Jean-Pierre Sheerlinck, student and owner builder of “Elandra”

“At Wooden Boat Centre in Franklin, we have been building small ships such as the Ilur, “Elandra””; we have built large ships and tall ships, or at least their masts. In the process we are gaining scholarship, but most importantly, we are also building friendships, and these are most valuable as they will last a lifetime.”

Jean-Pierre Scheerlinck, Sponsor of the Ilur “Elandra” and year-long student

Simon Leslie, student and owner builder of a Percy 12 ft design clinker dinghy.

I cannot speak highly enough of my recent experience as a sponsor at the Wooden Boat Centre. I’m coming away, not only with a beautiful dinghy, but new friends and an appreciation of hand tools I couldn’t have imagined. There was so much to learn in the process, from lofting, to rabbets, to garboards, inwhales and spar making and all in an historic and beautifully-sited boat shed, adjacent to an estuary with reflections that have to be seen to be believed. Mike (what’s next?) Johnson, my tutor was a man clearly passionate about boat building. Even though he must have built many boats before, I could sense his excitement as my Percy came together. I can’t thank him enough for his inspiration, skill, wisdom and insight and for giving my family what is sure to be an heirloom. He continued to amaze me whenever I had a problem to solve or correct - he always had the answer and it was always immediate. And let’s not forget his sixth sense about what he could trust you to do on your own and when you needed guidance.

I was fortunate to be one of two sponsors building at the same time. Anthony and I have become great friends formed through learning together, exploring and sharing a delightful new community and having a common passion for beautiful wood.

The 12-month students who helped with the build were an exceptional group of all ages and experience. It makes for such an inspirational, creative and happening place with all enjoying their projects, always laughing and always seeking to help each other out, whether that be with boat building/restoration, stoking the fire on those cold mornings, bringing in treats for morning tea or helping to bring the latest student yacht purchase back to Franklin. Thank you, Michael V, in particular for your motivation, friendship, humour and compliments. You added so much to the experience. And thanks to Cody who runs the show for making it happen and is so welcoming and the committee members for their interest, support and warm smiles.

If you have dreamed of building a beautiful boat from beautiful timbers like I did, then I can guarantee the WBC is where your dreams can come to reality. I’d say do it.

Simon Leslie,

Sponsor and short-course student