Course: Ropework

Learn ropework techniques using three-strand, double and single braids. Learn whipping and make grommets, back, eye, and other useful splices.

“We covered a lot in that short time including but not limited to types of rope, tools required for splicing rope and techniques: Whipping (Plain, West Country, Admiralty), Three strand rope (short and long splicing, soft and hard eyes, back splicing, shackle splicing and grommet and quoit) additionally for single braid rope eyes brummel and mobius brummel, and for double branded rope eyes. And to finish it off a soft shackle in dyneema. The instructors are very patient, friendly and knowledgeable. The venue is inspiring with the smell of wood and adhesives in the air as boats are being built by hand all around you.”

-Philippe Bridgeman, Ropework course 2023

Course Dates 2024:

29-30 January
1-2 July

The Boat Building Academy was founded in 1997 by naval commander Tim Gedge. He was a great sailor who realized there was a gap in the marine industry, which was lacking boating skills as well as, boat builders to fill all positions.

An old RAF lookout post, located in Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis, is the home for a team of tutors and staff with the common passion for teaching the craft of building and making. The Academy has become a leading boat building school in the UK and the world, offering a range of course for those interested in learning the art of boat building and woodworking.

In 2009, the BBA developed a furniture making course program with the same philosophy as the boat building education, intensive and practical development of competencies. Today, the Boat Building Academy & Furniture School continues to train women and men from all walks of life with the common passion for building and making.

You can apply for a bursary for all courses at the Boat Building Academy, from 1 day to 40-weeks. Awards will be dependent on being offered a place and a successful bursary interview.

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