This pirate event will take place on
23rd August, last only 15 minutes
and you MUST be present and sign the logsheet
during that time if you want to claim the event. Please
ensure you read the safety points below.
Yes, a nice quick visit with your pirate mates to swap secret
maps and news of treasure. A small obstacle, however, stands
in your way. The coordinates of the meet are north of
Thompson Holme island. To reach this point in the lake you
will need a boat of some description. You may well have your
own craft, but if not, a quick Google will produce several hire
firms in the area who can supply rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, and
sailing dinghies in exchange for doubloons. There are various
launching points around the lake.
Accurate navigation will be needed to reach the exact spot at
the exact time. Only during the appointed 15 minute window
will you be able to sign the event log - see the timetable below.
After the 15 minute event has occurred, you are invited to partake
in a group picture of the fleet, and possibly the odd sea battle,
just for fun! After the event, we will disperse leaving only
rumours and stories of pirates on the high seas.
Please note the disclaimer on this page and be aware that
you undertake any activities associated with this event entirely
under your own responsibility and at your own risk. You must
weigh up the risks of taking part in the event for yourself.
See the safety points below.
Timings
3.00 Probably a good time to be underway,
depending on where you launch - row you scurvy dogs!
3.30 Pirate flag is raised at the event
coordinates - log sheets available from the true flag
ship: beware false colours!
3.35 Sign a logsheet, mingle, swap treasure
- fend off boarders!
3.40 Return logsheets to the flag ship -
sound collision!
3.45 End of the event - no logsheets after
this time.
3.46 Assemble the fleet for a 'team-pirate'
photo op - say Argggghhh!
3.50 Optional high-seas hijinks, sea
battles etc, return to shore as you will.
It would be very helpful if you could log a "will attend" note
on this cache page if you are planning to come along. If
intended numbers are particularly large we may have to rethink the
logistics, so check this page for any late breaking news. If
the day brings extreme weather the event may be cancelled at short
notice, so again check this page on the morning of the event.
Safety Points
- You are solely responsible for your participation in this
event. Do not expect anyone else to ensure your safety.
- Any activity on the water has potential for serious
consequences so you need to know what you're doing.
- The National Park
website has some useful advice for boaters and you can also find
the lake byelaws and further info.
- Please ensure that you come prepared for the weather on the
day, and for the consequences of falling in. The lake is very
cold at nearly all times of the year.
- Please ensure that if you capsize, or if you or a member of
your crew fall in, you know how to rescue yourselves.
- If you are away from the shore and capsize, the recommendation
is not to try and swim for the shore. Stay with the boat and
attract the attention of other lake users. Ideally, go
boating in a group and ensure that you can right a craft and rescue
yourself. Don't rely on others.
- Shout a warning when coming alongside another craft, and ensure
that all fingers and limbs are inside the boats so that they do not
get trapped or crushed. Do not fend off with hands or
feet.
- Do not approach another boat at speed - ensure that you can
stop before hitting them.
- If you are paddling in close proximity with other boats, watch
out for flailing paddles and don't hit anyone with yours.
- If you attend in a powered boat IT IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL THAT YOU
IMMEDIATELY TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE if anyone is in the water near you
so that your propeller does not cause death or injury.
- We would prefer, if possible, that only unpowered craft attend
this event. If you do attend in a powered craft do not create
waves or approach un-powered craft at anything other than
dead-slow.
- Everyone on the water should wear an approved bouyancy aid or
life jacket at all times and follow the usual safety rules for your
craft.
- If conditions or numbers or any other factor is believed to be
a cause for concern the event may be cancelled at any point before
the start time. Do not, however, rely on someone else's
judgment about the situation. If you think it is unwise to
proceed then do not continue.
Ok, that's the serious stuff. If you are prepared for the
environment and activity you are undertaking then everyone should
have a safe and fun time. If you have any questions or
queries about the event, we are happy to give general information -
contact us through our profile. We can't comment on whether
you should or shouldn't take part but we do have a lot of local
knowledge of facilities and the area. You can also find useful info
by looking at nearby lake caches eg:
GCVPHT,
GCY0E5.