Shiver me timbers, matey! Arrr ye ready for International Talk Like a Pirate Day?

Although the official day isn’t until Monday, Seaport Village is hosting a day of privateer adventures in celebration of the marauders of the open sea at the second annual Landlubbers Day on Saturday.

“When we originally came up with the idea, we found that International Talk Like a Pirate Day was fairly untapped in terms of local events,” said Megan Madrigal, marketing director at Seaport Village. “We thought the seafaring pirate theme was a fun play on our history and proximity to the harbor front, and something that kids and adults alike could have fun with.”


The holiday was founded in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers (aka Ol’ Chumbucket and Cap’n Slappy), who proclaimed Sept. 19 each year as the day when everyone in the world should talk like a pirate. “The point is, there is no point,” Ol’ Chumbucket and Cap’n Slappy say on their website. “And that’s what’s fun about Talk Like a Pirate Day specifically, and talking like a pirate in general.”

According to Summers, the day came into being as a result of a racquetball injury during a game between Summers and Baur. One of them reacted to the pain with an outburst of “Aaarrr!,” and the rest is history.

The free event features live music from the Jackstraws, San Diego’s own pirate-themed band, which will be performing shanties in the East Plaza Gazebo area throughout the day; “Talk Like a Pirate” contests; arts and crafts; and pirate’s booty food and drink (can you say grog?) specials from the Seaport Village eateries.

“Our inaugural event was well attended, with 2,000 estimated attendees last year,” said Madrigal. “We look forward to celebrating all things pirate with locals again this year!”


Be sure to keep your good eye out for pirate mischief. You’ll find these privateers roaming the grounds pillaging and plundering unsuspecting lads and lasses. A new grotto with live mermaids awaits the ocean-loving adventurer.

“We’re thrilled to welcome local pirates back to Seaport Village to celebrate San Diego’s biggest Talk Like a Pirate Day event,” said Terry Hall, general manager of Seaport Village. “We look forward to a fun-filled day of activities on the waterfront for kids and adults of all ages.”

Guests are encouraged to don their finest eye patches and pirate garb, and the first 50 guests to arrive at Seaport Village in their pirate best will receive a $10 gift certificate to use at the seaside shopping district. Prizes for best costume and best pirate accent will be awarded in a number of age categories.

Landlubbers Day also includes street performances from Seaport Village’s talented buskers, including Murrugan the Mystic, who holds a sword-swallowing world record and starred in the AMC series “Freakshow.”


Want to brush up on your pirate vernacular? You’ll find plenty of colorful jargon by visiting sites like TalkLikeAPirate.com and Black Bart’s Locker. Should you need a little extra practice, you can change your Facebook language to “English (Pirate).”

Parking for Landlubbers Day is available in the Seaport Village parking lots for $5 for the first two hours with validation, and $3 every 30 minutes thereafter. Seaport Village is also a short walk from the Santa Fe train depot and has its own stop on the trolley’s Green Line.

carolina.gusman@sduniontribune.com

Landlubbers Day →


When:

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where:

Seaport Village, 849 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego


Cost:

Free

Phone:

(619) 235-4014


Online:

seaportvillage.com

Pirate jargon

Thar be a bunch o’ words an’ phrases rambled by old salty sea dogs that make no sense to land lovers, so here’s a few of ‘em to help yer get yer sea legs:


Bilge rat:

A scoundrel and a general insult lashed upon a shipmate

Bring a spring upon her cable:

To come around in a different direction


Hang the jib:

To pout or frown

Hornswaggle:

To cheat


Keep a weathered eye open, matey:

A pirate reminder to remain vigilant and alert — to keep watch

No prey no pay:

An agreement that a crew receives no wages, but instead shares any booty pillaged.


Run a shot across the bow:

Warning shot given to another boat’s captain

Son of a biscuit eater:

A name or insult to someone you dislike


Splice the mainbrace!:

Pass a round of drinks out to the crew

Take a caulk:

Take a nap


Weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen:

An order to the crew to pull up the anchor and get the ship sailing

Yo-ho-ho:

A cheery expression to get someone’s attention


Source: piratevoyages.com and playcrossbones.com