UPDATE 15 JULY, 2024

All three Prizes for Round #1 of the First to 25 Challenges have been claimed.

Winner Announcements

• Round #1: Critic Challenge Winner Announcement
• Round #1: Large Builder Winner Announcement
• Round #1: Small Builder Winner Announcement

Check back regularly for details on future Challenges in which you can WIN Prizes!

We realise not everyone has time to participate in the entire contest.

So we’re introducing an exciting new way to WIN Prizes without the long term commitment!

Participation Challenges provide you the opportunity to WIN Prizes throughout the contest, rather than waiting until the very end.

All you need to do is complete a specified Objective.

Objective: First to 25 Challenges

How hard is it to reach 25 Posts? Perfect spelling and grammar not required!

How does 25€ LEGO sets as Prizes for your first Participation Challenge sound?

Yes, you can enter both challenges if you so choose… and WIN TWO Prizes!

Creative Critic

The first Creative Critic to write 25 Replies to Building Entry Topics will WIN a 25€ LEGO set of their choice.

On your journey to the 215€ Grand Prize, take a stab at some smaller Prizes along the way

Be sure to read the Creative Critic Strategic Advice to gain the edge on yer competitors!

Building Categories

The first Building Entrant to attract 25 Replies to one of their Building Entry Topics will WIN a 25€ LEGO set of their choice.

After submitting your entries, stick around and discuss them – you might WIN a Prize

Don’t miss the Building Entrant Strategic Advice to stay ahead of yer rivals!

More Challenges may be on the horizon…

Objective: Featured Threesome

June 15 is almost upon us so Entries will be open within a couple of days!

Entries are NOW OPEN!

As further incentive to submit your Building Entries sooner rather than later, the first three entries Posted in the LEGO Pirate MOC Forum will be Featured for early Contest promotion… and bring external joy across the seas.

The first three Entries have been Posted – stay tuned for more opportunities!

Get your Building Entry featured early so it can be seen by millions of people!

Your Entry will be featured on the:

• Classic-Pirates.com homepage
• Eurobricks frontpage
• Classic Pirates Instagram
• Classic Pirates Facebook page
• Classic Pirates Facebook Group

Please note this only applies to one Entry per Building Entrant, so if you submit multiple Entries, only the first Entry will be Featured.

And remember, this is just for early Contest promotion to get the ball rolling, so nobody will be Featured for the entire Contest…

So I Don’t Have to Participate for the Entire Contest?

Nope!  Even if you win a Participation Prize or get Featured you may sail off into the sunset never to return.

Participation Challenges provide opportunities for you to WIN Prizes throughout the contest, rather than having to wait until the very end.

Retire at any time – but Steve wants to offer you more Prizes

These challenges open the playing field to those who can’t follow the contest for the entire duration, while offering dedicated entrants more chances to win!

Participate in both First to 25 Challenges if ye dare!

What Do Yer Think?

It’s a duel between you and your competitors!

Are you gonna take a stab at the First to 25 Challenges? Just one of the challenges? Or both?

Don’t miss your chance for an easy win!

Act early while there are fewer competitors because it will be easier to WIN!

Entries open June 15. Entries are NOW OPEN!

For more information be sure to read the Building Categories Overview and the Creative Critic Overview.

Winner Announcement

The winners have been announced.

Entries close 23:59 on 17 August, 2024

With more opportunities to WIN than ever before our latest BIG contest commenced on 15 June, 2024!

The Infamous Steve Contest invites you expand the story of the rarest LEGO Pirate Minfigure in a variety of ways.

Grand Prizes

The Infamous Steve Contest provides you opportunities to WIN at both the end and throughout the Contest.

Including two Grand Prizes;  Sets of your choice to the value of $215/215€.

We’re offering you two Grand Prizes worth 215€

But the Grand Prizes are only the start!

Below is a complete rundown of all the great PRIZES you can WIN!

Building Categories

Start building because we have two Building Categories for you to Enter:

Large Building Category

Build a MOC depicting Steve’s adventures using more than 200 Pieces – no maximum limit!

Once again the Grant Prize is valued at 215€ – but you don’t have to choose 10320 Eldorado Fortress

• First Place Winner will receive a LEGO set of their choice to value of 215€ value
• Second Place Winner will receive a LEGO set of their choice to the value of 70€
  
• Third Place Winner will receive a LEGO set of their choice to the value of 35€
  

Small Building Category

Build a mini MOC depicting Steve’s adventures using 25 – 200 Pieces.

This year the Small Category offers three prizes

• First Place Winner will receive a set of their choice to the value of 50€
• Second Place Winner will receive a set of their choice to the value of 35€
• Third Place Winner will receive a set of their choice to the value of 20€

Creative Critic

Not a builder? No problemo!  Here’s something if you’re a writer…

The Creative Critic returns with an overhauled judging system and THREE different ways to WIN Prizes.

No need to stick around to the end to WIN a Prize this time!

First Place Winner will receive a 10320 Eldorado Fortress (or set of 215€ value)

Read on for more ways to win…

Challenges Round 2

The next round of Challenges commences on August 3 with 8 MORE Prize WINNING Opportunities.

As usual, you get to choose your preferred sets from LEGO.com

Get all the details for the HUGE Contest FINALE!

Challenges Round 1: First to 25

The Prizes for the First to 25 Challenges have been claimed – check back regularly for the announcement of more Challenges.

We understand not everyone has time to participate in the entire contest so we’ve prepared some smaller challenges so you can still WIN Prizes!

An all NEW way to WIN Prizes without committing to the entire contest!

Creative Critic

The first Creative Critic to write 25 Replies to Building Entry Topics will WIN a 35€ LEGO set of their choice.

Building Categories

• The first Building Entrant to attract 25 Replies to one of their Small Building Entry Topics will WIN a 25€ LEGO set of their choice.
• The first Building Entrant to attract 25 Replies to one of their Large Building Entry Topics will WIN a 25€ LEGO set of their choice.

Voting & Nominating Prizes

Now you can WIN Prizes for simply Voting for Building Entries or Nominating a Creative Critic!

Make your Votes really count with the opportunity to WIN Prizes!

Creative Critic

Everyone who Nominates a Creative Critic winner will go into the Draw to WIN a 25€ LEGO set.

This also includes Creative Critics who Nominate.

Building Categories

Everyone who Votes for the Building Entry winners will go into the Draw to WIN a 25€ LEGO set.

This also includes Building Entrants who Vote.

I Get to Choose My Own Prizes?

Any LEGO sets I want?

The Infamous Steve is offering you the chance to WIN two Prizes valued at 215€

Yes!

Providing the LEGO Sets you choose are:

• Of equal or lesser value than the Prize you’ve won.
• Available on your local LEGO.com.*

Can I WIN more than one Prize?

Yes!

Well, only one Prize per Building Category but you can certainly WIN more if you participate in the other opportunities.

* official affiliate link provided for your convince.

Who IS Steve?

You probably already know the legend Steve if yer a die hard LEGO Pirate fan or a devout follower of Classic Pirates.

Set sail for an adventure with Steve

But if yer new in these waters, we’ve compiled a comprehensive article chronicling all the available knowledge we can muster about Steve’s escapades.

Read it yet? Ok great!  Now tell us… what’s your Steve Story?

What Do Yer Think?

Are you ready to WIN some great PRIZES?

Get building!  Sharpen up your vocabulary!  The Infamous Steve Contest will be AWESOME!

What do you you think of the First to 25 Challenges and Voting/Nomination Prize Draws?

Got question? Want more the details?  Plot a course to the LEGO Pirates Forum at once!  Things are about to get CRAZY!

The time has come!   Pre-orders for 910038 Ominous Isle commences on 6 June, 2024 at 8AM Pacific time.

But HURRY!  Only 30,000 will be produced so don’t MISS OUT!

910038 Ominous Isle

Price: £189.99 / $239.99 / €219.99 / AU $339.99

Pieces: 2,809

Minifigures: 5

Shipping scheduled to start in November 2024.

