24 November 2025

Tack and Jibe, the UK's online boat marketplace, step inside the Boat Building Academy’s bustling workshop to uncover what makes this institution so special.

Hidden along the Dorset coastline in Lyme Regis lies a place where tradition and innovation meet plank by plank. The Boat Building Academy has become a cornerstone of British craftsmanship — a place where students don’t just learn how to build boats, but how to bring them to life.

In Tack and Jibe’s latest feature, they step inside the Academy’s bustling workshop to uncover what makes this institution so special. From the smell of freshly cut timber to the moment a newly built vessel first touches the water, every part of the experience speaks to the deep-rooted passion that defines Britain’s marine industry.

The story follows students and instructors as they navigate the demanding but rewarding process of traditional boatbuilding — blending time-honoured techniques with modern approaches. Many arrive with little to no experience, yet leave with the skills and confidence to pursue careers across the marine sector, from restoration and design to bespoke boatbuilding and beyond.

The feature also explores the Academy’s wider impact — fostering collaboration, preserving maritime heritage, and ensuring that the knowledge and artistry of British boatbuilding continue to thrive for generations to come.

Whether you’re an industry professional, a marine enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the intersection of craft and community, this is a story that captures the heart of what makes our sector so enduring.