Boat Building Academy

 40 Week Boat Building Course

An introduction to the 40 week boat building course

Course Title

Boat Building, Maintenance and Support incorporating City & Guilds 2463 Level 3 Diploma in Marine Construction, Systems Engineering and Maintenance.    

Yes you can!

We do not believe that formal qualifications or any form of test are helpful in assessing whether candidates will complete the 40 week course successfully. We look for a mature attitude, motivation and a clear enthusiasm and willingness to pursue the highest standards.

Application and dedication to attaining the skills are key, regardless of whether people want to use the skills to work in the marine industry, are taking a sabbatical or learning purely for their own satisfaction.

Simple CV – Visit

All potential ‘long’ course students are asked to send a simple CV and to visit the Academy. You will be taken on a tour of the workshops, giving you the opportunity to see what work is being produced and what boats are being built.

You will be introduced to staff and students and, if you are interested in living ‘on-site’, will be shown the accommodation. After looking round the Academy you will then undergo an interview to discuss why you want to join the course, what you hope to achieve on it and how you hope to use your newly gained skills at the end of the course.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions about any aspect of joining the Academy. The interview process is constructed to give you a feel for the work and life of the Academy and enable you to make an informed decision about whether the training, intensive and highly practical, is appropriate for you.

Your visit will last between 1-2 hours. If you are a suitable candidate the Principal will offer you a place at the end of the interview and give you a booking form (booking forms for longer courses are not available online). Once you have visited us and received a booking form you are eligible to reserve a place on any future course that has free places.

In exceptional circumstances, if people are unable to visit, we will conduct a telephone/Skype interview at a mutually agreed time. If the interview is satisfactory you will be offered a place on the course and sent an booking form.

One Year ahead only

We take bookings for courses no more than one year ahead.

FAQs for The Boat Building Academy

Do I need previous woodworking or boat building experience?

No previous experience is required for any of our courses. The Academy welcomes enthusiasts at all levels, from complete beginners to hobbyists. For the flagship 40-week course, we don’t believe formal qualifications or tests are helpful in assessing candidates. We look for a mature attitude, motivation, and clear enthusiasm for pursuing the highest standards. Application and dedication to learning the skills are key, regardless of whether you want to work in the marine industry, take a sabbatical, or learn purely for personal satisfaction.

What course options are available at the Academy?

The Academy offers two main course types. The flagship 40-week residential Boat Building course teaches men and women how to build boats to industry standards with optional City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma qualification. Students can also build their own boat during this course. Short courses (2-5 days, from £295) run throughout the year covering skills like wooden boat restoration, GRP repair, oar and paddle making, traditional or modern sailmaking, ropework, letter carving, and skiff building. Tuition is practical and hands-on with minimal classroom learning.

How do I apply for the 40-week boat building course?

All potential long course students must send a simple CV and visit the Academy in Lyme Regis for a 1-2 hour tour and interview. You’ll see the workshops, meet staff and students, view on-site accommodation if interested, and discuss your motivations and goals. If suitable, the Principal offers a place at the end of the interview with a booking form (not available online). In exceptional circumstances, Skype interviews can be arranged. The Academy takes bookings no more than one year ahead to ensure places are genuinely available.

Where is the Academy located and what facilities does it offer?

The Boat Building Academy is situated on the waterfront at Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis, Dorset. This internationally recognized private college occupies a historic building and courtyard that was once an RAF base for rescuing wartime fighter pilots. Recent investment has created multiple workshop spaces for better social distancing and resilience. The Academy is home to 40 students on long residential courses, with on-site accommodation available. The inspiring maritime center of excellence includes all necessary facilities for hands-on boat building training.

What makes the Boat Building Academy unique?

Founded in 1997, the Academy is an educational charity that combines professional boat building training with hands-on practicality. Classic Sailing’s own Debbie Purser completed the 40-week course in 2020-21 and now skippers traditional pilot cutter Tallulah—demonstrating how Academy training leads to real maritime careers. The Academy successfully continued operating through the pandemic (except first lockdown), adapting to keep students and staff safe. Tutors and guest tutors bring industry expertise to this inspiring waterfront location where students create boats and beautiful wooden objects to the highest standards. Many graduates have gone on to build traditional vessels including gig boats.