Boatyard Bar and Grill has been named the official home for suds and grub for Pirates of the Caribbean, the only U.S. entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, during the Annapolis stopover next month.

Dick Franyo, owner of the popular Eastport sailor's bar, said he had been working to be the Annapolis host for the crew for about nine months after making a connection with Pirates skipper Paul Caynard through local sailor Terry Hutchinson.

"We're the sailor hangout in these parts," said Dick Franyo, Boatyard's owner. "We're really pleased."

The teams in the eight-month-long race are currently on the fourth leg, from Rio de Janeiro to Baltimore. There will be a stopover in Annapolis from May 4 to May 7.

Overall, the timing of the Ocean Race stopover coincides with the Maryland Maritime Heritage Festival at City Dock, which will bring a lot of people in town and a lot of income to local businesses.

"It will be a major infusion to the hospitality industry," said Jan Hardesty, a spokesman for the city.

Jeanne Brown, owner of the Inn at Spa Creek in Eastport said in the past, she has seen syndicates get rooms at the bed and breakfast. This year, she is receiving more bookings from spectators who are following the race.

"I think the Boatyard is going to have a huge crowd. They do a good job at banging the drum. They're on the main drag," said Mrs. Brown.

She suspected that the sailors who know off the beaten path places like Davis' Pub will be there, and noted that many of the sailors on the Volvo teams have been through Annapolis before.

"They know other families and many hook up with friends and they may get out of the limelight," Mrs. Brown said.

Mr. Franyo said Boatyard will be the only place selling "Pirates of the Caribbean" merchandise other than the main Volvo Ocean Race stand in town.

"Pirates are hot! Hot! Pirates are very hot," Mr. Franyo said.

Plenty of fishermen will be stopping at the Boatyard soon, too. On Saturday, the opening day of rockfish season, the establishment will host the fifth annual fishing tournament and party.

Next Sailing story
Sailing Page
Sports Page
Top Stories Page
Subscribe to The Capital

Published April 09, 2006, The Capital, Annapolis, Md.
Copyright © 2006 The Capital, Annapolis, Md.