The most recent group of graduates from the Boat Building Academy launched their hand-built craft into Lyme Regis harbour.

Cheered on by the watching crowds, the new boats were wheeled down to the harbour slipway and greeted by the town’s Mayor before taking to the water for the first time in a ceremony which has become a custom.

Six students participated in the academy’s latest 40-week course, spending their first 20 weeks learning skills such as lofting, traditional, modern and fibre-reinforced plastic boatbuilding along with spar oil and sail making.

In the second half of the course, participants built two boats which had been commissioned by two of their classmates: Oisin ‘Ois’ Conway and Richard Pisani.

Pic: MaxWillcock/BNPS The Boat Building Academy’s December 2023 launch in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Ois took a sabbatical from his job with the Merchant Navy to study at the BBA and is the 600th student to have undertaken the course so far.

Standing in his gleaming 20 foot stitch & glue motor cruiser he said: “It went right up to the wire. We were still working on it until 7am this morning. But it’s just amazing to finally take her into the water.”

His father Eamon, who was among several members of the family to attend the launch said: “We are all incredibly proud of what he has achieved.”

Richard Pisani left his corporate career to pursue a dream of building a boat and now plans to sail his new 16’6” carvel Gorran Haven Crabber back to his native Malta.

He said: “It’s difficult to really celebrate when you are so exhausted! But I am very proud of what we have all been through and shared together. I’ve made some terrific friends here and learned so much.”

Lyme Regis Mayor Cllr David Sarsons said: “This is my second ‘launch day’ and I feel lucky to have been able to visit the BBA and to see these beautiful new boats before us today.

“The study and hard work which has gone into the last 40 weeks by these students has been incredible and I wish them all the greatest success for the future.”

BBA Director Will Reed said: “Since Tim Gedge founded the academy 26 years ago, an incredible 284 boats have been built on our courses. But it’s not just about building boats, it’s about receiving amazing training and that is due to our incredible tutors.

“The last 40 weeks have been tough and have meant many late nights and even ‘all nighters’ for our latest graduates, working flat-out to get these boats ready for launch.

“They are now and always will be part of the BBA family.”

• https://boatbuildingacademy.com/

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