Designer Jazlecraz with his original submission

Ominous Isle was designed by Jazlecraz (Jared Le Cras) and originally submitted to BrickLink Designer Program Series 2.

The price and official images were released on 1 May, 2024.

Ominous Isle is the dreaded base of operations for the fearsome Captain Mutton Chops and his motley crew. The signature skull is the final warning to foolish travellers that they have ventured too far into dangerous waters and are about to have their first and final encounter with the legendary pirate captain.

The isle is surrounded in mystery. There are rumours of secret treasure, fierce sea monsters and ancient ruins from a lost civilization. However, the pirate crew is quite at home here, with strong defences, a luxurious captain’s quarters, a well-stocked kitchen and an overflowing treasure store.

The isle’s real surprise though, is that it never appears the same way twice. The surrounding islets seem to constantly rearrange themselves, linked by numerous bridges and crossings. This makes it impossible to accurately describe Mutton Chops’ hideout because every witness has seen a different version.

The sheer verticality of the isle is also incredibly intimidating, giving the landmark true presence. It is a significant trek to get from the landing jetty to the top of the ancient lookout tower, gradually climbing the many surrounding islets. But for those on the crew, there is a grand shortcut. The barred gate in the mouth of the skull is mechanised to open on demand and grant direct access to the core of the base.

Truly, Ominous Isle is a stronghold befitting of the great Captain Mutton Chops!

What Do Yer Think?

Will Ominous Isle make a worthy addition to your LEGO Pirates collection?  Or will yer be saving your gold for a more convention LEGO Pirate set?

6279 Skull Island, eat yer wretched heart out!

Does Ominous Isle brighten your day? Tell us yer thoughts in the LEGO Pirates Forum…

The LEGO Pirate submissions submitted to BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 are ready for your review and Crowd Support.

Yperio Bricks has once again rounded up the pirate-themed submissions for our convenience.

Vote for as many designs as you please until 14 June, 2024 at noon Pacific time. Vote tallies are top secret.

Now, let’s get to it!

Series 5 Pirate-Themed Submissions

Here be the latest offerings…

“The Thieves of Tortuga” by Krackenator

Parts: 3,998| Stickers: 2 | Minifigures: 8

One of the safest places for pirates to hide from the Imperial soldiers, it has become a chaotic town where anything goes. Tortuga is full or stolen cargo and hidden details everywhere you look.

Pirate party island here we come!

Krackenator writes:

There are 6 different buildings to hide out in and store your loot!

• The Tortuga Tavern (blue far left) is the best place to go for a drink or meal.
• Missy’s House (Middle left orange building) has been home to Missy all her life. She remembers the days before pirates took over the town. You can typically find her yelling at the pirates out of her window.
• The Main Gate (Tan building with town) is where you must pass through to access the rest of the town. It also acts as a watch tower for suspicious ships trying to enter the harbor.
• The Loot House (Orange and white) is where all the treasure that is stolen gets store and guarded over.
• Captain’s Residence (Green building  right side) is where Captain Ogel likes to review his charts and rest.
• The Marooned Marina (Far right dark tan building) is the best place in the Caribbean to pickup some fresh fish or fishing supplies.

“Privateer Frigate Fortuna” by BrickPerfection

Parts: 4,000 | Stickers: 18 | Minifigures: 12

Meet Fortuna, a fast frigate designed as a Privateer – a government-commissioned vessel tasked with hunting pirate ships or, deceptively, becoming one.

An exciting new concept – a multi-faction ship

BrickPerfection writes:

 This set introduces the unpredictable Privateers to the LEGO Pirates theme, capable of aligning with any faction or pursuing their own adventures. Fortuna carries flags of all major factions: the Imperial Soldiers, Imperial Guards, Armada, and historical pirate flags (two of each). It includes 12 Minifigures, a striking figurehead, and a small cat to protect supplies from rats.

“Coconut Cape” by BallisticBricks

Parts: 2,667 | Minifigures: 8

Land Ho! With its strong walls and strategic defenses, Coconut Cape serves as a guardian of the ocean, deterring pirates and ensuring the safety of the surrounding trade routes. It stands as a beacon for ships and a refuge for the weary.

Ripe coconuts are not included

BallisticBrickswrites:

Some key Features:- Dock, where ships can safely anchor and unload their cargo.
– Well-stocked armory, filled with weapons and equipment.
– Walls with strategic turrets and cannons.
– Prison cell to lock away mischievous pirates.
– Commodore’s residence where plans for the fort’s defense can be strategized

“The Pirate Life” by chharitos

Parts: 2,732 | Stickers: 18 | Minifigures: 8

Pirate life is exciting. Full of action and lots of rum. Today was a good day. The Imperial Armada’s supply was ambushed. Booty, gold, food, drink just arrived. Everyone knows their positions. The pirate crew with a bottle in hand distributes the supplies, the captain in his room never gets complacent, and the crab cell awaits the new captives.

The cell has crabs!

chharitos writes:

The construction consists of the east and west side. On the eastern side we will find the black bastion, the battlement with the cannon and the old wooden bridge that connects this side with the main building. Under the bridge we will find a natural harbor that serves to receive the catch or supplies. Walking through the marina to the western part we will find the wooden pier, the prisoners’ cell and a new warship.

“Anchor Cove Imperials Shipyard” by DelusionB

Parts: 3,070 | Stickers: 8 | Minifigures: 8

In the bustlingport of Port Royal, the crown jewel of the Imperial Navy, lies thenewly constructed Imperial Shipyard—a place where dreams ofconquering the high seas are built plank by plank. The shipyard, anarchitectural marvel, is bustling with activity as green-coated soldiers and craftsmen work tirelessly under the watchful eye of Governor Chris.

Anyone want some green coats?

DelusionBwrites:

The set is anarchitectural corner-type shipyard for the green imperial soldiers!It features a large harbor platform with a moving crane, which iscrucial for transporting heavy timbers and supplies essential forconstructing the fleet’s newest flagship. The carpenter’s table is laden with tools and freshly cut planks, ready to be assembled intothe ship’s sturdy hull.

“The Pirate Life” by chharitos

Parts: 2,201 | Stickers: 18 | Minifigures: 3

From the deep ocean rises a giant, fearsome creature. Mighty tentacles emerge from the water, curls around the ship, and snaps it in half! In the foaming water, a monstrous, hungry maw awaits! It is the legendary kraken, and the sailors must give it their all to survive.

More killer calamari than a good pirate can handle

chharitos writes:

One of the major challenges of designing this set is angling the ship model. The two halves are angled towards the middle, for the sinking and “snap” effect. For Bricklink Designer Program, the model must be robust and easy to build. Here, both halves of the ship model have a technic brick as base frame, with pin holes connected to axle elements and angled connectors pointing down. These are connected to round bricks and technic bricks (with axle holes), and secured to the base plate. Each half of the ship is supported by six of these axle pillars to hold the angle and weight securely.

“The Old Skull” by BrickyBricks82

Parts: 2,757 | Stickers: 2 | Minifigures: 7

Surely you have ever gone to a themed restaurant and enjoyed the atmosphere and the food, The Old Skull is my proposal for your LEGO city.

400 years later this is what José’s Tavern became…

BrickyBricks82 writes:

The model is a corner-shaped building, it has three floors, an accessible roof terrace and is compatible with LEGO modular buildings. The design is made up of two visible parts: The restaurant and the apartment block practically absorbed by the space occupied by the details and setting of the restaurant.

All floors can be deployed respecting the official concept. A model that includes 7 minifigures, a monkey (props), a shark (props) and a seagull.

“Trading Ship” by FNeuwald

Parts: 2,084 | Minifigures: 5

Right now, it’s sailing on the high seas to deliver treasures from the “New World” to the old harbor. The sailor on the lookout searches for the coast while the old salt is fishing for the ship’s cook still needs one fish for preparing dinner in the galley. And the captain will steer the ship safely home.

Another merchant ship – look out Steve!

