A Flotilla of Classic Yachts to Arrive in New Bedford Harbor - Wednesday, August 22, 2007

New Bedford, Massachusetts- A flotilla of some 25 classic sail and powerboats will parade in company through the New Bedford hurricane barrier between 2 and 4 PM on Wednesday, August 22 and spend two days in New Bedford.  Mayor Scott W. Lang, the New Bedford Economic Development Council, the Harbor Development Commission, New Bedford Office of Tourism, and many local businesses, organizations, and individuals have scheduled a full itinerary to welcome the fleet of classic boats and their passengers participating in the Classic Yacht Cruise (CYC).  

The annual event organized by the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) of Newport (R.I.) and sponsored by Lexus, will cruise in southern New England waters, starting their cruise in Nantucket in conjunction with Opera House Cup Regatta, and sailing to Martha's Vineyard, Tarpaulin Cove, New Bedford, Cuttyhunk, and the cruise's final destination, Newport (R.I.).  “For New Bedford to be a destination for the IYRS cruise is great news for our city,” said Mayor Scott W. Lang.  “The collection of 25 classic yachts parading in company into New Bedford Harbor will surely be an awesome sight.  We hope that the captains and their crews feel welcome here and enjoy a memorable stay in New Bedford.”

The Classic Yacht Cruise draws a fleet that represents a time capsule of classic yacht design—from wooden boats launched in the early 1900s and lovingly restored to recently launched modern classics built in a “spirit of tradition.”  Power and sailboats participating in the cruise range in length from 39 to 76 feet.  The 160-foot, three-masted staysail schooner Arabella will serve as the mothership for the cruise.

Among the activities planned are a reception Wednesday evening at Cork Wine Bar, a fundraising dinner at the Whaling Museum and several activities Thursday including:  Sailing on two of the vessels for children in the Community Boating program; Tours of Foley's Fish Processing Plant, an Eastern Fisheries scalloper, Joseph Abboud Manufacturing, the National Historic Park, and Whale Boat Races.  

A number of area businesses have donated items to welcome the vessels including, Sperry Sails of Marion; Crystal Ice, Cardoza’s Wine and Spirits, Continental Plastics; Titleist golf balls, the Coalition for Buzzards Bay, The Black Whale; Jeff Pontiff’s New Bedford Harbor tours will be running regular launch service.

“The scheduled stop in New Bedford presents an important opportunity to tell our story to many individuals connected to companies, jobs and investment dollars,” said Matthew Morrissey Executive Director of the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC). 

As part of a broader business development campaign designed by the NBEDC, each captain will receive a personalized commemorative book designed by MediumStudio and printed by Reynolds-DeWalt, entitled “New Bedford IS…”   Both firms have generously donated their services.  This version of the book contains specific information important to mariners. 

Laurie Bullard, a resident of New Bedford, Co-Admiral for the Classic Yacht Cruise and New Bedford Port Captain said, “I see this as an outstanding opportunity for New Bedford - a chance to showcase the beauty, history, and culture of the city. We have a large, deep-water and safe harbor, the best ice on the East Coast, excellent marine services, great museums, talented artisans, restaurants with delicious food, attractive shops, and lovely residential areas. Thanks to the efforts of a huge number of folks, the fleet will receive the best while they are in our harbor.”

Among the many organizations participating are the National Historic Park (Celeste Bernardo, Executive Director and Jennifer Gonsalves, Ranger), the Whaling Museum (Anne Brengle, Executive Director), Office of Tourism and Marketing (Anne Marie Lopes, Director), the Harbor Development Commission (Kristin Decas, Executive Director) and the NBEDC (Matthew A. Morrissey, Executive Director). Various city departments will provide essential support.

About IYRS: Located in the heart of historic Newport, the International Yacht Restoration School has transformed a once-abandoned section of waterfront into a thriving center for maritime education and restoration. IYRS' highly regarded educational programs, which draw students from around the world, make the school a valuable training institution for the maritime industry. IYRS offers two curricula of study: a two-year program in boat building and restoration, and a one-year program in marine systems and associated technology (in addition to a full menu of Continuing Education courses). Emphasis in both programs is on developing a high degree of technical and craftsmanship skill, leading to certifications that are highly regarded by the marine industry. IYRS also promotes an understanding of maritime heritage to the public at large through its lecture series; publications such as Restoration Quarterly; and a campus that is open year-round to the public, which includes a working marina that attracts classic power and sailboats in the summer season. IYRS students restore historically important boats and as a byproduct of the program, students have returned a fleet of classic boats to the water, including small rowing skiffs and power boats, the first Concordia yawl, and yachts of important designers and boat builders.  

For more information visit the school's website at www.iyrs.org. The website's Media Room houses the latest press releases, in addition to background sheets on the school and its major restoration projects. Media Contact: Cynthia Goss,  203-430-4145

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Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)

View all articles by Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)