A Night in Tortuga: A San Diego Pirate Party

Ever wanted to sail out of port, dressed as a pirate with a bottle of rum surrounded by fellow swashbuckling companions? Then "A Night at Tortuga" is the best place to be. This annual party was inspired by the successful Disney Pirates of the Caribbean films and was designed by the self described "Brotherhood of the Grape", a group of friends who have been putting on costume parties and other themed events for years. With the remarkable rise in pirates' popularity (the peg-legged, hooked-hand kind, not the Somali-Nigerian kind) in the recent past, the idea for "A Night in Tortuga" has achieved national appeal.

The event takes places on two famous ships out of beautiful San Diego Harbor - utilizing the 18th century HMS Star of India and HMS Victory (which depicted the Surprise in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World), 21+ pirates are invited aboard for a party that involves music, drinking, and festivities. Advertised as the "ultimate brigand bash" the party is a perfect opportunity for both sea lovers and pirate lovers to meet with like minded individuals in one of America's greatest cities.

The party takes place once a year at 1492 North Harbor Drive in San Diego - utilizing a pair of ships that are usually intended as maritime museums. The HMS Star of India, one of the two ships the party takes place on, is considered the oldest sailing ship to date, having been put out on the high seas 140 years ago.

The party takes place on October 20th and has two ticket options.

The first is referred to as the basic Deckhand Pass. Costing $35, which includes the shipping price, this is the basic ticket for anyone interested in dressing up as a scurvy pillage rat and interested in partying with like minded scallywags. You have access to both ships in the flotilla, and will be permitted all basic pirate activities (though they make a point in requesting that you leave all your arms and munitions ashore).

For the captains and officers interested in living the high life of Edward Teach however, you can upgrade to the $165 Officers Pass. More than just a simple party, you will receive access to the Star of India's captain quarters, which is stocked to the brim with a "pirate's feast", as well as bottle service and a private bar. Perhaps most advantageous in a party of this nature, you'd get access to a private lavatory, something any veteran of San Diego parties knows is not worth passing up.

"A Night at Tortuga" draws people from across the United States - and even some from outside of it as the allure of piracy and sailing intrigues those with the "call of the sea". Surprisingly, advertising for the event has been minimal - as it is spread primarily through viral advertising across the internet. Word of mouth and links through MySpace have drawn the crowd that bought out all the tickets almost immediately.

For anyone planning to be in the San Diego area - or with aspirations of pirating the high seas - "A Night at Tortuga" is not an event worth missing.

Sources:

http://freaksnightout.com/