Well, “everywhere” is hyperbolic, but in the absence of blue coat Soldier parts from recent BrickLink Designer palettes, there’s been a surge in imperial minfigures that innovate using non-imperial parts.

But that harks the question:
Where is this practice steering our beloved LEGO Pirate theme in the future?

Are these new imperial minifigs merely sailing in for a fleeting cameo? Or are we witnessing the first ripples of something larger, a shift that could reshape the entire LEGO Pirate mythos?

So… what are these NEW LEGO Pirate factions?

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Thieves of Tortuga

A most welcome revision to BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 finalist, The Thieves of Tortuga was the inclusion of brand new imperial faction, complete with unique flag.

It’s assuring that the Model Governance Team has demonstrated a willingness to innovate beyond the builder’s original design and incorporate new elements.

After all, an opposing faction introduces playability (or is that displayability in the case of AFOLs?) and throws the hatch wide open for expanding  LEGO Pirate lore.

910053 The Thieves of Tortuga: Price and Pre-Order Date Announced

Tension could potentially arise when formally attired visitors arrive at a pirate haven… or is there more at play?  Could these imperials be in league with the pirates?  Could they in conflict with other imperial factions?

Speculation aside, virtually nothing is known of these green coat minifigs. Not an ounce of detail was officially revealed by the BrickLink Designer Program leaving their identity and history to the imaginations of fans.

Fans ponder such questions, like:

• Who be these imperials? If that is indeed what they are…
• What business do they have visiting a renown pirate haven?
• What be their port of origin?
• And will we ever see their hides again in future sets?

Could We See Them Again?

Their flag is executed by means of a sticker so perhaps that design can be easily repurposed for future use.  But the torsos originate from 10297 Boutique Hotel and once that set is retired, what shall become of its minifigure torso design?

The parts to assemble this yet-to-be named faction are currently available on Pick A Brick and yer shall find various sellers on the secondary market offering ready-made minifigs to accelerate yer reciting.

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The Unpredictable Privateers

LEGO Pirates returned to BrickLink Designer Program Crowdfunding once more with Series 7 finalist, Privateer Frigate Fortuna.

BEWARE! The Unpredictable Privateers are Coming!

The formidable vessel introduced the Unpredictable Privateers, a faction carefully considered by its designer, Brick Perfection.

Not only did Brick Perfection name the faction, he created identities for its core characters, Captain Blackwell and Lieutenant Hazard, along with a narrative to explain how the Unpredictable Privateers unscrupulously aligned themselves with the existing, official LEGO Pirate factions, particularity the Imperial Guards.

Future Unpredictable Privateer Sets?

Beyond Fortuna, from where the Unpredictable Privateers hail remains a mystery.  Surely they possess a stronghold akin to Eldorado Fortress or a port as grand as the Imperial Trading Post?

And what of smaller outposts and vessels?  To properly flesh out a LEGO sub-theme there must be a range of sets covering various price points. 

Fortuna fulfills the role of the flagship set, but that hardly seems sufficient to cement the Unpredictable Privateers’ legacy within the Pirate theme.  So where next?

Unpredictable Privateer Minifigures

Fortuna employed the Pirate-themed torso designs introduced in 21358 Vending Machine, with the officers donning the uniform worn by Camilla, and the sailors sporting similar attire to Bo’Sun Will.

NEW LEGO Pirates in 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine

This approach offers a clever means of extending the torso design’s use beyond just one set, but what becomes of the uniform after the 21358 Vending Machine retires?

Shall that be it?  Will the torsos fade into obscurity along with the set?  Or may they surface again? Like a Gift With Purchase in the manner 40597 Scary Pirate Island reused the pirate torso from Creator 3-in 1 Pirate Ship?

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Return of the Imperial Armada?

In the Coconut Cape Finalist announcement, the Classic Pirates suggested the minifigures were inspired by the Imperial Armada.

“Coconut Cape” by BallisticBricks

As Coconut Cape is still undergoing refinement for its June 2026 Crowdfunding, the finalised minifigures have yet to be announced, so perhaps they’ll be steered in a completely different, non-armada direction.

Nonetheless, lets remain optimistic we’ll receive a continuation of that sub-theme in some form. In the interest of adhering to the Imperial Armada’s legacy, the morion piece could be whisked from retirement.

Wishful thinking!  Each BrickLink Designer series has a strictly predefined palette. Therefore, in the interest of efficiency, the BrickLink Designer Team’s intent is not to deviate beyond that collection of parts. 

But just imagine… in the interest of providing greater authenticity to Classic Theme minfigures, what if the Model Governance Team could occasionally retrieve retired parts from the archive?

Given the Imperial Armada has an established identity, could this sub-theme successfully return without the minifigure’s iconic helmets?

After all, these domes were a defining feature that well and truly differentiated the armada conquistadors from their tricorn and shako wearing predecessors.

Furthermore, if the BrickLink Designer Program strives to raise the bar and convince buyers that BrickLink sets are little more than just fan designs that offer an assortment of incumbent parts, perhaps boldly venturing beyond the advertised palette during the Refinement phase may assist in this endeavor.

After more than a decade hiatus, the morion piece reappeared atop the conquistador from Collectible Minifigure Series 12 during 2012. The Imperial Armada’s unique vac metal curiass however, hasn’t seen the light of day since the Armada Flagship’s re-release during 2001.

Whence these pieces will resurface is anybody’s guess, but if there were ever a time,  Coconut Cape’s impending production run would be it.

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What Do Yer Think?

