A naval boarding action is unlike any other swordplay.  The participants in the battle have no choice but to fight (it isn’t as though they can run away from the battle) and they are fighting for their very survival.  This is a desperate encounter where the rules and conventions of civilized warfare simply do not apply.  Whether boarding a ship or repelling boarders there are few weapons more suited to the situation than the cutlass.  In this workshop, we will closely examine the cutlass and its use through a variety of stages in a boarding action as well as its adaptability for contending with a wide array of opponents (a theme which will be further explored in the boarding actions workshop).

-          Required equipment: Standard fencing protective kit with mask, jacket, groin protection etc.  A suitable plastron and gorget are also highly encouraged. 

-          Weapons: Any cutlass or short saber. -- A limited number of loaner weapons MAY be available for this session