

PREFACE: I am not trying to get your skiivies in a knot.... REALLY but since I have no one to ask except via these Forums....

Why is their such polorization between the entertainers and the living-history people. From the old threads I have read, it seems like, if you are going to entertain the public, than you fall into the street performer camp and that means you don't have to actually dress like the pirate you are trying to portay?

And Conversely, why does it seem that anyone that stresses authenticity of kit is immediately branded unfit to entertain the crowds? I think that there are equal numbers of bad kit pirates who can't entertain the kids as there are authentic pirates who can't.

To me, it would be more improtant that a "pirate" that entertains the crowd should look more like an actual GA pirate than someone who doesn't. At the end of the day, someone who sees a Hollywood pirate "show" is still left with a misconception of how a pirate looked.

And just becuase your kit IS spot on doesn't mean you have to walk around being an ass hole pretending you are in the 1700s. Does it? Cant' one sing a rousing rendition of Spanish Ladies in an authentic kit or does it have to be dramatic self-expression pirate-ish costume to entertain the crowds?

Thanks for the help... in advance!

[hurricane]

I agree. There's no harm in creating clothing that at least comes close to what was worn - the materials are there - and in most cases much less costly than the synthetic ones. And there are plenty of period patterns to choose from... And there's no reason why the two sides don't get along.

Now I know I'm one to shake things up in some of the threads. But I often try to demonstrate the ludicrousy of a thread by going in the opposite direction. And when you go to some of the larger festivals, the entertainers and re-enactors get along fine. And it takes both types to make an event memorable for the public. People like to see period encampments, even at events such as PiP. And those moments when time and space intersect and you can't tell where you're at are amazing when they happen.

Alternately, the entertainers are sort of the event ambassadors (at least, how many in our group portray pirates), posing for the photos, interacting with the crowd, helping them have a good time. And it all works fine.

I think really, it's ignorance (hold your tongues for a moment, everyone). But up until PiP this year, I was one who regularly slung mud at the re-enactors. And then I spent a lot of time with some fine people, including a guy who was trying to teach kids how to bore cannons with period tools. Amazing stuff. And I suddenly found that neither of us was a threat to the other - rather, done right, we complemented each other and made the event even better.

I hope many of you get to go to a similar event this year and experience how the two sides work together. I know there are other events like PiP in the country where the two sides meet... but at least PiP has palm trees and Duval Street...

Pub crawl anyone in 200 bars? :)

-- Hurricane

[Fox]

This is all very educational for me . This side of the pond there isn't that vast chasm there seems to be between the authentic and inauthentic on your side. Partly because (and I mean this in the nicest possible way) the inauthentic over here seem to be a lot less inauthentic than those described on this thread.

A big part is perhaps the sites. Over here we have a larger number of genuine sites than in most other countries - for example, in Portsmouth where I live we have HMS Victory(Nelson's flagship); HMS Warrior (the world's first ironclad); the remains of the Mary Rose (Henry VIII's flagship); Southsea castle (1545); Fort Cumberland (1780s); Forts Nelson, Purbrook, Widley, Southwick, Brockhurst Hilsea Lines and Farlington Redoubt (1860s), Portchester Castle (Roman outer bailey, Saxon church, Norman inner bailey and keep) and many more. Over the Solent on the Isle of Wight there's at least half a dozen castles and historic buildings, the same in Southampton which is 15 miles away... the list goes on. My point is that at any of those sites it just wouldn't be fitting to have "fantasy" re-enactments, so even the most inauthentic of groups over here are forced more or less by the nature of the available sites to be more authentic than those described in the US. The end result, as I said, is that there isn't such a gulf between the two.

The effect of that smaller divide over here is that most groups attend the larger events together (where numbers are more important than authenticity), and get along fine, each doing their own thing. At the events where authenticity is more of an issue the less authentic groups simply don't get an invite. This means that authentic groups get more events of course - I've turned down two events this week alone for our group, but I know other less authentic groups are struggling for events. I know which side of the authenticity fence I want to be on!

200 pubs? pah, amateurs!

How did I get into this? I started out in English civil war re-enactment (now THERE'S a load of pretentious dimwits arguing about nothing if ever I came across any!). A bunch of us with nautical interest talked about doing ECW maritime living history within the society, but the idea was rapidly pooh-poohed by those in control, so instead of gaining a valuable naval arm they forced us to go independent. We started Elizabethan maritime events and rapidly spread to Restoration period as well. Associates in a newly formed pirate group asked us if we'd play navy of the late 17th century to give em someone to fight so the period got steadily later. Then we were asked to provide a naval arm of the Marlburian period groups.

When I was curator the Golden Hind the local authorites asked if I would organise a pirate festival for the town, which became the South West Pirate Festival (and has since moved town), so I ended up involved with damn pirates. Personally I tend to stick to the Navy side of re-enacting (there is one group over here specialising in RN of the golden age - us - and one group specialising in marines, opposed to half a dozen pirate groups), though I do make occasional smuggling and privateering expeditions.

[the Royaliste]

Although they are far between on my Ocean, my side of the 'pond' does have some great reenactments, and the fun part is that most of 'em celebrate events chasin' you guys back to your side of the pond!

[JoshuaRed]

Hurricane et al, I think for me it comes down to the fact that regardless of the level of authenticity, I'd be having too much fun with you or anyone else from this forum, if we were hanging out in person at an event to waste time arguing tiny nitpicks. That's why we have these forums! Here is the perfect place to get it out of our system in the downtime. I love talking shop here!

[Fox]

Royaliste, I believe we left of our own accord and walked out in a dignified manner. I mean, who'd want to stay in a country full of heathens who throw tea in the sea?

Royaliste? Funny name for a republican

[the Royaliste]

Royaliste, I believe we left of our own accord and walked out in a dignified manner. I mean, who'd want to stay in a country full of heathens who throw tea in the sea?

Royaliste? Funny name for a republican

Ah, Foxe...You may 'believe' as you wish, history tells it a bit differently than 'we left on our own'.....Funny thing about the 'tea'..we were recently asked to reenact just that; dumping 'tea' in the drink!..(actually, it was a symbolic gesture by a gay marriage group, and I make no political alignments, so we turned it down).....Names??..As 'Jack Sparrow' once said...'That'd be the French'......We just keep it 'cuz Now, let's look at 'foxe'..on this side of the pond it's slang for something wot smells rather, well, you know!..As far as the vessel's name, away from her French and Indian War(your Seven Years War) roots, the former owner's wife's maiden name was Roi; the rest came easy, I guess!.......Still plenty 'o fluer di lys around the ship, and I'm a Swede, so it's more a matter of reverance, like the Swedish roots behind the carvings on the Kalmar Nyckel.........