Pirates of The Channon

SEA DOGS: Pirates Terri (rear) and Tahlo, 5, Nicholson-Moss of The Channon as they celebrate International Speak Like a Pirate Day.

Cathy Adams

AVAST! A group of residents from The Channon will test their sea legs today as they compete in boat races to celebrate International Speak Like a Pirate Day.

Donovan Moss (aka Captain Rumball), who has been refining his inner-pirate for some years, said organising a day of harmless skulduggery with his friends by the creek was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday.

The two big rules of the race include 'no motors, excepting children who make fine outboards' and 'bucket-loads of safe, good-spirited piracy'.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day is a holiday created in 1995 by John Baur (Ol' Chumbucket) and Mark Summers (Cap'n Slappy), from Oregon in the US. The day went international in 1995 and has been getting bigger ever since.

The Oregon duo proclaimed September 19 each year as the day when everyone in the world should talk like a pirate. For example, today, when greeted by your neighbour you should replace 'hello' with 'Ahoy, me hearty!'

Mr Moss, who will be flying the Jolly Rodger in the spirit of community and friendship.

“I expect the winner of the race will be the kids' boat, which is not allowed to be capsized,” Mr Moss said.