News
Annual Summer Gala Sponsored by Lexus Raises Record Sum
When over 500 guests filed through the doors of IYRS on July 12 for the Eleventh Annual Summer Gala sponsored by Lexus they found a fitting scene for revelry--an industrial building transformed with flickering lanterns, towering panels of black and citron fabric, and a classic Beetle Cat sailboat positioned center stage, complete with Hollywood-star lighting. But gala-goers gathered at IYRS for something deeper than a good time: they came to support "A New Launch" and the convergence of IYRS and the Museum of Yachting. After champagne and hors d'oeuvres, a sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing, the event raised a record-breaking sum of $660,000. Co-chairs Joe Dockery and Carol O'Malley, title sponsor Lexus, platinum sponsors Castello delle Regine, Condé Nast Publications, Prestige Lexus of Ramsey (N.J.), and Sentient Jet Membership, dedicated volunteers, and a host of ardent supporters and additional sponsors together made the evening a grand success. For a press release on this year's gala, click here.
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A Milestone Chapter for IYRS and MoY
The 2007-2008 period has been a milestone chapter for both IYRS and the Museum of Yachting. In addition to "A New Launch" at the Annual Summer Gala and the celebration of the combined future of IYRS and the Museum, there have been other launches as well. The restoration of the Aquidneck mill began, and a new program in Marine Systems was established. Read about a year of exhilarating change in the President's Report, given by IYRS and MoY President Terry Nathan at the Annual Meeting held during gala weekend.
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IYRS Launch Day in the News
After graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 31, the large crowd that packed into Restoration Hall for the ceremony migrated to the school docks to watch students launch twelve classics restored at IYRS. First-year students launched nine Beetle Cats, and second-year projects included an 11-foot Bulldog sailboat, 1924 6-Meter Madcap, and a Manhasset Bay One Design. Rives Potts, general manager of Brewer Pilots Point Marina in Westbook, Connecticut, addressed the group of graduates, which included the first class to graduate from the school's new Marine Systems program. The annual rite drew the attention of New England media. Click here to read a Boston Globe report by education writer Peter Schworm, "Creating Art in Crafts." For a report with Rhode Island Public Radio education reporter Rhonda Miller that aired on WRNI, click here. Meet Program Director Clark Poston in a conversation with Newport This Week reporter Tom Shevlin.
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IYRS Hosts Press Conference with U.S. Senator Jack Reed
The restoration of IYRS's Aquidneck Mill Building will not be complete for some eight months, but state, community, and marine-industry leaders are already touting the impact this historic landmark will have on the marine trades and the Lower Thames Street neighborhood. On April 28, IYRS President Terry Nathan was joined by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Keith Stokes, executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, at a press conference held inside the mill. Senator Reed announced federal funding of $500,000, secured by Senators Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to support the mill restoration and the revitalization of Newport's working waterfront. Said Reed of the mill: "We are taking something that is historic and transforming it to meet the challenges of a new generation." Click here for the complete story.
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The William H. Combs Miniature Model Collection at IYRS - a catalogue by Michael Wall
The William H. Combs Miniature Model Collection at IYRS, a superbly produced full color 65 page book, with text and photography by noted ship model expert R. Michael Wall, is a photographic catalogue of a collection of twenty excellently crafted ship models by two of the top marine model artists in this genre, Donald McNarry F.R.S.A. and Lloyd McCaffery. The collection was thoughtfully developed over a period of thirty years by William H. Combs, a West Point graduate, yachtsman, philanthropist, and Pennsylvania businessman with a life long interest in sailing. Click here to read more.
