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.
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.
The children prepare to board the ship.
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, 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.
A great way to cool down on a hot day.
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.
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.
The children had great fun leaping from the ship.
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.
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
All seventy children and staff were happy to be on board.
The usually shy girls enjoyed a day in the water.
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.
Taking a break from swimming to provide some musical entertainment.
The Lord certainly blessed this trip.
Making the final approach. “Permission to come aboard!”
The Pirate Ship – anchored in Jomtien Bay.
