UPDATE 24 September, 2023

The WINNERS have been announced…

Entries have closed for the Return of the Classic Pirates Contest so here’s YOUR chance to VOTE for the WINNERS!

Voting will take place between August 28 and September 16.

You will have the opportunity to allocate 3-5 votes to entries in both the Main Building Category and Mini Set Building Category for a total of 6 to 10 votes.

All votes have equal weight and you may only a assign a one vote per entry.

Please read and understand the Voting Rules for a complete overview of the Voting Terms and Conditions.

Where Do I See the Entries?

Dozens of fantastic entries have been submitted in the LEGO Pirates MOC Forum!

But to make your life easier we have compiled an index:

• Main Building Category Entries
• Mini Set Building Category Entries

Contest Timeline

Here is the updated Contest Timeline – please note some dates may have been altered slightly.

Update yer calendar!

The Prizes

This is why we’re voting!  To determine who will  WIN a 10320 Eldorado Fortress (or prize pool equivalent) and other great prizes!

Be sure to read the Prize Announcement for a complete overview of the prizes.

Main Building Category

First, Second and third place prizes are offered in this category!

We must determine the first, second and third place winners

• First place winner will receive 10320 Eldorado Fortress (or prize pool of equivalent value)
• Second place winner will receive a set of their choice to the value of 70€
• Third place winner will receive a set of their choice  to the value of 35€

Sets chosen for prizes must be available on the winner’s regional LEGO.com.

MINI SET Building Category

The first place winner will receive a set of their choice to the value of 35€.

Only one prize is on offer but the winner may choose from the sets available on their regional LEGO.com

The set chosen for the prize must be available on the winner’s regional LEGO.com.

What Do Yer Think?

Who will you be voting for? Which entries are worthy of a prize?  Which entries could you see being officially released as LEGO Pirate sets?

VOTE NOW and help decide the winners!

UPDATE 1 MAY, 2024

The price and official mages for Ominous Isle have been announced so please read the Ominous Isle Price Announce for the latest information.

Back in June crowd support began for the BrickLink Designer Program’s second 2023 Series with nine pirate-themed submissions eligible for voting.

Throughout July and August the Bricklink Designer Team counted the votes and reviewed the submissions for their suitability to be produced as something you, the LEGO Pirate fan can buy.

Well, the votes have been counted and the review is over!  On August 23 it was announced “Ominous Isle” by Jazlecraz has been selected to commence crowdfunding in June 2024.

The Official Announcement

The designs have been announced… and now they need to be refined

The official Bricklink Designer Program website states:

5 Designs Announced

We’ll reveal the five Series 2 designs. Then we’ll collaborate with fan designers to prepare them for production.

Stay tuned because from September 2023 to May 2024 the builder will be working with The LEGO Group’s internal design teams to ensure the creation is suitable for production.  Then during June 2024 YOU will have the opportunity to order one!  And you may even get one providing 2,999 other LEGO Pirate fans feel the set is worthy of purchase.

Details About Ominous Isle

Based on the skull harbour concept with some generous enhancements, the design consists of 2,773 parts and 43 colours.

Jazlecraz writes:

Like Barracuda Bay and the new Eldorado Fortress, Ominous Isle also has a modular design

You can mix and match the modules

Then figure out which module you put where

The Backstory

No information has been provided regarding the building process but the Ominous Isle submission webpage offers a fictional backstory:

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!

Captain Mutton Chops, ay?  Do you think that name will be used in the version of the design goes into production?  Ray the Castaway anyone?

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We’ve been hoping for a seagull in a LEGO Pirate set for years now

Crammed with details and accessories – how many of those do you think will be culled in the production version?

Captain Mutton Chops and his crew… who eat chicken, not mutton

All good LEGO sets have play features – on this isle you can raise the portcullis

And great LEGO sets have secrets…
10320 Eldorado Fortress has a letter, Ominous Isle has a sea dragon, or something…

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About the Builder…

Jazlecraz might be the first AFOL in history to submit a creation to the Bricklink Designer Program and have  it produced as an official set.  Might be!  We’re not there yet so he still needs your support…  especially during June 2024 when 3,000 cashed up crowfunders are required.

In the meantime, you should keep up with his creations on Instagram and Flickr, or grab some popcorn and kick back on his YouTube channel for video overviews of his creations.  Like to support on LEGO Ideas?  He’s dabbled in that as well. And if dinosaurs (of the intact fossil variety) appeal to your better nature, building instructions for some of your prehistoric favourites are available on ReBrickable.

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What Do Yer Think?

Is Ominous Isle a suitable choice to release as a set, or be there another Series 2 submission you would have preferred?

Can you see this as part of your LEGO Pirates collection? 
Well not exactly this, but a “Model Governanced” version?

And when it’s available for crowdfunding, will you pledge your hard earned gold to acquire one?

To the LEGO Pirates Forum or Facebook Post with yer!  Tell the Classic Pirates all yer ominous thoughts!

ENTRIES CLOSED!

