New boat built with Falmouth knowledge

6:12pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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Two former students on the Traditional Boatbuilding Level 3 course at Falmouth Marine School will see a boat they have been helping to build, launched in Bristol on May 22.

The 56ft boat based on the Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter was designed by Ed Burnett and built at the Bristol Classic Boat Company. Both Gary Grizzell and Peter Higginson have been working on the boatyard since they graduated from Falmouth Marine School.

The boat, the biggest built by the boatyard was especially commissioned by the Island Trust Charity based in Salcombe. The charity which has been going for 35 years takes disadvantaged children sailing. The design of the boat was agreed after discussions between the designer, the charity and Mark Rolt, director of the Bristol Classic Boat Company with over 25 years of experience in building boats.

The boat which took 18 months to build is strong and beautiful with classic lines that will make it suitable for heavy weather sailing. It will take up to 12 people including two crew.

The Bristol Classic Boat Company had eight boat builders working on the boat for the duration of the build. Gary was there from the beginning, from planking to building the rudder and Pete, the newest recruit of the company, joined in half way through, completing the majority of the work on the interior of the boat.

Peter Rolt commented: "It was a great project to work on and The Island Trust are extremely happy with the finished product. This boat will be sailing for 100 years or more and everyone at the Bristol Classic Boat Company hopes children get great pleasure from sailing in her for a long time to come."

Mike Selwood tutor on the Traditional Boatbuilding course at Falmouth Marine School said: "It's great to see our students involved with such prestigious projects. Since the Traditional Boatbuilding course was started some five years ago, 75% of our students are now working with established boat builders worldwide. As wooden boat building has had a renaissance, a large skills gap is developing as the last apprentices reach retirement. At Falmouth Marine School we are striving to fill this skills gap."

John Latham, Principal of Cornwall College commented: "It's great to see students doing so well and going on to the careers in their chosen field. It must prove a great satisfaction to work on a particular project from start to finish and see such a fantastic product at the end and for such a good cause."

Falmouth Marine School are holding an Auction for the sale of 15 boats built or restored by Falmouth Marine School students. Boat's on sale range from 8ft to 21ft, constructed in wood or GRP, including three 21ft Traditional Cornish Luggers.

The Auction will take place on Events Square, outside the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth on Saturday June 14 at 2pm. All boats will be on view on Events Square from Wednesday June 11.