Author: Gregory C. Y. Piatkowski

Piracy on the Seas: A Socioeconomic Struggle Across Centuries. A Prelude to a History of Maritime Piracy by Gregory C. Y. Piatkowski. #24/0168.

October 27, 2024 · 3 min read

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(A selection of 18th century pirate flags,Basil Lubbock)

Piracy on the Seas: A Socioeconomic Struggle Across Eras

Maritime piracy is the act of robbery, violence, or other criminal acts committed on the high seas or in coastal waters, typically involving the unauthorized boarding and seizure of a vessel by individuals or groups with the intent to steal cargo, demand ransom, or harm crew and passengers. Historically, maritime piracy has been a socio-economic phenomenon, often arising from economic hardship and targeting wealth in transit, reflecting a struggle between those excluded from the benefits of trade and those who control it.

For as long as goods have been transported by sea, piracy has followed. Rooted in the margins of society, piracy reveals an enduring struggle between wealth and poverty, authority and rebellion, the powerful and the disenfranchised. While popular culture often casts pirates as romantic adventurers, the reality is that piracy has been an economic and social reaction to inequality across centuries and continents. From ancient raiders on the Mediterranean to the golden-age buccaneers of the Caribbean and modern pirates in Southeast Asia and off the coast of Somalia, piracy is a complex story of survival and resistance.

This series will explore piracy as a socioeconomic phenomenon, born from the struggles of marginalized communities and fueled by the unbalanced distribution of wealth. Each chapter will dive into a distinct era and region, uncovering how piracy has evolved alongside—and often in opposition to—global maritime trade and shifting power dynamics.

Chapter Overview

Chapter 1: The Beginnings of Maritime Piracy

Piracy’s origins trace back to the dawn of maritime trade, with ancient records of raiders such as the Sea Peoples disrupting Egyptian and Aegean trade routes. This chapter explores how piracy first emerged as a response to economic hardship and scarcity, reflecting early forms of rebellion against centralized wealth.

Chapter 2: Medieval Piracy and the Rise of the Coastal Raider

As Europe entered the Middle Ages, piracy took on new forms along the coasts of the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. This chapter delves into how local communities turned to piracy to combat poverty, survive shifting political landscapes, and navigate emerging powers like the Hanseatic League.

Chapter 3: The Golden Age of Piracy – Rebellion in the New World

In the 17th and 18th centuries, piracy in the Caribbean reached its height. This chapter highlights famous pirates and their crews, who defied colonial powers and attacked wealthy merchant vessels, revealing how piracy became an alternative life for those marginalized by imperial expansion.

Chapter 4: Privateers and the Blurred Lines of Legitimacy

Piracy and privateering intersected during the age of empire-building, as states granted letters of marque to private vessels, encouraging them to plunder enemy ships. This chapter examines how governments exploited piracy for economic gain and blurred the line between piracy and sanctioned warfare.

Chapter 5: Pirates Beyond the Caribbean – A Global Expansion

While the Caribbean often dominates the narrative of piracy, this chapter explores piracy hotspots worldwide, from the Barbary Coast to the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. Each region had its socioeconomic backdrop, with piracy thriving where local communities faced marginalization and economic disadvantage.

Chapter 6: Modern Piracy – Economic Desperation in a Globalized World

Piracy persists in today’s oceans, from the Somali coast to the Straits of Malacca. This chapter reveals how poverty, political instability, and economic exploitation continue to drive piracy, highlighting the socioeconomic parallels with historical piracy and the impact on modern maritime security.

Chapter 7: The Legacy of Piracy – Cultural Influence and the Eternal Struggle for Equality

This final chapter examines the lasting cultural legacy of piracy, from folklore and literature to the influence of pirate ideals on modern social movements. It reflects on how the enduring appeal of pirates speaks to a deeper, unresolved struggle against inequality and concentrated wealth.

In exploring piracy across different periods and regions, this series will reveal how it has continuously served as a mirror to the social and economic realities of its time. Each chapter will invite readers to see beyond the myth and understand piracy as a persistent, complex phenomenon woven into the fabric of maritime history.

The Allure of the Open Sea Part II: A History of Private Yachting by Gregory C. Y. Piatkowski. #24/0165

October 26, 2024 · 6 min read

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(Arrival of King Charles II of England in Rotterdam on May 24, 1660, painting by Lieve Verschuier | The yacht in the center of the painting might resemble what the yacht HMY Mary looked like.)

