The Skullywag, the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ float-ship, may be looking at Davey Jones’ locker, but it is not there yet.
The 60-foot parade float is parked at an auto body shop in Bradenton following a Dec. 6 wreck. The Skullywag was struck on the port side by a pickup truck following a Christmas parade in Sarasota.
The damage from the collision left the ship inoperable. AMIP president Bob “Stitch” Dominas, who was driving the ship at the time, suffered injuries that will require therapy, he said.
“The guy was really intoxicated, driving at 10 o’clock at night with no headlights. The ship was lit up like a Christmas tree,” Dominas said.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol crash report, the driver of the pickup was assumed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but refused a sobriety test on the scene.
Dominas said the fate of the ship is uncertain as members wait to hear from the insurance companies.
“We’re just waiting on them. Our policy is looted. We don’t have enough money in our policy to cover the damages. We don’t know what we’re going to do right now. We’re hoping they even have coverage,” he said.
Dominas said that in addition to the gapping hole on the side of the ship, the rear axle was “pretty much sheared off,” and the recently installed sound system and floors of the ship were destroyed.
“We don’t know if it’s fixable yet or how much it is going to cost us. It was a custom-made ship, so there’s no one that could give us a price,” Dominas said.
He said the group recently researched costs for a smaller float that would have to be towed and prices ranged from $50,000-100,000.
However, the Privateers haven’t held any fundraisers for repairs to the ship because of the uncertainties. Dominas said the nonprofit does not want to seek donations if insurance money will cover the damages.
“The Privateers are going to continue with or without a ship at this time,” Dominas said. “Our first priority is to make sure we continue with our mission, kids and community. I’ve always said the life’s blood is our members and our mission. The Skullywag is just how we get there.”
The inception of the Skullywag
In July 2007, the Skullywag was christened in the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce parking lot with the firing of a ceremonial pistol.
John “Redbeard” Swager and Patti Lamoreux pulled the trigger to christen the float-boat in honor of the late Jim “Skully” Hungerford.
Hungerford was a longtime Privateer and a fiberglass builder. His skills made him an instrumental part in building the group’s new ship in 1999.
Hungerford, born in Akron, Ohio, moved to Manatee County in 1971. He died Nov. 22, 2006.
The ship was named through a contest won by two Manatee County students from Electa A. Lee Magnet Middle School. Contest entries only had one requirement — they had to include “Skully” in a tribute to Hungerford.
The Privateers also read a dedication at the 2007 ceremony: “For thousands of years, we have gone to sea. We have crafted vessels to carry us and we have called them by name. These ships will nurture and care for us through perilous seas, and so we affectionately call them ‘she.’ To them we toast and ask to celebrate the Skullywag. To the Privateers of old. To the Skullywag.”
“Today we come to name this lady the Skullywag and send her to sea to be cared for, and to care for the Anna Maria Island Privateers. We ask the Privateers of old and the mood of god that is the sea to accept the Skullywag as her name, to help her through her passages and allow her to return with her crew safely. To the sea. To the Privateers before us. To the Skullywag.”
I would donate too to help with the repairs
I for one would donate to the repairs. I live in Michigan but have had the honor and privilege of working and playing with these fine group of pirates. I so appreciate the fact that my daughter, Lisa Ritchey is a part of this crew. They have welcomed me with open arms and again, I will be first in line to help with the cost (if necessary) to restore this fine Anna Marie Island tradition!