July 5, 2025

‘SHIVER ME TIMBERS!’ PINT-SIZED PIRATES DEFEND BOOTY ABOARD WENONHAH II TODAY

GRAVENHURST — From the first canon blast the pirates it “battle stations” all for the little pirates aboard the Wenonah II this morning.

A boatload of swashbuckling buccaneers waved their swords and shouted “shiver timbers” as they leaned menacingly over the bow, stern, port and starboards sides of the ship prepared to defend the Muskoka Steamship Fleet from marauding fellow pirates in speed boats and any other unpleasureable crafts bound for their booty.

A treasure trove of trinkets worth millions to the minions defending her at the bequest of her mighty “Captain Corbin,” commander of the pint-sized pirates.

**‘Captain Corbin’ shows pint-sized pirates how to bend their finger into a hook and cover their eye and says ‘Aaarrh!’ PHOTOS Mark Clairmont**

It was all part of the fun on the first “Pirate Cruise” of the season and slice of the Pirate Festival at the Muskoka Wharf.

Arrrhh! ’Twas the first of a two-day sword fest featuring dozens of fearfully good actors, magicians and talent performers around A.P. Cockburn Square.

Re-enactments, juggling, magic and sword-swallowing were only part of the acts for landlubbers.

On the high seas of Muskoka Lake the fun of three cruises (two with grub) was defending the honour and bounty of the largest lady of the lake.

The Wenonah II Pirate Cruises are a popular feature of the annual Pirate Fest held this weekend.

Next Saturday the Segwun returns to scheduled duty — just as the third member of the fleet the Wanda III is commencing water trials in preparation for next month’s official launch cruises.

Summer’s off to a grand start with one of Muskoka’s leading attractions.

One they faithfully stood on guard fittingly for today.

The festival continues Saturday night with an adults-only extra fun pirate character enactment cruise and for families again Sunday.