FNeuwald writes:

LEGO offered some pirate ships in the last decades, but the last civilian trading ship was included in LEGO’s Imperial Trading Post from 1992 and it was so small! But how should the pirates survive when they don’t have any ship they can plunder?

“The Pirate’s Dream” by Goannas89

Parts: 987 | Minifigures: 1

In the cabin of his pirate ship, the Captain Red is sleeping peacefully…
He is dreaming: at the sunset of a glorious day, his ship is emerging victorious from the latest battle with the infamous Bricktish Imperial ship which now is sinking…finally!

Wonder if EvanCelt inspired this creation

Goannas89 writes:

My creation is a tribute to the world of pirates that wants to highlight a hidden side of the daily life of the captain of a pirate ship.

“Old Pirate Haven” by Elevendragons

Parts: 3,998 | Stickers: 10 | Minifigures: 12

You will find here a small town with a marina that has been taken over by pirates who are hunting merchant ships in the nearby waters.
There is a tavern in the town where local people used to invite their guests.

A port with a fort and a pub for Jack Sassy

Elevendragons writes:

Now, pirates planning here their next expeditions.  The tavern has its own basement where the owner keeps his supplies.

Apparently, from this basement, you can get to the other end of the city through a secret door.

“Somewhere Island” by jAn_eVa

Parts: 2,328| Minifigures: 8

The Governor of Somewhere Island has been captured by the cruel One-legged Seadog, and now he must rely on a rescue mission to win his freedom back.

This island is Somewhere – old George will tell yer where

jAn_eVa writes:

The uniqueness of this building lies within its playability. The lower part rises above sea level with a rocky land, cave, dock, and a hidden corridor, all at once. It has the function to split open to view and amaze its interior. Inside the cave many treasures to be found, some of which are more unique than the other. Sadly, the treasure chest has been locked and the only key to open is lost with its keeper, however, his skeleton is still hidden amongst these walls. Opposite the treasure, you can find Governor George in his cell accompanied by his little friends – a spider and a rat – not to feel lonely of course. Over the years, pirates have come and gone, but the legendary `White Feathered` captain`s statue still has its respect on the island; therefore the One-legged Seadog feels honored to terrify the island with his presence.

“Caribbean Port” by Castellofelice

Parts: 2,392 | Minifigures: 5

The main idea was to develop a Pirate Caribbean-style cargo port. Although various pirate-themed sets have been released in the past, including many ships, what is missing is a set with a port where these ships can stop to refuel or unload/load their goods.

Another one of them Imperial Trading Posts

Castellofelice writes:

The main part of the project consists of a group of buildings, ideal for displaying and moving the set. It offers the possibility of being opened with a hinge system to allow access and playability inside. In the open configuration, the set shows the port quay at the front where various commercial activities take place, and the buildings overlook the quay. At the back, it is possible to observe the interior of the buildings, all furnished in style.

“Caribbean Port” by Montymatte

Parts: 873 | Minifigures: 2

Smoldering Bay Fishing invites you to enjoy the best fish in the seven seas.

The special feature: Caught by an old pirate (possibly even a captain), the fish is steamed over the crater of a small volcanic island. Be quick, because the dealer has also heard about the delicacies.

Get your freshly smoked fish here – also offering charcoal grill when volcano erupts

Montymatte writes:

This time a set with a pirate theme – another favorite of mine. In addition to a lively design, I also wanted to submit a slightly smaller project to the competition. So we end up with less than 900 parts, which is quite satisfactory for the size of the result. Nevertheless, I couldn’t completely do without details 😉

“Deep Sea Discovery” by Rich_Herbert

Parts: 2,585| Minifigures: 3

The year is 1504 and the ill-fated and very unfortunately named ship, The Impending Peril, travels at night during a deadly storm with a skeleton crew. According to legend, a rabid whale suddenly attacks the hull, fracturing it. This, just moments after the ship is struck by lightning and catches fire. Sheesh! The doomed ship breaks into pieces and sinks instantly. There are no survivors.

Based on a true story

Rich_Herbert writes:

Deep Sea Discovery includes a fully detailed shipwreck, seafloor, divers, a rock formation, loads of sea life, and a small submersible built across three sections. Each portion of the ship is connected at a unique angle and includes complex building techniques, varied sub-models and engaging storytelling.

The model leverages glow-in-the-dark parts in key areas to further give the impression of a deep dark environment and the sections can be separated to move the model easily.

“Trading Post” by KingCreations

Parts: 1,523 | Minifigures: 5

Welcome to the Trading Post, the perfect spot for seafaring minifigures to replenish their stock of supplies!

So how much The Cutter went to Eldorado Fortress and not here?

KingCreations writes:

The model was designed to provide unique detail from every angle and is built in two halves for easier transportation and interior access.

• The front of the model includes a dock for visitors to use, some fishing equipment, and the entrance to a guard post.-Climb up the stairs to reach the trading area
• Examine the cannon at the rear which protects from unwanted visitors and search through the vendor’s stock of food and equipment.
• In the rear, the merchant’s boat can drop off supplies for the post and the crane can move and lift supplies around the post!
• The main tower includes a desk, map, and candle, as well as a ladder to the upper bell tower where a bird is resting.
• Enter the cave where some precious treasure is being stored, but watch out for the creatures and stalactites! It looks like somebody already got stuck there…

Special Thanks

Many thank ye’s to our LEGO Pirates Forum Regulator, Yperio Bricks for compiling this list of pirate-themed submissions in Series 5!

What be the BrickLink Designer Program?

The BrickLink Designer Program is The LEGO Group’s Crowdfunding initiative for producing AFOL designs as official LEGO sets.

You have a limited time to vote – so VOTE NOW!

Learn more about the BrickLink Designer Program Series 5.

Also, Ominous Isle from the 2023’s Series 2 submissions will be available for Crowdfunding on Thursday,  6 June, 2024.

What Do Yer Think?

Can you envision any of the Series 5 pirate-themed as part of your LEGO Pirates collection? Would any of these creations entice you fork out yer hard earned booty during Crowd Funding?

Pay heed!

14 June, 2024 be the voting deadline and yer can vote for as many submissions as you please.

DON’T MISS this official opportunity to inform The LEGO Group the demand for LEGO Pirate sets continues…

SCROLL BACK UP and votE NOW!

Then report to the LEGO Pirates Forum to discuss which pirate submissions yer voted for… or the reasons for why yer didn’t.

The minifigure known as “Steve” is one of the rarest and most enigmatic figures of the original classic LEGO Pirates theme.

This is a biographical article, see the Infamous Steve Contest for prize winning opportunities.

Tied with Governor Broadside for appearing in just two sets, the Steve minifigure was only available in 6276 Imperial Trading Post and 6286 Skulls Eye Schooner.

The two rarest LEGO Pirates minifigures of the original Pirate theme

But unlike Broadside, Steve’s name was never mentioned canonically within LEGO catalogues and box stories, or extended media like the Golden Medallion comic, the Ladybird book series, audio dramas, officially endorsed LEGO magazines.

Leaving us sorely lacking official information regarding his identity and backstory…

Some photos of Steve at the Imperial Trading Post

For many a year this minifigure was simply known as “The Merchant” who came sailing into the Imperial Trading Post onboard “The Cutter”, and then later, mysteriously appeared among Captain Redbeard’s crew onboard the Skulls Eye Schooner, without a shred of explanation.

Steve with crew members of the Skulls Eye Schooner during a Dark Shark drill

Consequentially, LEGO Pirate fans have longed asked; who is this minifigure?  Where does he come from?  Are there more merchants who use the same insignia on their flags and sails? Do these merchants also have ships like Steve?

Discussions about Steve continue to this very day…

And to them who be new in these waters; yer probably wondering how the name Steve was bestowed upon this minfig?

Origin of the Name

The first known instance of “Steve”, occurred in the LEGO Pirates Forum hosted by Eurobricks during a brief exchange on 20 October, 2005, when DoubleT replied to a topic titled “Who IS this guy?“, conceived by Sting.