The Allure of the Open Sea – Part II: The Mary and the Birth of English Yachting

Private yachting is more than a pastime; it’s a lifestyle choice, a blend of adventure and exclusivity that offers freedom on the open water. At its heart, private yachting is the ownership or use of a vessel specifically for personal leisure rather than commercial or competitive purposes. It’s a realm where the practical meets the luxurious, where one can cruise at their own pace, far from the bustle of the shore, with a view that’s constantly changing.

The early days of English yachting were as much about diplomacy and national pride as they were about leisure and luxury. When Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, after years in exile during the turbulent English Civil War, he brought with him more than the hope of political stability—he brought a new fascination with maritime culture, inspired by his time in the Netherlands. It was there, amidst the bustling ports of a country that dominated global trade, that Charles was introduced to the jacht, a vessel that combined speed, elegance, and prestige. This newfound love for yachting would soon redefine England’s relationship with the sea.

At the heart of this transformation was The Mary, a yacht gifted to Charles II by the Dutch as a symbol of goodwill and diplomacy. But for Charles, the yacht became much more than a diplomatic gesture. It ignited his personal passion for the open sea, turning yachting into a royal pastime and a marker of status within the English court. Racing The Mary on the Thames, Charles not only embraced the excitement of competition but also showcased the power and agility of England’s naval potential in an era when maritime dominance was central to national identity.

Charles II’s Exile and Encounter with the Dutch Jacht

In 1646, sixteen-year-old Charles embarked on a journey into exile as his father fought desperately against Cromwell’s forces. He crossed the Channel under the protection of a Royal Navy frigate, destined first for the island of Jersey and later for France. During his time in The Hague, Charles encountered Cornelis de Graeff, the influential mayor of Amsterdam and president of the Dutch East India Company, a man renowned for both his political acumen and his ties to the powerful VOC. It was under de Graeff’s influence that Charles was first introduced to the jacht, a vessel smaller than the ships he’d known in England, but one perfectly crafted for both speed and grace—a practical and symbolic emblem of Dutch maritime prowess.

Upon his return to England, Charles received The Mary, a sleek, 17-meter-long vessel rigged with a gaff sail and two headsails, her lines drawing inspiration from the Dutch designs he admired. This vessel wasn’t simply a gift; it was a spark, igniting an enthusiasm for yachting that would capture the attention of England’s noble class and instill a newfound reverence for the open sea.

A Royal Race on the Thames: Rivalry and the Birth of Yachting

In October 1661, Charles, now king, and his brother James, Duke of York, decided to put their vessels to the test in what would become one of the earliest documented yacht races. Charles sailed The Catherine, built by Christopher Pett, while James took to the helm of The Anne, crafted by Pett’s brother, Peter. They agreed on a straightforward course, sailing from Greenwich to Gravesend and then back. The wager: £100 to the victor. Against the headwind on the outward leg, James’s Anne surged ahead, but on the return leg, with a favorable tailwind, The Catherine gained the advantage, each brother claiming victory on one leg of the journey.

This race, meticulously recorded by courtier and scholar John Evelyn, marked the beginning of English yachting. Evelyn noted the lively scene, with courtiers on board, and the Thames transformed into an impromptu racecourse. This October day would later be celebrated as the symbolic birth of yachting, setting the stage for competitive sailing in England and popularizing the term “regatta,” borrowed from Venetian gondola racing.

Yachting’s Legacy: Passion, Power, and Prestige

Charles’s enthusiasm for The Mary and her successors drew England’s noble class into his maritime world. But after his death in 1685, many of the yachts he inspired were absorbed into the Royal Navy, and the thrill of yachting began to wane. Yet the impact of that October day remained: the race on the Thames had established yachting as a pastime that carried both the prestige of courtly life and the spirit of maritime ambition.

In the decades that followed, yachting would grow from royal amusement to national sport, a pursuit intertwined with England’s growing naval power and her role as a global maritime leader. Charles II’s passion for The Mary and the thrill of competition at sea would endure, leaving an indelible mark on English maritime culture and paving the way for a tradition that would inspire generations to embrace the allure of the open sea.

