(UPDATED 10:08 PM – more photos added)

(Photo by Paul Panzl, from the yacht Pearl)

The skies and water were both near-tropical blue by the time the Seafair Pirates arrived at Alki Beach this afternoon – earlier than expected, closer to 1 than 2:

(WSB photos from here down, by Patrick Sand and Torin Record-Sand, unless otherwise credited)

With their new Captain Kidd, Seth Brown, in the lead, the landing party hopped off their craft and into waist-deep water to get to the crowd:

We noticed that various members of the greeting party were ready:

No mayoral ceremony after all, but Captain Kidd seized the key to the city just the same:

The official Pirates Landing celebration continues until 6 pm, with live music (here again is the schedule) as well as rides:

More photos a bit later.

ADDED 10:08 PM: And here they are!

(2 photos above by David Hutchinson)

As always, cannon fire and the resulting smoke preceded the Pirates’ arrival ashore. We caught the West Seattle Hi-Yu contingent preparing for the big boom, though the Pirates eventually stormed the beach with smiles:

(2 photos above by Torin Record-Sand)

Next scheduled West Seattle appearance by the Seafair Pirates – the Grand Parade on July 23rd!

P.S. Bonus photos by David Hutchinson, ahead (click “read more” if you’re viewing this from the WSB home page):

So, you ask, how do you get to be a Seafair Pirate? It’s all explained here.