An entire class of students from the Boat Building Academy (BBA) in Lyme Regis has been awarded the Rising Star accolade at The Classic Boat Awards 2026.
The September 2024 cohort of the BBA’s 40-week boat building course made history when it became the first to feature a 50:50 male-female ratio.
Since graduating, many of the students have gone on to work for the UK’s leading boatyards, including Spirit Yachts and Woodbridge and Waldringfield Boatyards in Suffolk, Abbey Boatbuilder in Norfolk, and John’s Boat Works on the tidal Thames.
The Rising Star award – a new category for 2026 – recognises emerging talent in restoration and conservancy, and as with all Classic Boat awards is voted for by the public.
In a ceremony at the Thames Yacht Club (on April 14), the BBA students were presented with their trophy by Matthew Lis, General Manager of Woodbridge and Waldringfield Boatyards.
Will Reed, Director of the BBA said: “It was a hugely proud moment for me, everyone at the BBA and our partners Women In Boat Building (WIBB) to see our students recognised and celebrated in this way.
“The September 2024 cohort was truly remarkable, not just in terms of its gender equality, but because of the students’ collective passion for boat building.
“Many of our Rising Stars are already working for some of the country’s leading yards. Whilst others are pursuing exciting careers in carpentry, joinery and furniture making.
Their talent shone out across a ceremony packed with their peers and figures and employers from across the marine industry.”
The BBA has implemented a far-reaching diversity and equality programme with the help of Women In Boat Building which now includes an annual five-day Women’s Workshop course for women to try their hand at woodworking, before committing to further study.
A new bursary scheme exclusively for women, and supported by the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, is making it possible for a growing number of women to meet the cost of the course and access the high-level training and career development opportunities it provides.
In addition, Women In Boat Building members already working in the industry are actively mentoring female BBA students.
Will added: “Alongside the students’ efforts, this award is testament to the huge amount of work which continues to go into increasing diversity and equality and preserving the craft of boat building by the BBA and our close partners.
“Our thanks go to Classic Boat magazine, everyone who voted for our students, and all who continue to support and celebrate traditional boatbuilding.”
