Bolton School Senior Boys
Third Millennium Ketch Project
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 was overseen by a Lloyds appointed surveyor and had to meet stringent regulations for coding as a commercial sailing vessel. The hull was constructed in ferro-cement with stainless steel fittings being used on deck. More than 1,000 boys contributed to the project and the yacht was named "Tenacity of Bolton" in 2007 when it was completed.
The below tables shows which year groups were involved and how the building of the boat was incorporated into the timetable.
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 completed vessel had a displacement of 20 tons with accommodation for 12. Built to the highest specification, she was 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 could be undertaken on twin gimballed ovens and the galley included a fridge and deep freeze.
From 2007-2014 the ketch was used for leadership training and expeditions run by Patterdale Hall, the outdoor pursuits centre owned by the School. She worked the West Coast of Scotland, taking Bolton School pupils and other children from the region on leadership and sail training courses.
Tenacity is now managed by the Tall Ships Youth Trust but Year 8 and 9 boys and girls at the School still have the opportunity to enjoy sailing voyages on her.
You can read more about her construction by clicking on the links here.