Inside the Boat Building Academy The Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis has been launching talented boat builders and furniture makers for many years. An Open Day in May offers a fascinating insight into ancient and modern craft.
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ounded in 1997 by Commander Tim If unable to join us for weeks at a time, we run Gedge, the Boat Building Academy is a varied programme of 2-to-5-day short courses a charitable organisation that has been in boat building, woodworking, and other ancillary producing talented craftspeople for a quarter of skills such as sail making, marquetry and antique a century. furniture restoration to suit all tastes and experience Our flagship 40-week Boat Building course levels. gives men and women the professional training, OPEN DAY knowledge and confidence needed for a career To mark our 25th anniversary, the Academy will in the booming marine industry. There is no be throwing open the workshop doors for an open skill requirement to enrol—all that we ask for is day on Saturday 7th May from 11:00 to 16:00. enthusiasm, passion, and dedication. The course If you’ve never visited us before, this is the brings together a wide spectrum of people of perfect opportunity to get a real understanding varying ages and backgrounds for one shared of who we are and how we operate. Staff and goal: to learn how to build boats. students will be on hand to answer any questions Though famed for our boat building training, you might have about our courses. There will be since 2009 the Academy (as the BBA Furniture boats under construction as well as finished boats School) has been running a popular 12-week built by graduates on display in the main workshop Furniture Making course designed to give throughout the day. students a solid foundation in a wide variety of There will also be live demonstrations from the woodworking techniques—fully equipped for teaching staff, with opportunities for people to get whatever path they take next. involved with activities such as copper riveting and The Boat Building Academy brings together a wide For those wishing to take their existing oar making. spectrum of ages and backgrounds woodworking skills to the next level, the 12-week For further information about the Boat Advanced Furniture Making course has been specially developed Building Academy and the open day, please contact office@ for makers looking to work to the highest gallery-standards. boatbuildingacademy.com/ 01297 445545
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The Boat Building Academy brings together a wide spectrum of people of varying ages and backgrounds and is fully equipped for whatever path they take next
Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine April 2022 23
