The classes are pitched to having something you can tow home at the end of the 2 weeks. CLC does a bunch of prep work for you, the instructor keeps you focused and spots (and fixes) problems before they get out of hand. There’s plenty of workspace, complete with all the tools and supplies you could need. The classes also require that you have a partner. Finally, you are isolated in the shop for 2 weeks with no distractions (jobs, lawns, in-laws, etc.). All this means that the classes are pretty much the ideal situation and very different than most solo home builds. Don’t expect the home build time to be anywhere near as efficient as the class build time. It will take longer, and that’s OK.
The thing with a fast assembly, though, is that it tends to increase the finish time, especially for people doing their first builds. Usually, a slower assembly results in a faster finish. Taking the time to avoid drips, make sure that the alignments are correct, etc. means less clean-up with a sander at the end.
All this to say – don’t worry about the time. It will take as long as it takes. The most important thing is to do something, anything, every day. If you can’t be cutting wood, stitching/tabbing, gluing or wetting out glass, be planning the electrical system, working out the interior layout, researching insurance quotes, etc. Tools always need sharpening and cleaning (especially those scissors – mine are still going strong after 10 years), expendables (gloves, sandpaper, etc.) always need inventory and restocking. Clean the shop when you don’t have time or energy to glue more parts on or if you’re too tired to cut a straight line. If everything else is done, sit in the shop and websurf to find campgrounds to visit.
By being in the shop every day and doing something, no matter how small, to advance the project, you will maintain the momentum and get it built faster. The builds that take a long time (or never get finished) are the ones that get ignored. They turn into expensive guilt-trips that people end up trying to avoid, which makes things even worse.
Slow but steady wins the race.