As Charles II’s reign approached its final chapter, an unusual anecdote lingers in the archives of his court—a glimpse into the curious, sometimes dark, lengths the king went to in pursuit of vitality. For weeks, Charles had felt wretched, his body fatigued and his mind dulled. But on this particular February 2nd, 1685, he awoke in an especially alarming state. His body burned with fever, his head pounding with a ferocity that seemed fit to burst. The court physicians, always nearby, were ready with various herbal preparations. Yet Charles had a different remedy in mind—a bizarre tonic he’d grown to rely upon over the years.

The remedy, known as “The King’s Drops,” had an exotic, almost sinister origin. Crafted from finely ground human skull bones, dried snake skin, powdered deer antlers, and a hint of ivory, this tincture was the product of Dr. Jonathan Goddard, former physician to Charles’s father. A pioneer in experimental medicine and a member of the Royal Society, Goddard had passed on this peculiar formula to the young king, who used it to stave off the effects of stress and fatigue. The usual dose was modest—just eight drops mixed in wine or stirred into fine chocolate. But on this desperate morning, Charles demanded a more powerful dose: fifty drops, undiluted and on an empty stomach.

The skulls used in this concoction were far from ordinary. Dr. Goddard insisted that the bones of young, vital men who had met violent ends—those hanged or beheaded—contained the “optimal quality.” Such exacting requirements had given rise to a shadowy network of hangmen and gravediggers who discreetly supplied the necessary “materials.” It was a grim irony: these miracle drops hadn’t spared Charles I, beheaded during the English Civil War before he could even reach fifty. Nor had they preserved Oliver Cromwell, the very man responsible for Charles I’s execution, despite Goddard’s continued services after the fall of the monarchy.

And yet, even after the monarchy’s restoration, the allure of these “Cannibal Drops” was unstoppable. Charles II took to the formula with great enthusiasm, experimenting with skull mixtures in his own royal chemistry lab. But as his illness deepened and his doses grew more intense, the tincture could not stave off fate. Four days later, on February 6th, Charles II took his final breath.

In the aftermath, “The King’s Drops” became a sensation. Queens, bishops, and noblemen clamored for the miraculous elixir, and the tincture—once a bizarre private indulgence of Charles II—gained a regal reputation. It became a symbol of the mysterious allure of alchemy and power, forever tied to the legacy of the king who had loved both the open sea and the occult’s dark, unknown depths.

In the next chapter, readers will journey into the spread of yacht clubs throughout Europe, following in the footsteps of the Royal Cork Yacht Club’s pioneering spirit. This expansion marked the beginning of a more structured approach to yachting, with an emphasis on organized regattas, camaraderie, and the sharing of maritime knowledge. As yacht design shifted towards greater speed and maneuverability, competitive sailing evolved from a leisurely pursuit to a more refined and strategic sport. Readers can look forward to exploring how these early developments laid the foundation for modern yachting competitions and established the sport as a symbol of prestige and passion for the open sea.

post scriptum:

Step into the opulent world of Charles II’s court! This exhibition invites you to experience a day in the life of 17th-century royalty, where decadence, diplomacy, and drama come alive. Stroll through magnificent halls adorned with lavish artworks, encounter the elegance of Baroque style, and feel the pulse of courtly intrigue. Engage with immersive displays that reveal how art, fashion, and politics interwove in the life of one of England’s most enigmatic kings. A visit here is more than a journey through history; it’s an invitation to live a day at the court, just as the nobility once did:

https://www.ausstellung-charles2.phil.fau.de/en

The Allure of the Open Sea Part I: A History of Private Yachting by Gregory C. Y. Piatkowski. #24/0161.

October 20, 2024 · 4 min read

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(Picture: A Dutch Ship, a Yacht and Smaller Vessels in a Breeze, c. 1660

Willem van de Velde the Younger)

The Allure of the Open Sea Part I

Private yachting is not merely a pastime; it represents a lifestyle, one that blends adventure with exclusivity and offers unparalleled freedom on the open water. At its core, private yachting revolves around the ownership or use of a vessel solely for personal enjoyment rather than commercial or competitive activities. It’s a world where practicality and luxury meet, offering the chance to explore far from the crowded shores, with ever-changing views and a pace set by the individual.

The term “yacht” wasn’t always synonymous with luxury. In the 17th century, as the Netherlands ascended as a dominant trading power, the Dutch jacht was both a defensive tool and a symbol of status. Originally designed to patrol waters and protect vital trade routes from pirates, these vessels played a critical role in securing Dutch commerce. Their agility and speed allowed captains to chase down threats in areas inaccessible to larger ships. However, as Dutch wealth grew, so did the purpose of the jacht. It evolved from a practical, military vessel into a statement of luxury and personal independence, marking a significant transformation in its identity.

