Invade Alki! Fire the cannon during parades! Be a Seafair Pirate!

(2012 WSB photo by Nick Adams)
There’s a little bit of pirate in everyone, they say. Or, for some, a LOT of pirate. If that’s you – maybe you want to consider joining the notorious band known as the Seafair Pirates, who sent scurrilous word early today that they are recruiting:

Opportunity knocks, you swabs! The rare chance to join an organization hailed by the Seattle Times as “Seattle’s best respected cheesy thing,” awaits you! For sixty-five years the Seafair Pirates have been tickling the Emerald City’s funny bone. Are you cut out to help the Pirates continue to provide this vital community service?

The deal is the same as the pitch used by all navy recruiters; JOIN UP AND SEE THE WORLD! (Japan, Mexico, Canada, Ballard!) Of course like the navy you’ll work for your passage, but that’s all part of the life of adventure we’re offering you.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, find out more about the Seafair Pirates Candidate Program at www.seafairpirates.org/Candidate. If you don’t wish to apply electronically you can reach us at Seattle Seafair Pirates, PO Box 30674, Greenwood Station, Seattle, WA 98113, or by telephone, 206-521-3300. So get your note in that bottle now!

The Seafair Pirates originally banded together in 1949 in conjunction with the first Seafair to promote Seattle’s summer celebration while having fun and serving the community. Despite their bad-guy image, the Pirates make dozens of appearances annually at hospitals, nursing homes and charity fund raisers. During the height of Seattle’s SEAFAIR Celebration, they appear at several events and parades each day.

PangolinPie January 16, 2014 (12:03 pm)

I wonder if they let women be a pirate? There were historically women pirates, after all. Their in-depth online application asks “Why should we accept you as our newest brother?” (but doesn’t ask gender).

koni January 16, 2014 (3:06 pm)

I was thinking exactly the same thing ! Girl pirate power!!! How ’bout some girl pirate role models for the little girls out there ;) RRRRRRRR!

anachronistic group January 16, 2014 (3:13 pm)

pangolinpie,

Seafair Pirates are an exclusively male organization. Women have been explicitly refused participation as pirates. Unless they have changed their policy and are using the term “brother” to mean brother and sister….yeah, pretty lame.

Kathy January 16, 2014 (3:21 pm)

Pangolin Pie — I had the exact same thought. We could really use a “lady” pirate or two! (not volunteering though).

NW January 16, 2014 (6:10 pm)

I think they refer to women pirates as :wench
A voluptuous female pirate type woman, usally with a firey attitude, and usually seen around taverns and bars, seaside fishing towns, and wherever pirates roam.
“Argg! That wench be as ugly as a fox!”

“I am a wench. Kiss me.”
by Sara Raven May 24, 2004

1270 857

Alkidoc January 16, 2014 (8:22 pm)

We should have a ladies pirate boat storm the beach too!

Mike January 16, 2014 (10:58 pm)

There is a Snohomish pirate group that includes women. Granted I only found out about them by googling info on if the Seafair Pirates actually allow women or not.
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I’d think it would be like a lady joining a fraternity. To each their own, if a lady feels comfortable in that setting, maybe it’s the right time for the pirates to add some hearty bearded women to the crew?

WSB January 16, 2014 (11:26 pm)

I did send a note to the person who sent us the “applicants wanted” announcement, asking whether it’s “men only” or not. Have not heard back. – TR

ScubaFrog January 17, 2014 (11:11 am)

Well I think it would be GREAT if there were as many female Seafair pirates, as male. That would be really unfortunate if seafair pirate positions were open to men only.

Mike January 18, 2014 (10:22 am)

Nothing stopping a group from forming with females as pirates storming Alki beach. All you need is a lot of time, effort and a lot of cash. Just like everything else in the USA, pretty much comes down to time and money.

Sorry, comment time is over.