Are yer happy to see new LEGO Pirate factions, even if they’re only comprised a flag and a couple of minifigures using existing parts?

Or would yer prefer more consideration in their execution?  So rather than a one-off appearance, how could new factions be introduced in a meaningful way that could be built upon in future set releases?

Tell us yer strategy for helping these new factions reach their full potential in the Classic Pirates Facebook Group.

Many congrat-ye-lations to IYan Ha! 

His LEGO Ideas submission, The Old Man and the Sea achieved 10K Supporters during October 2025 but was relegated to the Parking Lot for future consideration. Well, the future is finally here…

During the LEGO® Ideas Review Results 2025-2 presentation it was revealed The Old Man and the Sea has been officially selected for production…

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Official Announcements

First from the “LEGO Updates” tab on the LEGO Ideas project webpage dated 31 October, 2025.

Congratulations again to Iyan ha for reaching 10,000 supporters on LEGO Ideas, and toward everyone for all your support for the The Old Man and the Sea project.

As of today, we’re still looking into the possibility of releasing a set based on this project and have decided to place it in the Parking Lot. We will keep it in review (for a maximum of three review periods in total) until we have made a final decision. Once we have a decision, we’ll share it with you here and on the LEGO Ideas blog

Unrivalled Innovation and Remarkable Creativity

And next from the Review Results 2025-2 on the LEGO Ideas blog published 27 April, 2026.

After undergoing careful consideration, not one, not two but three Product Ideas successfully cleared the Review round and moved into product development, alongside one that came in from the Parking Lot. 

Tune in below and let Jim Clayton, Model Designer, and Andrea Santos Encarnacion, Marketing Manager, take you through the four successful Product Ideas that are on the road to becoming official LEGO Ideas sets.

Qualifying Builds Presentation

And finally, yer must watch the video in the blog post because the LEGO Ideas crew ain’t committed the qualifying builds to words at this time. 

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Builder’s Announcement

iyan.ha.58 shared a post via Instagram if yer want to give it some love.

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More Photos & Treasure

Classic Pirates covered The Old Man and the Sea in November 2025.

LEGO Ideas “The Old Man and the Sea” by IYan Ha

So if yer want the background details on the builder and Hemingway’s literature which inspired him, then be sure to give that a read.

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What Do Yer Think?

Have yer any interest in The Old Man and the Sea?

Would yer build it straight out of the instruction manual?  Or would yer add a few pirate adornments to align it with the rest of yer LEGO Pirates collection? 

Now, step into the Classic Pirates Facebook Group and tell LEGO Pirate fans what you’d make of the set…

Time to take another survey so yer can inform The LEGO Group yer want LEGO Pirates and Classic Themes to return on a permanent basis… FOREVER and EVER!

The survey be open until 30 April, 2026 and will take around 10 minutes.

Think of the LEGO® Fan Compass as a message in a bottle straight to Billund: a short, anonymous survey where fans can speak freely about the hobby’s past, present, and the course they want LEGO to set next.

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Official Announcement

Taken from the official survey form.

At the LEGO Group, the best part of what we do is the community that builds alongside us.

We’re exploring new ways to really listen to you, and your feedback is a vital piece of the puzzle.  We want to hear about your individual LEGO journey; what inspires you, what you enjoy, and where you think the hobby could grow.

While we’d love for you to share this survey with your friends and fellow fans, please make sure your own answers reflect your personal views and habits. We’re here to listen to you.

Did yer catch that last part! 

Don’t allow the Classic Pirates influence yer thoughts, speak from yer salty heart!

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Insights From Rio Bricks

Shared via the Rio Bricks YouTube Channel.

In case yer don’t have time to watch the video, here be the golden nuggets.

Rio Bricks suggests:

• Give feedback on what’s included in sets.
• Encourage LEGO to make more unlicensed theme sets […] and not just $100 plus display sets, but smaller play sets and Battle Packs that are actually accessible to the average collector.
• We need sets that actually encourage creativity […] otherwise there won’t be a fan base for Classic Theme sets in 20 years

But ensure these sentiments align with yer own personal views!

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What Do Yer Think?

What is the number one suggestion you shared with  The LEGO Group?

Are are yer worried yer words will fall upon blind eyes?  Or do yer believe this be a valuable opportunity to send feedback?

The April 30 deadline is LOOMING!

Take the survey and sail onward to the Classic Pirates Facebook Group to discuss the pertinent issues which you believe The LEGO Group should address.

Open Submission for Series 11 began 20 April and ends 4 May, 2026 at 12PM PST.

Complete yer design and submit it as early as possible, to give yer plenty of time to correct any issues that may prevent it from being accepted.

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Overview

BrickLink Designer Program Series 11

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Webinar

The official Series 11 Q&A webinar.

BrickLink Designer Program Series 11 Q&A Webinar

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What Do Yer Think?

Shall ye cast a cutlass‑worthy creation into Series 11, radiating with old‑school LEGO Pirate brilliance?

Open Submission for Series 11 is between 20 April and 4 May, 2026 — a mere ten days to submit yer design to the almighty BrickLink deities!

Now, follow the path of the setting set that leads to the LEGO Pirates Forum and the mysterious Classic Pirates Facebook Group…

Discuss in LEGO Pirates Forum!

Update 2 May, 2026

The official LEGO.com webpage for 31387 Iconic Pirate Ship has gone live!

Pre-orders have commenced and it will ship 1 June, 2026.

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Photos of the upcoming rumoured Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Ship have surfaced online!

