ABOUT THE SHIP'S NAMESAKE: BARTHOLOMEW ROBERTS: Back in the 1700's,  a number of rogue pirates terrorized merchant ships and passenger boats all throughout the Caribbean and beyond. The most prolific of these, was a pirate by the name of Bartholomew Roberts. In just four tempestuous years, from 1719 until his likely end in 1722, Black Bart - as he was known - commandeered over 400 ships, pillaging precious bounty of gold, silver & jewels & ivory, while moving swiftly and brazenly along the coasts of many countries.  Eventually, a trap was laid for him off the coast of Africa. Caught unawares this one time, Bart Roberts and his men met with military canon fire broadside. When the smoke cleared, Bart Roberts was said to have been found draped across a canon barrel, felled by "grape shot".  True to his standing orders, his men tossed his lifeless body - bejeweled cross and all - over the side.  To this day, no one really knows where lies Bartholomew Roberts.  Our ship adventures onward, toward charters unknown.  To view the progress of our bounty ship - revisit this site often.  Over these next months, the story-in-pictures of one of the world's largest yacht refit projects unfolds within these pages.   

Site address:  www.mvbartroberts.com

"A' vast ye matey's!"

MORE ABOUT THE PIRATE: Black Bart  created his own flags for pirate duty. In 1719, in a bizarre twist of fate, Bartholomew Roberts - merchant seaman Third Mate -  sailed on a vessel overtaken by the renowned pirate Howell Davis. What is known of that pivotal event, is that Roberts took full advantage of the situation - offering to join the pirate crew. Howell Davis soon became his mentor.  Over the next six weeks, Roberts - who had already served 20 years a mariner, became fully conversant in the ways of pirates. Onboard their ship the Rover, his organizational skills were so admired that, when Davis was killed in an ambush on dry land, the remaining crew chose Roberts to take the helm as their new captain. 

Bart Roberts was an exceptional pirate. He possessed strong leadership qualities and exceptional discipline, with strict rules and even prayers before an attack. Captain Roberts was a fancy dresser. In a chance plundering off Brazil he acquired an immense diamond & jewel-studded gold & silver cross - originally destined for the King of Portugal. This, the rightful owner dearly wanted to retrieve. Alas, it was not to be.  In 1722, when Bart Roberts ~ felled by grapeshot from cannon fire - was thrown overboard by his loyal crew ~ the precious bejeweled cross and chain went with him to a watery grave.  There they remain to this very day.

             Help us find where lies the body of Black Bart and you may be rewarded with a share in the spoils of his plunder!