2026 Pirate of the Year

William the Sinister 

In recognition of your extraordinary dedication and steadfast service to the Highland Rogues in 2025, we proudly present this honor to you, William the Sinister.

This past year, you didn’t just show up—you carried us, quite literally at times. From hauling gear all over town without hesitation, to stepping in wherever the crew needed strength, reliability, or sheer stubborn determination, you embodied the heart of a true Rogue.

Your efforts were instrumental in forging new community connections, especially your work bringing a local guild into collaboration with us during the Mesa County Library Reading Program shows. Because of you, our presence grew, our impact deepened, and our audiences experienced something richer and more unified.

You were a driving force in the Crew Assistance Program, always ready to lend a hand, offer support, or make sure no Rogue was left adrift. Your enthusiasm for recruitment—handing out materials, talking to the public, and championing the crew at every turn—helped keep our ranks strong and our spirit thriving.

Your commitment, generosity, and pirate‑true spirit have not gone unnoticed. You set an example of loyalty and grit that inspires the entire crew.

Congratulations on this well‑earned honor. May your path continue to be bold, your sails full, and your influence felt across every deck you step upon.

The Story of the Landlocked Rogues. 

 Highland Rogues of Grand Junction, once the most notorious and flamboyant pirates to sail the seas. They have transformed their swashbuckling antics into a unique landlocked spectacle. With their ship crashed upon the banks of Grand Junction, this band of rugged entertainers is now dedicated to captivating landlubbers with their antics and tales of glory.

Origin of the Rogues
The Highland Rogues originated from a motley crew of performers, adventurers, and drifters who lived for the thrill of the river. Their ship, the “Highlanders Kiss,” a once-majestic vessel adorned with tattered sails and vibrant flags, became legendary for its daring heists on floating markets and boating festivals along the river. What started as a simple desire for adventure by the orginal captain, morphed into a fierce bond of camaraderie under the leadership of the new Captain Fabiola “Red” Delahaye, a Dutch/Haitian hybrid with a penchant for storytelling, and Limey Toes Up, the crew's fearless Master Gunner, famous for his boom boom knowledge and stark white beard.

The Great Storm
In one fateful summer, as the Highland Rogues basked in their infamous reputation, a violent storm unleashed its fury upon their beloved river. The relentless winds and torrential rains battered the “Highlanders Kiss,” tossing her upon the rocky shores of Grand Junction. The ship, once a symbol of their freedom, was now irreparably lodged in prehistoric sandstone, leaving the Rogues marooned and landlocked.

Renaissance on Land
Undeterred by their predicament, the Rogues embraced their situation with the same spirit that once sparked their maritime adventures. Reimagining their skills for the dry land by captivating local audiences with light-hearted performances showcasing sword fights, musical numbers, and tales of their daring escapades on the high seas.

Legacy and Community
Today, the Highland Rogues of Grand Junction have evolved into a beloved local institution. Their performances celebrate not only the adventurous spirit of piracy but also themes of resilience, friendship, and creativity. They host seasonal festivals, coordinate community events, and even offer pirate-themed workshops for aspiring swashbucklers of all ages. 

The memory of the “Highlanders Kiss” lives on through their songs, laughter, and endless quest for the next great adventure—no matter where the tides of fate may take them.

Although the Highland Rogues of Grand Junction may find themselves beached on land, their spirits remain unbroken. With the heart of a pirate and the soul of performers, they continue to charm audiences with their whimsical tales, proving that no storm can quell the spirit of adventure!

Haitain Red

Meet the Crew

Limey Toes Up

Just Samme

Barber Surgeon

William the Sinister

Sea Squatch Roberts

Jingles

Mary

Mace

2026 Pirate of the Year

The Story of the Landlocked Rogues.