“Pirate hostages” will be walking the plank on Saturday to raise money for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s expeditionary learning voyages and other good causes.

While most of the pirates will be taking the plunge in aid of the sloop’s educational programme aboard the Spirit of Bermuda , available free to the island’s public school students, there will also be fundraising for a handful of special interest groups.

Those raising money for the sloop programme include Royal Gazette columnist Christopher Famous, Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert, Ed Ball of the Bermuda Public Service Union, and teams from the America’s Cup.

Some are raising money for students from some of the island’s private school students — Saltus Grammar School, Bermuda High School and Warwick Academy — to participate in the learning voyages, while Gordon Johnson is raising funds for Charlotte’s Sail, which supports those recovering from drug and alcohol addictions.

Diana Martin, chief executive officer for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, said: “Through vigilant fundraising, grant applications, corporate and private charters and special foundation events such as Pirates Of Bermuda, Bermuda Sloop Foundation is able to offer educational programmes to Bermuda’s public school youth at no charge to the students, who may not otherwise be able to benefit from such an experience.

“This, and incredible community support, is what makes our programme unique. Our three watch leaders this year all started with us as young middle school students, returned for follow-up and overseas voyages, and now aspire to have their names added to the list of other ‘spirited’ students who have fulfilled their dreams of moving on to maritime or related careers.

“They are on their way and are shining examples of how our programme benefits Bermuda’s youth.”

Pirates of Bermuda, now in its third year, is on Saturday from 2pm to 5pm at No 1 Parking Lot. The rain date is Sunday, same time and same place.

• Visit www.ptix.bm/piratesofbermuda for information or to donate