Be part of a unique community of builders and makers – now and for the rest of your life.
Be a part of a unique community of builders and makers – now and for the rest of your life.
Make your passion your future
Our world leading courses are focussed on professional training but also provide life-changing opportunities for complete beginners, enthusiasts and those on a gap year.
Learn boat building and woodworking by the sea in the heart of Lyme Regis, on the Dorset coast. From 2 days to 40 weeks, there is a course for everyone.
You will learn boat building through a structured programme of skills training and building boats from start to finish. An immersive experience perfectly suited to those starting or enhancing their career, right through to those joining us for the sheer challenge and enjoyment of building boats.
You’ll be immersed in a practical and comprehensive programme of skill building, joinery, drawing, bending, an optional level 3 qualification, a personal design and make project, and much more.
Boat building, furniture making and more; suitable for all skill levels, from beginners or experienced hobbyists to existing professionals.
Whether you’re looking to refine existing skills or try something new, there’s something for everyone: Sail making, marquetry, chair making, rope work and much more.
You will learn boat building through a structured programme of skills training and building boats from start to finish. An immersive experience perfectly suited to those starting or enhancing their career, right through to those joining us for the sheer challenge and enjoyment of building boats.
You’ll be immersed in a practical and comprehensive programme of skill building, joinery, drawing, bending, an optional level 3 qualification, a personal design and make project, and much more.
Boat building, furniture making and more; suitable for all skill levels, from beginners or experienced hobbyists to existing professionals.
Whether you’re looking to refine existing skills or try something new, there’s something for everyone: Sail making, marquetry, chair making, rope work and much more.
“The 40-week Boat Building course is by far the best thing I have ever done. The teaching is of the highest quality, both in expertise and enthusiasm for the course and the boatbuilding industry in general. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering a career in either woodworking or boatbuilding or even just to learn a new skillset.”
George Soper, 40-week Boat Building Class of May 2021
"Your college has set the benchmark for the future of training craftsmen, which has long been the biggest worry of traditional boat builders and repairers. You deserve to go from strength to strength, and I for one will recommend it to anyone looking for a career in our industry."
Tom Richardson, Owner of Elephant Boatyard, Hampshire
A really useful week! I learned techniques and got some confidence in general woodworking, but the best thing was being able to bring my boat along for the class to work on.
I am extremely grateful for the dedicated concentration on the issues that need sorting for my boat.
Discover our boat building diaries. Follow the construction and progress of the boats currently being built in our workshop, as well as those built on our previous 40-week boat building courses.
We aim to provide financial help to men and women passionate to train in the crafts of boat building and woodworking.
Ever wondered what happens behind the workshop doors at the Boat Building Academy? Are you thinking in enrolling on our courses and want to know more?
Join us on Saturday 15th April 11:00 – 16:00 for our 2023 Open Day.
We are going to Birmingham from the 18-19th of March exhibiting in the National Outdoor Expo
Join us on Wednesday 7th June for the launching of the boats built by the 40-week Boat Building Class of August ’22.
Ever wondered what happens behind the workshop doors at the Boat Building Academy? Are you thinking in enrolling on our courses and want to know more?
Join us on Saturday 15th April 11:00 – 16:00 for our 2023 Open Day.
We are going to Birmingham from the 18-19th of March exhibiting in the National Outdoor Expo
Join us on Wednesday 7th June for the launching of the boats built by the 40-week Boat Building Class of August ’22.
