IBTC Heritage

IBTC Heritage is the commercial unit of the International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC Ltd) to carry out work which did not sit readily into the College's training remit in Lowestoft.

The commercial arm was officially launched on 15 June 2012 by Waveney MP Peter Aldous who said: "Our heritage is absolutely vital, but the skills and work force that keeps it going is just as important for the future." 

About IBTC Heritage

The centre has ten staff and hopes to restore, maintain, build or rebuild up to 12 boats a year. Projects already undertaken include the major restoration of a 43’ 1936 Redningskoit, re-decking and rebuilding the aft cabin, wheelhouse and mizzen mast of the Lydia Eva and building a new oak wheel for Woodbridge Tidemill.

The commercial unit is staffed independently of the College and student labour is not used on any commercial project. However, half of the commercial staff are IBTC graduates.

The commercial unit undertakes new build and restoration in wood using both moden and traditional techniques.

Over the coming months and years it is our aim to build on existing relationships with local businesses, charitable bodies and trusts; in order to establish a hub of heritage boatbuilding skills and resources in Lowestoft.

With the already well established presence of the Lydia Eva and Mincarlo Trust, The Excelsior Trust and Slipways run by Safety Boat Services, the MTB 102 Trust and with facilities to hand such as Sea Lake Marina, Newson's boat yard, The Haven Marina, Lowestoft Marina and Smalls dry dock, Lowestoft is well placed to fulfil this role.