Ahoy, Matey

Truth, Treasure, and a Tune
Not all pirate legends are true—but this week, some of the wildest ones actually are. We’ve got a treasure map that led to real gold, a governor who ended the pirate republic, and the shanty that somehow fooled the whole world.

📜 This Week in Pirate History

🏴‍☠️ July 15, 1732 – The Death of the Pirate Hunter: Woodes Rogers

On this day, the scourge of Nassau’s pirate republic drew his final breath.

Woodes Rogers, once a privateer himself, flipped the compass and became the Royal Governor sent to tame the wild waters of the Bahamas. In 1718, he landed in Nassau like a thunderclap—King's Pardon in one hand and iron will in the other. The golden age of piracy would never be the same.

He booted out Calico Jack, chased off Charles Vane, and stared down Edward Teach’s cronies without flinching. Some say Rogers did more damage to piracy with a pen and a pardon than the Royal Navy did with broadsides. We cursed his name—but we couldn’t help but respect the man.

Once a globe-circling privateer who rescued castaways like Alexander Selkirk (aye, the real-life Robinson Crusoe), Rogers ended his days in Nassau—broke, sick, and worn down by politics. But make no mistake—he broke the Pirate Republic’s back before he broke his own.

So raise a glass, ye scallywags.
To the man who hunted us like dogs… and still earned a devil’s share of glory.

🏴‍☠️ July 20, 1984 – Treasure Map Leads to the Wreck of the Whydah

Barry Clifford Finds Black Sam Bellamy’s Pirate Ship—X Marks the Spot

On July 20, 1984, explorer Barry Clifford confirmed one of the greatest pirate finds in history: the wreck of the Whydah Gally, the flagship of “Black Sam” Bellamy, lying off the coast of Cape Cod—just where a 1717 map said it would be.

Clifford had been studying historical documents and a map drawn by local witnesses from 1717, complete with an “X” near Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The map was real. The wreck was real. And the treasure was very real.

The Whydah, a former slave ship turned pirate vessel, sank during a nor’easter in April 1717, taking Bellamy and most of his crew with it. Bellamy was one of the most successful pirates of the Golden Age—stealing over $120 million in today’s value during his short career.

Among the recovered relics:

• Gold doubloons, silver coins, and ivory

• Pistols, cannons, and shackles

• Bellamy’s pirate flag insignia, making it the only authenticated pirate shipwreck ever discovered

Barry Clifford didn’t just find a ship—he found proof that the legends were true.

🎵 Did You Ever Wonder Why Pirates Sang Shanties?

It’s hard to picture pirates without a song rumbling through their lungs.
But why did pirates sing? And what did they actually sing?

Sure, we all know “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)”—but that catchy Disney tune didn’t come out until 1967. That’s over 240 years after the Golden Age of Piracy! It was written by George Bruns and Xavier Atencio for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride—not by actual pirates on the high seas.

So what were real pirates belting out in the 1700s?

⚓ The Real Deal: Work Songs at Sea

Pirates (and sailors in general) sang sea shanties to coordinate labor aboard ship—pulling ropes, hauling sails, or manning the capstan. These weren’t songs for fun (though they were fun). They were essential tools of rhythm and teamwork.

• Capstan Shanties: For tasks like weighing anchor, slow and steady

• Halyard Shanties: For pulling sails up—short bursts of effort

• Short Drag / Pumping Shanties: For intense, fast-paced work like bailing water or tugging gear

Many shanties were never written down—they were passed from sailor to sailor, evolving like folk tales. But a few were preserved...

📜 A Shanty That Predates Disney (and Might Be Pirate-Approved)

One of the earliest known shanties in English print is “Haul Away Joe,” which traces back at least to the late 1700s. It’s simple, repetitive, and perfect for hoisting sails:

“When I was a little lad, and so me mother told me /
That if I did not kiss the girls, my lips would grow all moldy...”

Haul away, Joe!”

Not exactly high poetry—but it got the job done, and it’s still sung in folk circles today.

🎧 Want the Pirate Vibe Anyway?

You can still enjoy Disney’s classic anthem:
▶️ Watch “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” with lyrics on YouTube

But next time someone hums it at a pirate festival, you can lean in and whisper:

“Ye know that came out in the 1960s, right?”

🏴‍☠️ Plunder Pick of the Week

Westley, The Dread Pirate Roberts

McFarlane Toys 7" Action Figure

With Comic-Con just over the horizon, it's only fitting we honor the most beloved pirate of fantasy film: The Dread Pirate Roberts.

This beautifully sculpted 7-inch action figure by McFarlane Toys brings Westley from The Princess Bride to life—masked, mysterious, and ready to duel with sword in hand and wit at the ready. Whether ye be a collector, cosplayer, or swashbuckling fan of the film, this be a treasure worth claiming.

🗡️ Comes with:

• Sword accessory

• Cloak and classic all-black ensemble

• Collector-friendly packaging

📦 Add it to yer trove:
→ Snag yours on Amazon

💬 “Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I’ll most likely kill you in the morning.”

Perfect for pirate shelves, fan shrines, or as an epic gift for your first mate.

📍Pirate Event Spotlight #1

Hastings Pirate Day – July 19–20, 2025 (Hastings, East Sussex, UK)

• One of the largest pirate gatherings in the world

• Grand parade Sunday at 11:15 AM, live bands (Captain’s Beard, Jack Tars), pub parties, and treasure hunts

• Pirate Festival Ball Saturday night (July 19)

• Family events all weekend across museums, piers, and pubs

📰 Full article – Sussex Express

🏴‍☠️ Pirate Event Spotlight #2

Pirates, Parades & Produce – July 19–20, 2025 (Connecticut, USA)

Two piratey adventures for families in the Nutmeg State:

• ⚓ Sheffield Island Ferry – Norwalk: Pirate-themed ferry ride with games and treasure hunts

• 🚂 Essex Steam Train Adventure: Pirate meet-and-greets, storytelling, and treasure hunts aboard the rails

📰 Full article – Patch CT

🗣️ Share the Spoils, Matey!

Know a landlubber who’d love tales of treasure, ghost ships, and real pirate history? Don’t keep the gold to yerself—send ‘em our way!

📜 Sign up here → https://www.piratefanclub.com/weeklynewsletter-thepiraterepublic

Fair winds and full inboxes!

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▶️ YouTube: The Pirate Republic

🎖️ Thanks for Embarkin’ on the Voyage

We set sail every Friday, storm or shine. Keep yer spyglass pointed at the horizon...
and may yer week be full o’ plunder, parlay, and just the right amount o’ mutiny.

Share this letter with yer crewmates, an if ye find treasure or tales worth tell’n, send them to [email protected].

 Disclosure: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links, which means we may earn doubloons (aka a small commission) if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Pirate Republic, ya savvy sea dog!