At present we’re unclear whether the set has been officially revealed… or leaked, accidentally on purpose… 

LEGO.com be missing a 31387 Iconic Pirate Ship webpage at the time of writing, but these days it ain’t uncommon for the official website to be lacking upcoming sets, even after they’ve been officially announced.

 

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The Three Builds

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Specifications

The official information is now available.

Until the official webpage on LEGO.com goes live, consider the following information tentative.

• Set Name: Iconic Pirate Ship
• Set Number: 31387
• Release: June 2026
• Pieces: 1,074 pieces
• Minifigures: 4 plus 1 skeleton
• Estimated Price:
  €99.99 / £89.99 / $99.99 USD /  $129.99 CAD  / $149.90 SGD / $159.99 AUD
• Release Date: Possibly 1 June, 2026
• Estimated Shelf Life:
  Expected to remain in the LEGO catalogue until late 2027

 Builds

• • Main: Pirate ship
  • Alternate #1: Pirate hovel at the base of a fort
  • Alternate #2: Two small pirate sloops
  • Sea Creature: Octopus / kraken

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Rumours

Back in mid-January came the first rumour that another Creator 3-in-1 pirate ship was scheduled to make land at some point in the future.

Creator 31387 Legendary Pirate Ship [RUMOUR]

And then BOOM! 💥

Again, during late-February there was further chattering of the legendary ship.

LATEST Creator 31387 Legendary Pirate Ship [RUMOUR] – DEBUNKED

But it was quickly chalked up as fan excitement derived from the initial rumour, rather than freshly squeezed information from an unofficial source.

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Watch This Space…

More details to follow so bookmark this page and refresh regularly…

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What Do Yer Think?

Does 31387 Iconic Pirate Ship live up to yer expectations? 

Be the main ship different enough from the previous  Creator 3-in-1 pirate ship?  Or were yer hoping for a set that ventures into completely uncharted waters?

Let’s get the conversation flowing!  Share yer thoughts on 31387 Iconic Pirate Ship in the Classic Pirates Facebook Group.

910053 The Thieves of Tortuga be returnin’ for the BrickLink Designer Program Series 5 Excess Stock Sale on 20 April, 2026 — but the stash is scarce and likely to vanish in mere minutes!

17:00 CET  | 16:00 BST  |  5:00 PM CET 
€339.99 / £299.99 / US $339.99 / CA $429.99 / AU $529.99

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How To Buy

Yer will need a BrickLink account linked to yer LEGO.com account, so sort that out if yer haven’t already done so.

After yer logged into BrickLink, next yer need to be subscribed to BrickLink Marketing News in the My Contact Settings.

From the official BDP Sale Periods FAQ webpage:

How can I check if excess BrickLink Designer Program (BDP) sets are available?
In order to receive a link to order excess stock sets, you need to be subscribed to marketing emails from BrickLink. You will find a link in the email you received about the extra BDP sets. Click the link, choose any of the sets listed, and you’ll be taken to LEGO.com. To add additional sets to your cart, you will need to navigate back to the BrickLink website.

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910053 Thieves of Tortuga

The Thieves of Tortuga is the second Pirate-themed LEGO BrickLink Designer Program set which was submitted to Series 5 by Krackenator (Taylor Anderson).

910053 The Thieves of Tortuga: Price and Pre-Order Date Announced

It sold rather well during Crowdfunding which took place in June 2024, so yer be mighty fortunate to have this opportunity to acquire it, if yer missed out last time.

The Thieves of Tortuga has Sold EXCEPTIONALLY Well!

We know not how many sets remain in BrickLink’s hold, so don’t linger if yer still want to buy one – yer might miss out a second time!

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Other Series 5 Finalists

But it ain’t just The Thieves of Tortuga what’s available for sale… the other Series 5 Finalists also be up for grabs!

910049 Adventure in Transylvania
4,056 pieces | £299.99 / $349.99

910051 Mushroom Village
2,436 pieces | £189.99 / $209.99.

910050 Antique Shop
1,918 pieces | £129.99 / $149.99

910052 Popcorn Wagon
594 pieces | £49.99 / $54.99

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What’s an Excess Stock Sale?

Excess stock be the leftover plunder from the first production run — sets freed up after failed payments, cancelled orders, and what not. ’Tis not a fresh haul from the LEGO factory, but the scraps leftover after original backers fled on the rising tide when it was discovered their gold was rotten.

Pre-Orders for 910053 The Thieves of Tortuga [OFFICIAL]

So when BrickLink throws  the hatch open and the sale begins, it will become a wild scramble on deck…  new limits, fresh chances, and only a handful of sets for the quickest buccaneers. The supply may deplete in a heartbeat, and only the quickest cutlasses walk away with the prize.

In other words, first in, first served!

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What Do Yer Think?

Shall ye seize this opportunity and buy The Thieves of Tortuga, especially if yer missed out during the initial Crowdfunding?

Could this be an opportunity to procure a third set? Or be it “Nay, go away“, for those blasted BrickLink Designer sets lack the allure of proper retail releases?

Plot yer course as the clock be tickin’ down to the April 20 sale…

Now, tell us how many Thieves of Tortuga yer ended up buying in the LEGO Pirates Forum and Classic Pirates Facebook Group!

Discuss in LEGO Pirates Forum!

Now that The LEGO Group has officially unveiled the second wave of One Piece sets based upon the Netflix series, we’d like to ask you, the devoted LEGO Pirate fans whether the One Piece LEGO theme is relevant enough to continue reporting on?

Unlike other licenced themes, like Pirates of the Caribbean, One Piece can be far removed from the LEGO Pirate theme.  Some of the One Piece sets aren’t well aligned with our Classic Theme charter, while others ain’t remotely pirate at all!