At that time, “yacht” didn’t refer to a specific type of ship but was more of a broad term applied to various vessels with distinct purposes. For instance, the Schleswig-Holstein jacht was a small coastal freighter operating in the Baltic Sea, while the Blockzijlder jacht was a freighter navigating the Zuiderzee. Rather than a strict classification, the word “yacht” was used for ships suited to particular tasks, reflecting a broad spectrum of functionality and design.

Key Characteristics of the Dutch Jacht

1. Speed and Agility:Above all, the jachtwas built for speed. Its narrow beam and shallow draft enabled it to move quickly through coastal and inland waters, making it ideal for chasing down pirates or navigating shallow waters where larger vessels couldn’t venture.

2. Maneuverability:The jachtwas designed for swift, tight maneuvers, essential for the Dutch coastal and riverine environments. This agility allowed it to excel in defense and scouting missions, easily navigating narrow passages and shallow areas.

3. Shallow Draft:One of the jacht‘s defining features was its shallow draft, which allowed it to sail in waters too shallow for larger ships, providing access to tricky harbors and preventing the ship from running aground—crucial in the Netherlands’ coastal waterways.

4. Versatility:The jachtwas a multipurpose vessel, valuable for military tasks like patrolling or intercepting enemy ships, and flexible enough to serve as a dispatch vessel, scout, or even a command ship for fleet commanders.

5. Luxury and Ornamentation:As Dutch wealth increased, the jachttransitioned from a purely functional vessel to a status symbol. Wealthy merchants and naval officers began commissioning yachts with ornate carvings, gilded decorations, and lavish interiors, turning the jachtinto a floating symbol of power and prestige.

6. Durability and Construction:Typically built with sturdy oak for the hull and pine for the masts, the jachtwas crafted to endure the rough conditions of the North Sea, making it suitable for both military operations and extended luxury voyages.

Dutch writers such as Nicolas Witsen and Willem van Winschooten provide insight into the origins of the word “yacht.” The phrase “lagen ofte jacht maken,” meaning “to hunt or pursue another ship,” suggests that early yachts were smaller, fast vessels designed for speed, often tasked with intercepting other ships. Over time, “yacht” became a term of distinction, transcending its original military role.

The late 16th century, during the early stages of the Eighty Years’ War, likely saw the term “yacht” take root. Fast, maneuverable ships were essential for dispatch services and naval command, and by the early 1600s, “yacht” had become synonymous with vessels of both prestige and utility. Even warships commanded by naval officers doubled as symbols of status.

Witsen’s Specifications for the Jacht

Nicolas Witsen’s 1671 work, Aeloude en hedendaegsche Scheepsbouw en Bestier, provides detailed specifications of jachts from the period. He describes their narrow beams and shallow drafts, designed for speed and maneuverability—traits essential for a vessel intended to outrun its enemies. Witsen emphasized the importance of durable materials, such as oak for the hull and pine for the masts, and his designs laid the foundation for yachts used in both military and luxury contexts.

Willem van Winschooten’s Seeman: Zeewaardt op de Zee-vaart (1669) highlights the versatility of these vessels, describing how jachts were used for pirate hunting, message delivery, and fleet scouting. Winschooten’s focus was on their practical applications during the height of Dutch naval power, reinforcing their adaptability.

As Dutch wealth flourished during the Golden Age, so did the jacht’s association with luxury. What began as a swift defensive ship transformed into a vessel of opulence. Witsen noted that jachts became increasingly adorned with ornate carvings, gilded figureheads, and lavish interiors, commissioned by wealthy merchants to showcase their success.

By the time Witsen and Winschooten were writing, the jacht had become a symbol of the Dutch Golden Age itself—a reflection of the Republic’s ingenuity, prosperity, and maritime prowess. The blending of utility and luxury in the design of these vessels symbolized the height of Dutch maritime culture.

The next chapter, focusing on The Mary and Charles II, will explore how the restoration of the English monarchy influenced private yachting. Charles II, having experienced Dutch jacht culture during his exile, received The Mary as a gift from the Dutch after his return to England in 1660. This ship not only represented the maritime ties between England and the Netherlands but also helped introduce yachting as a leisure activity to British royalty, setting the stage for the future of private yachting in England.

The Allure of the Open Sea: A Prelude to a History of Private Yachting by Gregory C. Y. Piatkowski. #24/0151.

