Ahoy, Matey

Ahoy mates —

Some weeks you get cannon smoke and sea spray… this week, we’ve got ghost ships, buried treasure, royal curses, and a pirate diploma from MIT. Episode 12 of The Pirate Republic is packed tighter than a Spanish galleon in a hurricane: two new pirate history tales, $138 million in shipwreck gold, pirate balls in Richmond, and the triumphant return of Sylvan Beach’s Pirates Weekend.

We even found a bumper sticker bold enough to match your black-flag lifestyle.

Hoist a mug, sharpen your cutlass, and let’s dive in—

⚓ This Week in Pirate History

🪙 July 7, 1730 – The Buzzard’s Final Flight: Levasseur Is Hanged

On this day in 1730, Olivier Levasseur, known as La Buse (“The Buzzard”), met his end at the gallows in Réunion—but not before leaving behind one of piracy’s greatest unsolved riddles.

As the noose tightened, Levasseur allegedly tossed a cryptic parchment into the crowd and shouted:

“Find my treasure, ye who can!”

The document—now known as La Buse’s Cryptogram—is a 17-line cipher of symbols and clues believed to lead to an immense treasure hoard. Rumored to be worth billions, the treasure was likely plundered from the Portuguese ship Nossa Senhora do Cabo in 1721.

Nearly 300 years later, the cipher remains unsolved. Levasseur's gold may still lie buried on a remote island off Madagascar, waiting for the right rogue to break the code.

⚓ July 11, 1718 – Howell Davis Joins the Pirate Life

On July 11, 1718, Howell Davis, a Welsh sailor working as a mate aboard the slave ship Cadogan, was captured by Edward England, one of the most feared pirates of the day.

Rather than resist, Davis embraced the outlaw life. His charm and cunning earned quick favor with the crew, and he was soon given command of the Cadogan—marking the start of his own piratical career.

Davis would go on to become a daring trickster captain, notorious for using deception, disguises, and false flags to outwit his enemies. His brief but bold tenure laid the groundwork for the rise of his even more infamous protégé, Bartholomew Roberts.

One capture. One choice. And just like that, a pirate legend was born.

👻 Ghost Ship Lore

The Flying Dutchman Appears Before a Future King

July 11, 1881 — Off the Coast of Australia

In the pre-dawn darkness of July 11, 1881, Prince George of Wales—later to become King George V—was aboard the HMS Bacchante when the crew witnessed something spine-chilling.

At exactly 4:00 a.m., a phantom ship was seen glowing red in the distance, sailing directly toward them before vanishing into thin air. The ship’s log recorded:

“...a strange red light, as of a phantom ship all aglow, in the midst of which light the masts, spars, and sails of a brig... stood out in strong relief.”

Thirteen men saw the ghost ship that morning.

Just hours later, one of the witnesses fell to his death from the rigging. The omen of the Flying Dutchman had struck again.

This infamous ghost ship is said to haunt the seas, doomed to sail for eternity, and bringing misfortune to any sailor who sights her.

🪙 Treasure News: Pirate Shipwreck Found Off Madagascar

A shipwreck believed to be the Nossa Senhora do Cabo, captured by Olivier Levasseur, was recently discovered off the coast of Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar.

Over 3,300 artifacts were recovered—including gold, pearls, porcelain, and ivory figurines. Experts estimate the trove’s value at over $138 million.

🤔 Did You Know?

Levasseur’s infamous cryptogram, thrown to the crowd at his execution in 1730, may point to even more hidden treasure. The cipher’s 17 lines remain unsolved—a puzzle worthy of any modern buccaneer.

🏴‍☠️ Plunder Pick o’ the Week

"My Other Ride Is a Pirate Ship" Bumper Sticker

Let the world know where yer true allegiance lies.

This cheeky, waterproof vinyl bumper sticker is perfect for your car, cooler, or treasure chest. Designed by Captain Blackquill, it measures 7.5" x 3.75" and delivers full swagger with none of the cannon smoke.

🌐Grab yours at bryancantrell.com »

🎓 Academic Loot: MIT’s Swashbuckling Certificate

Yes, ye heard right—MIT awards a Pirate Certificate to students who complete:

• 🗡 Fencing

• 🌿 Archery

• ⚓ Sailing

• 🔫 Pistol or Rifle

Over 350 MIT students have earned the title. And now, Captain Blackquill sets his sights on the prize:

“I hereby declare my intention to don an eyepatch and conquer archery and fencing for that coveted certificate!”

📄 Learn more from MIT

🏛️ Event Spotlight

River City Pirate Ball – July 19, 2025

Richmond, Virginia’s Swashbuckling Summer Soirée

On Saturday, July 19, the historic Hofheimer Building transforms into a pirate’s playground for the River City Pirate Ball—a 21+ costume party packed with rum, music, and mischief.

🎟️ Tickets & Info

🎉 What’s Aboard:

• 🏆 Best-Dressed Pirate/Wench Contest

• 🍹 Pirate-themed cocktails & signature drinks

• 🎵 Live music & DJs

• 📸 Photo ops + post-event gallery

• 🎁 Charity raffle & food drive to benefit FeedMore

📍 When & Where:

• ✨ July 19 | 8 PM – 1 AM (Happy Hour at 7 PM)

• ⌂ Hofheimer Building, 2818 W Broad St, Richmond, VA

• ⚡ Ages 21+

Costumes encouraged. Grog expected. Shenanigans guaranteed.

Sylvan Beach Pirates Weekend – July 17–20, 2025

Four Days of Family-Friendly Mayhem in Central New York

The shores of Sylvan Beach, NY will overflow with swashbucklers as Pirates Weekend returns with treasure hunts, contests, live music, bounce houses, and more.

🎉 Highlights:

• Pirate "invasion" & ransom stunt to raise funds

• Vendors, bounce houses, water slides, and live music

• Treasure hunts, plank-walking, costume contests

• Fireworks Saturday night on the beach!

📍 Info:

• July 17–20, 2025 | Events daily along Main Street

• Great for all ages — perfect summer pirate escape!

🚒 Pirate Packing List: Sylvan Beach Edition

Don’t be caught lookin’ like a landlubber!

Whether ye be settin’ sail for treasure or sun, bring these must-haves:

• 🧢 Tricorn hat or bandana

• 🗡 Tunic, sash & cutlass (foam be fine)

• 🦜 Stuffed parrot for yer shoulder

• 🌞 Sunblock — even pirates burn

• 🥤 Tankard or flask for grog (or lemonade)

• 💰 Gold (or just cash)

• 🧽 Blanket or chair for fireworks

• 🎒 Treasure pouch for loot

• 🌊 Swimsuit for slide skirmishes

Captain’s tip: Always offer a hearty “Ahoy!” to fellow sea dogs.

🗣️ 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!

Sail with us across the digital seas:
📜 TikTok: @thepiraterepublic
▶️ 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!