The children prepare to board the ship.
Derek Franklin & Paul Strachan
On the morning of Saturday the 19th of January a large group of boys, as well as
a few girls, from the Father Ray Children’s Home climbed aboard the ‘Pirate Ship
of Pattaya’ for a day of fun and adventure on the high seas.
A great way to cool down on a hot day.
The children, accompanied by their teachers and several volunteers, were very
excited to be visiting such a ship and after climbing aboard the children were
first given a lecture on safety and told the do’s and don’ts before the anchor
was raised and the ship cruised a short distance before the fun started.
To start the fun the children had to be initiated into the pirate gang. Everyone
was dressed in pirate gear, with painted eye patches and told to keep a look out
approaching enemies. Passing jet skiers who came to get a closer look at the
ship were sent on their way after being pounded by water cannons.
The children had great fun leaping from the ship.
The children, staff and volunteers all had a great time sliding into the cool
sea and walking the plank before climbing back on board, scaling the ships
railings and jumping off into the waters below; it was a great way to cool down
in the midday heat.
With so many young children on board there were a few worries about safety.
However, the on board crew made sure everyone was safe and free from injury.
Unfortunately, after several hours the anchor needed to be raised and the fun
had to come to an end. Before leaving the ship, heads were counted several times
to ensure there were no stowaways.
The usually shy girls enjoyed a day in the water.
Father Peter Pattarapong, president of the Father Ray Foundation, said that this
was a great start to the year for the children and he was pleased that it came
just a week after Children’s Day here in Thailand. He continued that he was
delighted by the generosity of the ship’s owner, Britt Reynolds, who had met the
children during part of their SOS Rice Campaign and invited them to join his
crew on the pirate boat for the day.
Father Peter went on to say that the Father Ray Foundation has received great
support from the community, be it the International Bed Race, St Patrick’s Day
and of course the SOS Rice Campaign, which has also seen a number of rice
farmers in the northeast of Thailand donating to the worthy cause. The Father
Ray Foundation through its many branches has to take care of and feed over 800
children every day.
All seventy children and staff were happy to be on
board.
For several months the 144 foot pirate ship has been anchored off Jomtien Beach
and has now become a tourist attraction. The ship is available for group
bookings and it is a wonderful way to spend a day; sailing around the bay,
cruising the waters around Koh Larn and watching the sunset while relaxing on
deck. It is also a great and safe way for children to have a day of fun and
adventure.
More details about the ship can be found on their website
www.piratesofpattaya.com or
call the American captain, Britt Reynolds, on 087-536-1707.
If you would like to donate or become a volunteer at the Father Ray Foundation
please go to www.fr-ray.org
Great fun.
The children learn to ‘toe the line’.
Thankfully the crows nest wasn’t too high up.
“Ah the life on the ocean wave.”
Soaked to the skin.
You have to be strong to be a pirate.
Safety first for the kids & volunteers.
These two lads don’t needs swords to scare off the
enemy.
Father Peter Pattarapong, president of the Father
Ray Foundation, speaks to PMTV about this unique opportunity for the kids from
the Father Ray Children’s Home.
Water cannons at the ready to scare off the enemy.
Making the final approach. “Permission to come
aboard!
Taking a break from swimming to provide some musical
entertainment.
The Lord certainly blessed this trip.
The Pirate Ship - anchored in Jomtien Bay.
