Student boat-builders sailed and paddled their handiwork at a launch event to celebrate the end of term.
The eight newly qualified craftsmen took to the waters of Lyme Bay in three new craft to mark the end of their 38-week course. A clinker dinghy – built as a replica of a 1916 boat in the Falmouth Maritime Museum – was joined by a cedar strip canoe and a Whitehall rowing skiff.
Five of the intake to the Boatbuilding Academy, at Lyme Regis, in West Dorset, have already secured jobs in the industry, with the other three happy to return to their previous careers with a new skill under their belt. One student, a barrister by profession, is weighing up an offer in marine construction, and two of the group are returning to work on classic and super yachts.
Principal Yvonne Green said the recent crop had been a "great bunch", setting a standard which seems to get higher every year.
"They have all worked extremely hard, producing superb examples of traditional and modern construction – we are delighted that all those that want a job will be starting work before the end of the month," she said.
The academy runs a range of courses from two and five days long right up to the 38-week City and Guilds course.
The centre was set up by former naval commander Tim Gedge to continue the tradition of British boat-making.
Ms Green said: "We can't wait to see what the next lot are going to produce when they hit the workshop the week after next."
