Boatbuilding in Lyme
A Woodworkers Paradise
Whitehorse skiff, glued clinker
Attending to detail photo - L.Smith
The courses offered at the Boat Building Academy include: 1.
Short courses of 1 - 5 days on specific aspects of Boat building.
2.
A ten day course, which is residential and fully-catered, for students who want to build a made-to-measure West Greenland Kayak.
3.
An 8 week course for the City and Guilds 6218 level 1 certificate in carpentry and joinery or furniture making.
4.
The long course of 38 weeks for the City and Guilds 2463 Level 3 certificate in Boat Building, Maintenance and Support. This is the internationally recognised boat building qualification. A maximum of eighteen students are accepted on each long course and there are two courses a year - March to December and September to June.
The very comprehensive long course includes: Foundation - wood working skills, Lofting - giving an understanding of the design process and grasp of boat building fundamentals. Template Making, Stitch and Glue Dinghy Build, Jig Planking, Laminated Stem, Fitting Out, Oar and Spar, Glass Reinforced Plastics, Block Making and Rope and Wire Splicing, Painting and Finishing, Wooden Boat Restoration, Boat Building, Stern Tubes and Prop Shaft Boring, Decks and Above Deck Structures and Fittings and, finally, Recreational Craft Directive (RCD).
a first come first served basis at the centre. Students who choose to stay in the town can receive help in finding appropriate accommodation. For students of any age, nationality or gender, there may be a hidden benefit in joining the Boat Building Academy. Building boats can build character too! For further information or to make an application, phone the BBA on 01297 445545 or email office@boatbuildingacademy.com All photos by Guy Peters unless otherwise credited.
Boat Building Academy Courses from 1 day to 38 weeks; beginners welcome
Give a course as a gift - vouchers available
At the end of each course, December for the March courses and June for the September courses, there is a celebration launching ceremony for the boats built on each course. The boats are walked in a procession to the seafront and launched with due ceremony into Lyme Regis harbour. They are accompanied by the Mayor of Lyme Regis as well as friends, relatives, and townsfolk who gather at the water’s edge to cheer each boat. It marks the first launch for the students and bears testament to their skill. Also, it marks the beginning of a new life for each student as a qualified boat builder. So, what are the academic qualifications needed before one can undertake this course? Well, none actually. Instead, there are certain personal qualities that are deemed necessary: motivation, enthusiasm, the willingness to pursue the highest standards and a mature attitude. When applying, an interview will be necessary when Yvonne Green or Tim Gedge will assess a candidates personal qualities as outlined above. The course fee for the long course is currently £11,950. However, grants are available from the City and Guilds and various educational trusts. The only extras are for materials or items you choose to take away and these are charged at cost. Reasonably priced accommodation can be supplied on
01297 445545
www.boatbuildingacademy.com
The Launch - Class of March 2010 Lyme Regis Harbour - Thursday 9th December 2010 - 09.30am Please join us to celebrate the end of the students’ 38 week course and launch of the boats built as part of their training.
East Devon Coast & Country
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