When the countdown reaches 00:00:00:00

• New entries will no longer be accepted in the Main Building Category
• New entries will no longer be accepted in the Mini Set Building Category
• New Creative Critic registrations will not be accepted so register now if you’re participating but have not yet registered.
• Those who have registered for Creative Critic but have not provided feedback to entries will automatically be disqualified.

This is your LAST chance to enter!

Builders may submit their entries and those wishing to register for the Creative Critic have until 23:59 August 26… but guess which time zone?

Here’s a nice visualization of the timeline for ye

Main Building Category

Design a classic-style LEGO Pirates sets or update a classic set for your chance to WIN the NEW 10320 Elorado Fortress.

First read and understand the Overview, FAQ and Terms & Conditions for the Main Building Category.

You have until 23:59:59 on 26 August, 2023 -08:00 UTC to submit your entries in the LEGO Pirates MOC Forum.

CHECK OUT the Entries Index for some AWESOME set concepts!

Mini Set Building Category

Design a classic-style LEGO Pirates sets or update a classic set with no more than 50 pieces for your chance to WIN a set of your choice to the value of 35€.

First read and understand the Overview, FAQ and Terms & Conditions for the Mini Set Building Category.

You have until 23:59:59 on 26 August, 2023 -08:00 UTC to submit your entries in the LEGO Pirates MOC Forum.

Browse the Entries Index for some FANTASTIC Mini Set ideas!

Creative Critic

Leave feedback on contest entries and announcement topics for your chance to win the NEW 10320 Elorado Fortress.

First read and understand the Overview, FAQ and Terms & Conditions for the Creative Critic.

You have from now until 26 August, 2023 to provide constructive feedback and encourage thoughtful discussion in building entry topics.

Then between August 28 and September 16 Creative Critics will have the opportunity to vote for their three preferred entries and leave their closing thoughts.

Closing thoughts will also be used to determined the Creative Critic Winner.

Feedback provided Creative Critics in Contest Management topics (like this one) will also be taken into consideration.

Building participants will prefix their topic titles with [ENTRY] in the LEGO Pirates MOC Forum for easy identification.

The Prizes

Both the Main Building Category and Creative Critic provide the opportunity to WIN a 10320 Eldorado Fortress (or prize pool equivalent).

Which one would you like – left or right?

Complete Prize Overview

Be sure to read the Prize Announcement for the full details.

Main Building Category

Second and third place prizes will now be offered for this category!

The Main Building Category now gives you the opportunity to win first, second and third place prizes!

• First place winner will receive 10320 Eldorado Fortress (or prize pool of equivalent value)
• Second place winner will receive a set of their choice to the value of 70€
• Third place winner will receive a set of their choice  to the value of 35€

Sets chosen for prizes must be available on your regional LEGO.com.

MINI SET Building Category

The entry with the most votes will win a set chosen by the builder to the value of 35€.

Choose any set  to that value of 35€  that is available on your region LEGO.com

The Mini Set Building Category only offers a first place prize. Set chosen for prize must be available on your regional LEGO.com.

Creative Critic

The winner will receive 10320 Eldorado Fortress (or prize pool of equivalent value)

Winner of the Creative Critic will receive one of these fortress things

Eldorado Fortress or set(s) chosen for prize must be available on your regional LEGO.com.

How Do I Stay Updated?

If you’d like to stay updated on the Return of the Classic Pirates Contest, we offer various means of getting the information to yer:

• Join the Classic Pirates Facebook Group
• Follow the Classic Pirates Facebook Page
• Follow the Classic Pirates Instagram
• Join the Classic Pirates Flickr Group
• Follow the Classic Pirates Pintrest Profile
• Subscribe to the Classic Pirates Mailing List
• Subscribe to the Classic Pirates RSS Feed

So keep updated with who will win a prize!

What Do Yer Think?

Which entries do you think deserve a prize?

Have yer entered in the Main Building Category, Mini Set Building Category or Creative Critic… or all three? Nay?  Well HURRY!  Less than ONE WEEK to enter!

Or maybe yer just a spectator? Not a problem! Sail to the LEGO Pirates Forum to view the latest entries!

Vote for the WINNERS!

Entries have closed

Which entries are worthy of a prize?  Which builders have submitted creations that you could see as being official LEGO sets?

More Prizes!

Prizes will now be awarded for second and third place in the Main Building Category!

In addition to the first place prize, 10320 Eldorado Fortress, entrants now have the opportunity to WIN a set to value of 70€ for second place and 35€ for third place.

Those who have already entered the Main Building Category are already eligible to WIN the new prizes.

So all you need to do is continue replying in your entry topics and sharing your builds on social media.

But if you haven’t submitted your entries…

ENTRIES CLOSED

• New entries will no longer be accepted in the Main Building Category
• New entries will no longer be accepted in the Mini Set Building Category
• New Creative Critic registrations will not be accepted so register now if you’re participating but have not yet registered.
• Those who have registered for Creative Critic but have not provided feedback to entries will automatically be disqualified.

VOTE for the WINNERS!

Prizes by Category

Main Building Category

Second and third place prizes will now be offered for this category!

