Gasparilla Pirate Fest

A

Aquaholic101

Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
RO Number
17202
Messages
233
Call me crazy but I'm thinking about trailering my boat up to join in the festivities of the Gasparilla Pirate festival in Tampa bay. I am sure it is full of insane drunk knuckleheads on the water but It's something I want to do. So for those of you with the knowledge some questions. Any waterfront mom and pop motels I can spend the night tie up to the dock and get a room? Best boat ramp to drop her in? Anyway I can join in the water parade and still make the walking parade through downtown? Any opinions good or bad is appreciated.
 
i have done it 5 years in a row.

when i took my 23' footer up i waited for the ship and followed the ship in.

now that i have kingfisher, i head up early in the morning drop the hook around 1030am and watch the madness. i usually anchor right in front of tampa general hospital....you are more then welcome to tie up with us if you would like.

the entire invaison is completed by around 2pm or so.

as far as ramps and hotels not sure as i have never done that before. if you want to launch in palmetto you are welcom to follow me up. i will be leaving palmetto by 8am and already have a 23' following me up.
 
There's a good ramp at US 41 and the Alafia river; about 10 mi by water from the invasion. You can also launch on Davis Island in Tampa; it's a lot closer and will probably be a whole lot crazier.
 
I joined in the festivities several years back, don't remember a whole lot about that day. Musta been something I drank!!!!
A good friend was in charge of aranging a large double decker sightseeing boat that could handle several Krews. I got to tag along free. They started early morning at the dock and went well into the evening with the party. Some of the last things I remember was Igloo water coolers lined up on the counter with every conceiveable drink known to man in them. I think I drank from all of them.
 
Thanks, ill be working at the Charlotte county boat show :(
BTW its free admision and parking thursday and friday.
 
mike -- you will be missed. it is a blast if you like this kind of event...which i happen to.
 
Mike,
I could have sworn the boat show was that weekend as well but according to the Waterline and the Water Life papers it said it was the 17 - 20th? Whats up ?
 
Fifty years ago my uncle Mike Morgan, who was with the Tampa Tribume at the time was honored to be Jose Gaspar.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top