A GROUP at the heart of the community has opened a brand-new boathouse in Bude.  

Established in 2002, Bude Pilot Gig Club has been at the centre of the town’s community for more than 20 years.  

The club welcomes keen rowers from across North Cornwall – and beyond – to enjoy the wonders of Bude’s shoreline.  

This week, members of the club and community came together to mark the grand opening of the club’s boathouse.  

Five years in the making, the club have been searching for a space to host their equipment, training and socials.  

On Friday, September 13, town councillor, Mike Dawe officially opened the new site at Summerleaze Beach.  

Club chair, Kerry Schubert said: “The boat house is such a huge achievement and couldn’t have been achieved without the whole club’s contribution to fundraising.  

“I’d like to say thank you to every single person who has helped to make this dream possible. Whether you contributed financially or given up your time to help, every bit has been crucial to the success of the project and just shows what the fantastic Bude Pilot Gig Club spirit and determination can achieve. 

“Our club was formed in 2002, with our club boat, Bedehaven, ready to race in 2004. Bedehaven has been stored in barns, driveways, fields, laybys, you name it, we’ve probably been parked up there over the years. Finally, with the completion of the boathouse, it means we have somewhere safe and dry for her to be stored, and it means with the right weather, we can quickly assemble and be off out to sea.” 

The club also hope that the new modern boathouse with provide more visibility for the group, encouraging new members to join the sport.