LYME Boat Building Academy is welcoming renowned furniture maker Mark Ripley as a permanent instructor.

Although he has run courses before at the academy, the team are pleased to have his wealth of knowledge and skill to offer their students.

Mr Ripley has been a full time self-employed maker for nearly 30 years and published his own book, ‘Furniture Making Projects and Plans’, in 2008.

Director Tim Gedge said: “He is quite well-known in the furniture making side of the business, he has run his own business and written books, so I am extremely pleased to have his as a new member of the team.

“He has run one woodworking course, which was extremely successful, and has been involved here in the past but he will now be a permanent member of staff here.

“I am keen that we build up the woodworking side – it sits nicely alongside the boat building school.”

Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy was founded in 1997 by Commander Tim Gedge and is an approved Royal Yachting Association training centre.

It attracts students from all different professions all over the world and has enrolled more than 500 on its 40-week boat building course.

This is for anyone wanting to work in the marine industry – or those who already do – learn a new practical skill or sharpen existing ones.

It teaches students to build boats to professional, industry standard and gives practical teaching in traditional and modern wood construction, wooden boat restoration and oar making.

Students have the opportunity to work on a wide range of construction types and some have the opportunity to build a boat for themselves.

The end of each course is celebrated with a boat launch in Lyme Regis Harbour, with graduates going on to work all over the world in all areas of industry.

But the academy covers more than just boat building.

As well as basic woodworking courses, the school also offers a 12-week intensive fine woodworking course.

In addition to learning hand skills, students design and make a personal project piece under expert supervision.

Students can learn timber identification, tool selection and maintenance, joints, bending and laminating, adhesives, fixings, power tools, technical drawing, making doors and drawers and finishing, as well as an introduction to large woodwork machinery and design and making.

All students research, design and make a personal project piece, which could range from a tool box, drawers or jewellery box, to a table or chair.

Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy also offers courses in marquetry, antique furniture restoration, rope work, repairs, restoration and renovation and finishing.

Mr Gedge added: “We get a lot of people of all ages and all backgrounds from all professions.

“Around 15 per cent are women, but I am keen to build up the number of women on our courses.

“In a small way, we are doing our bit to give people the skills that the industry needs.

“There is potentially a bright future for people in the marine industry – although it is a very broad industry.”

For more information on Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, visit www.boatbuildingacademy.com