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IYRS to Host Open House in Bristol on April 5
IYRS will host an Open House at the school's Marine Systems Facility in Bristol on Saturday, April 5. The event is a great opportunity for individuals interested in learning about the IYRS certificate program in Marine Systems, as well as the career paths this type of training can open up. Developed in close coordination with the Rhode Island Marines Trades Association and the American Boat & Yacht Council, the IYRS Marine Systems Program offers comprehensive training in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting onboard systems such as electrical, electronic, steering, plumbing, and propulsion. The training is specific to the types of skills local companies look for in their employees—making IYRS graduates in high demand by marine-industry employers. The Open House runs from 10 am to 2 pm at the Bristol facility, located at 257 Franklin Street. Individuals who would like to schedule an appointment to meet with a member of the IYRS staff during the Open House should contact Director of Admissions John Freer (401-848-5777 x203).
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IYRS to Host Third Annual Career Day on March 1
IYRS will host its Third Annual Marine Industry Career Day on Saturday, March 1, at Restoration Hall (449 Thames Street, Newport) from 11 am to 2 pm. The one-day event is the only marine-exclusive career fair in the state and a valuable networking opportunity for those employed in the marine trades and those interested in entering the field. Some 30 companies are expected to attend, including builders of classic and modern boats, boat yards, marine equipment manufacturers, and sailmakers. Admission is free and attendees can talk with employers, learn about job opportunities and the skills required, gather information on training programs, and watch hands-on demonstrations. A newly released study—conducted for the RI Marine Trades Association and funded by the Governor's Workforce Board RI—tabulates a 10% job vacancy rate in the marine field in Rhode Island, and job opportunities are only projected to multiply in future. The average salary in this sector in RI is $39,400, which exceeds the average pay for all industries in the state ($38,100). "The industry is traditionally challenged to find people with the right combination of skills and interest to work in the field," says Susan Daly of IYRS, "but that signals an opportunity to those who are considering a marine career or looking at how to transfer their skills to the business of boating." According to the study, the skill areas that are in highest demand are engine repair, followed by electronics, computers, and woodworking. For a list of exhibiting companies, click here. To read a press release with more detail on Career Day and this new industry study, click here. For additional questions about Career Day, supported by the United Way of Rhode Island, call 401-848-5777.
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The Convergence of IYRS and the Museum of Yachting
In May 2007, IYRS and the Museum of Yachting joined forces to coordinate their efforts. An interview with IYRS and MoY President Terry Nathan highlights this new chapter for the two instititutions. Read the interview.
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IYRS Celebrates Start of Aquidneck Mill Building Restoration
A groundbreaking ceremony held on July 12 at IYRS marked the official start of the restoration of the 1831 Aquidneck Mill Building. A crowd of community leaders, local business owners, and IYRS board members and supporters gathered outside this historic building on the National Register of Historic Places to mark the occasion. The 30,000-square-foot mill will house critically needed classroom, workshop, and assembly space; a marine library that will be open to both students and the public; and lease space for companies and organizations whose focus is synergistic to the IYRS mission. Five individuals representing different organizations that have played important roles in the restoration spoke at the ceremony, including: IYRS Trustee Joseph Dockery, chair of the Mill Building Construction Committee; Edward Sanderson, executive director of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission; BankNewport President Tom Kelly; Bruce Johnson, executive vice-president of Sparkman & Stephens; and John J. Slocum, trustee of the Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust. "The start of this restoration marks a new phase for the school," reflected IYRS President Terry Nathan after the ceremonies. "But it is not only a milestone for the school, but one for the local community as well: restoring this building helps restore this neighborhood's link to its maritime past—and future. In addition to providing space for the school, the building will draw a new concentration of marine businesses to this neighborhood." The Thursday afternoon groundbreaking occurred on the eve of a weekend of activity at IYRS, with the Tenth Annual Summer Gala, sponsored by Lexus, taking place at Restoration Hall on Saturday night. Learn more about the mill in an interview with IYRS President Terry Nathan,
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IYRS and the MoY Take First Step toward Joining Forces
IYRS and The Museum of Yachting have taken a first step toward a convergence. "Many great schools are connected to a museum or cultural center. While a school may be focused on educating students and advancing research, a museum can take that knowledge to a wider public," said John Mecray, co-founding trustee of both IYRS and the MoY. Click here to read the press release.