Kevin Duffus, an author, researcher, and filmmaker has spent 35 years researching Blackbeard’s life. To other historians, he is known simply as the “Blackbeard Expert.” 

Duffus recently published “The Last Days of Black Beard The Pirate” where he explains his well-researched theories of the infamous pirate’s life.  Blackbeard is the source of many tales and legends on the Outer Banks. 

To honor the memory of Blackbeard, Duffus hopes to build a full size replica of Blackbeard’s famous ship, The Adventure. The Adventure was a Jamaica sloop, a common merchant vessel of the times that Blackbeard captured and converted to a pirate ship.

On March 5th, Duffus made a presentation for funding the $5.2 million dollar project to The Committee of 100’s.  His ideas for the project were enthusiastically received by the members. The Duffus plan would have a team of marine craftsmen, augmented by skilled volunteers, take about a year to build the vessel.   When completed, the ship would be used for dockside tours and demonstrations; corporate and special-event charters; festival and re-enactment events both within and outside of the state; and sailing and seamanship instruction.

The ideas are in place, all that remains is getting $5.2 million in funding in a difficult economic climate.  Good luck Kevin; we hope to see The Adventure setting sail soon.