For Immediate Release
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Susan Daly (401-848-5777, ext 220)
Cynthia Goss (203-453-2731)
IYRS Annual Summer Gala Sponsored by Lexus Takes Place July 12
Weekend of Festivities Marks Milestone Year for IYRS, Museum of Yachting
Newport (R.I.) June 24, 2008 — When the Annual Summer Gala sponsored by Lexus returns to the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) on Saturday, July 12, this elegant evening will once again transform the school and provide a fitting setting for celebration. But this year the reasons to rejoice are two-fold: namely, IYRS and the Museum of Yachting.
The theme of the gala, "A New Launch," celebrates the convergence of IYRS and the Museum. These two Newport organizations joined forces in 2007 and this summer marks the first season the school and the Museum are coordinating activities such as boat building projects and exhibitions.
"As ‘advertised’ for the initial year of the merger, we have transformed the museum with three new exhibits, including one that celebrated a literal example of the convergence: a boat being built and wrapped in a traditional exhibit," said Terry Nathan, president of IYRS and the Museum. “The convergence is a wonderful opportunity to enrich both the experience of our students and the general public about the importance of our school and maritime history. Many good schools have museums or cultural centers; and many museums have educational programs. We are following on that model.”
Joseph Dockery (Newport, R.I./Greenwich, Conn.) and Carol O'Malley (San Antonio, Texas) return for a second year to serve as co-chairs of the event. Under their guidance, last year's gala was a record-breaking success for the school, raising $635,000 for educational programs.
Dockery and O'Malley instituted a new tradition in '07 by making the gala the crown of an entire weekend of festivity. This year they will do the same, and the gala weekend is rounded out by an opening reception for an exhibition and sale of American marine art to benefit IYRS and the Museum of Yachting at William Vareika Fine Arts, on-the-water activities aboard classic and modern yachts, and a farewell brunch at the New York Yacht Club.
Sharing the school's unfailing commitment to craftsmanship, title sponsor Lexus is again joined by platinum sponsors Castello delle Regine, Condé Nast Publications, Prestige Lexus of Ramsey (N.J.), and Sentient Jet Membership, all of whom return from last year's event.
"With the help of our sponsors, our generous guests, volunteers, and all those who contributed, we were all able to make last year's gala weekend a great success for the school," said O'Malley. "This year, both Joe and I look forward to the first public celebration of joining these two wonderful organizations—and to hosting an event that will strengthen the future they now share."
World-class sailor and journalist Gary Jobson will again serve as master of ceremonies for the live auction, which includes items and opportunities prized by those who value their time on the water and world travel. Among the items up for auction this year are a day sail for two with Newport skipper Ken Read onboard PUMA Ocean Racing, the Volvo Open 70 Read will skipper in the grueling Volvo Ocean Race; cruising and cocktails for twelve on the meticulously restored commuter yacht Aphrodite; a vacation at the Castello delle Regine luxury vineyard estate in Umbria; and a private-jet flight card with Sentient Jet Membership.
In addition to joining the two organizations, the 2007-2008 time period has been a milestone chapter for both IYRS and the Museum. Developments during that time have included: the graduation of the first class from the IYRS Marine Systems Program, which was developed with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) to meet the marine industry’s demand for workers skilled in the maintenance and installation of onboard systems; the refurbishment of exhibition space at the Museum and debut of three new exhibitions that are coordinated with boat building and restoration projects at IYRS and the Museum; and the continuing restoration of the 1831 Aquidneck mill building on the IYRS campus that has attracted federal funding, thanks to the efforts of U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and is due for completion this December.
The Annual Summer Gala sponsored by Lexus takes place on Saturday, July 12 at the International Yacht Restoration School's Restoration Hall. Two levels of tickets are available. Attendees can arrive at 6 pm for a champagne reception, sit-down dinner by Blackstone Caterers and a live auction with Gary Jobson ($300 per person); or arrive at 9 pm for dancing in Restoration Hall and a champagne and truffle dessert bar ($100 per person).
Commodore Sponsors of the gala include AIG Private Client Group, Feadship America, Quester Gallery, Pusser's Rum, William Vareika Fine Arts, and Vineyard Vines.
For more information, visit www.iyrs.org. To purchase tickets, please contact Deirdre Opp (401-848-5777, ext. 217 / dopp@iyrs.org).
NOTE: Media interested in covering the gala or receiving photos and a report following the event should contact Cynthia Goss or Susan Daly (contacts above).