International Yacht Restoration School

The International Yacht Restoration School (known as IYRS) is a private nonprofit school on Thames Street in Newport, Rhode Island focusing on training for the marine trades.

The school's programs are based on a highly technical, deeply hands-on experiential learning model that includes important career skills development such as teamwork, problem-solving, project management, and critical thinking. Currently programs are offered in Composites Technology, Boatbuilding & Restoration, and Marine Systems. The school is planning to introduce additional programs based on th same model. IYRS programs focus on making, building, restoring, and maintaining, using both traditional and modern materials from wood to composites and carbon fiber. Programs are accredited by the ACCSC and qualified applicants are eligible for federal financial aid and veterans benefits for post-secondary education. Graduate placement rates are exceptionally high with over 80% of students during the past five years employed on or within several months of graduation.

In 1993, the marine artist John Mecray and Elizabeth Meyer, who restored the J-Class yacht Endeavor, and several others founded the school on a 2.5 acre property on the Newport waterfront. Today, the school owns several large buildings, including the 1831 stone Newport Steam Factory building listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The school attracts students from around the world, and it's graduates work in the premier companies and on highly visible projects in the marine trades, including major new builds, restorations, the Volvo Ocean Race, and the America's Cup. From 1995 to 2006 major restoration work on the Coronet took place at the school.

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