What is the Membership Academy?
Learn Boat Upholstery, Boat Covers and Industrial Sewing with expert support as you progress
Boat Covers Academy is for people who want to learn practical marine upholstery and cover-making skills without having to piece everything together from random videos.
Whether you are starting from the beginning, improving your existing skills, working on your own boat or planning to build a marine upholstery business, the Academy gives you structured training, practical guidance and ongoing support.
I am now opening 20 Founding Member places at a special rate of £37 per month.
Your founding rate will remain locked at £37 per month for as long as your membership stays continuously active.
Once the 20 places are filled, the standard membership price will increase to £67 per month.
This membership is designed to help you move forward from where you are now
You may be:
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completely new to industrial sewing
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unsure which machine, tools or materials you need
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interested in making cushions, seats, covers, biminis or any cover and upholstery
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working on your own boat
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an upholsterer who wants to move into marine work
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hoping to start or grow a boat upholstery and covers business
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struggling with confidence, pricing or taking on real jobs
You do not need to know everything before you join.
You will follow a pathway based on your current ability and the level you want to reach.
What you will learn?
Inside Boat Covers Academy, you will be able to develop skills in areas including:
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industrial sewing machine setup and use
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needles, thread, tension and troubleshooting
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boat seats and cushions - basic and advanced
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foam, patterns, piping and zips
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marine vinyl and canvas
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measuring and templating
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boat covers and storage covers
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biminis and enclosures
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windows, fasteners and fittings
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repairs and problem-solving
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materials, suppliers and workshop setup
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pricing, quoting and taking on paid work
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finding customers and building a marine sewing business
You do not have to complete everything at once.
The aim is to help you focus on the next skill or project that matters to you.
More than a collection of videos
The Academy is not designed to leave you alone with a large library of lessons.
As a member, you will receive:
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step-by-step online training
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a clear route based on your starting level
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regular live group Q&A sessions
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answers to practical sewing and project questions
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feedback on your work
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help with machine problems
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guidance with pricing and quoting
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support with your first projects or paid jobs
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access to a private member community
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new training shaped around real member needs
You will be able to ask questions, share your progress and get help when something is not going to plan.
Choose the pathway that suits you
Complete beginner
Start with industrial sewing machine basics and build your confidence through simple practice exercises and beginner projects.
Boat owner
Learn the skills to repair, improve or create upholstery and covers for your own boat.
Aspiring business owner
Develop your practical skills alongside pricing, quoting, customer and business guidance.
Existing upholsterer or cover maker
Build specialist marine skills and get support with more advanced projects, materials and techniques.
Become a Founding Member of Boat Covers Academy
Why become a Founding Member?
The first 20 members will help shape the future of Boat Covers Academy.
You will join with access to the current training and support, while also having the opportunity to tell me:
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what you most want to learn
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where you are getting stuck
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which projects you want help with
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what would make the Academy more useful
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what support you need to reach your goals
I will use this feedback to build future lessons, workshops and resources around the real needs of members.
You are not joining an empty or unfinished membership. You are joining a growing specialist Academy and helping influence what is added next.
Founding Member price
£37 per month
Available to the first 20 Founding Members.
Your £37 monthly rate will remain locked for as long as your membership stays continuously active.
If you cancel and later decide to return, you will rejoin at the price available at that time.
Once the 20 Founding Member places are filled, standard membership will increase to £67 per month.
Workshop student rate
Anyone who has completed an eligible Boat Covers Academy workshop will be able to join at the special alumni rate of £47 per month.
Workshop students will receive a separate link or instructions for accessing this rate.
Who teaches the Academy?
Boat Covers Academy is led by Sam, an experienced trainer of 25 years specialising in industrial sewing machines, marine upholstery and boat covers.We have trained people from all over the world.
The training is based on practical experience, real projects and the common problems students face when learning these skills.
You will receive clear explanations, honest guidance and support designed to help you become more capable and confident.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous sewing experience?
No. Complete beginners can start with the industrial sewing machine training and progress step by step.
Do I need to own an industrial sewing machine?
You will eventually need access to a suitable machine to practise, but the Academy can help you understand which type of machine is appropriate before you buy.
Can I join from outside the UK?
Yes. The online training can be accessed from anywhere, and Q&A recordings will be available when you cannot attend live.
Can I learn at my own pace?
Yes. You can work through the training at a pace that suits your time, experience and goals.
Can I ask questions about my own projects?
Yes. Members can bring practical project, machine, material, pricing and business questions to the Academy.
Is this suitable if I want to start a business?
Yes. The membership includes support with practical skills as well as pricing, quoting, customers and business development.
Is private one-to-one training included?
The membership includes group support, Q&A sessions, community help and project feedback. Separate one-to-one or bespoke training may be available where more individual support is needed.
Can I cancel?
Yes. You can cancel your membership. Your Founding Member price remains locked only while your subscription stays continuously active.
Stop trying to work everything out alone
Build your skills one project at a time and get expert support when you need it.
Join Boat Covers Academy as one of the first 20 Founding Members for £37 per month.
Once all 20 places have been filled, the membership price will increase to £67 per month.
What Past Students Say
Kerrie, UK
I highly recommend marine upholstery and covers courses. I can't speak highly enough of the tutor, who is amazingly skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, patient and supportive. I have learnt so much from doing the Masterclass, and gained so many new skills to take into my own business. The pace of the course is well balanced and flexible, allowing it to be adapted to different skill levels and individual requirements. Overall a great value course, which delivers exactly what is says on the tin!
Jessica,UK
I had minimal sewing experience they gave very thorough and patient instructions. Afterward I felt confident to go and test my new skills on my own boat! (Turned out great) The one thing I cannot credit enough is the continued support and willingness to answer questions after the course ended. I can’t wait to take the canvas cover course to continue my learning :)
Natalie, Canada
I took a marine canvas and upholstery course with the intention of using my learned knowledge to start my own business. The course was informative and thorough. The course covered all the details that I would run into. The tutor was extremely knowledgeable and has been wonderful in answering any questions I have had since finishing the course. Wish I could take it again.
Vilmos, Greece
A big thank you for creating such great content - I find your courses very helpful. It enabled me to sew retractable awnings for my bespoke pergola - with zero prior sewing experience.