Sting asked:

To which DoubleT replied:

He is Steve…

When asked how he obtained this information…

DoubleT replied:

😀 It is a mini fig based on a true story 😉

And thus the legend of Steve was born…

DoubleT then continued to provide an elaborate backstory for the minifigure’s escapades. While highly entertaining, this unfortunate tale only delves into Steve’s origins, and employment by Captain Redbeard as a member of the Skulls Eye Schooner crew.

Steve and Roger strike an accord

Yet, DoubleT’s biographic account omits Steve’s mercantile pursuits aboard The Cutter, leaving gaping-wide holes in the merchant’s canon.

We must rectify this!

What If The LEGO Group has Named this Minifig?

It is possible the creators of the Steve minfigure employed an internal name which never wormed its way into the public’s conscious. But unless someone from The LEGO Group steps forward and decrees;

“Nay, he not be Steve, his actual name be…” we shall remain none the wiser.

Still, such a name would be more akin to a working title than an official designation by likes of Captain Redbeard and Bo’Sun Will, who were frequently name-dropped in media and advertising.

Steve invites you to join LEGO’s VIP program to access exclusive content

Nonetheless, The LEGO Group has acknowledged Steve in one of their official LEGO Pirate articles; so if you’re a LEGO Insider, be sure read the exclusive members-only article titled “Why is classic LEGO® Pirates so iconic?”

The LEGO Group be aware of Steve’s infamy!

Steve’s Journey

Setting aside DoubleT’s biographic account, here’s what the Classic Pirates have cobbled together from the flotsam of information that’s been drifting cyberspace for eons.

Imperial Trading Post

Steve debuted along with the Imperial Guards in their centerpiece set, 6277 Imperial Trading Post, released during 1992.  The set included 9 minifigures; 4 Imperial Guards, 4 pirates and 1 Steve.

Steve meets Woodhouse for the first time… when Woodhouse was a Commodore

Steve’s attire differentiated him from his run-of-the-mill shipmates, a stripey bunch, who all shared the same torso design; albeit in various palette swaps. Meanwhile, Steve demonstrated exquisite fashion sense, sporting a stylish leather vest garnished by a frilly cravat… or maybe it’s supposed to be ascot… or a jabot… some historic fashion piece along those lines.

Steve’s threads were the height of fashion

The Cutter

But what really set Steve apart be his ship! Dubbed “The Cutter” by LEGO Pirate fans, this was the first official (and unfortunately the last during the Pirate theme’s original run) small ship based upon a brick-built hull, complete with fabric sails.

Smallest official ship of the LEGO Pirates theme… fans wish more had been released as sets

What made this ship truly special was the insignia printed upon its mainsail. Each of the LEGO Pirate sub themes proudly display insignias on their flags and/or sails, so it’s rather curious why such effort was poured into the sail of this one particular ship, given it wasn’t a set in its own right, nor was the insignia used anywhere else.

Is The Cutter all that remains of a fifth LEGO Pirates sub theme that was never fully developed?

Perhaps this alludes to a fifth LEGO Pirates faction that was never fully realised, yet a few elements escaped the cutting room floor and crept into the Imperial Trading Post.

Skulls Eye Schooner

During the following year of 93, Steve was press ganged into the 6286 Skulls Eye Schooner’s crew. Official media lacked any explanation whatsoever to account for Steve’s new roguish affiliation, or what became of The Cutter.  Steve just appeared on deck one day!

Steve has embraced the pirate lifestyle, complete with eye patch!

Aside from Steve trading his blue tights for a pair of sliver long johns, there be some mighty strange things happening to his appearance throughout the 6286 Skulls Eye Schooner’s box art… it noticeably changes from photo to photo!

Steve wore his blue tights when they docked at Waterloo Station… he also sported a new hat…

Could we be witnessing Steve transform from a humble merchant into a nefarious scoundrel, right before our very eyes?

Let’s dig deeper…

Ironhook Inconsistencies

AFOLs have often wondered how Ironhook perplexingly regrew his leg during shore leave at Barnacle Bay.

After becoming a pirate, Steve admired Ironhook’s fashion sense

Earlier that year, Ironhook’s limb became a tasty treat to a ravenous crocodile after it escaped from its cage at Forbidden Cove.

Given his monopodial status was firmly established in the Islander sets, the pirate peering into the treasure chest at Barnacle Bay was perhaps intended to be someone other than Ironhook.

Don’t let that red singlet fool you… lots of pirates wore them back in 1729

So, is that really Ironhook we’re looking at?  Or is this who Steve evolved into? The hook be the next logical progression in his piratical transformation…

But what happened to Steve next? Does he appear among the crew of Redbeard’s third ship, the Red Beard Runner?

Fans previously assumed Ironhook joined Redbeard’s crew during the later years

Because the minifig who resembles Ironhook also has two legs, so maybe it’s not him after all…  from a continuity perspective, this make sense, given Ironhook’s escapades were last witnessed in the Indigo Islands, while Steve’s career became intertwined with Redbeard.

We also haven’t addressed another pivotal question: where did Steve hail from before he arrived at The Imperial Trading Post?

Europa

Ah yes, one of the mythical, lost LEGO themes of 80s…  Legend has it, numerous themes were in development alongside LEGO Pirates during the 1980s, these include; Western, Adventurers, Vikings, Scottish Highlands, some guys from the Mediterranean, and Europa.

Yer not familiar with that legend?  Well, the Classic Pirates sure do have a story to tell you… but another time! Back to Steve…

Spot the Steve! Oh, and the white coats too.

In this rather European setting we observe Steve across the river from a legion of blue coat Soldiers led by Governor Broadside…s on horse…

This begs the question; is Steve’s tranquil village moments from impending doom?  Or are these soldiers in fact, defenders of Steve’s village?

What do you suspect is occurring in the above scene? And did Steve simply travel from this European village, directly to the Imperial Trading Post in the Caribbean?  Or perhaps he was thrust into a few captivating adventures in-between!

Eldorado Fortress

Just as mysteriously as Steve appeared onboard the Skulls Eye Schooner, decades later his trusty Cutter materialised near the newly renovated 10320 Eldorado Fortress.

Naturally this prompted LEGO Pirate fans to ask; “Where’s Steve?”

Loading the Cutter with cargo at Eldorado Outpost en route to Eldorato Fortress

This modern incarnation of The Cutter has undergone a few enhancements, and sports new sails baring a slightly revised version of the merchant’s insignia. Perhaps indicating the three-decade affiliation between the Soldiers, and whoever these Traders may be, is still alive and kicking.

Tying Everything Together

Let’s speculate…

Just imagine: during his merchant affairs at the Imperial Trading Post, Steve was colluding with Governor Broadside and the Soldiers all along! So perhaps Steve wasn’t just a simple merchant, he was an informant, unbeknownst to that fool Admiral Woodhouse!

And this longstanding collusion extended back to Steve’s home port on the opposite side of the world!

The very best of friends… or maybe just a reconnaissance mission

However, Steve’s mission abruptly came to a screeching halt when he as apprehended for espionage, prompting him to abscond to a life of piracy onboard the Skulls Eye Schooner… Not wishing a good ship to wreck, the Soldiers repossessed Steve’s cutter and stationed it at Eldorado Fortress.

The Cutter has undergone a few upgrades over the years but Steve is nowhere in sight!

Concluding Contemplation

Was Steve a spy or an ally to the Imperial Guards? What do you suspect was actually happening at the Imperial Trading Post?

Has Steve only traveled between his home port in Europa to the Caribbean? Or has he made a few stops along the way?

And what became of Steve after he joined the Skulls Eye Schooner crew? Why have the Soldiers commandeered The Cutter?

There be a good many questions needin’ answering! But are yer bold enough to tackle those answers?

Photography Credit

Once again the Classic Pirates would like to send a shipload of gratitude to the extraordinarily talented Pirates016 for such gorgeous photography.

