Buccaneer Water Fight all about the water

The landlubber blasted his cannon at attacking pirates.

The pirates returned fire from their ships.

The result: Both sides laughing, drenched head to toe.

Battle lines have been drawn at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, which introduced a new water adventure ride called Buccaneer Battle on May 15. The pirate-themed attraction pits guests on the land against those in ships.

"Aargh! You can fire away at the landlubbers as well as they can fire back at you," laughed Pirate Steve, played by Ryan McNeil of Winthrop Harbor. "Watch out because there are sharks, kraken, as well as a big bucket of water which will get you soaking wet at the end."

Buccaneer Battle is located in County Fair across from the Demon roller coaster. The water ride contains 14 ships, with space for eight crew members each. The ships follow a 450-foot channel, armed with powerful soaker guns. The passengers take aim at sea monsters and pirates along the way. Throughout the ride, adventuresome freebooters try to avoid water explosions, circling sharks, nasty taunts by grimy buccaneers who gleefully blast them if they get too close and even alligators who corner one pirate up a palm tree.

"Everyone has had a blast," said Public Relations Director Brooke Gabbert. "I like how everyone is engaged in the ride and that it is completely interactive."

Standing in a puddle of water, 10-year-old Megan Moran of Round Lake was dripping wet as she peered over her shoulder, her hand on a water cannon waiting for the next passing ship.

"I thought it was really awesome," Moran said, smiling. "I got soaked but it was really refreshing on this hot day. Everyone was laughing."

By the end of the ride, everyone enjoyed the interactive water play, and the unexpected bath was all part of the fun.