The Voyager Project
Thanks to a grant from Historic Scotland we are planning a new training program based around the construction of a traditional boat.
Two apprentices are working with our lead boat builder, Ben Duffin, to produce a 1/6th size scale model of the boat and it’s really starting to take shape.
Having drawn the boat full size through a process known as ‘lofting’ they picked up patterns, built the keel, ‘chopped the rabbet’, fitted frames and now are onto planking. It may be a model but it still takes care and attention to get it just right. Each piece is totally unique and shaped to fit the compound curves of the boat just right.
The brainchild of master designer Paul Gartside, Voyager will be a remarkable vessel. She’s a heavily built double-ended ketch, 38 feet long with a 13 feet beam. Big enough to carry six people on overnight voyages she will be kitted out with berths and facilities for passages around Scotland and further afield.
Through the build GalGael’s participants will get a chance to learn about the traditional maritime heritage of Scotland and to experience some of the specialist skills associated with wooden boat building. We are the only organisation in Scotland teaching these skills, which are at risk of being lost altogether if not passed on. Boatbuilding can teach everyone valuable transferable skills; teamwork, patience and focus are all essential!
We plan to involve the wider community in this project through short weekend courses, open days and vists. If you are interested in opportunities to learn more about boatbuilding projects at GalGael contact us. And watch this space for more updates on the build.