This is a small sample of the beautiful photos which await you

Follow Pirates016 on Instagram for some of the finest LEGO Pirate photography to sail social media!

What Do Yer Think?

Who do yer think Steve really is?

Be him a simple merchant that just happened to arrive at Imperial Trading Post on photo shoot day? Or be him so much more?

The Infamous Steve Contest has ended – but these artworks take hours to create so we’ll leave them here

Coming to a LEGO Pirates Forum near you It has come and gone

Was he a snitch for Governor Broadside? The toilet scrubbing janitor of the Skulls Eye Schooner? The pirate who looks similar to Ironhook at Barnacle Bay?

Or is your Steve story entirely different?

Let’s dive into the LEGO Pirates Forum so we can discuss Steve’s rollicking adventures and the upcoming contest in greater detail…

Dungeon & Dragons and LEGO Pirates be an unlikely crossover but Captain Pirate Man (also known as Mikey J Productions on YouTube) has made the improbable, probable!

Let’s discover how he’s achieved this unlikely feat…

Mikey J writes:

Long story short, I have come up with a Virtual Table Top Dungeons and Dragons experience. These videos will encompass the FOLLOWING themes: Pirates, Castle, LOTR, D&D, and Harry Potter. For more details, watch this!!

Ok, let’s watch this!

And for those who can’t view embedded videos here be a convenient button so yer catch watch the video upon YouTube:

If yer interested in exploring this further, subscribe to Mikey J Productions on YouTube for future updates.

What is Dungeon & Dragons?

Dungeons & Dragons (often abbreviated to D&D or DnD) is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974.

D&D is commonly recognised as the dawn of modern role-playing games and has influenced video, board games, and related media… and now an official LEGO set, 21348 Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon’s Tale*.

Back and front of the box for 21348 Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon’s Tale*

Combine 3,745 pieces and you can discover the Legend of the Red Dragon

Even if yer not into role playing this set would still make a fine addition to yer LEGO Castle collection or building parts library.

* official LEGO.com affiliate link provided for your convenience.

Who is Mikey J Productions?

Since 2010 Mikey and Jen Johnson have been a prolific husband and wife content creating duo with a focus on producing video media covering LEGO Pirates, Castle, Lord Of The Rings, Harry Potter, and now Dungeons & Dragons.

Subscribe to their YouTube Channel:
www.youtube.com/@MikeyJProductions

Mike and Jen Jonson of Mikey J Productions

Their video coverage provides regular updates on official LEGO set releases, news from the AFOL community, speed builds and tours of their impressive LEGO collection.

Like all good content creators they offer a variety of methods to connect, including a Facebook Page, Facebook Group and Instagram account.

So connect with them because they’ll take care of you! And not in the mafia way.

What Do Yer Think?

Are you a Dungeon & Dragons fan?  Would yer like to give Mikey J’s version a try? Or would you procure the Dungeons & Dragons set* for other purposes?

Remember those mats that used to be in the bottom of Happy Meal trays…

Like Mikey J’s Dungeons & Dragons video on YouTube and share yer thoughts in the comments.

Then off to the dungeon LEGO Pirates Forum with yer to be immersed in Mikey J’s new fantasy world!

Update 7/11/2024

LEGO® Icons 10335 The Endurance has been officially announced by The LEGO Group so be sure to get all the details.

The murmurings have started again!  The voices are claiming this year’s LEGO Black Friday release is a ship, inspired by The Endurance. That be the ship in which Sir Ernest Shackleton embarked upon his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition between 1914 and 1917… “Embarked” because he didn’t return with it….

The following information has not been officially confirmed:

Spoiler alert!  The Endurance run into a spot of bother along the way…

10335 The Endurance Ship will contain 3,500-4,500 pieces, retail for US$259.99 / £219.99 / €259.99 in Europe and be released on 29 November, 2024.

It will be accompanied by a 232 piece Gift With Purchase (set number 40729), although no further details are available at this time.

Remember, this all be rumour so these details may change… or prove to be fiction… just like that Eldorado Fortress remake rumour.

Where Did This Information Originate From?

The Classic Pirates knows a lad who knows a lad…

The Instagram rumour posts have been immortalised in picture frames

That lad being Itavixbrix on Instagram, who reposted the information shared by brick_clicker, also via Instagram.

What Is The Endurance?

It be a ship from maritime history!

Sir Ernest Shackleton procured a three-masted barquentine named Polaris in 1914 after one of its original commissioners, Adrien de Gerlache flittered his finances away on booze.

Ho ho ho! We’re not like that stupid Titanic – we can sail through ice!

Shackleton promptly renamed the vessel “Endurance” and proceeded to recruit a crew of 27 men. He warned them; the pay isn’t great, the weather abysmal, and a safe return… well, let’s not go into detail about that… but he did promise them honour and recognition – so how could an adventurous sailor refuse?

Later that year they embarked upon their voyage toward the Antarctic under the command of Captain Frank Worsley.

This is an actual photograph of The Endurance trapped in ice

In January 1915 tragedy struck just 322km/200 miles from their destination when The Endurance became lodged in polar pack ice. No matter how much blood, sweat and tears they poured into their efforts, the crew failed to dislodge the ship from its icy incarceration.  After ten months of turbulence, drifting and pressure, The Endurance could endure no more!  The elements had taken their toll and the ice beneath breaking… so down the ship went… glug! glug! glug!

Shackleton inspects the wreckage just moments before The Endurance sank

Don’t worry, all the crew lived to tell the tale. Long before the ship’s final destruction, they escaped to Elephant Island using the ship’s lifeboats. A heroic rescue effort ensured they all arrived home safely, complete with records and photographs of the expedition.

The BBC reports…

But those pesky historians can’t let ships stay sunk, can they?  From 2001 onward, a number of unsuccessful attempts were made to locate the Endurance’s wreckage. It wasn’t until July 2021 when an expedition named Endurance22 finally made some leeway on board the South African research vessel S. A. Agulhas II.

Captain clam at the helm!

Launched by the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, and with help of amicable mermaids, the Endurance22 team located the remains of the ship in the Weddell Sea, on 5 March, 2022.

The team stated that the wreck was in remarkably good nick and went into a frenzy documenting it with their Ultra High definition equipment. Honouring their promise not to dredge up old junk the  protected historic site and monument declaration set forth in the Antarctic Treaty System, no part of the wreck was salvaged.

So, it still lies in the depths as plunder for the taking!

Mini Documentary

If yer a history nutter buff, Cambridge University has put together a little documentary for yer viewing pleasure.

2024 National Geographic Documentary

And for the elite historians, National Geographic released a documentary featuring The Endurance on 1 November, 2024.

This charming presentation recounts The Endurance’s voyage, demise, and modern rediscovery, complete with audio and video clips recorded during the historic voyage.

Official Synopsis

In a legendary feat of leadership and perseverance, polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton kept his crew of 27 men alive for over a year despite the loss of their ship in frigid pack ice. Over a century later, a team of modern-day explorers sets out to find the sunken ship. From National Geographic Documentary Films and directed by Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin and Natalie Hewit, ENDURANCE tells the inspiring stories of these two landmark expeditions, bound by their shared grit and determination.

If yer can’t watch embedded videos, be sure to view the trailer on YouTube.

How Is It Relevant to LEGO Pirate Fans?

Yer don’t need to be a seasoned historian to realise a ship commissioned during the early twentieth century be a completely different era from the Golden Age of Piracy of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

This be a wooden model – but imagine it’s made from LEGO

Sure, The Endurance may have flown sails and floated upon a wooden hull, but this particular vessel was steam powered, a technology that rose to prominence during the nineteenth century, decades after the sun had set upon the Golden Age.

This wooden model be available from OcCre online modeling store

Nonetheless, the LEGO Pirates theme attracts ship enthusiasts of all eras and The Endurance shares many characteristics with LEGO Pirate Ships. So with a little tinkering and rejigging, it could possibly be retrofitted to resemble a more authentic tall ship worthy of Captain Redbeard’s fleet.

