Aaaaarrrr!!! On Labour Day Weekend, the Pirates of Lake Couchiching storm the Port of Orillia. This amazing family fun-filled weekend features in-water Pirate displays, a Pirate Village with live re-enactors and demonstrations and a "plank walk" where the pirates send local politicians and business leaders into the water. A vendor market complete with delicious food options makes this a must-do event!
Join HMS Psyche in her piratical alter ego, the pirate ship Psycho under Captain Rottingham! To sail with us as a scurvy pirate, please confirm your interest by emailing hmspsyche@gmail.com by Thursday August 25. Check your junk mail folder for the reply if you do not receive one within 24 hours. Pirate costume is required, and limited extra kit is available.
Or simply come to watch the fun!
Location: Orillia Waterfront Centre, 50 Centennial Drive, Orillia
The tentative schedule is as follows. Note that we will be bringing up the boat Friday evening, but feel free to arrive before then to enjoy the festivities.
Thursday September 1
1600: Participants’ arrival, boats rig, launch (except for those participating in “Pirate Cruise” from Barrie on Friday), set up camp in “Village”
1700-1900: Dinner in town (main street has several establishments very close to waterfront)
Friday September 2
800: Participants boats meet rig and launch at Barrie’s waterfront ramps.
900: Pirate Flotilla departs for “Pirate Cruise” to Port of Orillia by way of the Orillian Sea, vehicles depart for Orillia and parking area near “Village”
1700: Grand arrival of Pirate Flotilla and sailpast
1800-1900: Dinner in town (main street closed to vehicular traffic, patio dining available on street).
2000: Participant welcome reception at Seamus “Slash” MacNash’ marquee tent. “Commodore’s Grog”.
2100: Airing of “pirate” movie (TBA) at AquaTheatre, free to all.
2300: Bedtime (Good night!)
Saturday September 3
0800-0900: Breakfast (several restaurants available, communal fires at “pirate village” available to prepare meals).
1000: Crews report to boats, depart for…
1100: Attack on Lord Leacock’s manor (Stephen Leacock Home).
1200: Lunch.
1300: Crews to boats for attack on Port of Orillia, bombardment of port, disembarkation of “marine” contingent, capture port and raise Jolly Roger.
1400: “Walk the Plank” of dignitaries (fundraiser for local charity).
1500: Judging of civilian boats and participants as “best dressed”. Winner of “Treasure Hunt”.
1800- 1900: Dinner (several restaurants available, communal fires at “pirate village” available to prepare meals).
2000-2300: Free live entertainment in park (various venues TBA).
2300: Bedtime (Good night!)
Ongoing all day: Animation of Pirate Village by pirates, duels, wenches, cooking demos, blacksmithing, ropemaking, etc.
Sunday September 4
0800-0900: Breakfast (restaurants, communal cookfires).
1000: Crews report to boats for…
1100: Attack on Champlain Sailing Club.
1200: Lunch (restaurants, communal fires).
1300: Crews to boats for…
1400: Arrival of Royal Navy and “sea battle” at Port. Pirates chase off RN and return to docks.
1500: Return of RN reinforced with boats from sailing club (“Sea Fencibles” under Commodore Hawke) and “Lord Mayor’s Men” (under Mayor Clarke). Pirates lose and depart Port (return to docks after battle).
1600: Thank you from organizers, pirates strike camp, haul boats and depart.
Ongoing all day: Animation of the village…