Seafair Pirates Landing 2019: Ashore at Alki!

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

2:19 PM: From the treacherous waters of Elliott Bay, the Seafair Pirates have arrived at Alki – landing shortly after 1 pm, aboard the trusty Prudhoe Bay (once again commandeered from West Seattle’s own Global Diving and Salvage, who surely know where to find Davy Jones’s Locker). This might be the only port o’ call where people run (wade) toward pirates instead of running from them:

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand from here down, unless credited otherwise)

Even if you missed the landing, the beach festival with vendors, kids’ rides, and treats continues until 5 pm:

ADDED 4:23 PM: More photos!

The tide was low, so the required wading was a little shallower than usual. On shore, a change – no roped-off area, so pirates and fans moved about at will:

Though they were of course wielding swords, we observed more smiles than shrieks:

The traditional welcome ceremony ensued:

The welcoming party included King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seafair royalty:

(Texted photo)

From left with the KCE are this year’s King Neptune, Rich Gray; Queen Alcyone, Kim Holcomb; and Miss Seafair, Andrea Diaz. (Read more about them here.) Meantime, we’re told the Pirates have left the Bathhouse in their landlubbing “vessel,” Moby Duck:

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

Two weeks from today, they will be back to “sail” down California Avenue SW in Moby Duck during the West Seattle Grand Parade (which starts at California/Lander at 11 am and heads southbound to The Junction).

MJ July 6, 2019 (7:12 pm)

From the first cannon blast, our dog – along with hundreds of other Alki pets and small children – trembled in fear at the arrival of the WS pirates. Year after year, the result is always the same. Do the pirates care; are there no other ways to announce their arrival without a sonic attack?

Mike July 6, 2019 (8:01 pm)

Are you for real or joking? I honestly hope you’re joking. Having been born here, seen 42 years of Seafair pirates, I hope they keep doing exactly what they do. It’s part of the show, feel free to add unicorns with rainbow farts.
Anne July 6, 2019 (9:36 pm)

Really?? Trembling in fear-you must be joking. Second Mikes comment-although I’ve got close to 60 years worth of Pirates memories- keep doing your thing Seafair Pirates.
- The King July 7, 2019 (6:03 am)
  
  Well Mike and Anne, for every one of us left who enjoy a tradition such as the Seafair pirates, there’s two moving here who want them banned. The trend seems to be taking an institution that too many people have enjoyed for decades and banning it. Eventually they will band together make those “fear causing” pirates go away. Their biggest joy is exercising power over what they consider their inferiors.
waikikigirl July 7, 2019 (2:55 pm)

I took it as MJ making a poke at all the people commenting on the fireworks… maybe I’m wrong but that’s how I read it.

momosmom July 7, 2019 (4:18 am)

MJ, I get your comment. LOL!!!

Julie July 7, 2019 (6:34 am)

“Every party has a pooper” 🙄

Kathy July 7, 2019 (2:16 pm)

Most dogs are peace loving. Most pirates are not. Not a good mix. Especially 2 days after peace loving Alki dogs were traumatized by illegal fireworks for hours on end. I forgot about the cannons and my dog dragged me home, tail between his legs, so I missed the landing.

Alkimark July 7, 2019 (2:36 pm)

Having grown up in WS I knew and expected a lot of noise when I moved to Alki in 1991. I’m on my 3rd house here and the noise of the Pirates, motorcycles, ships, fog born from the light house are just part of living here.

CHRISTOPHER TRONSEN July 8, 2019 (8:55 pm)

If Seafair did not start until August of 1950 and the Pirates web page shows the first Captain in 1950. How are they celebrating 70 years? Not very sharp Pirates here.