Buildingboats

07/03/2021

The beginnings of a new project, working with . found this characterful oak in Sussex, perfect for their project ‘Refuge for Resurgence’.

23/04/2019

10/06/2018

Just to let you know that the Classic Watercraft website is down for maintenance. A new and improved website is on its way! Do contact me directly if you would like to get in touch.

31/05/2018

Boat Building Academy boat launch one year ago today!

28/05/2018

Today is the last chance to visit Sylva Foundation Wood Centre during Oxford Artweeksbto see the wonderful works of furniture, boats, upholstery and more created by local craftsmen and women. Classic Watercraft Mary's Chairs Oxford Oak Henwood Halcyon Limited Ali Buchan Furniture Neil Scott Furniture

19/05/2018

27/01/2018

16/01/2018

2018 Awards nominee: Laure, built by Simon Hawksley in the Powered Vessel, New Build category

Vote by clicking here: awards.classicboat.co.uk

30/12/2017

Designed NG Herreshoff/Sandford Bros, built First Light Boatworks, 26ft (7.9m), berm sloop The story of the Alerion Class Sloop, as it is known these days, started in 1912 when Nat Herreshoff drew Alerion III for his own enjoyment. The design was largely forgotten until, in 1977, Alfie and Edward Sa...

01/10/2017

Britain Afloat - a great new series on BBC presented by Mary-Ann Ochata discovering a history of British people through boats. Six episodes are available on iPlayer. Have a look at 'The Rowing Eight' which traces its origins from working boats, including Cornish Pilot Gigs. Some good shots of gigs racing at the Isles of Scillies, including a shot of Lyme Regis Gig Club's 'Black Ven', built by Boat Building Academy graduate Gail McGarva.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b096s2s4

A history of the British people told through six of its best-loved boats.

11/09/2017

After devoting his 30s to building a career in advertising and marketing, Luke Hope says his colleagues thought he was “bonkers” to give it up. Now aged 44 and running a successful wooden spoon-carving business in north London, he says that bemusement has turned to jealousy. “In contrast to years of...

30/08/2017

While Boat Building Academy instructors were teaching, I had a great time wandering around the exhibition at Messums Wiltshire

30/08/2017

'Jessie' was invited to take part in a course run by the Boat Building Academy at Messums Wiltshire exhibition "Material: Wood - Design & Inspiration" at Messums wonderful medieval barn in Wiltshire. The course on lofting, cold-moulding and clinker construction was led by BBA instructors Matt and Joe, assisted by Steve. The course was enjoyed by all of the participants and I picked up some good tips! Here are some photographs.