From land lover to shipwright
Betzy Shell had spent her entire life by the water, yet her world had never truly touched the sea. That all changed when a life event sparked a passion for woodworking, leading her down a path to becoming a boatbuilder.
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It all began with a box of tools. Inheriting them from her beloved father who was a skilled furniture maker, Betzy realised she lacked the knowledge to use them. This gap ignited a curiosity that led her to the doors of the International Boatbuilding Training College in Portsmouth. The focus on traditional techniques, using chisels and planes, resonated with her desire to learn a craft rooted in time-tested methods.
Enrolling in the year-long course, Betzy discovered a natural aptitude for woodworking. The inherited tools became more than just objects; they were a tangible link to her Dad, a source of inspiration and a reminder of the creativity that flowed through her family. While she laments that her father will never know of her newfound passion, a sense of warmth washes over her as she uses his plane, its quirks a comforting echo of the past.
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Now, Betzy wants to be that inspiration for her daughter. By defying gender stereotypes in a male-dominated field, she hopes to show her child that anything is possible. Her own journey wasn't without its challenges. She acknowledges the frustration that comes with being a beginner, the countless hours spent coaxing wood into submission. Yet, her advice to aspiring boatbuilders is simple: persevere, learn from every experience, and embrace the community around you.
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That community is something Betzy is actively involved in. She recognises the vital role organisations like Women in Boatbuilding play in connecting and empowering female boatbuilders. It's a community she found solace in, having walked into her first day of college expecting to be surrounded by a sea of burly men. Change, however, is on the horizon, and Betzy believes the younger generation will see more women like her on the workshop floor, chipping away at tradition.
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Her days are far from monotonous. From carefully restoring historic vessels to constructing new ones, the variety keeps her on her toes. Whether meticulously replacing planks on a 20-foot clinker dinghy or venturing out on the jetty to mend a historic boat, there's a constant thrill in the unexpected. The work itself can be physically demanding, but for Betzy, it's a form of therapy. The wood, a natural and rewarding material to work with, offers a deep sense of satisfaction.
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Despite having lived by the sea her whole life, it wasn't until recently that Betzy felt a draw towards the water. A chance encounter volunteering on a restored Cornish gig led to an unforgettable experience. As she sat in the spare seat, gliding across the harbour in a boat she had helped repair, a wave of accomplishment washed over her. The fear of getting the epoxy ratios wrong and sinking the boat was a fleeting worry. In that moment, surrounded by water, she wasn't just a boatbuilder; she was part of the boat's story, a testament to the enduring legacy of human craftsmanship.
Written by Carly Fields
© Emilie Sandy, 2024