October 12, 2024 · 5 min read

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(Picture: Ships of Amsterdam: Dutch Admiralty Yacht. A Guard Ship.)

The Allure of the Open Sea: A Prelude to a History of Private Yachting

Private yachting is more than a pastime; it’s a lifestyle choice, a blend of adventure and exclusivity that offers freedom on the open water. At its heart, private yachting is the ownership or use of a vessel specifically for personal leisure rather than commercial or competitive purposes. It’s a realm where the practical meets the luxurious, where one can cruise at their own pace, far from the bustle of the shore, with a view that’s constantly changing.

Historically, private yachting emerged as a pursuit for the wealthy, those who sought both relaxation and status as they sailed along coastlines or crossed seas. Today, private yachting has expanded to encompass a diverse array of vessels, from compact sailing yachts to sprawling superyachts equipped with every imaginable amenity. While it once symbolized exclusivity and luxury, modern private yachting often reflects an appreciation for the environment, with owners exploring more sustainable ways to navigate the world’s oceans.

In essence, private yachting embodies a desire to escape, to explore, and to experience the world from a unique vantage point, one where the horizon is yours alone and the sea stretches endlessly before you.

In Hemingway’s words, the sea is “the last free place on earth.” Out there, away from the land and the noise, it’s just you and the horizon. That’s the allure that’s driven yachting from the start—a taste of true freedom, untamed and raw. Hemingway captured the soul of it: the sea is both a companion and a challenger, a place that reminds you that freedom isn’t found in comfort. It’s found when you’re willing to face the unknown, stripped down to your core.

This article is a first step—a pilot, if you will—into a series exploring the fascinating journey of private yachting from its origins to the present day. The history of private yachting isn’t just about boats; it’s about the people who embraced the open sea, driven by a sense of adventure, luxury, and freedom. This series will chart the evolution of private yachting across the centuries, beginning here with a broad look at its key milestones.

1600s: Dutch Beginnings and the Birth of the “Jacht”

Private yachting owes its start to the Dutch in the 17th century, who, amidst their Golden Age, crafted small, swift vessels called “jachts” to patrol waterways and transport goods. These boats quickly gained popularity among the Dutch elite, who saw in them the potential for leisure, not just utility. The Dutch merchant class and nobility began using these jachts for personal voyages, and with that, the first spark of private yachting was born.

1660: Charles II and the Spread of Yachting to England

In 1660, the Dutch presented England’s Charles II with a yacht named Mary, and the English king was captivated. This gift marked a pivotal moment, bringing yachting into the English court and spreading its allure to British nobility. Charles soon had more yachts built and started informal races on the Thames, solidifying yachting as a pursuit of leisure, not merely function.

1720: The First Yachting Club and Formalized Yachting

The Royal Cork Yacht Club, founded in 1720 in Ireland, became the world’s first yachting club, formalizing the sport with organized regattas. This institutionalization of yachting encouraged enthusiasts to gather, race, and discuss their passion. Yacht clubs spread throughout Europe, and yacht design began evolving with a focus on speed and maneuverability, laying the groundwork for competitive sailing as we know it.

1851: The America’s Cup and International Competition

The 1851 America’s Cup put yachting on an international stage when the American schooner America bested the British fleet. This historic race ignited a sense of rivalry that pushed yacht designs toward new heights of speed and efficiency. The America’s Cup remains a prestigious event, exemplifying yachting’s shift from leisurely cruising to high-stakes competition.

Late 1800s to Early 1900s: The Golden Age of Yachting

The late 19th century saw a surge in luxury yachting. Industrialists, royals, and socialites commissioned ever more lavish yachts, turning them into floating palaces complete with salons, dining rooms, and more. Steam-powered yachts allowed for extended journeys, further cementing yachting as a status symbol. During this golden era, private yachts became statements of wealth and a testament to the power of their owners. The golden era of classic sailing, with its elegant vessels and leisurely cruises, came to a crashing halt with the outbreak of World War I. Yachts that once glided along peaceful coastlines were suddenly pulled into the war effort, repurposed as patrol boats and hospital ships. Yacht builders traded teak and mahogany for steel and iron, their focus shifting from crafting beauty to building for battle. By the war’s end, the world had changed. That carefree elegance was a relic, and society was no longer in the mood for grandeur. The yachts of pre-war days became silent witnesses to a lost time, as people turned to rebuilding rather than indulging. Yachting would continue, of course, but it would emerge different—a symbol of the new world, shaped by both loss and resilience.

