The Boat Building Academy

The Boat Building Academy is situated on the waterfront at Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis. This internationally known and privately run college is home to 40 students on long residential courses, but the tutors and guest tutors also run Short Courses at this inspiring centre of maritime of excellence.

History
The building and courtyard were once a RAF base for rescuing wartime fighter pilots who downed in the seas. In the last 2 years The Boat Building Academy has invested in creating more space for several workshops on site so they can provide even better social distancing and resilience during pandemics. Apart from the first full lockdown, this educational charity has found ways to thrive, keep students and staff safe and carry on the magic that is creating boats and beautiful things in wood.

Short courses include:
2-5 day courses from £295 throughout the year. Introduction to Boatbuilding, Wooden Boat Restoration, GRP repairs, Oar and Paddle making, Modern or traditional sailmaking, Ropework, Traditional wooden boat building, build a boat – set up, renovation & finishing.

The Boat Building Academy is situated on the waterfront at Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis. This internationally known and privately run college is home to 40 students on long residential courses, but the tutors and guest tutors also run Short Courses at this inspiring centre of maritime of excellence.
40 Week Boat Building Course

Our flagship 40 week Boat Building course teaches men and women how to build boats to industry standards.

Open to All

There is no strict skill requirement to join the course, all that is asked for is enthusiasm and dedication to the training. Tuition is practical and ‘hands-on’, with minimal classroom learning.

Optional City & Guilds
For students looking to work in the industry, there is an optional City & Guilds qualification (Boat Building Maintenance & Support).

Build your own boat
The course also allows students the opportunity to build their own boat, discussed with the tutors early on in course.

View Voyages

Ship Stats

Length Overall

Long

Length On Deck

Shorter

Year Built

1997

Vessel Type / Rig

Educational Establishment

Guest Berths

Crew Berths

The full story of the 40 week course!

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.