Editing Openai/695e9cb7-4e38-800d-8b46-618e2443544d (section)

==== What I think you’re remembering (put together carefully) ====

Based on the sources + your details, the most evidence-supported explanation is:
* Sackett’s Harbor already has deep War of 1812 significance and reenactment culture parks.ny.gov<ref>{{cite web|title=parks.ny.gov|url=https://parks.ny.gov/visit/historic-sites/sackets-harbor-battlefield-state-historic-site|publisher=parks.ny.gov|access-date=2026-01-07}}</ref>
* In/around 1987, a touring ship called Rattlesnake visited (or was reported in the area), described as a replica “1800 pirate ship” owned by a Toronto man named David May nyshistoricnewspapers.org<ref>{{cite web|title=nyshistoricnewspapers.org|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=jou19870602-01.1.7|publisher=nyshistoricnewspapers.org|access-date=2026-01-07}}</ref>
* That ship may have been used as part of local festivals, demonstrations, or living-history entertainment, which fits your “battles on the water” memory