Post-WWII: Motor Yachts and Modern Materials

After World War II, advancements in materials like fiberglass and aluminum changed the game. These materials allowed for lighter, more durable yachts, and motor yachts surged in popularity, bringing unprecedented comfort and convenience. The 1950s and 60s saw the rise of the superyacht, with features like multiple decks, swimming pools, and lavish living spaces. Yachting had truly transformed into a lifestyle of luxury and freedom.

1970s-1980s: The Superyacht Craze

The 1970s and 80s witnessed a boom in superyachts, driven by the wealth of a new class of industrialists and moguls. Yacht builders like Feadship and Lürssen crafted massive vessels with cutting-edge technology, from satellite communications to computerized navigation systems. Superyachts became the ultimate symbol of affluence and the means for a select few to explore the world with unmatched comfort.

1990s-Present: Sustainability and New Trends

Today, yachting balances luxury with environmental consciousness. Innovations in hybrid propulsion systems, solar panels, and sustainable materials have redefined modern yacht design. Meanwhile, the trend toward expedition yachts has allowed owners to journey to remote, untouched places, blending exploration with eco-friendly practices. The spirit of yachting endures, with a new generation of yachts and yacht owners who prioritize sustainability while indulging in the age-old allure of the open sea.

What’s Next in This Series?

This pilot article sets the stage for a deeper dive into each of these eras, exploring the personalities, technological advancements, and cultural shifts that have defined private yachting. In the coming articles, we’ll examine everything from the early days of the Dutch “jacht” to the cutting-edge designs of today’s eco-friendly superyachts, offering a comprehensive look at the rich tapestry of yachting’s past and future. So, join us as we chart a course through time, uncovering the stories that have made private yachting what it is today—a pursuit of freedom, luxury, and the endless possibilities of the open water.

This pilot not only introduces the history of private yachting but also frames the series as an invitation to explore the evolution of yachting across centuries. Each forthcoming article will delve into specific aspects, making the entire series a journey through the fascinating legacy of yachting.

To my old friend CORNER BAR FRANK alias Francis Threw, who left for another galaxy on the 8th of September 2024.

October 8, 2024 · 2 min read

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I don’t know how to reach you, Frank. I’ve been looking around, but it seems you’ve gone interstellar. I took that late flight from Barcelona, hoping to see you on Sunday. But we obviously missed each other at the airport—your last flight took off just as I landed at Son Sant Juan.

You’re probably sitting in some interstellar corner bar, listening to klingons at the next table while a giant squidfish of a bartender tries to catch your eye. I wonder what the house drink is—Moloko Plus with knives, I guess. But I’m sure you ordered that bucket of beer you always kicked back. I’ll raise a bucket of beer and think of you now and then. I miss you, man. I know it’s selfish, but it’s better than squidfish.

Old bastard!

When I visited on tuesday, you still tried to make me laugh, telling me that story about the catheter and how four nurses had to hold you down. You’ve got balls, man. By the way, greetings from Julia and the kids. She misses you too. Anyway, you two always got along better. Ha!

You’re the kind of mild person who can get hard on someone when needed. I picture you interstellar, sitting by your motorbike, calmly fixing it with a bottle of whiskey at your side, like something out of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. You give that steady look of yours, the one that says you know exactly what you’re doing.

I still have that workshop lamp of yours. You lent it to me two years ago, and I know it’s yours because when I plug it in, it shines.

So, I’ll let you to it. Write me if you can. I’ll be waiting. Same old address.

Give Alan a hug. Does he still wear that menjou beard? He got there earlier than you, so I’m sure he’ll show you around.

In Like Flynn. The Legend of Errol Flynn. An Article by Gregory C. Y. Piatkowski. #24/0143.

October 4, 2024 · 3 min read

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69 years ago: Errol Flynn returned to his “ZACA” in September 1955. The 118-foot schooner had been moored at the Real Club Náutico de Palma since 1952. Once a celebrated screen pirate and Robin Hood, Flynn was now a fading star in Hollywood. However, despite his decline, his charisma remained intact. Wherever Flynn went, attention followed. His reputation as a wild rogue, paired with an undeniable elegance, continued to draw people in. Even as his finances crumbled, he maintained the air of a free spirit who roamed the seas like an old buccaneer in his own realm.

