|
Events - December 2011
Class of March 2011 Launch Day
Eight boats built by the 18 students who started the 38 week course in March were launched into Lyme Regis harbour on 7 December. Gary Thompson, of the September 2010 course, joined us to launch the Haven 12½ that wasn't launched in June because of the wind.
A splendid day was had by all, finishing with a certificate-giving ceremony in the workshop that has been the students' home for the previous six months.
 |
| Long hours were worked in the run-up to the launch. |
It was all hands on decks: Fiona Molloy who graduated in June this year lent a hand, as did Ian Baird from the class of March 2010. Jeremy White, MD of Elvstrom Sails, came to assist with the sails and rigging. Jenny Burgess, a summer short course graduate, put some hard work in on Shane's spar and last but not least Wendy (housekeeper) made sure no-one was weak for lack of food by making a cauldron of stew and a vat of mashed potato to see everyone through the night before the launch. |
| |
 |
| Boats are lined up outside the building... |
 |
 |
| ...before being walked down to the sea... |
 |
The boats, displayed at the harbour |
| |
|
 |
|
| Commander Tim Gedge says a few words... |
|
 |
...as does Sally Holman, Mayor of Lyme Regis...
|
|
| ...before the boats, one by one, are taken down to the sea |
|
| |
|
Ryan Johnson's West Greenland Kayak |
|
| |
|
 |
A very happy Gary Thompson from the September 2010 group finally launches the Haven 12 and a half built on the course... thanks to the wind she couldn't launch in December. Gary took time off from his job with Wessex Resins to launch with proper ceremony at the Academy |
| |
|
David Campbell takes to the water with family, students and friends |
|
| |
|
 |
Olaf Wiig's traditional clinker 'Skylark'
If you would like to see more photographs of the launch please visit the build diary pages |
 |
| Al Bartlett, Class of September 2011, revealed a talent for signwriting in the weeks before the launch: |
| |
 |
 |
Roy Gollop, left, in his foreman's hat, called the boats down to sea and kept the launch orderly. Grace, above, is part of the new generation of potential boat builders. Below, in the present, the newly-qualified Class of March 2011 |
| |
|
|
