A labour of love with a real community spirit driving it….
In 1998 Bolton School Boys' Division's Technology Department decided to celebrate the Millennium and to offer a real challenge to its pupils by building a 48 foot sailing boat. After 9 years of endeavour from students and teachers alike, along with much support from the local community and businesses, a magnificent sailing ketch is now nearing completion.
The construction of the boat has involved over 1,000 pupils and has formed part of the curriculum for boys from Years 7 up to A level studies in Years 12 and 13. The Technology Department has always believed in the holistic development of the individual and that theoretical study should be complemented by hands-on activity. The construction of an offshore sailing vessel combines the traditional skills in building the hull and control systems with the high tech aspects of the electronic navigation and communication systems. It has also been an incredible cross-curricular achievement and besides Technology, the construction of the boat has incorporated the disciplines of Maths, Design and Science and has stretched the boys beyond the confines of the curriculum.
Mr Mike Whitmarsh is the project coordinator and was, until the summer of 2006, the Head of Technology. Mike has been retained by the School and for the last year has been working full-time on completing the boat. He commented: "It’s an incredible achievement. Learning is enhanced when pupils can see that their work has a real world impact - and there’s nothing more effective than a 48 foot sailing boat! There are many specialist projects undertaken throughout the country but few encompass the wide variety of technological processes involved in the construction of an ocean going yacht. The boat has become a passion for many people – staff and students alike – and a lunchtime Boat Building Club has helped move the construction along. The School is indebted to these volunteer helpers and, also, to a number of local businesses who have helped supply components, labour and expertise.”
The construction has been overseen by a Lloyds appointed surveyor and has had to meet stringent regulations for coding as a commercial sailing vessel. The hull is constructed in ferro-cement with stainless steel fittings being used on deck. The vessel has a displacement of 20 tons with accommodation for 12. Built to the highest specification, she is equipped with Raymarine electronics including the latest electronic charting system, radar, twin Mikuni heaters for year round use, and comfortable accommodation in five cabins with a shower/wet room and two heads. Cooking is carried out on twin gimballed ovens and the galley includes a fridge and deep freeze.
The boat was moved to Glasson Dock in Lancashire on 14 May where she will undergo rigorous sea trials. When fully operational she will work the Clyde and West Coast of Scotland, taking Bolton School pupils on leadership and sail training courses run by Patterdale Hall, the School’s own outdoor education centre. The aim is to also make the boat available to the local community.
To learn more about the construction of the boat please click here.