Between film productions, Flynn sought refuge on his yacht in Palma’s bay. The “ZACA” wasn’t just a vessel for Flynn – it was his sanctuary, a symbol of freedom and independence. The towering sails that caught the wind reflected the adventurer’s spirit that never truly left him. On board, away from the turmoil of Hollywood, Flynn could still be the hero he once portrayed on screen.

He avoided the United States, partly due to outstanding tax debts. His fortune was embezzled by accountants, and his marriage to Patricia Wymore was in ruins. Meanwhile, his box office hits from the 1930s and 1940s were now reaching Spanish cinemas, bringing Flynn a delayed wave of fame on the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, Flynn wasn’t just seen as an actor – he was viewed as a symbol of a bygone Hollywood era, one of romance, adventure, and heroism. In Palma, for some, he was a hero, while for others, he was a tragic figure.

Flynn was a regular at “Joe’s” on Plaza Gomila and Rudi’s “Tirol” on Calle de Apuntadores – legendary hangouts known for their raucous gatherings. His image as a playboy and womanizer overshadowed other aspects of his life, including his political convictions: Flynn had visited Spain in 1937 during the Civil War, where he commented on the conflict from the Republican side. His passion for freedom fighters resurfaced in 1958, much to Hollywood’s dismay, when he produced The Cuban Story: The Truth about Fidel Castro’s Revolution – a unique documentary of Cuba’s transformation. For Flynn, the fight for freedom wasn’t just a role – it was a deeply held belief.

In his diary entry from October 8, 1955, in Palma de Mallorca, Flynn wrote:

“(…) Favourite occupation: A prolonged bout in the bedroom.

The greatest calamity: Castration.

What would I like to be at seventy? At seventy, I confidently hope I will have had at least eight more wives, have grown a stomach that I can regard with respect, and still be able to walk upstairs to the bedroom without aching or groaning.”

This mix of humor and melancholy reveals Flynn’s self-awareness about his fading youth and vitality. While he joked about future wives and a “respectable” belly, there’s an underlying fear of the physical decline of a man once known for his vitality and presence. The adventurer who had conquered Hollywood was now facing the inevitable signs of aging.

On October 14, 1959, while negotiating the sale of his beloved “ZACA” in Vancouver, Errol Flynn died of a heart attack at the age of 50. Even in his final years, he remained a figure of fascination, with his life oscillating between legendary escapades and quiet, personal struggles.

Monk Seals: A Lost Mediterranean Legacy. An Article by Gregory C. Y. Piatkowski. #24/0139.

October 2, 2024 · 2 min read

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66 years ago in April: In Cala Tuent, the Guardia Civil killed what was likely the last Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) on Mallorca. These marine mammals once populated the entire coasts and islands of the Mediterranean as part of a balanced ecosystem. This balance shifted with the territorial expansion of another predator: humans. As early as Homer, Plutarch, and Aristotle, the seal was mentioned in ancient writings. Its fur, fat, and meat were highly prized, and due to its trusting nature, the animal was easy to hunt. The fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century initially halted its early extinction in the western Mediterranean. Along Mallorca’s coasts, pirate raids discouraged human settlement for centuries, while the seals used these areas undisturbed as natural breeding grounds, and their colonies flourished. The end of piracy in the 19th century also marked the end of the monk seal colonies on Mallorca. Fishermen increasingly settled the coasts, and fishing became a thriving industry. The monk seal, which feeds exclusively on fish and mollusks, became a bitter enemy of the fishermen: it stole their easy catch and tore apart their fishing nets. The people of that time saw the seal as a pest that needed to be exterminated. Archduke Ludwig Salvator described their hunting by the islanders in 1870: “Let us consider seal hunting. Normally, you would encounter two, four, or five monk seals, swimming and playing in the water for a while, until one of them crawls onto the shore. At that moment, the hunter fires. Sometimes the animal dies instantly, but at other times it can escape into the sea; the hunter must be prepared for this and close the entrance to the cave with a strong net… the seal lifts its body out of the water, and at that moment the hunter shoots it again… They also catch the monk seal with a strong hook tied to a durable rope.”

On the North African coast and in the Greek Aegean, some colonies have survived to this day. On the Balearic Islands, however, the “Vellmarí” is considered extinct. All monk seals…? In 2008, a diver spotted one near El Toro in the southwest of Mallorca. However, marine biologists believe it was an African individual that had migrated.