Independent schools have always pioneered the development of the
individual and, by their nature, strive to seek independent ways to
carry out this aim.
In 1998 Bolton School's Technology Department decided to
celebrate the Millennium by building a 48 foot offshore sailing
ketch as part of the curriculum of the department.
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. More than 1,000
boys have contributed to the project and the yacht, named "Tenacity
of Bolton" is now undergoing sea trials based out of Glasson Dock
near Lancaster.
|
Vessel Detail
|
Year Group
Involved
|
Curriculum Aspect
|
|
Hull construction
|
Yr 10,11,12,13
|
Structures and Materials Testing
|
|
Deck Fittings
|
Yr 9,10
|
CAD Design and Manufacturing Methods.
Metals and alloys. Structures.
|
|
Internal Accommodation
|
Yr 8,9
|
CAD Design and Manufacturing Methods.
Wood and Composites
|
|
Control Systems
|
Yr 10,11
|
Hydraulics and systems and control.
|
|
Electronic systems
|
Yr 12,13
|
Electronics AS Level.
Systems and Control AS/A2 level.
|
|
Power transmission
|
Yr 12,13
|
Systems and Control AS/A2 level.
|
|
Small fitting and switch labels
|
Yr 7
|
CAD Design and Manufacture
|
|
Graphic Design and Galley Design
|
Yr 10,11, 12,13
|
Product Design AS/A2 level.
|
|
Publicity and information
|
All year groups
|
Communication skills and Business/Industry links.
|
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.
Once sea trials have been completed, the ketch will be used for
leadership training and expeditions run by Patterdale Hall, the
outdoor pursuits centre owned by the School. She will work
the West Coast of Scotland, taking Bolton School pupils and other
children from the region on leadership and sail training
courses for many years to come.
Read about the official launch of the
ketch, which took place on Sunday 16 September 2007.