It looks very sleek without all the ice

Concerns

Some of the biggest concerns raised by AFOLs is whether the ship will be minifigure scale, or if it will include minifigures, rigging and fabric sails.  Some have postulated it may be a display piece like 10294 LEGO® Titanic* and lack the accoutrements many LEGO Pirate fans desire.

That would perhaps deter fans who prefer LEGO sets able to covertly blend among their classic set collection.

* LEGO.com affiliate link provided for your convenience.

The Wooden Model

Here be a video overview of the OcCre wooden model:

If you’re unable to view the above video watch it upon YouTube.

LEGO Ideas

The Endurance already be known to some AFOLs and a couple have taken stabs at submitting their concepts to LEGO Ideas. Unsuccessfully mind you, so if this rumour be true, it will be the first official LEGO set based on the historic ship.

Here are some LEGO Ideas submissions that didn’t quite make it…

“HMS Endurance (Shackleton Expedition)” by jbmakemson with 1,138 supporters

“HMS Endurance” by SuperSpruce101 with 3,363 supporters

Are these builds true to the photos and wooden models you may observe above?

Could The LEGO Group knock it out of the ice park with a 3,500-4,500 piece set?

What Do Yer Think?

If The Endurance was released as an official LEGO set would you be interested in acquiring one? To display as per the instructions? Or perhaps convert into something more piratey? Or would you prefer to save yer gold for a ship more authentic to LEGO Pirates?

Can The LEGO Group provide this design with justice?

Join us in the LEGO Pirates Forum so you don’t miss details of the upcoming set… and to share yer thoughts on The Endurance.

The Classic Pirates recently conducted an informal poll to gain a general consensus of the type of inspiration LEGO Pirate fans would prefer as the inspiration behind their entries in our next big building contest.

So now let’s review the poll results in scrutinizing detail to observe which option they found most appealing…

The Polls and the Options

These be the poll options

The Polls

Polling was conducted across three polls;

• one in the LEGO Pirates Forum
• another in the Classic Pirates Facebook Group
• and a third on Classic-Pirates.com.

The Poll Options

Fans were provided with four thematic poll options;

1. Monkey Island Madness
2. Distant Waters
3. Pirates of Pop Culture
4. The Infamous Steve.

A more comprehensive overview of these options can be found in the original Poll Blog Post or watch this video by Mikey J Productions to be brought up to speed.

Or click here to skip ahead to the Results…

Can’t see the above video? Not to worry!  Yer can Watch in on YouTube.

The Results

Now, here be a break down of the results for each poll…

Facebook

Distant Waters and Pirates of Pop Culture were tied in third position with just 8% of the votes each.

With a 32% lead the winner of this poll is indisputable!

The Infamous Steve may have benefited from more wind in his sail, only reaching second position with 26% of the votes. Slightly less than half the votes of the mighty pirates, with Monkey Island Madness topping the poll with a massive 58% of votes!

It may be worth noting Facebook does not allow placing an image in conjunction with poll options.  The closest an image can be displayed is within comments below, which unfortunately, will be hidden to mobile users unless they manually open the comments.  And if they don’t, no visual illustration of the polls options is available to them.

Classic Pirate Facebook Group participants do indeed fight like dairy farmers!

For this reason, Monkey Island Madness and The Infamous Steve may have attracted more votes due to familiarity, whereas Distant Waters and Pirates of Pop Culture perhaps require clarification to enable poll-goers to understand what those options entail.

Nonetheless, Monkey Island Madness was the clear winner of the Facebook poll.

LEGO Pirates Forum

The LEGO Pirates Forum paints a completely different picture, with Monkey Island Madness plodding in last place at 11%.

We have a tie!

Pirates of Pop Culture fared slightly better at 15% but still firmly wedged within the least popular poll option zone.

Steve caught Distant Waters, then Distant Waters caught SteveThe remaining two options battled for the number 1 position!  Initially, Distant Waters charged into the lead… but within a few days the The Infamous Steve leapt ahead and maintained the number one position for the majority of the poll.

We have a tie!

Well, that was until the last few days of polling, when Distant Waters made a sudden comeback to finish equal first with The Infamous Steve at 37% each.

Classic-Pirates.com

Pirates of Pop Culture barely scraped through at just 7% making it the consistently worst performing option.

Classic-Pirates.com perhaps attracts fans of the classic sets

Tied in equal second place is Distant Waters and Monkey Island Madness at 21%, yet both only garnered half the results of the highest performing option.

His infamy is growing…

The Infamous Steve sailed into the number 1 position at 42% – but surely this is a case of “classic” bias?

Averages

Each of the polls yielded a different result, so let’s analyse the data from a statistical perspective by using the magic of mathematics to determine the average score across all three polls.

Get yer calculators out and test this formula

So over the three polls the average result for each poll option calculates to….

Here be the combined totals of each option divided by three

Pirates of Pop Culture proved to the be least popular option with a mere 13% overall. Distant Waters took third position at 22%, and Monkey Island Madness achieved second position at 30%.

The Infamous Steve emerges victorious with 35% of the votes, not surprising given Steve be the strongest overall performer.

These poll results were recorded as of 9 May, 2024. As not all polls provide functionality that allow them to be closed, votes recorded after this date have not been included.

Conclusions

Averages aside, we may assume each platform has the potential to attract poll participants with voting preferences common to the users of that platform.

For example; Monkey Island Madness scored highly in the Facebook Group because it has a more “mainstream” following and thus “Monkey Island” is a more recognisable name to that audience.  Yet, it scored significantly lower in the LEGO Pirates Forum and Classic-Pirates.com polls because those audiences are devout fans of classic LEGO Pirate sets, or builders with a strong desire to explore pirates from around the world, rather than just the traditional Caribbean setting.

Similarly, this may be the reason why Distant Waters scored higher in the LEGO Pirates Forum. That be the platform where the Brethren of the Brick Seas crowd frequents, and these particular fans are passionate about exploring MOCs inspired by pirates globally.

Let’s see what’s trending…

Trends

If any trends are to be observed; Pirates of Pop Culture did not lead any of the polls and consistently ranked last or no higher than third position, and thus could be interpreted as the least popular option.

As a side note; a couple of former Creative Critic participants confirmed voting for Pirates of Pop Culture, despite not having submitted building entries.

While not leading every poll, The Infamous Steve didn’t trail in any of them either, and was the best overall performing option across the three polls.

So does this make Steve the winner or should other factors be considered?

What Do Yer Think?

The Infamous Steve may have won by the law of averages, but Monkey Island Madness demonstrated a phenomenal lead in the Facebook poll, while Distant Waters gave Steve a run for his money in the LEGO Pirate Forum poll.

So what is a bloodthirsty pirate to decide?

So did Steve win this thing? Nay? Aye? Yay?

Maybe we could cleverly intertwine multiple options to afford greater creative freedom, but not widen the definition so broadly its open slather on choice.

Swing by the LEGO Pirates Forum and the Classic Pirates Facebook Group to share yer thoughts and help finalise the decision…

The Return of the Classic Pirates was an engaging contest, resulting in fierce competition among its many great submissions. Just like the Indigo Islanders, the blue coat Soldier enjoyed considerable popularity, with remakes of two early Soldier forts claiming the second and third positions of the Main Building category.

This prompts us to wonder; what’s the most important aspect of MOCs inspired by classic sets? Is it the nostalgia? The attention to detail?  Or both? Besides, who doesn’t love superbly executed remakes of these timeless sets?

In the second place position, “Saber Island 2023” by TomSkippy exudes the best of both worlds; it expands upon the original set, taking it from just 96 pieces to a whopping 948 pieces, as it fleshes out the nuances, while maintaining the original’s charm.

TomSkippy writes:

As I was thinking through different entries for the contest, I thought, “why not take a break and make a small moc that just clones a modern Lego Co technique?” 6265 Saber Island came to mind. I could just copy one of the tower builds from the new Disney castle. The set is 90% tower, it shouldn’t take long.

