The International Yacht Restoration School

[Glenn Clabo]

During our recent stacation we spent some time at the new IYRS facility http://www.iyrs.org/ here in Newport. Although we don't own a boat...which because of where we live has become VERY difficult to justify...I am interested in the wooden boat building/restoration world. I thought you'd all be interested in some of the pictures I shot at the facility.
The first are from the observation level of the small boat shop. You can walk above an watch they students and instructors as they work.

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As you move into the drydock shed the first little machine you run into is a bandsaw.

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As you can see...there are some other much more mundane machines in use...

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I'll continue with a new post...

[Glenn Clabo]

The major project that the students are working on is the restoration of the Schooner Coronet.
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It is an amazing sight to see. The amount of work that is still required would be overwhelming to most.
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More in next post...

[Glenn Clabo]

One view which includes a real find...some old growth white oak that was recently found...
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Then there is some examples of the furniture that was removed from the very elegant staterooms and dining areas...
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The carvings are also and indication that this yacht was amazing in her day...
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The bottom line...if you are interested in boat/yacht restoration...and you get near Newport, RI...this is one place you do not want to miss.

[Richard Wolf]

Nice pics and story. Thanks for posting them.

Richard

[Bob Easton]

THANKS Glenn for the pictures!

Yes, IYRS is a very interesting place. For those who would like more of this "up close and personal" approach, there's a blog by Tom Daniels titled "Shipwright In Training." Tom decided to leave the Psychology profession and become a professional boat builder (a wise choice from my point of view). His blog chronicles the 2 years he spent at the IYRS program. It ends with his completion of the program, and one can find that his next "opportunity" was building a replica of a 6 meter yacht named Cherokee.

You can find Tom's blog at: http://eweandme.com/boatblog/

My recent retirement now gives me the time to pursue boat building, and I found the IYRS experience very interesting. I imagine they are intent on training people who have a working lifetime left, otherwise I find it very tempting.

You can find my own boat building at: http://www.bob-easton.com/blog/?cat=7

Thanks again for the pics.

[Dave Ray]

Hey Glenn, thanks for posting the pic's. This is one very interesting place. Makes you realize wooden boats are still alive and well.

[Glenn Clabo]

Thanks Bob! I contacted Tom and he is planning on coming to visit SMC. I hope he joins and spreads his knowledge....and joy of wooden boats.