Ah, the history of it all!...I won't ramble, but this is the meat of what Privateer Royaliste does; factual history with a little colorful embellishment..Sir Francis Drake was England's greatest privateer, and Spain's most hated pirate. Most historical pirates were at one time or another licensed privateers with letters of Marque from somewhere. Since Disney and the POTC films, of course we are contracted mostly as pirates, but you did your homework and saw that we're originally a French/Indian War's gunboat. We've upgraded to Rev War, and do many War of 1812 reenactments as well. ( a lot of those coming up soon). I'm sure you know, but for those who don't, the actual difference during an encounter at sea was whether the privateer was engaged in the seizing of war contraband, or taking personal valuables. If they messed with valuables, or non contraband items (anchors and ground tackle were actually most popular), then they could be tried for piracy. We carry the original documents for the Privateer Spitfire, who were considered 'pirates' because of their scallywag lifestyle. So, I find it very interesting that you have ancestors in the privateering trade. Royaliste was a French flagged privateer before I owned her as she was built and came from Canada. When I documented her as a US vessel, we aptly became American privateers.. Name is still French, as one doesn't mess with changing ship names...bad mojo, to say the least. This year, on the Great Lakes, aside from 20 some Tallships travelling together, we'll be in company with a soon to be launched French privateering vessel under the name LaRevenante (the ghost)...a replica of an formerly exsistant 1755 privateer of some small fame. So regardless of where the fleet ends up, the two wolves will be hiding behind islands and in coves together, pack style.. Great fun, young or old,mate...Lambada, I'll PM you for the details...