once a vast space occupied by pole berths and spare sails, has been fitted out with three guest cabins and a salon replete with flat screen TVs and fine art photos. But the boat’s pedigree as a racing machine shines through above decks. As the breeze filled in to a steady 15-20 mph in, Longobarda easily jumped ahead of the pack. This year’s regatta drew more than 35
entries, up from 27 last year. While it is comprised mostly of local boats, it did attract competitors from neighboring Trinidad and Tobago, and a few from as far away as the U.S. Virgin Islands, particularly in the large J24 and cruising classes. As more Carolinians rediscover their Barbadian roots, perhaps Carolina boats will join the fun in the future.
BARBADOS SAILING ASSOCIATION
Beaches, plantation homes, tropical gardens, rum and boats make Barbados a perfect island escape.
The Boating and Waterfront Magazine
Stede Bonnet Bajan Pirate Meets Demise in Carolinas
I
n 1717, an educated, moderately wealthy landowner in Barbados bought a ship, hired a crew from the local taverns, and embarked on an unlikely career. Stede Bonnet would thereafter be known as “the gentleman pirate.” His ship Revenge was soon plundering fellow Barbadian vessels as they traded with the mainland colonies. After being injured, Bonnet teamed up with Blackbeard. Eventually Bonnet’s crew jumped ship to join Blackbeard leaving him without a command. In Bath, N.C., he managed to gain a pardon from Gov. Charles Eden who also granted him a letter of marque allowing him to go privateering against Spanish shipping. Rather than stick to that slightly more respectable pursuit, Bonnet adopted an alias, changed his ship’s name to Royal James and continued his pirate career. While his vessel was careened in a creek near present-day Southport, N.C., a naval force authorized by S.C. Gov. Robert Johnson attacked. After battling for hours, Bonnet and his outnumbered crew surrendered to Col. William Rhett who shipped them to Charleston. Following a brief escape, Bonnet was recaptured on Sullivans Island and brought to trial. Convicted, the gentleman pirate from Barbados was hanged on Dec. 10, 1718. Engraving of Stede Bonnet from A General History of the Pyrates
July/August 2009 Carolina Currents 31