Will has a degree in furniture design and worked at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College before coming to the Academy as a student to learn boat building. After the course he started his own business building, restoring and repairing boats, in addition to designing and constructing furniture. Will helped to set-up the 12 week Fine Woodworking course (originally an 8 week course) and has led the course since it’s inception for ten years.  In June 2019, Will assumed the role of principal of the Boat Building Academy.

Commander Tim Gedge founded the school of boat building in 1997 after a career in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. After a two-year break from the school he returned in January 2006 as a Director.  For some years a Yacht Master examiner he has sailed and raced extensively; more recently he was a member of the Council of the Marine South West group within the South West Regional Development Agency and of other marine business associations in the region.

In April 2021, Tim retired from his position as a trustee/director and was bestowed with the title of Honorary Life President.

Janine runs the office day-to-day for course enquiries, bookings and student accomadation.

George has a degree in Film & Media Production. Before joining the Academy, he worked for a local newspaper. He looks after the website and social media channels.

Sam grew up in North East Essex where his family have been building boats for generations (his great grandfather was yacht designer and naval architect William Robinson). After attending the BBA in 2015 Sam went on to work in North Wales and Cornwall, building and restoring traditional boats before returning to West Dorset where he specialised in repairing Cornish Pilot Gigs as well as taking on bespoke woodworking projects. Sam returned to the BBA as a member of staff in April 2021.

After a 27 year career in sales, Tim relocated from Buckinghamshire to West Dorset and joined the 12 week Woodworking Skills (now Furniture Making) course.

Tim also teaches the 5-day Marquetry short course.

Geoff worked in electronics manufacturing for 30 years, mostly in production planning and integrating and supporting accounting and manufacturing systems.  Geoff joined the Academy in November 2015 and works two days per week.

Originally from Leatherhead in Surrey, Wendy moved to Lyme Regis over 30 years ago. She is the mother of four children, and Housekeeper at the Lyme Regis Marine Centre.

In his youth Mark was a drummer in the National Youth Orchestra.  He restores classic cars and motorbikes, has two greyhounds, plays guitar and writes and produces music that has been played at festivals all over the world.