Over a period of nine years, more than 1,000 boys from the Senior School were involved in the construction, with the hull built in ferro-cement with stainless steel fittings used on deck.  The vessel has a displacement of 20 tons with accommodation for 12. Built to the highest specification, it is equipped with Raymarine electronics including the latest electronic charting system, radar, twin Mikuni heaters for year round use, and comfortable accommodation in five cabins with a shower/wet room and two heads. Cooking is carried out on twin gimbaled ovens and the galley includes a fridge and deep freeze.

The project coordinator has been Mike Whitmarsh, ex-Head of Technology at the School. Mike won the North West Teacher of the Year Award for Enterprise and will take part in the national final, which will be screened on the BBC next month.

Mike said, 'I am delighted to see Tenacity of Bolton launched. It’s been a wonderful afternoon and what a journey it’s been to get to this point! The building of the School’s own boat has been a truly unique project and thanks are due to the many volunteers, donations by companies and, most importantly, to the boys themselves. This fantastic project has incorporated a wide range of technological processes and been part of the curriculum for pupils from Year 7 to Year 13.  Of course, this is only the beginning, hundreds more pupils will now be able to benefit from sailing on the boat.’

When fully operational, the boat will work the Clyde and West Coast of Scotland, taking Bolton School pupils on leadership and sail training courses run by Patterdale Hall, the School’s own outdoor education centre.  The aim is to also make the boat available to the local community.

Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP said, 'I’ve seen many sporting projects over the years but can’t think of one that has involved so many people. Mike Whitmarsh’s vision has been truly inspirational. Hopefully this will inspire boys, from all communities throughout Lancashire, that sail on the boat and who knows, perhaps some of them will be able to sail in the 2012 Olympics.'