Sylvia and I have just had our second trip to Lyme Regis in the space of a few weeks. The first to split a week in a nearby cabin with our great friends, Mandy and Craig; and this time to spend a few days in the town itself, so that we could attend the biannual launch ceremony at the Boat Building Academy today.

We have had a very enjoyable few days, and today’s event was the icing on the cake.

Due to the blustery conditions, proceedings started in the boathouse, which gave an opportunity to look at the three boats to be launched and chat with others present. Visitors included students’ families, past graduates, the Mayor and Mayoress, and the local sea shanty singers – the Lyme Bay Moonrakers.

The 14′ Paul Gartside-designed traditional clinker outboard launch is very roomy and sturdy, and very nicely finished:

The 18′ strip planked dinghy, ‘Zinnia’ may not be completely finished, but she was definitely ready for a dip. Her hull is SUPER smooth.

How’s that for a bowsprit?!

The third craft, possibly my favourite, is the 15′ 6” glued clinker Westray Skiff. The design for this double ender with its pronounced flare midships comes from the islands of Westray and Papa Westray in the north of the Orkney Isles.

After a couple of sea shanties and a couple of short speeches, the boats headed out to the nearby harbour slipway.

In the harbour, there was a very stiff breeze. Spray was being flung over the Cobb’s wall by the incoming waves:

For the students and their families, this was clearly a fantastic celebration of their course, their learning and the quality of their work. I am sure the instructors and staff get a huge sense of fulfilment too, seeing finished boats being launched twice a year.

I think we might well go again!!