Welcome to the Rowing Pirates website
We are a mixed ability group that get together every Tuesday to row/paddle a Katakanu up and down the Over Basin/Vineyard Hill section of the Hereford and Gloucester canal
Originating in the 'Sailing 4 Disabled' group, external changes meant we found ourselves with nowhere to sail; but at about the same time Over Basin resoration was completed and the Herefordshire & Glocestershire Canal Trust was keen to get the basin used.
We have two Katakanus, which can each take six people, and are unbeleivably stable, allowing use with confidence by any ability level.
We currently have, on loan from the Wheelyboat Trust, a MKIII wheelyboat which is a specially designed boat, with a lowering front gate which allows access by wheelchair users. We have almost raised the funds to buy this excellent craft, but continue to fund raise with a view to having it converted to use a greener, electric motor. NB The wheely boat will be unavailable during January 2016.
we also have a Tinker inflatable, which can be rowed, sailed or powered. This is also very stable.
For the more adventurous helpers, there is an itBike water bike, which is surprisingly manouverable on the canal
We have recently installed some EZ Dock floating pontoons.
We are usually to be found at Over Basin on Tuesday mornings from about 11:00 until about 2:00 ish
We normaly start with a getting a brew on, in parallel with getting the boat(s) in the water. The first paddle up the canal heads off around 11:30. Depending on numbers, weather etc we chat, have more tea/coffee and probably get a second run in. A brief pause for a Snack/Lunch is sometimes followed by a third trip on the water followed by putting the boats away and clearing up, often with another drink!
We are currently developing gallery of pictures taken at various times and places, to show what we get up to.
It is hoped that this website will grow to have some or all of the following links (and maybe others)
More information will appear here in due course.