THE INTERNATIONAL YACHT RESTORATION SCHOOL is devoted to the preservation of maritime skills and historic watercraft. We offer a wide range of programs including a two-year program in the restoration and preservation of classic yachts as well as shorter workshops in traditional maritime skills. The two-year program is accredited by the ACCSCT, certified by the State of Rhode Island and approved by the Veterans Administration. Students come from around the world to learn traditional trade skills and teamwork, self-respect, and pride in good workmanship.

Description:
IYRS is situated in the heart of Newport's historic waterfront, an area rich in maritime tradition. We are proud to continue this tradition and keep the site accessible to the public and preserved for maritime use. Visitors can watch students at work in the shop, see gallery exhibits and view classic yachts afloat and ashore. They can also learn about the 1885 schooner yacht Coronet, the school's flagship and America's most historic yacht, which is being restored to sail again as a floating museum.

Classes are taught in a fully equipped shop in historic Restoration Hall, originally built in 1905 as an electric generating station for the Newport Street Railway Company. The second building on the campus, originally built in 1831 as a steam-powered cotton mill, is on the National Register of Historic Places. This building has been stabilized and will be renovated for use as classrooms, workrooms and offices.

History:
The International Yacht Restoration School, a not-for-profit organization, teaches the skills, history and related sciences needed to construct, restore and maintain yachts. IYRS provides job training for the international boating industry and teaches teamwork, self-respect and pride in good workmanship. Students from all over the world come to IYRS to study. Many graduates will become professional boat builders and restorers. Other students gain work and life skills that will serve them well in any profession.

Among the skills taught at IYRS are: use and maintenance of hand and power tools; essential woodworking skills; lines taking; lofting; all aspects of wooden yacht construction and fastening; use of modern materials in yacht repair and construction; joinery and finishing techniques; historical research; pattern making and casting; system and engine installation and maintenance; boat handling, navigation and seamanship.

The IYRS campus is located on a 2 acre waterfront site in downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Classes are held in Restoration Hall, a converted electric generating plant. IYRS has an excellent marina with dockage for our restored vessels, our on-the-water program. and for CORONET, our 1885 schooner yacht, currently used as a floating exhibit and scheduled for full restoration as IYRS' flagship. The campus includes an 1831 Steam Mill Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places which we are also preparing to restore.

The City of Newport, Rhode Island, founded in 1639, quickly became a primary seaport of the thirteen colonies. Since the late 1800's Newport has been considered the yachting capital of the United States. Today, Newport is a vibrant community offering a wide range of artistic, educational, cultural and athletic attractions. The State of Rhode Island is a major boat building and maritime trade center. Local companies provide adjunct study and job opportunities for our students.

Contact person: Deidre Opp, Events Coordinator, (401) 855-0729 x217, (email)
Office fax number: (401) 842-0669

Address:

449 Thames Street Newport, RI 02840 (See a map)

Directions:

Please call for directions

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	No
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	No