UPDATE: Four new students have just launched their journey at the Wooden Boat Centre (WBC) in Franklin, Australia, marking a pivotal moment in the world of wooden boatbuilding. Classes began on February 2, 2026, as these aspiring shipwrights dive into a year-long program dedicated to the craft of building and restoring wooden boats.
The WBC stands as the only institution in Australia solely focused on this traditional maritime art, offering 38 hours a week of tailored instruction from master shipwrights. This year’s cohort includes diverse talents from across Australia and beyond, each with unique backgrounds and aspirations.
Tilly Finlayson, hailing from the Huon Valley, is one of the local students. After living on a 46-foot fibreglass boat in Scotland, she made a pact with her dad to build him a boat if he funded her education. Her journey into boatbuilding reflects a deep passion for maritime craft, making her one to watch throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Andrew Pamisano has taken a bold leap, leaving behind his life as a biomedical technician at Northshore Hospital in Sydney. With 28 years of rental living behind him, Andrew has put his job on hold to fully immerse himself in the WBC experience. He is determined to learn everything he can about wooden boatbuilding, marking 2026 as his transformative year.
Across the globe, Jess Suffolk has traveled the furthest to join the program, arriving from Suffolk, England. Growing up near the Deben River, she gained hands-on experience at a local boatyard before seeking further knowledge at the WBC. After just a week in Australia, her commitment to mastering this craft is palpable, and her story is inspiring fellow classmates.
Lastly, Oliver Lawrence from the Yarra Valley in Victoria has shifted gears from a career in carpentry to pursue his passion for boats. After an unsettling experience at work, he realized it was time for a change. Oliver’s enthusiasm for learning new skills over the next 12 months promises to enrich the WBC community.
This year at the WBC signifies more than just education; it embodies a revival of traditional craftsmanship and a commitment to passing down maritime skills. As these four students embark on their urgent quest to master the art of wooden boatbuilding, they highlight the growing interest in sustainable and artisanal practices in Australia and beyond.
What’s Next: As the program unfolds, all eyes will be on these students to see how their stories evolve and what skills they acquire. With the world increasingly turning to traditional crafts, their journeys may inspire others to pursue similar paths in sustainability and craftsmanship.
Stay tuned for updates on their progress and insights from the Wooden Boat Centre, a beacon in the world of maritime education.
