Alumni Interview - Jay Picotte ‘02, Curator at the Museum of Yachting

Why did you come to IYRS as a student?

Jay Picotte (JP): I used to visit friends in Newport and I was fascinated by the school from its start. I’ve always loved boats and the water, and I was always drawn to the classic boats. So, every time I’d visit Newport my first stop would be at IYRS to see what projects were underway, and to just surround myself with classic boats. After about five years of showing up here, I decided to drop everything and apply to the restoration program.

What did you like best about your experience in the program?

JP: After spending a few years reading about classic boats and their designers and builders, soaking up as much knowledge as I could, I realized that learning the technical aspects of boat design and construction required getting my hands dirty. Also, the teamwork involved and the final payoff—floating and sailing a boat I had helped to breathe new life into—surpassed anything I had read in a book.

What have you been doing since graduating in 2002?

JP: Immediately after graduating, I received a year-long fellowship researching the 1885 schooner yacht Coronet’s history. I focused on the changes that had been made to the hull—repairs, alterations and damage—and created a timeline. I’m still amazed at how a boat built in 1885 could still be so original. Shortly after the fellowship ended, I was hired on full-time at IYRS to run the Continuing Education program and student recruiting. During this period, we began to focus on professional development and designed a number of CE classes for boatyard employees and a new full-time program in Marine Systems.

You were part of a very talented class that has gone on to be successful in many areas.

JP: I think there was some chance involved, but it was a remarkable group. Almost everyone got along very well—so important when teamwork is a vital component. One thing I remember clearly was a certain level of positive peer pressure: most of us showed up on time and worked hard because we didn’t want to let our teammates down. Our class started with 12 and graduated with 12.

What are your responsibilities as the newly appointed curator of the Museum of Yachting?

JP: I’m responsible for all exhibitions and educational programs. It has only been a couple of months now, but we’re putting together four new exhibits for this summer. We’re also working on a number of interactive and technology-based activities for children and adults.

What attracts you to the history part?

JP: That’s a good question. I’ve said that I always loved classic boats; I think my passion for the gorgeous older boats just naturally led to daydreaming about the people who sailed them and imagining what the world was like when the boats were built. The more I learned about the designers, builders, and yachtsmen, the more I wanted to know.

What’s the one most interesting reason people should come to the Museum this summer? 

JP: Certainly the biggest and most exciting departure from typical static museum exhibits will be the construction of Cherokee on the first floor. I know everyone will enjoy seeing shipwrights building a boat. After watching the boat take shape from lofting to launching, visitors can come back next summer and see her race in the 2009 Six Metre Worlds.

Who’s your favorite yacht designer?

JP: The first two sailboats I bought were S&S designs. As a result, I’ve developed a healthy respect for Olin and Rod Stephens. I also like very small pocket-cruiser-type boats, but S&S hasn’t designed too many of those. Years ago, I discovered the illustrations and drawings of British artist/designer Albert Strange. His designs were exactly the type of boat I love: small, quick, strikingly beautiful and designed for coastal cruising—my kind of sailing. I’d like to own one of his small canoe yawls. I’ve also admired the simplicity and clean lines of Joel White’s boats.

Who’s your favorite builder?

JP: If I were to have a boat built, I’d have a hard time choosing. I admire Gannon & Benjamin for their steadfast dedication to traditional plank-on-frame construction. They’ve built some very beautiful boats. Brooklin Boatyard and Rockport Marine, up in Maine, have shown versatility building some very nice cold-molded wood boats and traditional plank-on-frame boats. But, having spent so much time at IYRS, I can think of a couple of graduates or instructors I’d like to have build my dream boat.