The Seafair Pirates announced their presence off shore (as if this was necessary) with powerful cannon blasts then lowered the front of their landing craft and stormed ashore on Saturday, July 7, as Seafair got seriously underway.

Led this year by Lance "Clapeye" English the pirates plunged through the water very near bathhouse where a crowd of thousands was on hand to greet them.

Due to a sand bar, the pirates landed more than100 feet from shore. Some pirates waded through the chilly bay while others were greeted at their vessel, and given rides by traditional Native American canoes . One canoe, the "Raven", belongs to the Duwamish tribe and is generally displayed at their Longhouse Museum in West Seattle. This was the first time the Raven was in the water after her new, bright red and black paint job.

The festivities started early with music and merriment getting underway at 9:30am.Vendors selling pirate related gear, food and more were part of the event.

The event centers every year around the Alki Bathhouse at 1702 Alki Ave. s.w.

Inflatable rides were on hand for the kids.

The University of Washington pole vaulting team was there for demonstration vaults too.

After some mock sword battles, lots of posing for pictures and a few more cannon blasts the pirates boarded the Moby Duck, their land vehicle which will carry them in the upcoming American Legion sponsored West Seattle Grand ParadeSaturday, July 21.

KMPS 94.1 FM was the sponsor for the music stage featuring music from Texas Flood, Full Metal Jacket and, for the grand finale, The Wages of Sin.

After the landing, kids took part in a Pirate look-a-like contest to win some booty sponsored by the West Seattle Kiwanis.