And unlike the Spiderman cross-over sets, many of the One Piece set lack relevant pirate parts, so it’s almost like reporting on completely unrelated sets. 

But before we toss One Piece overboard, we want your say… 
How much One Piece should Classic Pirates cover in the future?

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Should Classic Pirates keep covering One Piece LEGO sets?

Let’s plunge deeper into the poll options…

Option 1: Yes, All of Them

Business as usual, we’ll keep charting the whole kit and kaboodle!  

Classic Pirates will keep bringing yer the latest One Piece news and rumours whether it’s strictly relevant to the LEGO Pirates theme or not. 

For example: Wave 2 sets 75642 Showdown with Captain Smoker and Dorry vs. Brogy – Giants of Little Garden have naught pirate influence whatsoever!

Therefore, what business does Classic Pirates have reporting upon them?

Option 2: Only the Relevant Sets

These be sets what can be  reworked into something more Classic — or plundered for their useful parts. A couple of Season 1 sets fit that bill…

Give 75639 The Going Merry Pirate Ship a handful of sly modifications and yer’ve got a sturdy buccaneers’ brig. While 75636 Windmill Village Hut is easily refined into an Indigo Islander’s hut or a Smugglers Shanty.

Option 3: No, None of Them

That’s it then!   Relevant or not.  No more One Piece reporting!

We’ll still permit fans to discuss their One Piece sets, MOCs and MODs in the LEGO Pirates Forum and Classic Pirates Facebook Group… but Classic-Pirates.com won’t scour the Interwebs for the latest rumours and official news, nor will we blast such spoils across our various communication channels.

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LEGO One Piece Trailer

Despite the noticeable absence of traditional pirates in the latest sets, an interesting observation was made while viewing the Netflix One Piece special trailer.

Overall, the trailer has a much greater piratical atmosphere, with its bright blue skies and seemingly tropical setting.  But most interestingly it offers a glimpse of a confrontation between 75646 Garp’s Marine Battleship and an unknown vessel. 

The tall ship appears rather generic, lacking the trimmings of an elaborate LEGO set, suggesting it’s little more than a hollow simulacrum for pirates.

But does this signal hope for One Piece’s relevance to classic LEGO Pirates?

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What Do Yer Think?

Which poll option did yer choose and why?

Once yer completed the poll, hoist yer sails and plot a course toward the LEGO Pirates Forum and Classic Pirates Facebook Group to hash out yer preference with the LEGO Pirate fan crew…

The Questions & Answers Webinar for the BrickLink Designer Program Series 11 echoed across the BrickLink YouTube Channel upon 28 March, 2026.

Packed to the gunwales with insider knowledge, it provides builders the firepower they need to take command of Series 11 and navigate a course through the Review phase like seasoned captains.

If embedded videos be refusin’ to cooperate, just give the button below a tap and watch it straight on YouTube…

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Official Announcement

The official webinar page‘s usual statement…

Learn about the Submission Guidelines for BrickLink® Designer Program (BDP): Series 11 as Alex, BDP Project Manager, covers updates and common questions. Aspiring fan designers ask questions and get clarification to some of the nuances of various guidelines.

Well, this time they tacked “(BPD)” after “BrickLink® Designer Program” but it’s the same wording as past series.

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Key Takeaways from the Webinar

Here be some pearls of wisdom imparted by BrickLink Design Program Manager, Alex Kantic during the webinar…

• Don’t leave it until the last moment to submit yer model
• Don’t max out for the 4,000 part limit for the sake of it – generally three of the Finalists will be in the 2,500 part range.
• You can only be selected as a Finalist once per calendar year.
• This is the last series in which you’ll be able to easily submit the same model from series to series.

Submit Yer Model Early

In fact, submit it as early as yer possibly can should there be there are issues that require correction!

Alex states:

Starting around 3:36 of the webinar:

The biggest thing here is ensure you get your models submitted during this time […] the earlier you submit it the better […] You’ll have more time to work on your models if there are any issues.

So have yer designs ready as soon as Open Submission begins on April 20 and then yer have 9 days before the May 4 deadline to address any problems preventing it from being accepted.

Theme Statistics

6% or 35 of the 594 Series 10 submissions were Pirate-themed, while the ever-enduring Medieval/Castle themed constituted 22% or 135 of the 594 total submissions.  

So that’s an increase of 7 Pirate submissions from Series 9, but overall Pirates still represents 6% of the total number of submissions.

Alex states:

Starting around 8:11 of the webinar:

Medieval and Castle are starting to cool down a little bit […] but that’s a good thing.  We’re starting to see a little bit more diversity there.

Meanwhile, Medieval/Castle has increased to 135 submission in Series 10, up from 130 in Series 9.  However, in relation to the total number of submissions, Castle has decreased from 30% to 22%.  A noticeable decline.

Alex states:

Starting around 8:48 of the webinar:

Pirate was a little under represented in past series.

Aye, during the early days of the BrickLink Designer Program, Pirate builders were  somewhat reluctant to participate due to the perception they’d have little success, much attributed to how the program launched back in 2021.

During the Brick Designer Program’s “invitational” launch, a design from each of the early Classic LEGO Themes was selected as a finalist. Castle, Space and Town builders were granted a reason to invest in the program, while Pirates were pipped at the post by Western.

Earlier in the decade many LEGO Pirate fans felt submitting designs to BrickLink or LEGO Ideas was a futile endeavour because it seemed The LEGO Group had implicitly decided “2020 is your year and we’re not interested until further notice.”