You get to choose your prize so here are some suggestions…

• First place winner will receive 10320 Eldorado Fortress (or prize pool of equivalent value)
• Second place winner will receive a set of their choice to the value of 70€
• Third place winner will receive a set of their choice  to the value of 35€

Sets chosen for prizes must be available on your regional LEGO.com.

Mini Set Building Category

The entry with the most votes will win a set chosen by the builder to the value of 35€.

Some prize possibilities… but jump on LEGO.com and see what else tickles yer fancy

The Mini Set Building Category only offers a first place prize. Set chosen for prize must be available on your regional LEGO.com.

Creative Critic

The winner will receive 10320 Eldorado Fortress (or prize pool of equivalent value)

Winner of the Creative Critic will receive one of these fortress things

Eldorado Fortress or set(s) chosen for prize must be available on your regional LEGO.com.

How Will the Winners be Determined?

You will have the opportunity to allocate three votes to entries in both the Main Building Category and Mini Set Building Category.

All votes have equal weight and you may only a assign a one vote per entry.

This infographic should give you an idea how it works

After voting closes we’ll count the votes and the entry in each Building Category with the most votes will win first place prize!

In the Main Building Category, the entry with the second most votes will win second place prize, and the entry with the third most votes will win third place prize.

The Voting Rules are being finalised so now is the time to review and provide feedback.

Don’t Miss an Update!

The end of the Return of the Classic Pirates Contest approaches so stay updated:

• Follow the Classic Pirates Instagram
• Join the Classic Pirates Facebook Group
• Follow the Classic Pirates Facebook Page
• Join the Classic Pirates Flickr Group
• Follow the Classic Pirates Pintrest Profile
• Subscribe to the Classic Pirates Mailing List
• Subscribe to the Classic Pirates RSS Feed

Never miss an update again!

What Do Yer Think?

Which entries will you vote for?

Did Have yer entered the Main Building Category, Mini Set Building Category or Creative Critic… or all three? No?  Well HURRY!  Less than ONE WEEK REMAINS to enter!

Just interested in following along?  Navigate to the LEGO Pirates Forum to view the latest entries and find out who will win!

The Return of the Classic Pirates Contest continues and we’re excited to announce a NEW building category with the opportunity to WIN a set of your choice to the value of 35€.

The objective is to design a Mini LEGO Pirate set containing less than 50 pieces that would have traditionally retailed for less then $6/5€/£4.

Like the Main Building Category you may choose between conceiving a brand new set concept or modernising an existing classic LEGO Pirates set.

But REMEMBER: these smaller sets typically contained around 30 pieces and there is no requirement to max out the 50 piece limit.  So if you can invent an entirely new set with around 30 pieces, then more power to ye!

SUGGESTION: a small set or boat set was never released for the Imperial Armada – so here’s an opportunity to rectify that.

ENTRIES CLOSED

• New entries will no longer be accepted in the Main Building Category
• New entries will no longer be accepted in the Mini Set Building Category
• New Creative Critic registrations will not be accepted so register now if you’re participating but have not yet registered.
• Those who have registered for Creative Critic but have not provided feedback to entries will automatically be disqualified.

VOTE for the WINNERS!

What is a Mini Set?

During the Classic Era from 1989-1997 and again in 2009,  The LEGO Group released small sets containing around 30 pieces.

What they lacked in size, they made up in charm and ingenuity.

How many of these sets do you recognise?

During the 2000s they were named Impulse sets due to their low price: affordable enough for children to buy them with their own money… and inexpensive enough that parents wouldn’t mind spontaneously parting with a few bucks on a trip to the store.

But their purpose was far greater: introduce children to a LEGO theme and pique their interest so they’d be eager to acquire the larger sets.

Now it’s your turn to honour that tradition by updating a classic set or inventing an entirely new mini set concept…

Creative Critic

Not a builder? Mini Set Build entries are also eligible for Creative Critic feedback giving you the chance to win the NEW 10320 Elorado Fortress.

Aye, just from leaving constructive feedback in the entry topics and announcement topics!

First read and understand the Overview, FAQ and Terms & Conditions for the Creative Critic – if you have any questions, post them in that topic.

You have until 26 August, 2023 to provide your critiques and encourage thoughtful discussion.

Building participants prefix their topic titles with [ENTRY] in the LEGO Pirates MOC Forum for easy identification.

The Prizes

The Mini Set Building Category provides you the opportunity to WIN set of your choice to the value of 35€.

Which set would you like? Here are some suggestions…

The set must be available on your regional LEGO.com but there are plenty of sets to choose from.

How Do I Stay Updated?

If you’d like to stay updated on the Return of the Classic Pirates Contest, we offer various means of getting the information to yer:

• Follow the Classic Pirates Facebook Page
• Join the Classic Pirates Facebook Group
• Follow the Classic Pirates Instagram
• Subscribe to the Classic Pirates Mailing List
• Subscribe to the Classic Pirates RSS Feed

Never miss an update again!

What Do Yer Think?

Did yer enter  Will you be entering the Mini Set Building Category, Main Building Category or Creative Critic… or all three?

Who do you think will WIN?

Dive into the LEGO Pirates Forum to get amongst the action – it’s far from over!