THE “pirates” of Pickering Rotary Club have launched a fundraising drive to raise £10,000.

Club members are hoping to raise funds for essential medical equipment for hospitals in the area by taking part in the Vogalonga regatta in Venice in May.

The Rotarians are modifying an aluminium Second World War landing craft into a pirate boat called the Black Pig for the event which is reserved solely for boats propelled by oars.

To launch Operation Cutlass, the club visited Thornton-le-Dale Primary School.

Hugh Morgan, Operation Cutlass coordinator, said the project was the brainchild of David Thomas who approached the club for their help.

“Once the boat is fully modified it will be towed on a trailer across Europe to Venice, where a team of six will row it in the Vogalonga regatta on May 24,” he said.

“The Vogalonga is an act of love for Venice, its waters, its lagoon and its island and since 1974 this event has maintained the charm of Venetian rowing in an age of motorboats by creating a rowing course throughout the lagoon.

“The initiative became more and more successful, and participation has increased to reach 1,550 boats and about 5,800 intrepid oarsmen and women.”

Hugh said participants gathered in St Marks Basin in front of the Ducal Palace before completing the 30km route along various canals.

“In essence it is not a race, but a regatta in which any kind of rowing boat can participate, in the spirit of historical festivities,” he said.

“Since the first Vogalonga began the message has been a protest against the growing use of powerboats in Venice and the swell damage they do to the historic city.”

Fellow Rotary member Luke Arnold said it was about 1,000 miles from Pickering to Venice and they hoped that sufficient sponsors, at £10 per mile, would be found to reach the £10,000 target.

“There are two members of the team who have both undergone major surgery in recent years and they are happy to say that they owe their lives to the medical teams at York and Scarborough,” he said.

“The Black Pig pirate boat will be visiting schools, hospitals and town centres in Ryedale over the coming months and the Rotary team hope with a few broadsides and a following wind that their target can be realised.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so at Peter Illingworth Estate Agents, 16 Market Place, Kirkbymoorside, YO62 6DA, or watch out for the Black Pig touring the area.