Course: Traditional Wooden Boat Building

Gain practical experience in the construction of traditional clinker and carvel craft. Learn and practise tool sharpening, scarfing, shaping and fitting planks, riveting and steaming. Set-up theory and lining off planks is also covered.

If you are thinking about joining a short course we are always happy to discuss which course or series of courses are appropriate for you.  If you have a boat you would like to bring to the Academy to work on as part of a short course, please email basic details (length and construction type) along with photographs of the areas that need work.  We will let you know as soon as we can whether you can bring the boat for the group to work on as part of the course.

Some people are able to make sails for their own boat on the sail making course. Please let us know what you would like to make and we will let you know whether it is possible.

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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