The story so far...
Mark Rolt came to Bristol in 1986, after apprenticing himself with a shipwright on Thames Barges in London and Kent, and then a two year stint in the United States rebuilding the replica frigate Rose.
Family took him to Bristol where he has been ever since. After setting up Storms’l Services with three other shipwrights, and making up the team that built the 15th Century replica of Matthew, Mark set up on his own.
The Bristol Classic Boat Company was incorporated in 2006.
Originally based up river, Bristol Classic Boat Co moved to our present location in Bristol Harbour in 2013. We named the yard Rolt’s Boatyard, and it has now become synonymous with Bristol Classic Boat Co.
We have a team of shipwrights, some of whom have been with us since the beginning. Mark's son, Ned Rolt, who spent all his spare time as a child in the yard, is now one of the senior shipwrights.
Our shipwrights have worked on boats all over the world, from South America to Ukraine, and have all spent time at sea, so there is an understanding about how ships work as well as how they should be constructed.
We occasionally take on apprentices for a four year term. Two of our ex-apprentices still work with us. We are proud of the fact that we try to bring young people on in the craft.
Another string to our bow is Traditional Boat Supplies Ltd, a company devoted to sourcing, making and supplying chandlery specifically aimed at traditional wooden vessels. This is where one can find the stuff that many thought was now unavailable!
We welcome people coming to the yard and seeing what we do. All boats in whatever state of repair are of interest, and we will give an honest opinion on what would be the best way forward.
For Mark, Ned, and the team, this is not just a job, but a way of life.