Also around that time, four Pirate-themed submissions achieved 10K supporters on LEGO Ideas but failed review.  This only fueled the demoralisation that was already  hampering Pirate‑builder enthusiasm during the earlier BrickLink Designer series.

Part Count

During the Series 10 webinar, Alex was preaching the importance of smaller models, less than 2,000 parts.  Well builders have taken advisory this onboard!

Alex states:

Starting around 10:19 of the webinar:

There was no 4,000 part sets. There was a few 3,000 part sets […]  You can see from the pie chart here, that only 25% of the models submitted in the 2,000 to 3,000 part range, and generally that’s where three of the models  [finalists] will be from.

Aye, Pirate-themed designs have indeed succeeded with 4,000 parts, but…

Builders who insist upon exhausting the 4,000 maximum part limit, here’s some sterling advice to increase your prospects of being selected as a Finalist:

Alex states:

Starting around 11:40 of the webinar:

If you’re in that 3,300-3,400ish plus range, just know that’s “hard mode“, right.  Typically, we will only have one, maybe two models […] in that range. Generally those are taking with the Medieval/Castle or Building themes […]  know that you’re going to be competing with those categories […]  if you’re not designing in one of those categories you might want to consider lowering the part count.

Finalist Eligibility Frequency

Some BrickLink designers have lamented frustration towards Finalists lucky enough to have multiple designs selected for Crowdfunding.

Alex states:

Starting around 22:30 of the webinar:

We want to make sure the program stays open to all designers in a sense, so you’re not just eliminated if you’re a past finalist […] but we also want to make sure we have room for new designers to participate as well.

Well fair enough, but the same designer was selected four times as a Finalist?

Current policy states designers may only be selected as Finalist once per calendar year, however, this resets at the start of the each year.

Therefore, it is possible for the same designer to be selected as a Finalist in the last Series of the current year, and again in the first Series of the following year.

The BrickLink Designer Team may wish to tweak the rules further so designers cannot be selected as a Finalist over two consecutive series, lest the grumbling from the not-so lucky grows ever louder.

But Wait… There’s More!

We’re barely breaking the surface – the Series 11 webinar is brimming with even more tips and tactical treasures to help yer conquer the BrickLink Designer Team’s review.  So take some shore leave and WATCH IT!

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BrickLink Designer Program Series 11

True to the code we sail under, Classic Pirates has pulled together a sharp, no‑nonsense-ish overview of the latest BrickLink Designer Series.

BrickLink Designer Program Series 11

To the rails, crew – for LEGO Pirates are stormin’ ahead in the program, and if we’re to maintain our mighty push, we’ve got to remain sharp, stay loud, and keep drivin’ the wind hard into our sails.

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Coconut Cape Crowdfunding

Righty-o, we’ve still got one more LEGO Pirate design to Pre-Order!  

“Coconut Cape” by BallisticBricks

The fourth Pirate-themed BrickLink design be Series 8 finalist, Coconut Cape. Available for Crowdfunding/Pre-Orders commencing upon 9 June 2026 at 8 AM Pacific time.

The BrickLink Designer Team is polishing the final design set and minifigure lineup with its creator BallisticBricks, so we’re not expecting official images to make landfall until May at the earliest.

Still… with its Spanish influence, we hope the tides may carry the Imperial Armada into a magnificent port of their very own.

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What Do Yer Think?

Have yer laid eyes on the Series 11 webinar yet?

What’s the most important takeaways from the webinar yer believe LEGO Pirate builders should know?

Finish Yer Build

Series 11 Open Submission takes place between from April 20th and 4th 2026.

So finish yer submission early – here be the official countdown:

Whether yer hammerin’ a build together or chartin’ a course through webinar waters, cast yer anchor in the LEGO Pirates Forum or theClassic Pirates Facebook Group and tell the crew how yer voyage be progressing!

Discuss in LEGO Pirates Forum!

Imagine starting yer LEGO Pirates collection in 2026…

How would yer attempt such a endeavour?  Given there ain’t a single classic Pirate-themed set upon store shelves… or floating around the pages of LEGO.com. 

The secondary market?  Nay, vintage sets are now priced well beyond the grasp of many. BrickLink Designer sets?  The same…

Perhaps if yer lucky yer can still snag a reasonably priced 10320 Eldorado Fortress or Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Ship if yer prepared to scout around.

At best, yer could raid Pick A Brick for what few pirate parts are on offer.

For many, this is the harsh reality of modern times. But, just imagine… 

What if The LEGO Group officially released a “starter set” that plunged new fans into the depths of the LEGO Pirates theme by offering a variety of factions?

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Brick_Wolf writes:

From the LEGO Ideas submission webpage:

This set consists of 2,630 pieces and 10 minifigures.

It is designed as a playset but you can also use it as a display set. It is a set that tries to represent characteristics of pirate theme as much as possible.

You can separate it into two islands and play it like that if you want.

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The Backstory

After years locked in bitter conflict with the Pirates, both the Soldiers and the Indigo Islanders had grown weary of the endless struggle. Within the walls of their mighty fortress, the admirals of imperial army swallowed their pride to admit what had become impossible to ignore…

The Islanders, born of these shores, possessed a command of the archipelago’s twisting reefs and hidden channels far beyond anything the Soldiers could ever dream of matching.

So the admirals of the imperial army swallowed their pride and sought an audience with King Kahuka, the Indigo Islander’s sovereign whose word could sway the fate of the Brick Seas.

Communication faltered initially, but the moment an admiral drew his blade and revealed the pirate’s hat claimed from a fallen foe, understanding flashed between them like lightning upon the horizon.

