2008 “Sack of St. Augustine: Capt. Robert Searle’s Raid of 1668”
Safety Guidelines for Swords and Other Edged Weapons
On Saturday morning (March 1), at the Fountain of Youth Park, we will have weapons inspection and drill, so you’ll want to be there early. Participation in these activities is required if you wish to carry a weapon in the afternoon re-enactment in downtown St. Augustine.
All weapons must be appropriate to the 17th-century (circa 1668) and locale. Examples of appropriate swords include swept-hilt and papenheimer rapiers, or hangers and cutlasses (for pirates). Most weapons of the late 16th- and early 17th- century are acceptable. Medieval weapons, and those of cultures not present in Florida at this time, are not acceptable.
All participants must ensure their weapons are in proper, safe condition to be used. Because of the close quarters involved in urban fighting, special attention should be given to making sure edges are fully dulled, blades are firmly attached to hilts, swords fit snugly in scabbards, and scabbards attach securely to your body.
It is your responsibility to keep control of your weapons at all times. Do not encourage non-participants to handle weapons. In downtown St. Augustine, non-participants must never be allowed to handle edged weapons. At Fountain of Youth Park, spectators may be allowed to touch or hold edged weapons, under your supervision. (NOTE: Many people who carry edged weapons in Renaissance fairs secure them with safety chords, so they can’t fall out of their scabbards or be grabbed by “overenthusiastic” members of the audience.)
Sharpened or honed weapons are inappropriate for use at this Event. They may be unsheathed at Fountain of Youth Park only for display in non-contact situations. Any weapon with a sharpened edge must be kept in its sheath at ALL times in downtown St. Augustine. We strongly recommend use of dark-colored safety chords with such weapons.
Acceptable blades for fencing or choreographed combat are rebated, doublewide epee, musketeer, and Schlager.
We will be planning and organizing contact skirmishes between the attacking buccaneers and the fleeing Spanish to take place along St. George Street, providing excitement in areas where the muskets are not allowed to fire. Hand-to-hand combat during this action will be limited to pre-planned, choreographed duels and clashes. Event marshals must be notified of your plans in advance. Joining a duel after the fighting starts is not acceptable, as it greatly increases the risk of injury.
We plan to make this a safe, enjoyable, “responsible” Event, and look forward to seeing all of you there!
Those with questions on sword and edged weapons safety may contact
Warning Orders for March 2008 event
A More Complete Account of the Original Attack
Biography of Captain Robert Searle
Rules and Guidelines for the Event
Rules and Guidelines for Black Powder Weapons
Rules and Guidelines for Swords and Edged Weapons