STUDENT boat builders put bad luck behind them as two new vessels were launched into the sea at Lyme Regis.
Two boats were launched by students of the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy last week, after completing the internationally recognised 38-week course.
An 18’7 cold moulded Robert Steward electric motor launch and a 16’ traditional clinker Norwegian Faering were launched at the slipway in front of crowds of friends, family members and supporters of the Boat Building Academy.
Two additional boats that have been constructed were not launched, but were on display for crowds to look at before the launch in the workshop at Monmouth Beach.
The students have suffered a host of setbacks and were helped out by graduates of the course, whose support has been described as 'heartwarming'.
A new boat is taken down to the slipway in Lyme Regis
Boat Building Academy principal, Yvonne Green, said: "That the boats are launching at all is a testament to the students' commitment to the course and learning the skills.
"They have not had the best of luck. One student had to spend time in Austria after his father had a serious accident, another spent time in hospital after a car crash, two more have spent weeks away because of illness. To make up the time the group has worked incredibly hard at weekends and in the evenings.
"We also asked our graduates for help, through our graduates' network. The response was heartwarming. People have taken time off from their jobs to come and lend a hand.
"A graduate who works locally, Harry Poulson, has been in the workshops in the evening after working a full day in his job. This group deserved a very special launch."
The students enjoy their boat for the first time
Boat Building Academy director Tim Gedge addressed the students and the crowd before the launch took place.
The students will graduate with the skills needed to work in today’s marine industry certificated by the City and Guilds level 3 diploma in Marine Construction, Systems Engineering and Maintenance.
For more information on the Boat Building Academy, please visit boatbuildingacademy.com
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