The Islanders granted the Soldiers permission to raise a fortress beside one of King Kahuka’s own strongholds, and thus the first line of their new alliance rose to guard the great ocean.

Meanwhile, a high‑ranked pirate captain drove his beloved ship onto the rocks in a raging storm, and only two of his shipmates crawled from the wreck beside him.

This stubborn wanderer of the sea refused to yield, fashioning a raft from the shattered remains of his ship, while vowing to strike against the new alliance despite  his battered, disadvantaged state.

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Features

The interior is readily accessible thanks to its dollhouse-style rear, allowing convenient access to the admiral’s office and adjoining bedroom upon the upper level.  

While the lower level houses the Soldier’s dormitory and galley… or be it an  à la carte restaurant with alfresco dining on the peer? 

The spacious battlements mount three cannons, ensuring the fortress stands ready against any marauding pirates.

Pirate Raft

The piratical component of the playset is an overt homage to the 1992 set, 6261 Raft Raiders, utilising a brick sail in favour of cloth.

The parts may be modernised, but the spirit of the original set is unmistakable: a raft riding upon barrel pontoons, a mast with ratlines leading up to the crow’s nest, and three three hardened buccaneers pirates clinging on for dear life.

King Kahuka’s New Throne

The heart of the Indigo Islanders’ islet be an elevated throne, ringed by swaying palms and ancient moai standing guard.

Less cavernous than 6262 King Kahuka’s Throne yet the general concept remains. 

The Imperial Armada also make a morbid cameo — or perhaps offer a glimpse of the fate awaiting the imprisoned pirate.

Minifigures

The set offers 10 alive minifigures and one that didn’t fare so well.

• 3 Pirates
• 3 Indigo Islanders
• 3 Soldiers (blue coats)
• 1 Kitchen wench
• 1 Imperial Armada skeleton

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About the Builder…

Brick_Wolf be a corsair of the mighty Ottoman Empire… well, in modern times he’s an AFOL based in Türkiye with an interest in Castle and Pirate builds.

The bulk of his LEGO builds can be located upon LEGO Ideas, though he’s shared a modest barrel full of MOCs on Flickr as well.

Brick_Wolf hasn’t taken to the social media seas, but he’s been a steady hand aboard the LEGO Pirates Forum where be known as Wolf_King, should yer wish to engage with his highness directly.

Island of the Imperial Soldiers

Don’t miss our article covering  Brick Wolf’s opening salvo in the realm of swashbuckling MOCs submitted to LEGO Ideas.

“Island Of The Imperial Soldiers” by Wolf King

T’would indeed have made a very fine imperial set… had yer rascals only given it more love and affection to hoist it towards 10,000 supporters!

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What Do Yer Think?

Would Pirate Theme Playset make a worthy starter set for fans new to LEGO Pirates?

Be there any enhancements or additions yer would forge to push the build and its features even further?

Or would yer chart an entirely different course for a multi‑faction adventure?

First support this creation on LEGO Ideas then join the Classic Pirates Facebook faction, (that’s our Facebook group) and tell the crew how you’d refine the playset for a truly unforgettable LEGO Pirate experience. 

Fire the cannons and sound the drums, yer scurvy lot…

The BrickLink Designer Program Series 10 finalists have been unleashed, but nary a Pirate-Themed submission has been selected!

Nonetheless, these fan‑forged creations have weathered the trials of BrickLink Designer Team’s Review and are bound for Crowdfunding (Pre-Orders) come February 2027.

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The Finalist Designs

Since we’ve followed the Series 10 journey thus far, hoist yer lantern for a closer examination of the designs what succeeded…

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Series 10 Pirate Submissions

If yer missed  Series 10 Crowd Support, here be the complete haul of Pirate‑themed submissions what the BrickLink Designer Team cast overboard…

BrickLink Designer Program Series 10 – Crowd Support

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Upcoming Crowdfunding

Series 8 submission “Coconut Cape” will be available for Crowdfunding sometime during June 2026.

“Coconut Cape” by BallisticBricks

The exact dates have not been confirmed, but be sure to enter “Crowdfunding for Coconut Cape” in yer logbook for convenient reference… 

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Series 11

BrickLink Designer Program series overlap!  The palette for Series 11 was released March 3, while Open Submission occurs between 20 April and 4 May, 2026.

BrickLink Designer Program Series 11

Now be a perfect time to build a LEGO Pirate design soooo phenomenal, the BrickLink Designer Team can’t help but slap their stamp of approval on it!

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What Do Yer Think?

What say ye of the Series 10 finalists?

Do any of these finalist builds make yer spirits roar?  Or do yer feel the BrickLink Designer Team overlooked a worthy Pirate-themed design?

Or be yer longin’ for a proper, good old-fashioned pirate set what slams its boots on the deck and transports yer all the way back to childhood?

Now, bang the war‑drum and let fly yer fiercest verdict on the Series 10 finalists in the LEGO Pirates Forum or Classic Pirates Facebook Group!

Discuss in LEGO Pirates Forum!

AVAST!  There be another Creator 3 in 1 set that LEGO Pirate fans may wish to snap up for their MOCs!

Unlike the speculative 31387 Legendary Pirate Ship, this Creator set was released during January 2026 and is currently available at retail…

But the commonality 31381 Fierce Shark with a Treasure Chest shares with the rumoured vessel, is it be the successor to a retired Creator set what feeds off a similiar concept. In this case, 31088 Deep Sea Creatures.

