Buckley

The Rat Island rowing club has been restoring Pocock wooden rowing shells for 20+ years. The Buckley was the last one restored in 2023, with a few modifications to the seats to make it easier to maintain and row. We started restoring these boats back in 2003 when the rowing club was just getting started with no money to purchase boats, we were given a couple old Pocock wooden boats to get us started. Over the years other clubs that wanted to get rid of their wooden boat would give them to us because of our love and care for them.
The restoration of the Buckley took about 9 months in a borrowed garage and many volunteers taking it apart, refitting and repairing broken parts. With the help and guidance from our local Pocock craftsman,Steve Chapin, the Buckley is back in rowable shape. The name is honoring one of our rowers, Jim Buckley, who has been a leader in acquiring most of the wooden shells we have. His passion for rowing and teaching others to row, especially in the wooden shell has been an inspiration to many in the club.