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Life & Culture
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Entertainment

Meet the sober hands at the wheel of the Gasparilla pirate ship

The “Jose Gasparilla” pirate ship is an emblem for the parade and the Tampa Bay area. It’s a tricky job steering it to the harbor.

Jack Timmel, 34, and his father, John Timmel, 65, who are licensed harbor pilots, serve as the sail masters for the "Jose Gasparilla" pirate ship that leads a flotilla of private boats into downtown Tampa before its signature parade. They are standing in the elevated perch that the captains use on the ship, which was built in 1954 for the festival. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]

Sharon Kennedy WynneFormer Times staff

Published |Updated

Sharon Kennedy Wynne
Former Times Staff

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