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31381 Fierce Shark with a Treasure Chest

Retailing for £29.99 / 34,99 € / $34.99 USD / $44.99 CAD / $49.99 AUD

Packing 379 pieces and like the Creator 3‑in‑1 name suggests, this set offers three different sea‑beasties for yer to bring to life:

• The titular Fierce shark with crab and treasure chest
• An angler fish with nutritious sea plants
• A manta ray with an display case clam shell

Well, if yer count the crab and clam, yer actually getting five beasties all up.

Shop ❯

Official Webpage

From the 31381 Fierce Shark with a Treasure Chest webpage on LEGO.com:

Boys and girls ages 8 and up can play out fun underwater stories with this LEGO® Creator 3 in 1 Fierce Shark with a Treasure Chest (31381) building toy. This impressive sea animal toy set offers kids 3 different building options with the same set of bricks.

They can choose to build a posable shark toy that can be displayed on a stand with a treasure chest and crab. They can then rebuild it into an anglerfish on a stand with sea plants or a posable manta ray toy on a stand with a clamshell.

Once the building and playtime fun is over, each model can be displayed as room decor on a shelf or desk. This LEGO Creator 3 in 1 set will inspire young imaginations and makes a great gift idea for kids who love sea animals.

And with the LEGO Builder app, they can also experience a building adventure. They can zoom in and rotate their sets using 3D building instructions, track their progress and save sets in one place. Please note models cannot be built simultaneously. 

Aye, all three models can’t be built simultaneously… unless yer buy THREE sets!

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But We Already Have LEGO Sharks!

LEGO Pirate fans be well aware there’s no need to piece sharks together.

Two piece LEGO sharks were introduced along with the Pirate theme in 1989 – just clip on the head/top jaw and yer done.  

31088 Deep Sea Creatures

LEGO 31088 Deep Sea Creatures be a 230 piece Creator 3-in-1 set released in 2019 and retired during 2024.

Like Creator 31381, this set allows yer summon a shark with dancing crab, and angler fish, but instead of a manta ray, there be a mini kraken build…  or a squid depending upon how yer imagination flows.

7805 Creator Shark

The very first Creator shark washed up upon toy store shelves sometime during 2009 wrapped in a polybag.

A rather modest build, containing a 46 pieces that resulted in a model which could be confused with a tuna if yer squint ever so slightly.  Unlike its modern Creator ancestors, no alternate builds are offered.

40045 Shark

This be more of an honourable mention as it ain’t a Creator set, nor was it released to  retail.  40045 Shark was available exclusively to those who registered for the building session at the August 2012 MMMB event. 

T’was available in a polybag offering a wee 27 pieces, resulting in a shark not far shy of a micro-build. 

31109 Creator 3 in 1 Pirate Ship

The very first and now retired Creator LEGO Pirate Ship included a brick-built shark, which many a fan found insubstantial. 

T’will be interesting to observe whether its successor, 31387 Legendary Pirate Ship follows suit and introduces a new shark variation. Or maybe the next brick beastie to breach Creator waters be one LEGO Pirates has never seen; like a whale or dolphin… or what about a lumbering manatee?

“Megalodon Beach” by Baron von Brunk

And now here’s the fiercest LEGO shark what Classic Pirates has ever laid eyes upon… A gigantic, ravenous megalodon!

“Megalodon Beach” by Baron von Brunk

This prehistoric monstrosity swallows multiple LEGO Pirates whole – so make for the shore as quickly as possible!

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What Do Yer Think?

Be this oversized fish fest useful for yer LEGO Pirate builds? 

Or shall yer be sticking to the tried and true classic sharks?

Is 31381 Fierce Shark with a Treasure Chest an improvement over it’s deep sea predecessor? Or be there better ways to assemble LEGO Selachimorpha?

Now, throw yer thoughts to the sharks in the Classic Pirates Facebook Group and turn the discussion into a feeding frenzy!

Open Submission for Series 11 occurs between 20 April and 4 May, 2026.

So finish yer design and submit it as early as possible, to give yer plenty of time to correct any issues that may prevent it from being accepted.

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The BrickLink Designer Program sails once more!

While we early await the Series 10 finalist announcement upon March 19, we shall give word the Series 11 palette has been unleashed.

So now ye can prepare glorious LEGO Pirate designs akin with the brilliance of Thieves of Tortuga and Privateer Frigate Fortuna…

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Official Announcement

Let’s inspect the BrickLink Designer Program’s official Series 11 webpage.

That be where yer’ll uncover the knowledge to ace the Designer Team’s review and allow yer submission to cruise all the way to Crowdfunding…

The official Series 11 webpage states:

We’re accepting submissions from April 20th – May 4th 2026.

The best designs have the chance to be Series 11 sets, so get those ideas flowing!

Learn more

Same old, same old…  but extremely vital for them who wants to succeed!

So pour over Series 11 guidelines to ensure yer know the latest ins and outs of the BrickLink Designer Program.

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Smaller Designs!

Of late, BrickLink Designer Program Manager, Alex Kastelic has been sending word that BDP prefers smaller builds containing less than 2,000 parts.

Many designers strive to create the largest and most impressive models possible… but alas! Some fans lack treasure hoards impressive enough to match the expense of purchasing such designs.

BrickLink Designer Program Series 10: Q&A Webinar

But don’t take the Classic Pirates word for it!  Instead, pluck the words right out of the seahorse’s mouth (that’s Alex) in the Series 10: Q&A Webinar.

