The latest wooden boats, hand-built by students at the Boat Building Academy (BBA) in Lyme Regis, have been launched in the town’s historic harbour.

A dozen students undertook the BBA’s latest 40-week boatbuilding course.

They spent the first 20 weeks learning skills such as joinery, lofting, traditional, modern and fibre reinforced plastic boatbuilding, and sail making.

In the last 20 weeks, they came together and often worked long into the night to build three boats – a 19’6” strip planked, cold moulded 1954 launch (SCAMP), an 18’6” glued clinker sailing boat, and a 7’10” traditional clinker dinghy.

As is the custom, the craft were wheeled the short distance from the academy to the harbour slipway before ceremoniously taking to the water for the first time.

The spectacle last Thursday drew a large crowd of well-wishers, including friends, family, BBA trustees, volunteers and local townspeople.

Harry Walker commissioned and built the SCAMP and is now taking it back to Worcestershire, where he’ll also be setting up his own workshop to build more boats.

“I learned a lot on the course,” he said.

“My tutors Mike and Joe have been absolutely great, passing down a lot of their wisdom.

“I’m now looking forward to building more boats and sailing my own boat on the River Severn.”

Course student Eirlys Apps partnered with Harry on his build and hopes to work as a shipwright when she leaves the course.

“It’s not only been hugely helpful for my future career – it has also built up my confidence and strengthened my mental health,” she said.

“I’ll never forget the experience I’ve had and the amazing people I’ve met here at the BBA.”

Will Reed, academy director, added: “I never tire of launch days.

“They represent the culmination of 40 weeks of hard work and determination to learn and achieve.

“The BBA attracts the most wonderful range of students from all different backgrounds and ages.

“Most of them are starting with very little skill or knowledge of woodwork or boatbuilding, but they rise to the challenge and it’s incredible where they get to.

“The boats are now launched, and we know they work!

“But more importantly, the students have developed enviable skills and ability to take the next step, be it a boat yard or their own business.

“They might head to sea, carry on in their own workshop, or using their newfound transferrable skills might end up building houses or making beautiful furniture.

“The opportunities are endless.”

Will added: “The launch day itself has been incredible. The weather has been kind, and the boats are beautiful.

“It’s been a joy working with each and every one of the students, who all bring their own unique character to the workshops.”

Enrolment is now open for the next 40-week course, starting in February 2025.

• boatbuildingacademy.com