Side note: The set looks even better with physical bricks. It’s nice and imposing (didn’t want to spend booty on color coordinating everything, but it’s solid!

Let me know what you think!

The dirty laundry supplies have arrived – good thing they didn’t get lost at sea…

And isn’t it crazy how this build employs similar techniques to 43222 Disney Castle yet succeeds to be a radically different build?

But how good does it look in real life asks you? You’ll never know until you build it yourself! If you’re a fan of Soldiers, or even if you’re just a LEGO fan in general, the building instructions are available on Rebrickable so you can build your very own version.  Give it a go!

A soldier just earned a bag of smelly long jonhns gold coins for all his hard work! Definitely worth the effort and he is ecstatic with happiness!

They keep insubordinate soldiers in the basement along with the spare swords

What a breathtaking view!

Notice the drunken supervisor upstairs?

There’s a special announcement for the soldier that just arrived…

The soldiers are protecting the fort at all times – in this version you get 5 minifigs

Isn’t this box art just amazing? Governor Broadside would be thrilled!
If only this was an official LEGO set…

The Original 6265 Saber Island

As you may observe, TomSkippy’s recreation utilises more advanced building techniques than the original and offers more intricate detail and features.

Nonetheless, the original is an undisputed classic; released as the first small fort within the LEGO Pirates theme, priced around the US$15 (that’s US$36.95 in 2023 when adjusted for inflation) but you’d never come close to that low price these days on the secondhand market.

The original set was released in 1989 with just 96 pieces.

Also known by the name of Governor’s Bastion, this charming little tower fort includes a printed base plate, both large and small Soldier flag pieces, a palm tree (the kind you build from smaller pieces), a red dinghy, a cannon with 6 cannon balls, three white castle wall pieces (one with printed weathering to reveal bricks) and some lovely lattice.

It also includes a generous three minifigures; a commander and two soldiers, accessorised with muskets, a pistol, sabres, headwear (shakos/tricorn) and epaulettes. And let’s not forget the commander be one of the first minfigures to use a head piece with printed facial hair.

During early 2023, Brickset conducted a poll to determine which classic LEGO set fans would like to see reimagined as a Gift With Purchase. More than 4,500 votes were cast with Sabre Island arriving in the number 1 position.

Despite the poll’s unofficial status, many fans hoped it would prognosticate future releases and result in an updated Sabre Island to compliment the new 10320 Eldorado Fortress… but alas!  A pirate-themed Gift With Purchase eventually sailed our way, but it didn’t tickle the fans’ desires in the manner Sabre Island would!

What was the Return of the Classic Pirates Contest?

T’was a promotional initiative to inform the world the Classic Pirates have returned!

The Return of the Classic Pirates Contest held between June and September, 2023, was a joint venture between Eurobricks and Classic-Pirates.com which entrants tasked to build a new LEGO set concept. Their creation could be rendered in the style of the classic 80s and 90s sets, or post-2020 modern sets like 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay.

The contest was divided into two categories; a Main Building Category and a Mini Set Category.

Second place winner of the Main Building Category won a set of their choosing to value of 70€

The Main Building Category offered three prizes; including a 10320 Eldorado Fortress for first place, a set to the value of 70€ for second place, and a set to the value of 35€ for third place.

The first place winner of the Mini Set Category, “King Kahuka’s Outrigger Boat” by Kritch also won a set to the value of 35€

About the Builder…

TomSkippy is a regular contributor to the LEGO Pirates Forum. He’s especially good at reimagining classic LEGO sets, whether they be Pirates or even Classic Space. He also participates in Brethren of the Brick Seas and is great at building anything related to Pirates in general, as observed in his Flickr stream.

If you enjoy his builds and would like to support his work, be sure to rummage through his Rebrickable profile, where hopefully one day there be more building instructions available!

What Do Yer Think?

The Return of Classic Pirates contest attracted many great builds, yet only three could be selected as winners. Saber Island 2023 was definitely a fantastic entry and worthy of second place, but were there other builds that have been overlooked?

The remake in all its grandeur!

Did TomSkippy hit the nail on the head with Saber Island 2023? Or be there more he could have done to make it even better?

Head over to LEGO Pirates Forum and tell us what yer think!

UPDATE 6 JUNE, 2024

910038 Ominous Isle is available for pre-order until 30 June, 2024 at 1PM Pacific time.

During August 2023, the Classic Pirates broke word that BrickLink Designer Program: Series 2 submission, Ominous Isle had passed review and would be available for Crowdfunding during June 2024.

Well, June 2024 is almost here and the official details have been announced by BrickLink on 1 May, 2024…

Welcome to your latest LEGO Pirates cove

The set will be able for pre-order on 6th June at 8am PT and cost US $239.99 /AU $339.99.

Crowdfunding will end 30th June with production commencing in November 2024. Sets will be shipped approximately six months after pre-ordering.

Remember, for the set to make it to production, BrickLink requires at least 3,000 pre-orders, and there is a maximum of 30,000 units.

Specifications

From the official Ominous Isle BrickLink webpage.

Minifigures: 5 | Parts: 2,809

Model Dimensions:

Length: 39.3 cm / 15.5 in
Width: 60.6 cm / 23.9 in
Height: 30.6 cm / 12.0 in

Bit of a tight squeeze there

The modular design allows for a multitude of layouts and display options

Despite its frighten facade, Ominous Isle is quite comfortable on the inside

What’s Next?

From the official Ominous Isle BrickLink webpage.

Crowdfunding

BrickLink members may pre-order their favorite sets, with a limit of 2 of each set per household. All sets that receive over 3,000 pre-orders will be produced. Up to 30,000 of each set will be manufactured during a limited, one-time production run.

LEGO® Building Instructions

BDP Designer Program sets will feature digital building instructions and printable PDFs.

Jazlecraz writes:

My name is Jared Le Cras, a.k.a. ‘jazlecraz’ for anything LEGO related, and I have been a huge LEGO pirates fan for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was captivated by the sprawling pirate layouts seen in my LEGO product catalogues from the early 90s. Amazingly, these catalogues survived my lengthy ‘dark ages’ period and were a key inspiration in the creation of Ominous Isle.

Learn more about Jazlecraz on the Ominous Isle BrickLink webpage.

Can’t see the embedded video above?  Watch it on YouTube.

What Do Yer Think?

Is Ominous Isle all that you hoped for? Or would you prefer a completely different pirate-themed submission?

Will you be pre-ordering one in June?  What about pre-ordering two of them?

910038 Ominous Isle is available for pre-order until 30 June, 2024 at 1PM Pacific time.

Spot the differences between this and the version that was submitted…

It be time to convene in the LEGO Pirates Forum and the Classic Pirates Facebook Group to share our thoughts on the upcoming Crowdfunding phase for Ominous Isle.

We’ve passed 15,000 members so the Classic Pirates would like to extend a humongous thank ye to all the LEGO Pirate fans who have engaged and/or contributed content to our Facebook Group.

You’ve shared magnificent MOCs… fantastic photos and imaginative ideas!  So keep them coming!

But there is more work to be done…

HURRAH! The gunpowder magazine has ignited!

Just think of how many AFOLs went into their Dark Age and have never awakened…  We must rescue them from their slumber!

We also must pass the love of LEGO Pirates to our children… grandchildren… nieces… nephews…  that annoying kid next door whose always losing their ball in your yard….

Whenever possible, share posts from the Facebook Group and Classic-Pirates.com blog to those who may be interested.  Tag them in posts and comments.

So let’s ensure the love for LEGO Pirates remains stronger than ever and plot a course to 20,000 members!

What Do Yer Think?

Are you a member of Classic Pirates Facebook Group?  Or are ye an old school sailor who prefers the LEGO Pirate Forum?  Or is there another form communication yer prefer?

Of course the Classic Pirates won’t be satisfied until there is 150,000 members

Get onboard with the Classic Pirates and plot a course to both Facebook and Forum, today!  Oh, did we mention we have Instagram too?

