Long Course Class of September 2007

Fifteen people started the course on 3rd September 2007, and our sixteenth student joined on Monday 10th.  The students came from backgrounds that included building, dramatic arts, geology, engineering, philosophy and the drinks industry.  Their average age was 35.  They finished their course on Friday 13th June - after taking their exams on 4th and 5th June, going to Beale Park for the weekend of 6th June, then coming back to Lyme to launch their boats, collect their Academy certificates and say their final goodbyes. 

To see the boat launch click on the link below the photograph.

Gareth, Charlie, John and Ian on launch day

Since leaving the course Charlie has sailed 'Seapod' the Peapod in the Crinan Classics regatta.  Click here for his photographs and blog, and has won the commission to restore a Clyde 17/19 Lugger (launched in 1892).  See Katydid for his progress.

Ian Thomson is now setting up his workshop in Christchurch.  His company 'Nestaway' starts production of his sectional dinghy, developed at the Boat Building Academy while he was on the course, in September in Devon. 

Chris Humpage, who helped Ian on the build, is now employed by Nestaway Boats Ltd.

Read all the students' stories in 'Student Profiles