More piratical than the pirates of Penzance

sir – It’s sour grapes for the mayor of Penzance to call Hastings pirates “imposters” (“Pirates ‘lost’ in pub scupper Penzance’s record attempt”, report, August 29).

Hastings seafarers were renowned as much for piracy and smuggling as for fishing. I’ve never forgotten, as a schoolboy in Hastings, learning how in 1768 a gang of Hastings pirates called the Ruxley Crew was hanged for its dastardly piratical deeds. Peter Saunders

Salisbury, Wiltshire

Polly’s coffee-break at a failed attempt by Penzance to rally more pirates than Hastings