Betzy Shell and Belinda Joslin – two brilliant women changing the boatbuilding world!
Do you recognise Betzy from the big blue doors of Boathouse 4? After inheriting a box of tools, Betzy realised she was lacking the knowledge to use them. This skills gap ignited a curiosity that led her to enrolling in a yearlong boat building course.
Betzy discovered her natural talent for woodworking and is now a boatbuilder working on historic vessels, from exciting projects like restoring a Cornish Gig and sailing in it, to now helping on the big repair of HMS Victory. She hopes to inspire the next generation to defy gender stereotypes in a male dominated field and prove that anything is possible.
Belinda sailed from a young age, and owned her first boat at the age of 10!
She continued her passion for being on the water and became Youth National Champion when she was 18.
After working in a boatyard, she realised how rare it was to see women in the industry. So, she started a platform to connect, support and encourage women working in maritime jobs. Now, she runs workshops, speaks at events, and is making the marine world more inclusive for everyone.
Belinda and Betzy are forces of nature, sails against the tide of tradition and transforming the boatbuilding world with unwavering determination and belief in the power of women.
Can you follow in their footsteps to design and build your very own boat… using just one sheet of paper?!
Fold and shape your paper to turn it into a boat.
Write a word on your boat that reflects what you believe in – just like Betzy and Belinda do through their work.
Event Details
Boathouse 4
11:00am-3:00pm, Aug 20-21