also I suspect alcohol consumption when I see the pirate flag. They also seem to have a penchant for being
loud and obnoxious (see below).

One time - years ago - the 'tall ships' were visiting the City and most were open - part of the time - to the
public. On this occasion, I was in line to go aboard a small Danish barque. Welll, there was a glass sloop
nearby which was flying the skull and crossbones and had HUGE speakers attached to their spreaders which
were blasting out pop (disco!) music. This, of and in itself, made them unpopular with the crew, the officers,
and those in line waiting to go aboard. Judging by their behavior and loud talk, the 'pirates' were also drunk.
(It sort of reminded me of a boat scene in 'Caddyshack'). They had also been playing 'chicken' with the moored ship
- coming too close before tacking. Well, they came in too close one time, their rigging touched the rigging
of the ship, and in less time than it takes for me to write this, the sloop wass DISMASTED! The Capt. of
the Danish ship looked like he was cursing in Danish and immediately closed off his ship for visitors so I
never did go aboard.

Jerry