‘Pirates’ Sail on a Treasured Ship

After reading Robert Louis Stevenson’s pirate novel, “Treasure Island,” freshman English students at Kennedy High School boarded ship and did a little navigating of their own.

Dressed as pirates, the students embarked on a seven-hour journey Tuesday on the Long Beach-based Californian--the ship used by Steven Spielberg in filming “Amistad.”

“Students learn a lesson in growing up and decision-making after experiencing the same things as the characters in the book,” teacher Hal Morris said of “Treasure Island.”

Rusty White, director of operations at the Nautical Heritage Society, runs the ship’s journeys and says they provide a good learning experience.

The tall ship is a replica of the C.W. Lawrence, built in 1848 and assigned to the California coast to catch smugglers and help merchant vessels in distress.

White said the ships of this class were designed to hit high speeds, which made them a popular model for slave traders as well.

The replica ship serves as the official state ambassador, representing California in various ceremonies. It also teaches people the importance of coastal resources.