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The Dreadnought is a life size reproduction of a 16th century privateer ship that is being constructed this winter for the Bristol Renaissance Festival. The mastermind behind this project, Mike Breza, has been kind enough to forward me some blueprints and text on the matter, with the promise of more info to come.

The Pirate Ship LLC
Partners- Janet and Michael Breza

Janet and Mike visited the Bristol Renaissance Faire about 4 years ago. From that first visit the idea of creating a replica Elizabethan galleon came about. We had been impressed with the large numbers of patrons of the faire and the magical atmosphere of the place. A galleon is a particular ship design that was widely in use by many nations, including the English, during the late 1500s. This idea went from an idle dream to a more serious business venture in a short time.

After several years of working out the details of how the ship would look, method of construction and many conversations with Marketplace Director Julia Romanski of the Bristol Renaissance Faire, the functional aspect of the galleon ship was completed. From there a business plan and budget was developed.

Janet and Michael had approached builder Terry Laib, of Laib Restoration enquiring if he had an interest in taking on such an unusual project. Terry took a great interest in the ship, which by this time was given the name “Dreadnought.” From the wise advice of Terry Laib modifications to the ship’s design occurred.

By the spring of 2005 Janet and Michael took a completed business plan to the 1st National Bank in Berlin and had one of several meetings with bank Vice President Steve Michaelson. After working through several steps in the Small Business Administration loan process the Brezas were able to secure a loan through 1st National Bank.

Meetings with the Bristol Renaissance Faire staff lead to the selection of a building site on the waters of Lake Elizabeth. Likewise, meetings with Laib Restoration allowed for a work plan for the construction of the Dreadnought. Over the late summer and early fall weekly meetings took place between the Brezas and Terry Laib as the fine details of construction of the ship were worked out. From these meetings it was determined that the Dreadnought would be constructed indoors in Oshkosh over the winter. Being built indoors gave Laib Restoration employees the chance to work in a well lighted and heated spaces. For the Brezas working indoors over the winter gave us the chance to prime and paint all of the hull planking, masts, spars and other components.

Terry Laib fabricated the ship to be built in sections. This method allows for the ship to be transported by trucks to the site in Bristol. Transportation is scheduled for the week of March 20th. Once re-assembled on a concrete foundation, with the help of a crane, the Dreadnought will have the remaining fitting out taking place with items such as the rope rigging and placement of cannons.

Why an Elizabethan pirate ship?

Pirates, and the marvelous wooden sailing ships that carried them, have been popular with the public since the early 1700s. Several leading Sea Dogs of the 1500s, such as Drake, Frobisher and Hawkins, are English national heros. It could be that pirates represent the rebel against society. Someone who is not afraid to break the rules. Somebody who strikes it rich while living a life of excitement and adventure. On top of that they dress great, have neat swords and wear plenty of expensive jewelry.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire offers an excellent “stage” on which to place the Dreadnought with the interwoven tale of the English Sea Dogs. The visitors to Bristol expect a complete immersion experience into the Renaissance. By placing the Dreadnought at Bristol we continue that experience into a new era, that of maritime traditions as well as the incredible Sea Dog privateers that made England a world power.

After carefully researching this potential location and business opportunity Mike and Janet came to the conclusion that they were building the right business in the right spot at the right time. It fulfills the need of the public to actually come into contact with a historically accurate Sea Dog ship in the wonderful setting of the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Janet and Mike are very fortunate to be able to combine the talents of the Laib Restoration team, the staff of the Bristol Renaissance Faire and our own skills, bringing the Dreadnought to life.

The name of the ship, Dreadnought, was taken from a list of ships owned by Queen Elizabeth in the late 1500s.

Contacts:

Steven Michaelson Vice President 1st National Bank Phone 920-361-2400 Ext. 110

Julia Romanski Marketplace Director Bristol Renaissance Faire Phone 847-395-7773 Ext. 228

Janet and Michael Breza