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 in the left-hand column.