The Classic Pirates blog has covered MOCs built by passionate LEGO Pirates fans since the dawn of this website, but in the modern era we must shine a light on content creators with whopping, great big LEGO Pirate collections.

So today we present Stacey, founder of For Bricks And Giggles…

If you can’t view embedded videos here be a button to watch it on YouTube:

And if yer interested in more video content of this nature, subscribe to the For Bricks and Giggles YouTube Channel.

Who is For Bricks And Giggles?

Stacey is an aspiring content creator and AFOL entrepreneur based in the United States who produces video content spanning a range of LEGO themes, but with a particular fondness towards Classic Space, Castle and Pirates.

What does Stacey rank 6270 Forbidden Island?  Yer should already know by now!

She delivers frequent updates to her growing audience via Instagram and TikTok, while her YouTube channel offers longer videos of speed-builds and vlogs, like the video featured in this blog post.

Navigating the treacherous seas as content creator is no easy feat so Stacy has established some innovative ventures to keep bricks on the table.

The experiment to grow LEGO Pirates in Petri dishes has been a success!
Buy one today!

In her BrickLink store you’ll discover a variety of minifigures and vintage parts, while her Etsy store offers a range of custom-made trinkets and ornaments.

Her merch store allows you to procure yer very own For Bricks and Giggles fashion – hoodies and T shirts are available in variety of comfortable sizes.

For all Stacey’s links in one convenient place, climb the For Bricks and Giggles Linktree like Spinoza discovering bananas.

Stacy writes:

From the For Bricks and Giggles YouTube Channel…

Hello builders! My name is Stacey and I’ve been a LEGO® enthusiast for over 25 years! This [YouTube] channel is devoted to all things LEGO® including speed builds of my personal collection and occasional vlogs! I have had a BrickLink store for 5 years that specializes in minifigures and vintage parts. I also have an Etsy store for my custom ornaments made from LEGO® bricks with themes like classic space, castle, pirates and much much more! Consider purchasing a “For Bricks and Giggles” shirt in my merch store if you are a fan. Thanks for stopping by, hope you subscribe and enjoy my content!

So support For Bricks and Giggles today!

What Do Yer Think?

Do yer agree with Stacey’s selection?  Or would you rank these sets differently? Remember, this ranking is based on sets from Stacey’s collection, not the entirety of the LEGO Pirates theme. But let the Classic Pirates know if you have yer own LEGO Pirate set ranking video.

Stacey has a Steve minifigure – do you?

Now, get yer giggle on! Leave a like and share yer thoughts in the comments of the Top 10 LEGO® Pirates Sets (In My Collection) video on YouTube… and maybe even fire off an Instagram follow.

And as always, don’t miss the enthralling discussions in the LEGO Pirates Forum and Classic Pirates Facebook Group.

UPDATE 11 May, 2024

Voting has closed and the Poll Results are available.

Please note; votes submitted after 9 May have not been included in the results, so if yer vote now, it won’t make any difference.

We’re planning our next BIG LEGO Pirate Contest with glorious prizes!

So we’d like to know what kind of theme would inspire you to enter?

Aye, obviously “Pirates” be the LEGO theme but what kind of inspiration would yer like behind yer builds?

The Return of Classic Pirates contest focused upon remaking classic-style LEGO Pirate sets and dreaming up new ones, so now we’re looking for a new direction for the next contest.

What should that direction be?

Please note this survey is for market research purposes and does not strictly determine the direction of the next contest.

The Poll Choices

We’ve been flinging a few ideas around like a couple of monkeys from the Super Monkey Poop Fight video game so here’s what’s stuck…

Monkey Island Madness

Do you fight like a dairy farmer?

Turn your favourite point and click adventure into a place the brick adventure!

Which Monkey Island game be yer favourite? Got a favourite character such as Guybrush Threepwood or LeChuck? Or someone more obscure like Morgan LeFlay?

Show everyone what a mighty pirate you are by building a MOC inspired by The Secret of Monkey Island video games.

Distant Waters

Want to sail beyond the waters of the usual Caribbean setting?

What did Ching Shih, Stepan Rasin and Rahmah ibn Jabir al-Jalhami all have in common?

From the Barbary Corsairs to the pirates of the South China Sea, build a MOC inspired by seafaring scoundrels from far reaches of the world.

But this ain’t Ninjago, so set your creation prior to the 19th century.

Pirates of Pop Culture

Got a favourite fictional pirate?

How many of these can you name?

Pirates have long captured the hearts and minds of the populace since Robert Louis Stevenson’s genre defining novel, Treasure Island was first published in 1883. These marauding rogues have since wormed their way into every form of entertainment imaginable!

Build a MOC inspired by pirates from your favourite film, video game, cartoon series, literary work or other media source.

The Infamous Steve

For many a year this minifigure was simply known as “The Merchant” who came sailing into the Imperial Trading Post onboard “The Cutter” and then later, mysteriously appears among Captain Redbeard’s crew on the Skulls Eye Schooner without explanation.

While The LEGO Group has recently acknowledged the name “Steve”, they never officially named the minifig in catalogues, box stories or tie-in media so we know nothing of his backstory – let’s change that!

Where did he come from? Where did he go? His name is Steve, NOT Cotton Eye Joe!

Where does Steve come from?  Are there more merchants who use the same insignia on their flags and sails? Do these merchant also have ships?  Larger ships than Steve?

How Steve did find himself onboard the Skulls Eye Schooner? And why has his cutter been commandeered by Soldiers at the newly renovated Eldoardo Fortress?

Build a MOC expanding upon Steve’s backstory… present… and future…

Including the Steve minifigure will NOT be mandatory, nor will including the cutter ship.  Steve can depicted at any age, wearing any clothes… on any ship or location… maybe when older he has a grey beard… or no beard at all… You decide!

I’ve Got a Better Idea!

Ok then, tell us!  If others like it, we may add it to the poll.

This could be YOU!

But your suggestion must be relevant to LEGO Pirates and set in the Age of Discovery or Golden Age of Piracy (15th to 18th centuries).

So no suggestions involving:

• Other LEGO themes, for example; Castle, Adventurers, Ninjago, Vikings, etc.
• Cross-overs with modernity or futuristic elements, for example; 20th/21st century pirates, Steampunk, Sky Pirates, Space pirates, etc.
• Entries focused solely on non-SYSTEM LEGO lines, for example; Duplo, Fabuland, Friends, Technic, etc. although borrowing specific elements may be acceptable.

How To Vote

• Cast your vote in the poll topic in the LEGO Pirates Forum
• Cast your vote in the poll in the Classic Pirates Facebook Group
• Cast your vote in the poll below:

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Which theme would inspire you to WIN the next BIG LEGO Pirates Contest?

Click here for detailed descriptions of each poll option.

Distant Waters

Monkey Island Madness

Pirates of Pop Culture

The Infamous Steve

Can I Vote in all Three Polls?

Aye go for it! Tell all yer friends to vote too!  In all three!

Just remember this survey is for market research purposes and does not strictly determine what our next contest will be.

But if an idea proves to be popular, the Classic Pirates would be fools not to pursue it!

Photography Credit

The Classic Pirates would like to send vast amounts of thanks and gratitude to Pirates016 for allowing us to use such beautiful photography.

TIP: A real sunset does wonders for the presentation

To be amazed by more visions of LEGO Pirate beauty, follow Pirates016 on Instagram and enjoy the regular eye-watering updates.

What Do Yer Think?

Do any of these choices inspire you to build?  Do you have a better content idea? What prizes would motivate you to win?

We’ve handed you the ballot paper so now it’s up to you!

Tell Classic Pirates which theme we should use for our next contest… how can we make it PHENOMENAL?

Cast your vote:

• In the poll topic in the LEGO Pirates Forum
• In the poll in the Classic Pirates Facebook Group
• In the poll above

And after you’ve voted, share your thoughts on the next LEGO Pirates contest in the LEGO Pirates Forum or Classic Pirates Facebook Group.