This splendid 17ft larch on oak pilchard larker named Jessica Rose was built by Boat Building Academy students Ken Bromage, Christian Skeels and Ben Dixon. The photos by Jenny Steer and Emma Brice show her being launched in December.
She is a 17ft clinker built fishing yawl built using larch on oak, and is based on a 1909 hull from Cawsands near Plymouth. There are photos of her build here, and Ken’s own weblog is here.
Ken worked as a Navy chaplain for 25 years before becoming a student at the BBA, and although his aim was a new lifestyle, he also wanted to provide a service for ex-service men and women.
Since finishing the course, Ken has begun setting up an organisation that promotes sustainable fishing in traditional boats and employing ex service men and women – keep an eye out for further information.
From Glasgow, Ben attended the BBA’s long course after working as an endoscope decontamination technician for NHS Scotland. He had dreamed of working in the marine industry for many years and has now started work with Sunseeker at Portland.
Christian arrived at the BBA from Harrogate, where he worked for the council. However, he has a strong family background of woodworking – his earliest memories are of his father’s workshop – and sailing was a childhood passion.
Christian now lives near Lyme harbour, just yards from the BBA’s building, and has set up a boat building and servicing business.
Cracking boat! Whilst Ken may well have sported a bowler, ill-fitting suit and toothbrush ‘tache on board, he is more likely to have been a chaplain I think.