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Series 11 Timeline

Here be the crucial dates for navigating Series 11:

New Palette Released Mar 3, 2026	Here’s where it all begins! Update yer BrickLink Studio software to access the latest palette containing the parts for Series 11 – and then  BUILD away me hearties!
Open Submission 20 Apr — 4 May, 2026	Finish your design and submit it before the deadline on 30 September at noon Pacific US time. Submit from 20 April to 4 May.
Crowd Support 11 May  — 22 May, 2026	If yer a BrickLink members, yer may support the Series 11 LEGO Pirate submissions. Your vote influences the designs selected bythe Brick Designer Team for Crowdfunding. BUT!!! Ensure you’ve integrated yer BrickLink account with yer LEGO.com account if this ain’t already been done!
Review 22 May — 20 Jun, 2026	The BrickLink Designer Team thoroughly reviews the Series 11 submissions and determines which five designs shall progress to Crowdfunding (Pre-orders) phase.
5 Finalists Announced 20 Jun, 2026	The BrickLink Designer Team announces the five Series 11 designs that will be available for Crowdfunding. In other words, the BrickLink Designer sets you will be able to buy!
Refinement 6 Jul, 2026 — 3 May, 2027	Over the coming months the official LEGO Model Governance and Building Instructions teams work with the finalist designers to prepare their builds for pre-production. Unfortunately they do not work with graphic designers to prepare classic-style box art for the BrickLink Designer sets.
Crowdfunding Jun 2027	The exciting part! If yer be a BrickLink member, yer may pre-order up-to 2  BrickLink Pirate sets. Designs that receive more than 3,000 pre-orders will enter production, with maximum of 30,000* of each set will be manufactured. * The limit fluctuates sometimes.
Production and Shipping Nov 2027	The refined BrickLink Designer sets will be produced in the official   LEGO factory. Yer order will shall fulfilled around 6 months after the conclusion of Crowdfunding. Final dates and shipping times may shift with the winds.

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Crowdfunded Pirate Designs

Your support makes a humongous difference!

While Series 9 failed to secure a Pirate-themed finalist, at the time of publishing, four designs from past BrickLink Designer voyages have stood firm against the unyielding trials of the Designer Team’s review.

Ominous Isle,  Thieves of Tortuga and Privateer Frigate Fortuna have all been successfully Crowdfunded, but one LEGO Pirate design remains…

Coconut Cape

BallisticBricks’ Coconut Cape from Series 8 be the fourth LEGO Pirate-themed design available for Crowdfunding.

“Coconut Cape” by BallisticBricks

Coconut Cape Pre-Orders commence 1 June, 2026 at 8 AM Pacific time.

While the final design and minifigures are yet to be announced, the initial design alludes to a Spanish influence – could this be an opportunity for the Imperial Armada to return?  Time will tell…

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What Do Yer Think?

Shall ye cast a cutlass‑worthy creation into Series 11, radiating with old‑school LEGO Pirate brilliance?

Builders

Open Submission for Series 11 is between 20 April and 4 May, 2026 — a mere ten days to submit yer design to the almighty BrickLink deities!

Buyers

Or be they pale imitations of the glorious boxes that once lined store shelves?

And what riches await us in 2026?  Will yer be ordering Coconut Cape?  Or hoping a Series 10 design is offered for Crowdfunding?

Now, follow the path of the setting set that leads to the LEGO Pirates Forum and the mysterious Classic Pirates Facebook Group…

Discuss in LEGO Pirates Forum!

Now that Crowdfunding for Privateer Frigate Fortuna is becoming a speck on the horizon, the 31387 Legendary Pirate Ship rumour resurfaces.

But not a shred of new information is available, it be exact same details what emerged during mid January, 2026.

This Reddit post dated 22 February 2026, offers a photo of a modified, re-coloured 31109 3-in-1 Pirate Ship… but let’s be blunt:

The pirate ship pictured is a knock-off brand product that’s currently available on the secondary market.

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The Latest Rumour

So let’s plot a course over to the Reddit post by medicus_vulneratum.

The Origin

What inspired medicus_vulneratum to suddenly post about the alleged LEGO Creator Pirate ship be unknown, but fellow Reddit user, _System_Error_ quickly retrieved the source of the original rumour.

The Spread

LEGO fans be ever hopeful for new LEGO Pirate ships, so whether there be truth to a rumour, or not, they take to the social media seas as though it were actual news.

The Debunking

The pirate ship pictured in the Reddit post is being currently being manufactured and released under various brand names like HOGOKIDS, ZHEGAO and Nimpark.

The set can be found on eBay, Amazon, AliExpress and a variety of independent online merchants.

Cast yer eyes upon them set pictures and yer’ll spy not a single minifig lurkin’ anywhere!  Well, if that ain’t a signal this particular tale be smellin’ fishy!

So this definitely ain’t the official LEGO Creator ship rumoured for release during June 2026.

Original Rumour

Here be the original rumour what started circulating during mid-January, 2026.

Creator 31387 Legendary Pirate Ship [RUMOUR]

In a nutshell:

A replacement for the recently decommissioned  31109 Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Ship is rumoured for release during June 2026.  Currently known as, 31387 Legendary Pirate Ship, it is speculated to contain 1,074 pieces, with some fans suggesting it will be a re-colour of the first Creator Pirate Ship, despite the lower piece count.

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What Do Yer Think?

Are you excited for a new LEGO Creator Pirate Ship? Or do you think it’s time for something different like a Soldier or Imperial Guard or Privateer ship?

BUT, be there any truth AT ALL to this rumour?  Or are hopeful fans merely speculating, derived from production ceasing for the first Creator Pirate Ship?

Tell us all yer know in the Classic Pirates Facebook Group.