STUDENTS set sail after completing an acclaimed boat building course in Lyme Regis.

Eight vessels were launched at the Lyme Regis slipway last week as pupils from the Boat Building Academy braved the high winds in front of a packed crowd at the harbour.

The first ever Viking longboat to be built at the Monmouth Beach workshop was launched, built by Neil Forrest - who also donned a makeshift Viking helmet.

“I’ve always wanted to build a longboat, but it’s too big,” said Neil.

“The Norwegian longboats were built for going from the fjords into the sea - and I’m really pleased with the outcome.

“I’m very excited to get it into the water.. Due to the nature of the boat, we knew there was going to be water coming in, but it really depends how much as to whether it would be a problem.”

As well as the longboat, other boats launched included Nick Shade’s guillemot kayak, a mallard dinghy, a Scandinavian faering, and a 20-foot seabird half rater.

Yvonne Green, Boat Building Academy principal, said: “I’m incredibly proud of them all.

“It was quite windy, but we planned how we were going to deal with it and they have all done really well.

“I think we had the first Viking boat we have produced, certainly in my time at the Boat Building Academy. It has been really exciting to watch it take shape. As well as traditional methods, the students have used technology to build it, including constructing a 3D hull with software.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people down here to support the students. It’s a happy event but it’s obviously quite sad as well, as we are having to say goodbye to the students after working closely with them.”

Director of the Boat Building Academy Tim Gedge said the launch is an important part of the learning curve for students.

“We have got as big a crowd as we ever have had down here” he said. “We always have a range of boats at the launch and it is fantastic for the students to get them on the water.

“This is a very important part of the process for the students. It gives them a deadline which they have to meet, which sets them up for working in the industry, and is a very important discipline to have.

“An awful lot of work has gone into these boats and the students should all be very proud of themselves.”