EXTRA
TRAVEL
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Story by Brandon Hyde Photos courtesy of Captain Memo’s
Captain Memo’s LIFE AT SEA
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any times riding through the crowded streets and byways of Clearwater, one can look out at the sea. Every once in a while, a strange, almost frightening sight can be seen. A pirate ship. The mind will flash back to the horrific stories of Blackbeard, Captain Nemo and Jack Sparrow. Well, maybe not Jack Sparrow. But, there is nothing to fear, for FOCUS Magazine has unraveled the mystery of this ship and found its port of call. Captain Memo and his gang of outcast swashbucklers man this ship. They are not your everyday pirates, however. Instead of sword fighting, plundering and pillaging, these pirates bring joy and entertainment to the Tampa Bay area. They take on passengers (even the young ones), feed them their best, give them drinks and require no chores of them. Be taken back over 300 years to a magical ride upon Pirates’ Ransom to a world of sunsets, music and relaxation. Arriving at Pirates’ Ransom you are greeted by the finest pirates you have ever met. Genuinely happy to see you and serve your needs, they inform you right away of the necessities; restrooms and the bar. The bar is a curious little area that takes up the cabin of the main deck. Here, you can be served everything from cookies to chips and from water to beer, with the convenience of a restroom nearby. For the little ones there are hats and toy weapons passed around. When everything is checked, double checked and inspected, the ship is ready to make its voyage to the sea. Pirates’ Ransom passes beautiful homes, hotels and bridges as it moves along its path to Clearwater Beach. These sights, coupled with being surrounded by the trappings of a pirate ship with the sea breeze on your skin; you can now understand the heart of a pirate. It wasn’t about the gold. It was about the beauty and freedom of the sea.
The gold didn’t hurt, but freedom is what the heart desires above all else and pirates found that on the sea. Once into open water, dolphins, schools of fish and various other forms of marine life can be seen. For the night cruises, however, the best time of the day is when the sun begins to set. The clouds turn from white, to golden yellow, to bright pinks and purples. Completely riveting, everyone’s attention is drawn to the starboard side to witness one of the most beautiful sights on earth, the sunset over the sea. And now, the real fun begins with the pirates of the boat. Complimentary sodas and beer are passed around as the children are rounded up and told stories and allowed to “fight” with their water pistols. Music aboard the ship’s well-hidden speakers pumps through the crowd, songs that merge the nightlife and sea life into one. The boat is alive with its passengers as it makes it way around the bay; almost bobbing up and down it seems, to the rhythm of the music. Everyone then does a strange thing. They find themselves having painted mustaches, beards and goatees. Out of nowhere come eye patches, scars, cuts, and, best of all, pirate hats. Not only are you a pirate then, but a real pirate, complete with a mug of grog in hand, party song in your head, and a painted goatee to go with it, no matter what your gender. The rest of the voyage is an enjoyable one, whether you take to dancing or just relaxing, this boat ride has it all. The next time you begin to wonder about life upon the sea, look no further than a few miles down the road where pirates are nice, beer is free and the sunsets are beautiful. The ship cruises daily at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Call 727-446-2587 to reserve your tickets today.
FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • August 15 • 2006 - September 15 • 2006 PG 132
Children really feel like they are pirates when they are given a gun to shoot, even though it only squirts water.
Day cruises are offered at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
The friendly pirates do many activities with the kids, making this a great day of fun for children.