- Pirate captain of the Whydah. English (probably from Devonshire). Born in 1689. Mother died soon after. Became a sailor in his teens. Probably saw combat. Turned pirate at 26 or 27. Elected commander of a pirate fleet in 1716. Captured more than 50 ships before age 29. ...www.nationalgeographic.com/whydah/pirate1bio.html