Photo Set #3: “Hostages” Walk The Spirit’s Plank

March 4, 2015

The Pirates of Bermuda took a number of people “hostage” on Sunday [March 1] with crowds lining the Front Street dock to watch which hostages would be forced into the harbour.

The hostage taking was all in the name of a good cause, with the hostages either saved by the paying of charitable ransom, or people could also donate to see them walk the plank, with donations for both goals going to support the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s Spirit of Bermuda youth sailing programme.

Hamilton Town Crier Ed Christopher would announce the names of the hostages one by one and give the assembled crowd a chance to donate money in an effort to ensure the candidate was either forced off the ship or protected from having to jump in and swim to shore.

Bermuda Sloop Foundation staff and volunteers were on hand to collect donations and keep track of hostages’ ransoms. Vendors were also on hand offering food and refreshments. Entertainment was provided by a DJ and a performance by the Bermuda National Drumline Academy.

Organised by the Bermuda Sloop Foundation as its largest fundraiser of the year, the event features a charitable goal of $200,000; the 2014 iteration of the event raised more than $150,000, while the 2013 event raised more than $100,000.

Click to enlarge photos: